The Other Side of Influence: The Nigerian Case

December 7, 2025

The Other Side of Influence: The Nigerian Case

Every coin has two sides, and when tossed to decide a matter, each side represents a different outcome. Likewise, influence can yield either positive or negative results. The coin itself is neutral—its outcome depends on how it lands.
In the same way, influence is not inherently evil, but its impact depends on how it is used—either for good or for evil.

Recently, I have reflected deeply on the ongoing debate in Nigeria about whether former U.S. President Donald Trump should intervene to stop the killings of Christians in the North. Many believe that since the Nigerian government has failed to address

the issue effectively, there is a need for external intervention to protect the innocent. On the other hand, pro-government voices and some Islamist sympathizers, such as Sheikh Gumi, argue that U.S. involvement would bring harm or worsen the situation. Others suggest that the U.S. is merely motivated by a desire to exploit Nigeria’s mineral resources.

But how did we get here? How did the simple matter of protecting citizens become so politicized and divisive?

A Lesson from Nehemiah

The book of Nehemiah offers a biblical parallel to Nigeria’s current predicament. In Nehemiah’s time, Israel was in disarray. Though the temple had been rebuilt, the walls of Jerusalem were broken and burned. The people had lost confidence; many were enslaved or exiled, and those who remained were vulnerable to oppression from neighboring nations. The leaders—priests, Levites, and nobles—were inactive and indifferent to the nation’s desolation.

Then came Nehemiah, a man burdened by the ruins of his homeland. With prayer, wisdom, and courage, he sought permission from the Persian king to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem. The king not only approved but also supported him with letters, men, and materials. Nehemiah’s mission was to restore not just the walls but also the people’s identity, dignity, and faith in God (Nehemiah 1–2).

However, the work was met with fierce resistance. Sanballat, Tobiah, and Geshem mocked, conspired, and even plotted to kill Nehemiah to halt the project. They wielded both foreign and local influence, using fear and manipulation to discourage the builders (Nehemiah 4:1–8; 6:1–9).

What strengthened their hand was internal compromise. Some Jewish nobles had allied themselves with these enemies. Eliashib the high priest had even given Tobiah a room in the temple, defiling God’s house. One of Eliashib’s grandsons had married the daughter of Sanballat, further entangling Israel’s leadership with its enemies (Nehemiah 13:4–9, 28). Corruption at the top had crippled the nation’s spiritual and moral backbone.

Nehemiah, through prayer and reform, cleansed the temple, dismissed the corrupt priesthood, and reestablished proper order. He restored covenant faithfulness, integrity, and national purpose (Nehemiah 13:10–14).

The Parallel with Nigeria

Nigeria today faces a similar challenge. Those who perpetuate violence and destruction have infiltrated nearly every level of governance and commerce. Their prosperity depends on chaos; their power thrives in disorder. They resist reform because stability threatens their interests. They kill yet demand immunity from justice. They destroy yet seek protection from the consequences of their actions.

These are people of influence who have chosen to wield it for evil. As Scripture says, “Woe to those who call evil good and good evil” (Isaiah 5:20).

Like Nehemiah, Nigeria needs builders—men and women of integrity who will not bow to corruption, compromise, or fear. We need leaders who will rebuild moral foundations, restore justice, and reestablish faith in God as the nation’s cornerstone.

The story of Nehemiah teaches that genuine transformation requires both divine intervention and human courage. No foreign power can rebuild a nation whose leaders and citizens are unwilling to confront corruption and moral decay from within.

Nigeria’s deliverance will not come from external saviors but from a revival of righteousness, truth, and godly leadership. We need builders like Nehemiah—people who will pray, plan, and persevere until the walls of justice, peace, and integrity are rebuilt.

Do you think Nigeria needs a builder like Nehemiah?

Share your thoughts in the comments.

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The Other Side of Influence: The Nigerian Case

A Lesson from Nehemiah

The Parallel with Nigeria

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