Sani Criticizes Leaders Who Demean Nigeria Yet Seek Foreign Praise

Former Nigerian Senator Shehu Sani has ignited a significant online conversation about national image and self-perception. In a thought-provoking Facebook post on Sunday, October 12, 2025, Sani challenged his fellow citizens to reflect on how they speak about Nigeria and the direct consequences it has on their treatment abroad.

The Impact of Our Words

Sani questioned the contradiction where Nigerians feel offended by international stereotypes linking them to cybercrime and fraud, while simultaneously being the primary source of negative narratives about their own country. He argued that a constant focus on the nation’s shortcomings directly shapes the global perception of its people. “Why do you feel bad when the Emirate people call you a nation of drugs smugglers and fraudsters when you don’t say good things about your country?” Sani wrote. He extended this reasoning to regional relations, asking, “Why do you feel bad when Ghanaians chase you out of their country when you are the one telling the World how bad your country is?”

Creating Your Own Identity

The former lawmaker emphasized that it becomes difficult for foreigners to view Nigerians positively when they rarely express public pride in their identity or homeland. He presented a powerful analogy, stating, “You insult your parents, spit on the graves of your ancestors and ancestral lands. You demonise your country. And you want to be loved by the citizens of other nations; that’s not possible.” Sani stressed that the impressions Nigerians create about themselves through their words ultimately become their international identity. This constant negativity, he suggested, makes it easier for other nations to justify stringent visa policies, deportations, and general suspicion.

As detailed in the complete version, there are several key factors to consider.

Sani also pointed to internal issues, like ethnic and religious discrimination within Nigeria. He implied that if fairness and respect are not practiced at home, it is unrealistic to expect them from abroad. His post concluded with a poignant reflection: if Nigerians consistently speak of their country as cursed, they should not be surprised when the rest of the world adopts that same view. This call for a more balanced national discourse urges citizens to consider the powerful link between their words and their global reputation.