Prominent human rights lawyer and former Chairman of the National Human Rights Commission, Professor Chidi Anselm Odinkalu, has ignited nationwide discussion with a satirical post on X (formerly Twitter), criticizing what he perceives as excessive foreign influence in Nigeria’s key sectors under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.
![](https://thenigerialawyer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/TheNigerialawyer-WhatsApp-Channel1.jpg")
Shared on January 24, 2026, the post assigned control of critical national functions to foreign powers and domestic actors, reading:
“In #Nigeria: 1. America is in charge of security. 2. France is in charge of taxes. 3. UAE is in charge of healthcare. 4. #ScrewDriverGuy in Onitsha oversees intelligence. 5. @officialABAT is in charge of defections to @OfficialAPCNg. #Shegen2027!”
The hashtag #Shegen2027 references the 2027 elections, signaling Odinkalu’s concern that governance failures and foreign involvement could influence the country’s political future. Framed as a humorous critique, the post has resonated widely online, garnering over 2,300 likes, 1,300 reposts, and hundreds of replies from supporters and critics alike.
Breaking Down Odinkalu’s Claims
- US in Charge of Security: Odinkalu points to U.S. military involvement in Nigeria, including December 25, 2025, missile strikes on ISIS camps in Sokoto State, conducted by U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) in coordination with Nigerian authorities. While the attacks neutralized multiple militants, they raised concerns about Nigeria’s control over its security and sovereignty.
- France in Charge of Taxes: The statement references a December 2025 agreement between Nigeria’s Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) and France’s tax authority to digitalize tax administration via AI audits and information sharing. Critics have questioned the implications for Nigeria’s fiscal sovereignty, even as new tax laws, effective January 2026, promise relief for low earners while broadening the tax base.
- UAE in Charge of Healthcare: Odinkalu’s post also alludes to President Tinubu’s medical trips abroad and recent economic agreements with the UAE, including the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) signed in January 2026. The deal introduces zero tariffs on pharmaceutical inputs and boosts healthcare-related trade, amid scrutiny over reliance on foreign medical services.
- #ScrewDriverGuy in Onitsha Oversees Intelligence: A satirical reference to human rights activist Emeka Umeagbalasi, the post suggests unverified claims may have influenced U.S. strikes in Sokoto. Investigations noted inconsistencies in reports of civilian targeting, and former Minister Femi Fani-Kayode dismissed the allegations as implausible.
- Tinubu in Charge of Defections: Odinkalu criticizes President Tinubu’s perceived role in orchestrating defections to the APC, weakening opposition parties ahead of the 2027 elections. The remark raises broader concerns about the state of democracy and the fairness of political competition in Nigeria.
Odinkalu’s post broader frustrations with governance, accountability, and foreign influence in Nigeria, sparking debates on sovereignty, transparency, and the direction of the country’s politics as the nation approaches critical electoral contests.
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