By Abubakar Yunusa
The Coalition of Northern Groups (CNG) has rejected the alleged proposal to establish United States and French military bases in Nigeria, calling it a threat to the country’s sovereignty.
Addressing a press briefing in Abuja on Friday, the CNG’s national coordinator, Comrade Jamilu Aliyu Charanchi, urged members of the National Assembly to resist any plans that might undermine Nigeria’s autonomy and security efforts.
“We would like to reassure ourselves that our dear President is aware of the insecurity ravaging the Northern part of our country,” Charanchi said.
“We cannot afford to initiate any policy that could undermine the ongoing collective efforts by our military and security forces to restore peace and stability.”
The CNG expressed concerns over what it termed as “diplomatic maneuvers” by foreign powers since the inauguration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.
It accused France of using Nigeria as a tool for neocolonial subjugation in Africa, pointing to France’s historical involvement in regional crises and economic interference in West Africa.
“Under no circumstance should France or any other foreign power be granted rights to establish a military base in any part of our country,” Charanchi said.
He cited instances of former French colonies in West Africa, including Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso, revoking agreements that allowed French military bases, describing such decisions as acts of sovereignty.
The group further criticized what it called the government’s “flagrant disregard” for constitutional provisions on sensitive national matters.
It warned that it would use all constitutional and democratic means to resist any attempt to allow foreign military presence in Nigeria.
The CNG also alleged that France’s involvement in African affairs has historically led to economic exploitation, particularly in resource-rich nations like the Democratic Republic of Congo and Burundi.
The group called on Nigerians to remain vigilant against any policies that could compromise the nation’s independence.
Meanwhile, earlier this year the Federal Government has said it is not considering establishing any foreign military base in Nigeria.
The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, in a statement, described as “false” reports in certain quarters that the Nigerian government is considering siting such military bases in the country.