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President Bola Tinubu has been advised by northern leaders not to allow the United States and French governments to relocate their military bases from the Sahel to Nigeria.
This advice comes in the wake of concerns over the potential dangers and adverse effects of hosting such bases.
In a letter addressed to President Tinubu and the National Assembly, the leaders expressed apprehension about the US and French governments’ efforts to sign new defense pacts with Nigeria and other countries in the region.
These pacts would enable the redeployment of their expelled troops. The leaders highlighted that the military presence of Western forces in the Sahel region has been largely ineffective in combating terrorism.
The northern leaders also outlined the potential economic and environmental impacts of hosting foreign military bases.
They argued that the presence of these bases could divert government funds and resources away from critical sectors such as education, healthcare, and infrastructure development.
This redirection of resources could exacerbate poverty and hinder economic growth.
Furthermore, the leaders emphasized the environmental degradation that often accompanies the construction and operation of military bases.
This includes deforestation, soil erosion, water contamination, and loss of biodiversity, which would have detrimental effects on agricultural communities and indigenous populations.
The signatories to the letter include prominent figures such as Abubakar Mohammed of the Centre for Democratic Development, Research and Training (CEDDERT); Kabiru Chafe, former minister of state for petroleum resources; Attahiru Jega, former chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC); Jibrin Ibrahim of the Centre for Democracy and Development (CDD); Auwal Musa (Rafsanjani) of the Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CCISLAC); and YZ Ya’u of the Centre for Information Technology and Development (CITAD).
The leaders urged the government to carefully consider the broader implications of such agreements and to prioritize Nigeria’s long-term peace and security over short-term strategic alignments.
They warned that the presence of foreign military bases in Nigeria could further strain already tense relations with neighboring French countries.
As President Tinubu navigates these complex geopolitical issues, it remains to be seen whether he will heed the advice of the northern leaders and maintain Nigeria’s sovereignty and national interests.
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