The Coalition of Northern Groups (CNG) has strongly opposed the alleged permission granted to France to establish a military base in Nigeria.
At a press conference held in Abuja, CNG National Coordinator, Comrade Jamilu Aliyu Charanchi, made it clear that they were vehemently against any foreign military presence in Nigeria.
Charanchi revealed that the establishment of the military base is linked to a bilateral agreement between Nigeria and France, which he claimed would grant France unrestricted access to Nigeria’s abundant mineral resources.
“We stand united in our opposition to this move,” Charanchi declared. “This is an affront to our sovereignty and a direct betrayal of the trust Nigerians have placed in their leaders.”
The CNG’s condemnation comes amid growing concerns over Nigeria’s foreign policy direction under the administration of President Bola Tinubu.
Charanchi accused the Nigerian government of engaging in covert and overt diplomatic maneuvers that he believes are designed to surrender the country’s sovereignty to France under false pretenses.
He added, “Since the start of President Tinubu’s tenure, there have been actions at the highest levels of government that seem to align with foreign interests rather than the best interests of Nigeria.”
The group’s opposition is rooted in the historical context of France’s actions in West Africa, particularly its interference in the political and economic affairs of former colonies.
In his statement, Charanchi pointed to the tensions stirred by France in the past, particularly its involvement in the destabilization of the West African sub-region.
“We recall with trepidation that barely a year into President Tinubu’s presidency, France was found to be a key player in promoting the disintegration of ECOWAS,” Charanchi said, referring to the Economic Community of West African States.
The Northern coalition also expressed concerns about France’s role in resisting the launch of the West African common currency, another issue that they say reflects France’s continuous attempt to maintain control over its former colonies.
“France has shown time and again that it seeks to dominate Africa through economic manipulation and political interference,” Charanchi said. “Why should we allow them to establish a military base here when we know their history of exploitation and subjugation?”
The CNG’s statement highlights the growing unease among many Nigerians regarding foreign influence in the country’s affairs.
For years, Nigeria has been seen as a leading voice for African sovereignty, advocating for the independence and self-determination of African nations. The CNG believes that allowing any foreign military presence would undermine this legacy.
“We will not stand by and watch as our beloved country is reduced to a puppet of foreign powers,” Charanchi declared passionately. “We are not against international cooperation, but we will not allow our sovereignty to be compromised in the name of diplomacy.”
The opposition to the French military base has sparked a broader debate within Nigeria about the country’s role in global affairs and the balance between international partnerships and national interests.
While some have supported closer ties with France, others, particularly within the CNG, are calling for a reevaluation of these relationships to ensure that Nigeria’s sovereignty and interests are prioritized.
The CNG’s position is also informed by the historical dynamics between France and its former colonies. France has long been accused of exerting neocolonial influence over many African countries, using both economic and military power to maintain a tight grip on the region.
Charanchi emphasized that Nigeria must not be complicit in this new chapter of French imperialism.
“Our resources, our land, and our people should not be at the mercy of foreign powers,” he stated. “We are an independent nation, and we intend to stay that way.”
In a final note, Charanchi reaffirmed the CNG’s commitment to opposing any actions that would compromise Nigeria’s sovereignty.
“We will continue to resist any attempt to turn Nigeria into a colony again,” he said firmly. “This is a battle for our dignity as a nation.”
