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Concerns Rise in Northern Nigeria Over Tinubu’s Ties With France – Galadima, Gololo

Published by Tope Fakinlede on December 7th, 2024.

Concerns Rise in Northern Nigeria Over Tinubu’s Ties With France – Galadima, Gololo

Recent developments suggest that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s growing relationship with French President Emmanuel Macron is stirring unease among some northern Nigerian leaders.

Sources from the region, who spoke to Saturday Telegraph this week, revealed that the ongoing diplomatic closeness between the two leaders is raising concerns. Several prominent figures from the North expressed their dissatisfaction with the situation and emphasized that they are closely monitoring the evolving relationship.

Key voices of concern include opposition New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) stalwart Engr. Buba Galadima, All Progressives Congress (APC) member Dr. Garus Gololo, former Presidential Adviser Alhaji Tanko Yakassai, and former National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) Executive Secretary, Professor Usman Yusuf, whose remarks were broadcast in a televised interview.

Gololo voiced criticism of France’s role in the fight against insurgency across West Africa, claiming the situation improved when Niger and Burkina Faso expelled French troops. He also raised alarms about the Nigerian government’s purported agreement with France to establish a military base in northern Nigeria, stressing that “foreign troops have no place on our land.”

Professor Yusuf, in his televised remarks, echoed similar concerns, warning that President Tinubu’s diplomatic ties with France could spell trouble for Nigeria. He urged the president to clarify any agreements with the French government, particularly regarding military presence, and stressed the need for transparency through parliamentary oversight. He also warned that northern communities would resist any foreign military establishment on Nigerian soil.

When reached for comment, Yakassai, while seemingly unaware of the specifics, defended the president’s right to govern, stating, “The president was elected by the Nigerian people, and it is his prerogative to lead the nation.”

The growing unease in the North over the President’s foreign relations could potentially become a significant point of contention in the coming months.