- Safiu Kehinde
The National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, has countered claim by the junta leader of Niger Republic, Abdourahamane Tchiani, about Nigeria harbouring a French Military base.
Ribadu had, in a statement shared on X by military and security affairs expert, Deji Adesogan, dispelled the allegation as he stressed that Nigeria has no reason to cause any harm to Niger Republic.
The NSA held that if Nigeria could give the United States and the United Kingdom such opportunity, request from France will also be outrightly rejected.
“Nigeria is living peacefully with other neighboring countries including Chad, Benin, Cameroon and the likes. There is no reason at all for us to cause any harm to Niger Republic.
“The USA has asked to be given a base in Nigeria and were outrightly rejected.
“If Nigeria could not give the United Kingdom any such opportunity in our country despite being our colonizer, why give France the same?” Ribadu wrote.
While maintaining that Nigeria will continue to related with every country contributing to its economic potentials, Ribadu challenged journalists across the world to visit the places mentioned by the Niger Republic President as the alleged base of the French militants.
The reinstated that Nigeria will continue to be friends with Niger regardless of the circumstances.
“Niger President wants Nigeria not to have anything to do with France because it is now in bed with Russia but Nigeria will continue to speak to everyone that could contribute to its economy’s potential including Russia, USA, France, Brazil, etc.
“Journalists across the world should go to places mentioned by Niger President to verify if truly there is any foreign military base there as claimed.
“Unlike Niger who had given their base to several foreign military bases, Nigeria has not and will never do such.
“Nigeria will continue to be a friend to the people of Niger Republic regardless of current situation.” Ribadu added