The Nationwide Safety Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, has refuted claims that Nigeria is concerned in any army cooperation with France.
In keeping with him, the nation’s relationship with the European nation is strictly financial.
Ribadu spoke throughout an interview with BBC Hausa, monitored by our correspondents on Friday.
Ribadu’s remark was following an allegation made by Niger’s army junta chief, Common Abdourahmane Tchiani, who accused Nigeria of permitting France to make use of its territory as a staging floor for destabilising Niger.
Talking through the interview, the NSA dismissed these allegations as baseless and implausible, describing them as an try to pressure relations between the 2 nations.
PUNCH On-line on Thursday reported that the Federal Authorities refuted allegations by Niger Republic’s army chief, Common Abdourahamane Tchiani, claiming that Nigeria colluded with France to destabilise his nation.
FG denies claims of sabotage, terror hyperlinks in Niger Republic
Ribadu mentioned it was unreasonable for Nigeria to sever ties with France over Niger’s inner disputes.
He mentioned, “Nigeria has no historical past of internet hosting international army bases. Even our former colonizer, the UK, has by no means established a base right here. Now we have constantly resisted such makes an attempt, together with from the US. In distinction, Niger has hosted international bases, together with one by the U.S., which they lately expelled. Our relationship with France has at all times been about financial cooperation, not army collaboration. Whereas Niger’s management could have points with France, it’s unreasonable to count on Nigeria to sever ties with France over Niger’s inner disputes.
“As soon as once more, I emphasise that Nigeria’s relationship with France is strictly financial and has no army implications. We is not going to permit our nation for use as a instrument for destabilising Niger. We hope that Niger’s management will perceive this and work with us as allies and brothers to make sure peace and stability within the area.”
Ribadu mentioned Nigeria is dedicated to peaceable coexistence with its neighbours, citing long-standing amicable relations with nations like Chad, Benin Republic, and Cameroon.
“Nigeria has no intention of sabotaging or destabilizing Niger. Now we have at all times maintained peaceable relations with our neighbours, together with Cameroon, Benin Republic, and Chad. Why would we immediately have a cause to battle with Niger? It merely doesn’t make sense,” NSA mentioned.
On the broader safety implications within the area, Ribadu emphasised the shared challenges of terrorism and banditry, which he mentioned name for enhanced collaboration.
“The identical terrorism and banditry affecting Niger additionally threaten Nigeria. We should work collectively to fight these threats. Nigerians and Nigeriens are primarily one individuals—what impacts one facet, impacts the opposite.”
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