An Islamic human rights organization, the Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC), has kicked against the proposed defence agreement between Nigeria and the two countries or siting of a military base by either of them anywhere on Nigerian soil.
The Executive Director of MURIC , Professor Ishaq Akintola. in a statement insists that Nigeria must not allow itself to be recolonised, even as the debate on a proposed defence pact between Nigeria, the United States and France rages,
“There are reports that a defence pact between Nigeria and the United States (US) on one hand and between Nigeria and France on the other is in the offing. This follows the expulsion of the Western powers from the Sahel region a few months ago.”Past and recent events around the world have proved that both countries (the US and France) are birds of the same feather in terms of self-interest, imperialist agenda and hegemonic goals which can never favour any African country. We therefore say clearly, emphatically and categorically that Nigeria should not sign any military pact with either of these two countries. Neither should they be allowed to set up any military base in our country.
“The economic exploitation, impoverisation and inhuman treatment of franco-phone countries by France, American gun-boat diplomacy around the globe as well as its latest role in funding, arming and protecting Israel in its genocidal killing of Palestinians and massive destruction of its infrastructure are more than enough raison d’etre for our position. On no account should American or French soldiers set their feet on Nigerian soil.”