Northern Star Criticizes FG’s Ties with France

December 25, 2024 Mustapha Salisu

From Abdullahi Alhassan, Kaduna

The Northern Star Youth Empowerment Initiative, a youth pressure group dedicated to protecting the interests of Northern Nigeria, has expressed strong opposition to the growing ties between the Nigerian government and France under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

The non-political, non-religious group advocates for the protection of the North’s interests and the promotion of good governance in the region.

In a statement issued to the press in Kaduna on Wednesday, December 24th, 2024, the Director General of the initiative, Dr. Abdullahi Idris, raised concerns over the recent state visit by President Tinubu to France. During the visit, the Nigerian President signed several bilateral agreements with French President Emmanuel Macron, including those related to military cooperation and the exploitation of Nigeria’s mineral resources by France.

Dr. Idris expressed apprehension about the potential establishment of French military bases in Northern Nigeria, citing the region’s already fragile security situation. He pointed to France’s history in Africa, where it has been expelled from several former colonies, including Niger, Chad, Mali, and Burkina Faso.

“At the moment, our people in the North live in fear of the possible setup of French military bases and the worsening insecurity that may follow, considering France’s controversial role in many African nations. Why is Nigeria now inviting them?” Dr. Idris questioned.

He called on the federal government to be transparent about the details of its agreements with France, urging it to clarify the potential benefits of these deals to Nigeria, particularly for the people of the North, who may bear the brunt of any negative consequences.

Dr. Idris concluded the statement with a message of goodwill: “Wishing our brothers and sisters a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. May this holiday season bring peace, joy, and meaningful moments to all, and may the coming year be filled with happiness and prosperity.”