Claims of plans to establish United States and France military bases in Nigeria were reiterated by Professor Abubakar Siddique, Director of the Centre for Democratic Development Research and Training in Zaria.
The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, refuted these claims on Monday, labeling them as “false.”
Siddique expressed empathy for ministers in authoritarian governments, suggesting they might not be privy to behind-the-scenes developments, specifically mentioning Minister of Information Mohammed Idris.
During an interview on Arise Television’s News program, Siddique highlighted their confidence in the accuracy of their information, emphasizing their extensive research experience spanning several decades.
He acknowledged the government’s retraction of the alleged military base plans, emphasizing their objective to safeguard Nigeria’s political independence.
Siddique praised the government’s denial, despite their knowledge of previous attempts to secure an agreement for the military bases, indicating the unfavorable conditions imposed on Nigeria in such agreements.