Phrank Shaibu, Special Assistant on Public Communication to Atiku Abubakar, has called on the federal government to scrutinise its romance with France.
Media Talk Africa reports that France has found itself in the throes of a diplomatic crisis in Africa, particularly in West Africa, where it has, for decades, maintained a stranglehold on its former colonies.
Shaubu in a statement issued Thursday noted that the romance with France must be approached with vigilance and an unwavering commitment to Nigeria’s sovereignty, dignity, and leadership in Africa.
He said: “While the motivations behind this newfound partnership remain speculative, one thing is clear: France’s interest in Nigeria is not altruistic. It is rooted in self-preservation and the desperate attempt to maintain a foothold in a region that has increasingly grown hostile to its machinations.
“For Nigeria, the stakes are high. Any alliance with France must be scrutinized through the lens of national interest and historical experience.”
Phrank noted that the administration of President Bola Tinubu must tread carefully, adding that Nigeria cannot afford to become a stepping stone for France’s resurgence in West Africa, nor can it allow itself to be manipulated into a subservient role in a relationship historically marked by exploitation.
He added: “The romance with France must be approached with vigilance and an unwavering commitment to Nigeria’s sovereignty, dignity, and leadership in Africa.
“The question, therefore, is not just where this alliance is heading, but whether it is worth the price Nigeria may have to pay. Only time will tell if this partnership will serve Nigeria’s interests or if it will reduce the nation to yet another pawn in France’s relentless quest for dominance in Africa.”
