Akinyemi: During Our Independence There Was an Attempt By The British To Install a Military Base In Nigeria

Concerns about a possible conflict between these world powers have been sparked by the possibility that Russia may expand its influence into Niger, Mali, and the Sahel region as well as by the US proposal to build a military installation close to the border between Niger and Nigeria. CONTINUE FULL READING>>>>>

Even though Nigeria continues to deal with insecurity, these changes are perceived as an attempt to make matters worse rather than better.

During an appearance on Arise TV, Professor Bolaji Akinyemi, the former Minister of Foreign Affairs, expressed shock and doubt regarding the reported US attempt to establish a military base in Nigeria’s vicinity. Akinyemi referenced Nigeria’s history of resisting foreign military presence, citing a previous instance during the country’s independence era when there was a British attempt to install a military base. He recounted how students from the University of Ibadan protested against this move, ultimately leading to the project’s termination.

He expressed hope that the reports were untrue, reflecting concerns about the sovereignty and security implications of hosting a foreign military base in Nigeria’s vicinity. He emphasized the importance of learning from past experiences and remaining vigilant against potential threats to Nigeria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. He alluded to the University of Ibadan students’ protest as an example of grassroots opposition to such initiatives, suggesting that similar sentiments could resurface if the reports were indeed true.

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Hear him: “I’m shocked about this development and I hope it is not true. We have a long history about attempts to install a military base in Nigeria. At the time of our independence there was this attempt by the British to install a military base in Nigeria. Students from the University of ibadan came on a march and there was a brouhaha and finally they killed that project. Therefore, this will not be the first time that there will be an attempt to install a military base in Nigeria, if it is true that there is such an attempt.” CONTINUE FULL READING>>>>>