ACF lauds FG’S aversion to foreign military bases, flays HURIWA’S support

AREWA Consultative Forum ( ACF) has applauded the Federal Government’s denial of any plan to allow foreign military bases in the country while condemning the report supported by the Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria ( HURIWA) to American and France military bases.

According to HURIWA, the United States America and France should set up military bases in the country, provided their presence will quicken the defeat of terrorists and armed Fulani militants tormenting the country.

ACF said the statement by the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, foreclosing U. S. and France military bases in Nigeria “is a reassurance that the government cannot mortgage Nigeria’s sovereignty and national security.”

However, the Arewa leaders rejected what they called “shortsighted support” by HURIWA, adding, “The Federal Government must be appreciated for taking such a bold and reassuring stance; every African must be proud of this development.”

In a statement, yesterday, the Spokesman of ACF, Prof Tukur Muhammed- Baba, said: “For ACF, the development is a victory for patriotic Nigerians, who signalled readiness to campaign against the rumoured plans to host U. S. and French military bases, following their rejection in Burkina Faso and Niger.

“Still on the issue, ACF is greatly disappointed with a statement credited to a supposedly non- governmental organisation concerned with promoting human rights, going by the name, HURIWA, supporting the possible establishment of the said military bases.”

According to ACF, HURIWA ought to realise that the presence of the bases has undeniably failed to result in any demonstrable decline in the activities of terrorists and insurgent groups wrecking political, economic and social conditions in the sister countries.