Why Nigeria must be careful of forming alliance with France, Atiku's aide sends key message to Tinubu

• Phrank Shaibu, ex-VP Atiku Abubakar's aide, has cautioned the Tinubu administration to exercise caution in its dealings with France
• Shaibu's warning comes as France's influence in the region wanes, with countries like Mali, Burkina Faso, Chad, and Niger rejecting French dominance
• He advised that Nigeria must prioritise its sovereignty and regional leadership aspirations, scrutinising any alliance with France through the lens of national interest

Abuja, FCT - Phrank Shaibu, special assistant on public communication to ex-VP Atiku Abubakar, has warned that the Tinubu administration must tread carefully in its dealings with France, citing concerns about Paris's neo-colonial ambitions in West Africa.

Shaibu made his position known in an op-ed titled See Paris And Die! released on Thursday, December 26.

Phrank Shaibu warned the Tinubu administration to tread carefully in its dealings with France. Photo credits: Phrank Shaibu, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu
Source: Facebook

France's waning influence in West Africa

Shaibu's warning comes amidst a backdrop of France's waning influence in the region, with several countries rejecting French dominance.

France is facing a diplomatic crisis in Africa, particularly in West Africa, where it has maintained significant influence over its former colonies for decades.

However, countries such as Mali, Burkina Faso, Chad, and Niger are increasingly rejecting French dominance, with military coups leading to the expulsion of French troops and businesses.

France and Nigeria: A new alliance?

Amidst this backdrop, France appears to be seeking a new alliance with Nigeria under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's administration.

In November, President Tinubu embarked on a three-day working visit to France following President Emmanuel Macron's invitation.

However, Shaibu raised concerns about this development, recalling the historical tensions between France and Nigeria.

According to him, France has traditionally viewed Nigeria as a competitor and threat to its influence in West Africa, while Nigeria has not forgotten France's support for Biafran secessionists during the civil war.

Tread carefully, Shaibu advises Tinubu's govt

Shaibu warned that the brewing alliance has far-reaching implications for Nigeria. He cautioned that Nigeria risks becoming a pawn in France's neo-colonial ambitions, undermining its sovereignty and regional leadership aspirations.

He urged the Tinubu administration to tread carefully, emphasising that Nigeria cannot afford to become a stepping stone for France's resurgence in West Africa.

Shaibu stressed the importance of scrutinising any alliance with France through the lens of national interest and historical experience.

His words:

"The Tinubu administration must tread carefully. 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. 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."

Read more about Nigeria-France relations

• Nigerian state visit signals shift in France's Africa strategy
• Peter Obi Knocks Tinubu Over Visit to France
• FG Breaks Silence on Alleged Links with France to Destabilise Niger Republic

Nigerian president woos French investment on state visit

Earlier, Legit.ng reported that President Tinubu said Nigeria is "open for business" as he embarked on a state visit to France, with Paris looking to boost ties in English-speaking Africa following a series of setbacks with former allies on the continent.

The 72-year-old president met with his French counterpart, Macron, during the first official state visit by a Nigerian leader in more than two decades.

Macron, 46, who has sought a "renewal" between Paris and Africa since his 2017 election, said his country would "continue to invest" in Nigeria when France's influence on the continent wanes following military coups and changing attitudes.

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Source: Legit.ng