Ex-Senator Warns Tinubu Government: Don’t Align With China, Iran Against US
Ex-Senator Warns Tinubu Government: Don’t Align With China, Iran Against US
Garba criticised what he described as the government’s “fire brigade approach,” warning that it would lead the nation nowhere.
Aformer lawmaker and chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Adamu Garba, has cautioned the President Bola Tinubu-led Nigerian government against aligning too hastily with China and Iran in its ongoing diplomatic dispute with the United States.
Garba criticised what he described as the government’s “fire brigade approach,” warning that it would lead the nation nowhere.
“In addition to China, I see Iran also backing Nigeria on our issue with the U.S. I wonder if we are truly ready for the consequences of our actions?,” Garba said in a statement issued on Thursday and seen by SaharaReporters.
“If we continue this fire brigade approach, it won’t take us to nowhere,” he stated.
Garba acknowledged his past support for both China and Iran but stressed that Nigeria must prioritise its national interest.
“Even though I supported China and Iran on multiple fronts, the records are there, especially when they are on the side of the truth, but this is our country and we should be mindful of rapid cosmetic diplomatic relationships,” he cautioned.
He also expressed concern that Nigeria’s alliances might inadvertently turn the country into a geopolitical pawn.
“Do you know that while you keep cheering the new actors supporting Nigeria against the U.S, we are basically helping them to create a frontline in Nigeria as a battleground for the superpower games?” Garba asked.
According to him, major powers prefer to avoid direct wars within their territories and instead project conflicts onto other regions.
“These countries will do everything possible to avoid direct wars in their countries, but they are salivating on creating a frontline battleground in another country to demonstrate their might, capabilities and strength but at the expense of the host country,” he said.
He drew parallels with past global crises, warning that Nigeria could face similar instability.
“Check Ukraine and Syria, Sudan and Libya, also Congo,” he added.
Garba advised the Nigerian government to de-escalate tensions with Washington and seek diplomatic solutions.
“Our best and only option is still to find a way to prevent the damaging U.S. planned hard actions on Nigeria. Otherwise none of these nations will ever come for us when we find ourselves in trouble,” he said.
“In the international system. Everyone is for himself. Your grand chessboard is your only way out and you don’t play chess while under pressure or by applying cosmetics,” Garba concluded.
On Tuesday, China declared its unwavering support for the Nigerian government, saying it stands by Nigeria as it “leads its people on the development path suited to its national conditions.”
This position was announced at a press conference by the Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Mao Ning.
The Chinese minister was quoted as saying: “As Nigeria’s comprehensive strategic partner, China firmly opposes any country using religion and human rights as an excuse to interfere in other countries’ internal affairs, and threatening other countries with sanctions and force.”
Ning was responding to a question on U.S. President Donald Trump’s threat of military action in Nigeria over alleged persecution of Christians.
The European Union (EU) also restated its solidarity with Nigeria, declaring full respect for the country’s sovereignty and reaffirming its commitment to strengthen cooperation in peacebuilding, interfaith dialogue, and human rights protection.
The EU Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Mr. Gautier Mignot, made the remarks during an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday in Lagos, while reacting to Trump’s comments threatening possible military action against Nigeria.
Mignot stressed that the EU’s position was guided by “long-standing partnership and shared values” with Nigeria, not external influence.
“Our position is one of solidarity with Nigeria. Solidarity with the victims of violence, with the authorities working to protect citizens, and with the Nigerian people who overwhelmingly desire peaceful coexistence beyond ethnic and religious divides.
“We respect Nigeria’s sovereignty and constitutional commitment to religious neutrality,” he said.
