Members of the House of Representatives don show different positions over call by Ali Ndume for deployment of United States troops to Nigeria to tackle rising insecurity, especially for North-East.
Ndume, while speaking on Channels TV Politics Today, support the idea of American soldiers coming to Borno State to help fight insurgency and banditry. According to am, US support go provide needed resources to strengthen Nigeria’s fight against terrorism.
But Chairman of House Committee on Defence, Babajimi Benson, say the main issue no be number of foreign troops, but the kind role and technology dem bring.
He explain say about 200 US troops already dey Nigeria mainly for training and technical support, adding say if there is capacity gap, foreign assistance fit help. But if no need, then no reason for extra deployment.
On the other hand, Chairman of House Committee on Air Force, Alhassan Rurum, reject the proposal. He insist say Nigerian Armed Forces fit defeat terrorists on their own if government properly fund and equip dem with modern weapons.
Groups React
The Middle Belt Forum (MBF) back Ndume proposal. National President of the forum, Dr Bitrus Pogu, say foreign troops fit assist especially with air power and intelligence, while Nigerian soldiers handle ground operations.
MBF spokesman, Luka Binniyat, say terrorist attacks don increase across Middle Belt, and any partnership wey fit restore peace should be welcomed.
Meanwhile, the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) say dem never take clear position. Dem argue say details of US military involvement never clear and such move require approval of the National Assembly because e involve foreign troops operating on Nigerian soil.
Forum of Northern Christians also endorse the idea, saying protecting lives and property should come first.
However, Coalition of Northern Groups (CNG) express mixed feelings, saying while foreign help fit be useful, Nigeria suppose also build capacity to solve its own security challenges.
As insecurity continue to trouble many parts of the country, the debate over foreign military assistance show deep division among lawmakers and stakeholders on the best way forward.
For now, Nigerians dey watch to see whether Federal Government go consider the proposal or maintain reliance on local security forces.
