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Senator Ali Ndume, representing Borno South Senatorial District, has expressed support for the deployment of United States military forces to Nigeria to help address the country’s worsening security challenges.
Ndume made the remarks on Friday while speaking on Politics Today, a programme on Channels Television.
He said many ordinary Nigerians, particularly those in conflict-affected communities, would welcome foreign assistance if it would guarantee peace and safety.
According to him, insecurity has deteriorated to a point where external support has become necessary, especially in the North-East region.
The lawmaker said that while concerns have been raised about the implications of establishing foreign military bases, the immediate priority should be restoring security.
Ndume said: “Yes. Let me get this clear. And as you see, that’s one of the major problems we have in the country, and especially in the political or the elite class. The poor man down there in my village will welcome the American police to his house as long as he will have peace, he will sleep with his two eyes closed.
“But here we are, when there is this offer, and people are saying, Oh, if they come, they set off a base. And they, I mean, all these things, is not something right now. Had it been that we have peace and we know that we can take care of ourselves, then you don’t need anybody.
“But if your house is on fire, even if it is your enemy that will give you water to quench the fire, you have to take the water first, quench the fire, then you go back to whatever position you have with that person. But when your house is on fire, I think it will be stupid, so to say, you say, Oh, I don’t want water from my neighbor. And while the fire is on your house, I don’t think so.
“We have found ourselves in a very bad situation, especially in the North East, and now it’s escalating, and it has gone to almost everywhere. We need that support.”
It’s stupid to say no – Ndume backs US military presence in Nigeria
