The United Civil Society Organizations in Bauchi State have urged President Bola Tinubu’s administration to take firm action against foreign interference in Nigeria’s political and internal affairs. Speaking in Bauchi through representatives Aliyu Mukaddas and Mu’azu Bala, the group warned that foreign influence threatens Nigeria’s national security, economic prosperity, and sovereignty.
The group emphasized that sovereignty grants a state the supreme authority to govern without external meddling. “Nigeria reserves the right to be insulated from suggestions or interference regarding wholly internal matters,” the group said, urging the government to defend the country from foreign intrusion and uphold its autonomy.
They highlighted growing concerns over the involvement of foreign governments and their agents in Nigeria’s domestic affairs, particularly during recent protests where foreign flags were reportedly flown. The group called for strong action against those responsible, stating that this act undermined Nigeria’s sovereignty.
In addition, the group called for a review of the Flag and Coat of Arms Act of 1960, describing the current N150 penalty for offences related to the national flag as inadequate. They urged the National Assembly to amend the law, removing the option of fines and instituting imprisonment as the sole punishment.
The group also stressed the importance of peaceful protest, noting that while citizens have the right to assembly, some had crossed the line. They called for legal action against such individuals to deter future violations and prevent foreign actors from destabilizing the nation, as seen in other African countries like Sudan, Libya, and Mali.
