By Adeko Ukpa, Abuja

Political activist and former Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Comrade Timi Frank, on Tuesday, urged African leaders to strengthen strategic partnerships with the United States instead of entering into fresh agreements with France, accusing the European nation of exploiting Africa for decades without meaningful development.

Frank in a statement in reaction to the ongoing, “Africa Forward: Africa-France Partnerships for Innovation and Growth Summit” being attended by French President Emmanuel Macron and several African leaders, including President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, in Nairobi-Kenya, said African countries, particularly in West Africa, had little to show for years of French influence despite their abundant natural resources.

He argued that recent political developments in Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger had exposed what he described as France’s exploitative relationship with African nations.

“France has nothing more to offer Africa. African leaders must not fall into any new arrangement that will drag the continent back into economic and political bondage,” he said.

According to him, the military takeovers in some Francophone African countries had opened the eyes of many Africans to what he termed “decades of exploitation.”

“Since the military takeover in Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger, Africans have seen clearly that France was only using the people and their resources without giving anything meaningful in return,” he stated.

He maintained that African leaders should instead pursue stronger bilateral relations with the United States, especially in the areas of insecurity, election integrity, trade and investment.

“We believe Africa will get a better deal with the United States than with France. The areas we should focus on are insecurity, election integrity and stronger bilateral economic ties,” he said.

The international affairs advisor also called for increased cooperation with the US in tackling terrorism and strengthening democratic institutions across the continent.

According to the United Liberation Movement for West Papua (ULMWP) Ambassador to East Africa and Middle East, African leaders should renegotiate terms of engagement with the United States in ways that would directly benefit African citizens.

“Wherever we feel the United States has not done well in the past, it is our responsibility to identify those areas and renegotiate better terms that will benefit Africa,” he added.

He described France’s long-standing influence in parts of Africa as “modern slavery,” alleging that Paris had historically supported leaders who protected French interests regardless of the wishes of their citizens.

“As long as African leaders are doing France’s bidding, France will protect them even when their people no longer want them in office,” he claimed.

He cited Côte d’Ivoire, Togo, Benin Republic and Cameroon as examples of countries where, according to him, are still under the stranglehold of France’s continuous rape of their once thriving economies.

He further argued that countries distancing themselves from French control were beginning to witness improvements.

“Since they broke away from France, countries like Burkina Faso have shown signs of doing better. That proves Africa does not need France to survive,” he said.

The political activist also endorsed the idea of an Africa-US summit, describing it as more productive than renewed France-Africa engagements.

“Africa-US summit will benefit Africa more than any France-Africa arrangement. African leaders should focus on building stronger ties with the United States,” he said.

He further expressed optimism that the administration of President Donald Trump would offer Africa a more beneficial partnership based on mutual interests and democratic values.

Feom Adeko Ukpa, Abuja

Rotary International District 9127 has disclosed plans to host over 1,000 Rotarians, policymakers, and development experts in Abuja for its 2026 District Conference (DISCON 2026).

The conference which is a platform for national dialogue on economic growth, energy transition, and security will be held from May 14th-16th with the theme: ‘Uniting for Good, Fostering Friendships and Celebrating Service’

According to the District, the conference will draw participants from 16 states across northern Nigeria, the Federal Capital Territory and beyond.

Rotary District 9127 covers 16 northern states and the FCT, with focus areas including peacebuilding, disease prevention, WASH, maternal health, education, economic development, and the environment.

Speakers at DISCON 2026 include the Special Adviser to the President on Economic Affairs, Dr. Tope Fasua; Executive Chairman of the Presidential Initiative on CNG, Barr. Ismaeel Buka Ahmed (OON); President of the Pan African Psychology Union, Professor Andrew Zamani; Economist and ACCI Board member, Dr. Chijioke Ekechukwu; and Director General of the Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Foundation, Amara Nwankpa.

The sessions at the conference will tackle conversations including national economic development, Nigeria’s energy transition through the Presidential CNG Initiative, and a multi-stakeholder blueprint for peace and stability.

The District Governor, Dame (Dr.) Princess Joy Nky Okoro stayed: “DISCON 2026 is both a celebration of service and a call to greater action. It brings together leaders and change-makers committed to strengthening communities and delivering lasting impact across our district.”

CAPTION: From left is the District Treasurer Rtn. Omale Agida, District Executive Secretary, Rtn. Eucheria Ekweozoh, the District Governor Dame Princess Joy Nky Okoro, the District Conference (DISCON) Chairman, Dr. Emeka Iloegbunam, and the District Public Image Chairperson, Rtn. Ogechukwu Ochuba at a pre-DISCON press briefing in Abuja yesterday

Chairman of the DISCON Planning Committee, Dr. Emeka Iloegbunam said the goal of the conference is to create meaningful engagement across sectors.

“Our goal is to deliver a conference that not only reflects Rotary’s core values but also creates meaningful engagement across sectors. From thought-provoking discussions and opportunity-framing to cultural experiences, DISCON 2026 will showcase the very best of Rotary in action”.

“DISCON 2026 is positioned as more than a conference, it is a platform for engagement, collaboration, and shared impact, reinforcing Rotary’s role as a trusted partner in national development through citizen-led service initiatives”.

He added that DISCON 2026 will feature a vibrant House of Friendship, providing exhibitions, networking, and partner showcases; a cultural night, celebrating Nigeria’s diversity and heritage; a gala and awards night, recognising outstanding service and contributions; and multiple opportunities for collaboration among Rotary members, partners, and stakeholders.

A governorship aspirant in Nasarawa State, Professor Mohammad Sani Haruna, has declared that no contender in the 2027 governorship race can match his record of projects and contributions to human capital development across the state.

Haruna made the assertion while addressing journalists after submitting his governorship nomination and expression of interest forms in Abuja on Friday.

Submission Of Forms: Nasarawa State APC Governorship Aspirant Prof. Mohammed Haruna addressing Pressmen shortly after he submitted his Governorship Nomination Form To APC National Organizing Secretary, Alh. Suleiman Arugungu and National Vice Chairman North Central, Alh. Bawa Rijao at APC Collection and Submission Centre In Abuja

Responding to questions from reporters amid a mammoth crowd and party stakeholders that accompanied him on the exercise, he dismissed concerns over the endorsement of another aspirant by the state government, insisting that the move would not affect his ambition.

He said he remained confident because politics is ultimately determined by the people and not by endorsements.

He described the contest as “a game of numbers,” expressing optimism that the electorate would reward his years of service and development efforts.

“In fact, I am happy that the endorsement has happened because now we will see the people’s preference,” he said.

“Politics is a game of numbers and the people will decide.”

He insisted that his relationship with the grassroots and his record of touching lives across the state would give him an advantage in the race.

“I assure you, I have touched the lives of individuals more than anybody else,” he stated.

“This is a payback period for the people of Nasarawa State.”

He urged his supporters to maintain peace and avoid political violence.

According to him, politics should be centred on governance, development and ideas rather than hostility and attacks on opponents.

“My message to my supporters has always been that we are in politics to discuss issues of governance and development of the state,” he said.

“There is no need to quarrel with anybody. There is no need for any supporter to fight supporters of another candidate over an issue that is first and foremost in the hands of God and will eventually be decided by the people.”

The aspirant stressed that his campaign would continue to focus on policies and programmes instead of personal attacks.

“We preach peace, coexistence and debate on policies and programmes, not attacks on personalities,” he said.

“We do not accept character assassination. In fact, we take disciplinary action against any of our supporters who insult other candidates. That is our principle.”

Haruna also cited the turnout at his recent political gatherings as proof of growing grassroots acceptance across the state.

“Those of you in the press witnessed the gatherings in Lafia and Keffi. No aspirant has assembled such crowds,” he stated.

“The people came willingly. They were not sponsored or hired crowds. Naturally, they love us because of what we have done on the ground.”

He said his years in academics, student leadership and public service had enabled him to impact lives through infrastructural projects and empowerment initiatives.

“We have signature projects and legacy projects from our experiences in academics, student activities and public life,” he said.

“We have contributed to physical development, infrastructure and human capital development. By the grace of God, we have helped many people build their lives, acquire skills and become useful to society.”

Haruna maintained that his contributions distinguish him from other aspirants seeking to govern the state.

“I beat my chest to say there is no aspirant with more tangible projects on the ground in Nasarawa State than Professor M. S. Haruna,” he declared.

He added that the support he currently enjoys is driven by beneficiaries of his interventions and development efforts across the state.

“Many of the people mobilising support for us today are people whose lives have been touched positively through the help of God and little interventions from us,” he said.

“They are the ones spreading the message and encouraging others to identify with our movement.”