By John Joseph
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The Presidency has dismissed allegations made by Niger Republic’s military leader, Abdourahamane Tchiani, claiming that Nigeria is colluding with France to destabilize his country. Daniel Bwala, Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Policy Communication, described the allegations as “despicable propaganda” aimed at inciting Northern Nigeria against President Tinubu.
Bwala emphasized that the claims are baseless and designed to create chaos and bad blood in northern Nigeria against the President. He noted that Tchiani’s choice of words, speaking in Hausa, was deliberate and insultive, likely done in cahoots with Nigerian politicians.
The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, also dismissed the allegations, stating that they exist solely in the realm of imagination. Idris emphasized Nigeria’s commitment to fostering peace, harmony, and historic diplomatic ties with Niger, as well as its leadership role in combating terrorism in the region.
Tchiani’s allegations claimed that France made a substantial payment to President Tinubu to establish a military base in Nigeria. However, the National Security Adviser (NSA), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, described the allegations as “surprising, disturbing, baseless, and entirely unfounded”.
Ribadu emphasized that Nigeria’s relationship with France is strictly economic and has no military implications. He also highlighted Nigeria’s longstanding tradition of safeguarding its sovereignty and territorial integrity, noting that the country has never permitted foreign powers to establish military bases on its soil.
The League of Northern Democrats (LND) has expressed concern over the allegations, calling on the Federal Government to provide concrete evidence refuting or clarifying the claims. The LND emphasized that the allegations are too significant to be ignored and demand a transparent and immediate response from the Nigerian government.
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