FG Breaks Silence on Terror Links with France to Destabilise Niger Republic: “A Dangerous Attempt”
- After the military coup in Niger that ousted its democratic government, General Abdourahamane Tchiani, the country’s new military leader, has accused Nigeria of collaborating with France to destabilize Niger
- Despite the political instability in Niger, President Bola Tinubu disclosed that in his capacity as chairman of ECOWAS, he has kept open the door for re-engagement with Niger
- In a statement on Thursday, the minister of information Mohammed Idris, denied the accusations and highlighted Nigeria’s commitment to foster peace in the region
Legit.ng journalist Esther Odili has over two years of experience covering political parties and movements
State House, Abuja - The federal government has strongly rejected allegations made in a viral video by the military leader of Niger Republic, General Abdourahamane Tchiani, claiming non-existent collusion between Nigeria and France to destabilise his country.
Source: Facebook
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's government also disclosed that Nigeria remained committed to fostering regional stability and will continue to lead efforts to address terrorism and other transnational challenges.
The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, revealed this in a statement on Thursday, December 26.
Idris emphasised that President Bola Tinubu, in his capacity as the Chairman of ECOWAS, has maintained an open-door policy toward re-engaging Niger despite the military coup that disrupted democratic governance in the country.
He stressed the role of Nigeria’s armed forces in curbing terrorism within the region through collaborations with the Multinational Joint Task Force.
Idris urged Niger to focus on constructive dialogue and collaboration rather than peddling baseless accusations.
The statement partly said:
“These claims exist solely in the realm of imagination, as Nigeria has never engaged in any overt or covert alliance with France—or any other country—to sponsor terrorist attacks or destabilise the Niger Republic in the wake of the undemocratic change in the leadership of that country.
“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu (GCFR), as Chairman of ECOWAS, has demonstrated exemplary leadership, keeping the doors of the sub-regional body open to re-engaging Niger Republic despite the political situation in the country. Nigeria remains committed to fostering peace, harmony, and historic diplomatic ties with Niger.”
The minister also debunked accusations that Nigeria was sabotaging Niger’s pipelines and agriculture.
Speaking further, Idris said recently that the Nigerian military launched Operation Forest Sanity III, specifically addressing the Lakurawa threat, code-named Operation Chase Lakurawa Out.
“The claims about the alleged establishment of a so-called Lakurawa terrorist headquarters in Sokoto state, purportedly orchestrated by Nigeria in collaboration with France, are baseless. Nigeria has been a regional leader in combating terrorism, dedicating significant resources and lives to ensure stability in the Lake Chad Basin and beyond.”
“How can a government actively fighting the Lakurawa menace now be accused of harbouring the same group within its borders? These accusations lack credible evidence and seem to be part of a broader attempt to deflect attention from Niger’s internal challenges,” he added.
Continuing, Idris also urged the public to disregard Tchiani’s allegations and urged him to provide credible evidence to support his claims.
The minister said:
“In conclusion, President Tchiani’s allegations are not only unfounded but also a dangerous attempt to divert attention from his administration’s shortcomings.
“Nigeria remains committed to fostering regional stability and will continue to lead efforts to address terrorism and other transnational challenges. We urge Niger to focus on constructive dialogue and collaboration rather than peddling baseless accusations.”
Read related articles here:
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- ECOWAS: Tinubu's defence chief in Niger Republic
Northern leaders warn Tinubu over France military base
Meanwhile, Legit.ng reported that controversy trailed the United States and the French government's move to relocate their military bases from the Sahel to Nigeria.
Northern leaders have expressed serious worry over the development and sent an open letter to President Bola Tinubu.
The leaders urged President Tinubu and the leadership of the National Assembly, not to succumb to such pressure.
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Source: Legit.ng
