- The federal government described the allegation of collusion between Nigeria and France to destabilize Niger Republic as baseless and unfounded
The Federal Government has refuted allegations by the military junta in Niger Republic that Nigeria and France have concluded plans to destabilise West African countries.
Military leader of Niger Republic, General Abdourahamane Tchiani, had alleged that part of the plot to plunge his country into instability and unrest is for France to set up a military base in Borno State.
Tiani, who levelled the allegation in a recent address, disclosed that financial support has been provided to the Nigerian authorities to that effect.
Reacting to the development, the federal government described the allegations of collusion between Nigeria and France to destabilize Niger Republic as baseless and unfounded
In a statement signed by Mohammed Idris, Minister of Information and National Orientation, the Federal Republic of Nigeria on Thursday noted that the claims are figment of the imagination of the Niger Republic leader.
According to Idris, Nigeria has never engaged in any overt or covert alliance with France – or any other country – to sponsor terrorist attacks or destabilize the Niger Republic in the wake of the undemocratic change in the leadership of that country.
He said President Bola Ahmed Tinubu 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, saying Nigeria remains committed to fostering peace, harmony, and historic diplomatic ties with Niger.
He said, ”Nigeria’s Armed Forces, in collaboration with partners in the Multinational Joint Task Force, are succeeding in curbing terrorism within the region. It is, therefore, absurd to suggest that Nigeria would conspire with any foreign power to undermine the peace and security of a neighbouring country.
He explained that neither the Nigerian government nor any of its officials has ever been involved in arming or supporting any terror group to attack Niger Republic.
‘Furthermore, no part of Nigeria has been ceded to any foreign power for subversive operations in Niger Republic.
“We reiterated our full support to senior Nigerian government officials for their untiring commitment to fostering peace and security between the government and people of Nigeria and Niger, and for their efforts towards stronger cooperation in the ECOWAS region”.
According to him, Nigeria has a long-standing tradition of safeguarding its sovereignty and territorial integrity. Unlike some nations, Nigeria has never permitted foreign powers to establish military bases on its soil, adding that this demonstrates the country’s commitment to national independence and regional leadership
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