- The federal government, through Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, had earlier refuted the Nigerien leader’s allegations.
Daniel Bwala, Special Adviser to the President on Policy Communication, has rejected allegations made by Niger’s military leader, General Abdourahamane Tchiani.
Tchiani had accused President Bola Tinubu of collaborating with France to destabilize Niger.
Bwala described the allegations as unfounded and malicious, aimed at stirring chaos and hostility towards President Tinubu in northern Nigeria.
“The choice of language used by the military leader of Niger is quite instructive of what his intentions are, probably in cahoots with politicians in Nigeria, you never know, but the whole idea is to create chaos and bad blood in the northern Nigeria against the President,” Bwala said in a video on X.
Bwala criticized General Tchiani’s comments, viewing them as a desperate attempt to divert attention from his regime’s struggles.
“The honeymoon is over; he has not been able to address the economic situation in his country,” he said.
“Everything is turning against him, and in a desperate gasp for breath, he decided to resort to cheap lies and propaganda against Nigeria.”
Nigeria’s longstanding leadership role in West Africa and its commitment to bilateral relations with neighboring countries were emphasized by Bwala.
“Over the years, Nigeria has maintained its leadership in the West African sub-region… We have been of tremendous help to our neighboring countries.”
Bwala directly addressed the allegations, categorically denying that Nigeria had provided land for a foreign military base.
“Nigeria is a nation that has its own capacity to protect its citizens… We are well capable and able to safeguard our country, and we’re doing it in this administration.”
He urged Nigerians to disregard Tchiani’s claims, labeling them as false and divisive. “It is lies, and he chose a local language in the North because he wants to rile up the North against the President.”
Bwala concluded by calling Tchiani’s comments a reflection of his regime’s failure to govern effectively.
“It is becoming clear that the honeymoon he had with his people is over. He probably doesn’t have a plan for his people and has resorted to that cheap blackmail. It is false, and nobody should take him seriously.”