Nigerien Leader’s Claims Aimed at Inciting Northern Nigeria Against Tinubu – Presidency

• The Presidency dismissed Niger’s Tchiani’s allegations of Nigeria colluding with France as unfounded propaganda aimed at creating discord in Northern Nigeria
• Special Adviser Daniel Bwala labeled Tchiani’s claims a desperate attempt to distract from his leadership failures, urging focus on internal challenges

The Presidency has dismissed recent allegations made by Abdourahamane Tchiani, the head of Niger Republic’s military junta, as unfounded propaganda aimed at creating discord in Northern Nigeria against President Bola Tinubu.

Tchiani, in a recent broadcast, accused Nigeria of colluding with France to destabilize Niger. He further alleged that France, Niger’s former colonial ruler, had paid a significant amount to President Tinubu to establish a military base in Nigeria.

Daniel Bwala, Special Adviser on Policy Communication to the President, rejected the claims in a statement on his X (formerly Twitter) handle. He labelled Tchiani’s accusations as desperate to divert attention from his leadership challenges.

“Yesterday, I came across a video, a despicable propaganda piece by the military head of state of the Niger Republic against the president of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” Bwala stated.

He continued: “The honeymoon is over; he has failed to address the economic situation in his country. With everything turning against him, he has resorted to spreading falsehoods and propaganda against Nigeria.

“The choice of words used by the military leader is quite insulting, and his intentions are questionable. There could be a possibility of collusion with some Nigerian politicians to incite chaos in Northern Nigeria.”

Bwala emphasized that such tactics would not distract Nigeria from its focus on fostering regional peace and stability.

He also underscored the need for Niger’s junta to concentrate on resolving their internal challenges rather than deflecting blame.

The Presidency’s statement comes amidst strained relations between Nigeria and Niger following the military coup in the neighbouring country and Nigeria’s subsequent stance against the undemocratic takeover.