By Abiola Olawale
The Federal Government has firmly dismissed trending allegations contained in a widely circulated video by General Abdourahamane Tchiani, the military leader of Niger Republic, to the effect that Nigeria has entered into a pact with France to undermine Niger Republic.
Tchiani, in the video, had alleged that there is a conspiracy involving collusion between Nigeria and France aimed at undermining the stability of Niger.
However, a statement issued on Thursday by the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, dismissed the allegations as tissues of lies and fabrication.
Idris maintained that the Federal Government of Nigeria is committed to fostering regional stability and will continue to lead efforts to address terrorism and other transnational challenges.
The statement reads in part: “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.
“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.
“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 reiterate our full support to senior Nigerian government officials for their untiring commitment to fostering peace and security between the government and the people of Nigeria and Niger and for their efforts towards stronger cooperation in the ECOWAS region.
“Indeed, 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.
“This demonstrates our commitment to national independence and regional leadership.
“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.”
