Nigeria is not colluding with France to destabilise Niger Republic, says FG.
The federal government stated on Thursday that Nigeria is not working with France to undermine the Niger Republic.
Mohammed Idris, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, issued the rejoinder in a statement following assertions by Niger Republic’s military chief, General Abdourahamane Tchiani, that Nigeria was collaborating with France against his country.
“These claims exist only in the domain of imagination. “Nigeria has never formed an overt or covert alliance with France—or any other country—to destabilise the Niger Republic,” the statement stated.
Idris underlined that President Bola Tinubu, as Chairman of ECOWAS, has maintained an open-door policy towards reengaging Niger notwithstanding the military coup that disrupted democratic administration in the nation.
According to the minister, Nigeria remains dedicated to promoting peace and harmony while maintaining its long-standing diplomatic ties with Niger.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY, SIR
HIS EXCELLENCY, RT. HON. AHMADU UMARU FINTIRI
HAPPY 59TH BIRTHDAY, YOUR EXCELLENCY! The Governing Council, Management, Staff and entire University Community of Adamawa State University, Mubi, heartily felicitate with Your Excellency on the joyous occasion of your 59th birthday. We celebrate your commitment to educational advancement and the development of Adamawa State. May Almighty God grant you sound health, divine wisdom, long life and greater accomplishments. Happy 59th Birthday, Your Excellency!
Professor Clement Augustine, Vice Chancellor, ADSU, Mubi
He emphasised the importance of Nigeria’s armed forces in combating terrorism in the region through partnership with the Multinational Joint Task Force.
The minister dismissed as “absurd” suggestions that Nigeria would conspire to undermine its neighbours’ peace and security, and denied allegations that Africa’s most populous country had ceded parts of its territory to foreign powers or established terrorist bases in Sokoto State in cooperation with France.
“The allegations about the establishment of a so-called Lakurawa terrorist headquarters in Sokoto State are false.
Nigeria has been a regional pioneer in counter-terrorism, devoting enormous resources and lives to maintain stability in the Lake Chad Basin and beyond.
“Any attempt to blackmail Nigeria over ECOWAS’s principled stance against the unconstitutional seizure of power in Niger is disingenuous and doomed to fail,” Idris told the media.
He referenced previous military actions, like as Operation Forest Sanity III, which explicitly targeted the Lakurawa menace, as examples of Nigeria’s commitment to regional security.
The minister also denied allegations that Nigeria was damaging Niger’s pipelines and crops.
He emphasised Nigeria’s active engagement in Niger’s economic development through projects like the Trans-Saharan Gas Pipeline and the Kano-Maradi Railway Project.
Idris also advised the people to dismiss Tchiani’s allegations and challenged him to present substantial evidence to back up his assertions.