Abuja, Dec. 28, 2024 – The Democratic Front (TDF) has urged Nigerians to ignore attempts by the military ruler of the Niger Republic, General Abdourahamane Tchiani, to drag Nigeria into his country’s diplomatic row with France.
The group gave the advice in a statement signed by its Chairman, Mallam Danjuma Muhammad and Secretary, Chief Wale Adedayo.
It expressed concerns that the Niger leader accused Nigeria of sponsoring a terrorist group that is causing mayhem in Northern Nigeria with a view to causing anti-government sentiments.
The statement reads: “We rebuff, in strongest terms, the allegations by Niger’s military leader Abdourahamane Tchiani that Nigeria was colluding with France to destabilize his country.
“Furthermore, his claim that Nigeria seeks to sabotage the Trans- Saharan gas pipeline and disrupt agriculture in Niger Republic is ridiculous and baseless.
“Because the gas pipeline was a Nigerian initiative, and besides, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had clearly displayed compassion and consideration for the economic livelihood of the people of Niger, when he led the ECOWAS in February 2024, to lift sanctions imposed on that country in the wake of the military coup that ousted the democratic government of Mohamed Bazoum in July 2023.
“We also note that President Bola Tinubu directed that the electricity supply to Niger which has been cut in response to the sanctions be restored, and the borders be opened for the people of Niger to survive.
“In addition to these humanitarian gestures, the Nigerian President has continued to ensure proper funding for the Kano-Maradi railway project which the Niger people stand to benefit from.
“It is a fact that more than any other country in West Africa, Nigeria has committed more funds and human resources to regional peace, security, and stability.
“Only recently, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu approved the payment of Community levies for 2023 and 2024 up till June to the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to the tune of $53 million, to enhance its operations in consolidating regional peace, security and stability in the sub-region.
“This brings Nigeria’s contributions to ECOWAS and, by extension, West Africa in the last 16 years, to$1.177 billion.
“So, we consider it rather absurd and irresponsible for Tchiani to accuse Nigeria of colluding with France to train and sponsor Lakurawa terrorists against his country, a member nation of ECOWAS, and a bonafide beneficiary of Nigeria’s support for the regional body.”
The pro-democracy group is convinced that Tchiani is simply out to use Nigeria as an excuse to divert attention from his inability to turn around the fortune of his people after overthrowing a legitimately elected government.
“Our contention is that Gen. Tchiani is simply exhibiting the traits of a desperate and sinking military dictator by making spurious allegations against Nigeria to distract the attention of his own people amid the serious economic woes his country is confronted with.
“So, Nigeria’s diplomatic relationship with France has become an excuse for his failure to better the lot of his countrymen and women as promised in his coup speech. He should, therefore, be disregarded.
“For us, Nigeria is a sovereign country that is at liberty to determine its bilateral relationship with any other country in the world just like the country had never interfered in Niger’s relationship with France all these years. (GBN)
