General Tchiani of Niger accused Nigeria and France of colluding to destabilize Niger through terrorism. Nigerian authorities, including NSA Nuhu Ribadu, refuted these claims as baseless. Investigations in the alleged areas found no evidence supporting Tchiani’s assertions, raising concerns about his leadership amid growing distrust in the Nigerian government.
In a recent interview with Niger’s National Television, General Abdulrahamane Tchiani, leader of Niger’s military junta, made serious allegations linking Nigeria and France to terrorism in the Lake Chad area. He claimed that these nations had collaborated against Niger in destabilizing efforts, implicating Nigerian officials, including President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, as receiving bribes to facilitate this.
Tchiani asserted that Nigeria’s leaders would be aware of the purported actions against Niger, asserting that they could not claim ignorance. Responses from Nigerian authorities were swift, with NSA Ribadu denouncing Tchiani’s allegations as baseless, emphasizing that Nigeria has consistently rejected foreign military bases aimed at destabilizing Niger, and encouraged verification of Tchiani’s claims through media investigation.
Nigerian Information Minister Mohammed Idris characterized the allegations as a distraction from the failures of Tchiani’s regime. Similarly, ECOWAS, which President Tinubu leads, rejected Tchiani’s accusations, affirming that Nigeria has historically supported peace and security across the African continent.
Tchiani’s comments attracted significant attention across West Africa and beyond, raising questions about Nigeria’s motives. However, investigations conducted by the BBC and Daily Trust in the regions mentioned found no evidence of foreign military bases or insurgent activities, refuting Tchiani’s claims.
The article emphasizes that the burden of proof lies with Tchiani regarding his serious allegations. His statements appear reckless and seek to bolster the fading support for his regime, which is already isolated due to ongoing governance issues. This situation questions his capability to assume leadership after ousting President Bazoum, calling for a prompt return to civilian governance.
Observations suggest an unsettling inclination among some Nigerians to believe Tchiani’s unfounded assertions, indicating a lack of confidence in the Tinubu administration. The government’s failure to transparently communicate significant agreements may contribute to this distrust. Moving forward, the administration must prioritize rebuilding trust with the Nigerian populace.
General Tchiani’s unfounded allegations against Nigeria and France expose the fragility of his regime and underline the need for transparency in government. These claims, though swiftly rebuffed, highlight a troubling lack of trust between the Nigerian people and their government. The prevailing distrust necessitates urgent efforts by the Tinubu administration to rectify communication deficiencies and restore confidence among citizens.
Original Source: dailytrust.com
