By Olaitan Ibrahim
The Nigerian government has rejected allegations made in a viral video by the military leader of Niger Republic, Gen. Abdourahamane Tchiani, claiming collusion between it and France to destabilise his country.
” 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’s Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, said in a statement in Abuja on Thursday.
According to the statement, the claims exist solely in the realm of imagination of the Nigerien President.
He said Nigeria had never engaged in any overt or covert alliance with France or any other country to sponsor terrorist attacks or destabilise Niger following undemocratic change in leadership of that country.
The minister said President Bola Tinubu, as Chairman of ECOWAS, had demonstrated exemplary leadership.
He said the president had kept the doors of the sub-regional body open to re-engaging Niger Republic in spite of the political situation in that 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,” he said
The minister reiterated government’s full support for senior government officials for their untiring commitment to fostering peace and security between Nigeria and Niger.
” 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.