The Nigerian Presidency has vehemently dismissed allegations made by the military leader of Niger Republic, Abdourahamane Tchiani, that Nigeria is colluding with France to destabilize his country.
Tchiani, in an interview on Wednesday, made the incendiary claim that France is negotiating with terrorists operating within Nigeria to undermine his regime. He further alleged that France had made a “substantial payment” to President Bola Tinubu to establish a military base on Nigerian soil.
However, in a strongly worded rebuttal, the Special Adviser to the President on Policy Communication, Daniel Bwala, dismissed Tchiani’s claims as “despicable propaganda” designed to sow discord within Nigeria. Bwala, in a video posted on his X page, accused Tchiani of resorting to “cheap false lies” to distract from his own failing governance and the mounting internal pressures he faces.
Bwala emphasized Nigeria’s long-standing role as a leader in West Africa and its commitment to fostering positive and constructive relationships with its neighbors. He dismissed Tchiani’s claims as a desperate attempt to create chaos and incite animosity between the Nigerian government and the people of northern Nigeria.
Bwala pointed out the absurdity of the allegation that Nigeria would willingly cede its own territory for a foreign military base.
He underscored Nigeria’s inherent capacity to protect its own sovereignty and national interests.
The Presidency’s response serves as a strong rebuke to Tchiani’s inflammatory rhetoric and seeks to reassure the Nigerian public that the government remains committed to regional stability and peaceful cooperation with its neighbors.
