In a strongly worded statement, Chief Femi Fani-Kayode, a former Nigerian minister and political commentator, has condemned recent allegations by Niger's military leader, Abdourahamane Tchiani, accusing Nigeria of conspiring with France to destabilize his country. Fani-Kayode described the assertions as "infantile, puerile, mendacious, and asinine," highlighting their potential to create division within Nigeria and undermine President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's administration.
Tchiani had alleged that President Tinubu and National Security Adviser Mallam Nuhu Ribadu were collaborating with France to sponsor terrorist activities in Niger. He also claimed that there were French military bases operating within Nigeria. Fani-Kayode dismissed these allegations as baseless and provocative, pointing out that Nigeria, as a major victim of terrorism in West Africa, has never engaged in such dangerous actions.
"The Nigerien Military Head of State would do well to be careful not to provoke our wrath with his absurd assertions," Fani-Kayode said, emphasizing Nigeria’s superior military capability. "The combined defence budgets of Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso do not even amount to 25% of Nigeria’s."
The former minister also accused Tchiani of attempting to alienate Nigerians from their government, sow seeds of discord, and tarnish the reputation of the Tinubu administration. He urged the Federal Government to consider "more extreme measures" if the provocations persist, stating that Nigeria is under no obligation to show restraint in the face of such blatant undermining.
Fani-Kayode’s remarks underline the need for responsible rhetoric in diplomatic engagements, especially during times of regional instability. Observers believe this may signal a tougher stance from Nigeria in addressing inflammatory statements from neighboring countries.