Former Minister of Aviation, Femi Fani-Kayode, has issued a stern warning to the military leader of Niger Republic, Abdourahamane Tchiani, in a strongly-worded statement on his official X handle. Fani-Kayode dismissed Tchiani’s recent allegations against Nigeria and its leaders as baseless and provocative, cautioning him against undermining the country’s sovereignty.
In his post, Fani-Kayode stated emphatically, “If Nigeria wanted to destabilize Niger Republic, I do not believe we would need France or any terrorist organization to do so.” He reiterated his long-standing assertion that Western powers have fueled the rise of terrorist groups across the West African subregion over the last 15 years, a claim he has consistently made public for over a decade.
The former minister was resolute in absolving Nigeria of any involvement in such acts. “Nigeria, being one of the major victims of these terrorist organizations, has had no part in them. No Nigerian president, past or present, has indulged in such grave and dangerous actions,” he stated.
Fani-Kayode’s comments came in response to Tchiani’s claims that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and National Security Adviser (NSA) Nuhu Ribadu had allegedly been “bought” by France to destabilize Niger Republic. Tchiani further alleged that Nigeria and France were jointly sponsoring a terrorist group to achieve this aim, and even claimed the existence of French military bases within Nigeria.
Describing the accusations as “infantile, puerile, mendacious, and asinine,” Fani-Kayode said they were nothing more than an attempt by Tchiani to sow discord among Nigerians, alienate the people from the Tinubu administration, and weaken Nigeria’s unity.
He also reminded Tchiani of Nigeria’s military might, highlighting that the combined defence budgets of Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso are not up to 25% of Nigeria’s. “Tchiani would do well to be careful not to provoke our wrath with his absurd assertions,” he warned.
Fani-Kayode called on the Federal Government to consider “more extreme measures” if Niger’s leadership persists in its reckless provocations, suggesting that Nigeria should not hesitate to act decisively to protect its national interests.
“We are under no obligation to show restraint when we are being undermined and maligned,” he concluded, sending a clear message that Nigeria’s patience is not infinite.
This fiery statement by Fani-Kayode underscores the escalating tensions between Nigeria and Niger Republic amid ongoing diplomatic challenges in the West African region.
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