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‘Drums of war’ between Nigeria-Niger:Tinubu urged to fortify borders
The call for stronger border security follows recent accusations by Niger’s military regime that Nigeria has been involved in destabilising activities.
Niger’s military leader, Brigadier General Abdourahmane Tchiani, in an interview on Wednesday, alleged that France was negotiating with terrorists in Nigeria to destabilise his country.
Tchiani, who spoke in Hausa, claimed that France made a “substantial payment to President Bola Tinubu” to establish a military base in Nigeria.
He also accused Nigeria of sponsoring terrorist attacks along its borders as a means of undermining the new leadership.
The junta blamed the Nigerian government for the recent attack on the Niger-Benin oil pipeline, reportedly orchestrated by Lakurawa.
In response, the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, insisted that there was no foreign military base in Nigeria.
He said Nigeria would not sever its diplomatic ties with France over the Republic of Niger’s internal squabble with its erstwhile colonial master, adding that the country would also maintain diplomatic relations with Russia, the US, the United Kingdom, China, and other nations.
Weighing in on the matter, the Economic Community of West African States dismissed the claim by the Nigerien military junta that Nigeria and some other countries were sponsoring destabilisation efforts in Niger, insisting that the allegations were unfounded.
Examining the security implications of the crisis, General Bashir Adewinbi (retd.) advised the Federal Government to activate a security contingency plan to protect border communities from any fallout arising from the ongoing crisis.
He warned that the instability in Niger could have far-reaching security implications for Nigeria, particularly in the northern region.
“For every military action, there is always another contingency plan. So, they (Nigeria) must resort to another contingency plan, which I think should be in place to prevent any eventuality.
“We know from day one that the countries around Nigeria are part of Nigeria’s problems. Some of them see Nigeria as a country where they can do anything and get away with it. Terrorism, banditry, Lakurawa, and all these issues are coming from those places. And they have not been sincere with Nigeria.
“We should have a very strict foreign policy. Regardless of whatever they are doing with our leaders. It should be our primary objective. We have done so much for these neighbouring countries. We have helped them economically.”
Adewinbi added, “We should secure our borders by all means so that we can have our way. It may sound strange, but we may need perimeter fencing around Nigeria so that we will know who is a Nigerian and who is coming into Nigeria. What are they coming to do? What are their intentions?
“Our borders are too porous, and that is a major danger for the country. We have very porous borders, and let us not forget that not all countries like us. Some are our enemies. Let us be sincere with ourselves. This should be debated at the National Assembly; there should be a fence around Nigeria so that we can achieve lasting peace and have full control over our country and borders.”
A former Commander of the 1 Division, Nigerian Army, Brigadier General John Sura (retd.), expressed concern over the statement made by the Nigerien military leader, predicting it could significantly strain the relationship between the two countries.
He urged the Federal Government to carefully analyse the allegations and reinforce the country’s borders to protect against any potential external threats.
Sura stressed the need for Nigeria to strengthen its northern borders to prevent the flow of militants, weapons, and other threats into the country.
He suggested that the Nigerien leader’s statement could be an attempt to discredit Nigeria and lay the groundwork for possible aggression.
“For a neighbouring country to make such a statement, it could be a falsehood meant to tarnish Nigeria’s image,” he stressed.
Sura warned that the Nigerien leader might be trying to raise troops against Nigeria and advised the Federal Government to deploy forces and drones along the borders as a precaution.
“There could even be an alliance with Russia, for all we know,” he added.
Emphasising the serious implications of such a relationship breakdown, the former commander said, “If someone you’ve had a relationship with begins to distance themselves and claims no connection, it’s essentially a declaration of hostility. The Nigerien government already rejected French troops and expelled them. Now, making such claims could be a prelude to justifying actions that could lead to a conflict, even to the extent of exporting terrorists into Nigeria.”
On his part, former army chief and ex-chairman of Transparency International Nigeria, Gen. Ishola Williams (retd.), criticised the statement made by Niger’s military leader, suggesting it was a calculated strategy to deflect attention from the country’s internal crises.
“The Nigerien military leader is simply seeking a diversion from his country’s internal problems. His aim is to garner sympathy from his people,” Williams remarked.
He likened the Nigerien leader’s actions to typical propaganda stunts often used by leaders under pressure.
Also commenting on the issue, a retired career diplomat, Sola Abolurin, described Niger’s allegations as an attempt to make the Tinubu government unpopular in the north.
He noted that the diplomatic fallout from the crisis could be compounded by Nigeria’s relationship with France.
“Niger, just like the Republic of Benin, is our cousin. Whatever happens to Niger will happen to us in Nigeria, particularly in the north. So, why would Nigeria want to cause unnecessary havoc or try to invade or destabilise Niger?”
In his reaction to the matter, Nigeria’s former Consul to Cameroon and delegate to the World Expo and Economic Development Centre in Paris, Rasheed Akinkuolie, noted that the accusations against the Federal Government of collusion with France were spurious.
He said General Tchiani should focus on addressing the issues he created for himself and leave Nigeria out of it.
Akinkuolie stated, “Niger Republic doesn’t need Nigeria, France, or any other country to destabilise it. Niger has a long history of military coups, which have always ended badly. General Tchiani, by making his speech in Hausa, is attempting to stir sentiments in Nigeria, which has a large Hausa population. Such a ruse will not succeed.
“The international community is demanding that the junta hand over to a democratically elected government. Tchiani should outline a planned transition, which should not take more than three years, in his own interest and for that of his country.”
Also speaking, a retired Nigerian ambassador to Mexico, Ogbole Amedu-Ode, said the Federal Government must handle the issue carefully to avert a rift between Nigeria and Niger.
He stressed that if not handled well, it could rupture the diplomatic relations between the two nations.
Amedu-Ode stated, “We have a wide border and demographic contiguity on both sides. We also share a solid cultural affinity with each other, and the Federal Government must handle this matter carefully so it doesn’t escalate beyond what it is now.”
He noted that it was natural for Niger to be suspicious of Nigeria “because of the emerging closer relations with France against the backdrop of the recent state visit by the President of Nigeria to France.”
Residents deny foreign troops
Meanwhile, residents of border communities in Sokoto State have dismissed the allegations of the presence of the French Army within the border area of the country.
Our correspondent, who was in the border communities of Tangaza and Gudu Local Government Areas of the state, spoke with the District Head of Balle in Gudu LGA of the state, Alhaji Aminu Aliyu.
Aliyu denied the allegation of a foreign military camp in his territory.
The district head described the Niger Republic military leader’s allegation as baseless, stressing that his subjects at no time reported the existence of a foreign military camp in the area.
According to him, his people are engaged in agricultural and business activities, noting that if such a camp existed, his men would have informed him.
Another community leader, Malam Abdurahman Shehu, said the communities of Marake, Kudula, and Bikini, located about three to 35 kilometres from Niger Republic territory, had not sighted any military camps.
He noted that Balle and other communities maintained relations with Nigerien communities, and at no time had residents reported the existence of such a military camp.
A resident of Ruwa-Wuri community in Tangaza LGA, Malam Kabiru Muhammad, acknowledged the occasional presence of Lakurawa bandits but denied any reports of a foreign military camp in the area.
“We usually notice the presence of Lakurawa bandits; sometimes they trespass through our farms holding guns.
“They are often chased away by the Nigerian Army stationed in our area, but there is no foreign military camp terrorising our people,” he stated.
A commercial motorcyclist in Ruwa-Wuri, who identified himself simply as Ibrahim, corroborated the absence of a foreign military presence.
According to Ibrahim, who said he has been operating in the town for over five years, he has never sighted any French Army in the area.
The Seriki Arewa of Araba in Illela LGA, Garba Yusuf, dismissed the allegation, describing it as baseless.
He noted that it was a failed attempt to disrupt the peaceful coexistence between the communities.
Araba is a bustling community bordering Niger Republic.
The traditional ruler said, “In the area of security, Niger Republic military personnel assist our vigilantes in maintaining security within Araba and other border communities.
“We are living in peace with our neighbours in the Niger Republic. Our vigilantes maintain synergy with their military in sustaining the security of lives and property along the border.
“This collaboration has helped in keeping bandits away from our domain. When there is a working relationship to checkmate banditry between our vigilantes and the Niger Republic army, I wonder how someone in his right mind will allege that Nigeria is harbouring bandits for sinister motives.”
“If You Have Evidence Against Stanley Mbam, Charge Him; Otherwise, Release Him” — Oganiru Izzi
A socio-cultural organisation of Izzi extraction, Oganiru Izzi, has challenged Ebonyi State Governor, Chief Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru, to either release the state’s sacked Commissioner for Works, Mr Stanley Mbam, or charge him before a competent court if the government has credible evidence of wrongdoing against him.
The group said the continued detention of the former commissioner without a formal charge raises concerns about due process, constitutional rights and the rule of law.
The leader of Oganiru Izzi, Mr Godwin Mbam, made the demand while speaking with correspondents of National Issue Newspapers at the Crack Department of the Ebonyi State Police Command in Abakaliki.
Mbam condemned what he described as the prolonged detention of Stanley Mbam without allowing a court to determine whether he had committed any offence.
He challenged the state government to produce evidence if it believes the former commissioner committed a criminal offence.
“If there is credible evidence against him, charge him to court and let the court decide. If there is no case against him, he should be released,” Mbam said.
He also appealed to the Ebonyi State Police Command to uphold the Constitution and resist any pressure that could result in unlawful detention.
Vanco Flyover: “We Will Reveal the Full Details”
Mbam also issued a three-day challenge to Governor Nwifuru, declaring that if the former commissioner was not released or charged to court, his organisation would make public what it described as the “full details” of the Vanco Flyover project.
According to him, the proposed disclosure would address issues surrounding the project, including its funding, payments, contractual arrangements and other financial details.
“We will let the world know the full details of the Vanco Flyover and how the funds were utilised,” he warned.
He further challenged the state government to demonstrate transparency by making relevant documents concerning the project available to the public.
“What About the Alleged ₦1.5 Billion Forfeiture?”
The Izzi group also questioned what it described as the selective application of the state government’s anti-corruption campaign.
Mbam referred to allegations involving an account reportedly frozen by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and an alleged ₦1.5 billion forfeiture to the Federal Government.
He questioned why, according to him, the governor had allegedly not taken similar action if the facts surrounding the matter warranted it.
Mbam stressed that he was not opposed to the fight against corruption but insisted that any anti-corruption campaign must be comprehensive, transparent and applied equally.
“If Governor Nwifuru wants to fight corruption, let him fight it holistically. Nobody should be targeted while other serious allegations are ignored,” he said.
“If Nwifuru Says He Knows Nothing, We Will Produce the Facts”
Mbam further challenged Governor Nwifuru to publicly state whether he was aware of alleged corruption issues within the Ministry of Works.
“If Nwifuru publicly claims that he is unaware of corruption in the Works Ministry, I will make public the facts available to me. The facts will shock the state,” he declared.
He insisted that the matter should not degenerate into a political vendetta, arguing that the appropriate place to determine criminal liability is a court of law.
According to him, the people of Ebonyi State deserve clear answers concerning the Vanco Flyover and other issues involving public funds.
“Everybody Should Be Subject to the Law”
The Oganiru Izzi leader maintained that the controversy should be resolved through transparency, documentary evidence and due process.
“If there is a case, charge him. If there is no case, release him. The government cannot claim to be fighting corruption while abandoning the principles of justice and the rule of law,” he said.
Mbam warned that failure to address the issues could compel the organisation to make further disclosures concerning the Vanco Flyover and other matters it considers to be in the public interest.
By Our Correspondent
As Nigeria celebrates its 66th Independence Anniversary, the candidate for the House of Representatives seat representing the Ezza South/Ikwo Federal Constituency, Hon. Chief Kevin Tobias Chukwu, has called on Nigerians to remain hopeful and committed to building a better country.
Chukwu, also known as Ochiri Ozua 1 of Amagu Ikwo, made the call in an Independence Day message to Nigerians, particularly the people of Ezza South/Ikwo Federal Constituency and Ebonyi State.
He described the anniversary as not only a moment for celebration but also an opportunity to reflect on the state of the nation and the responsibilities of leaders in building a Nigeria that meets the aspirations of its citizens.
According to him, Nigeria’s journey since independence has been marked by significant challenges, with millions of citizens currently facing economic hardship, while young people continue to search for opportunities and many communities contend with insecurity and uncertainty.
Despite these challenges, the Ebonyi politician said the resilience of Nigerians remained a source of hope for the country’s future.
“I believe in the resilience of our people. I believe in the ingenuity of our youths, the strength of our women, the wisdom of our elders and the determination of ordinary Nigerians who wake up every morning and refuse to give up on this country,” he said.
Chukwu, however, stressed that hope must be matched by responsible leadership, arguing that public office should be viewed as a responsibility rather than a privilege.
He called for leadership that prioritises the protection of lives, creation of economic opportunities, provision of infrastructure, strengthening of institutions and responsible management of national resources.
The candidate also emphasised the need to create an environment where young Nigerians can pursue successful lives within the country and where hard work, merit and enterprise are rewarded.
He said Nigeria had “come too far to surrender to hopelessness,” urging citizens and leaders alike to remain committed to the country’s progress.
“A better Nigeria is still possible, but it will require responsible leadership, accountable institutions and citizens who refuse to give up on their country,” he said.
Chukwu concluded by expressing optimism about Nigeria’s future, declaring: “Nigeria will rise. Nigeria must rise. And together, we must build the Nigeria we deserve.”
He also paid tribute to the nation’s past heroes, praying that their sacrifices would continue to inspire the country.
“May the labour of our heroes past never be in vain,” he said, as he wished Nigerians a happy 66th Independence Anniversary.
By Okey Maduforo, Awka
As Nigeria celebrates its 66th anniversary of independence from colonial rule, democracy in the country has continued to evolve and deepen, the Anambra State Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Senator Emma Anosike, has said.
Anosike made the observation in a message to mark Nigeria’s Independence anniversary, noting that despite the challenges the country had encountered since 1960, its democratic system had continued to improve under successive administrations.
According to him, since the return to democratic rule in 1999, Nigeria has witnessed relatively smooth transitions from one administration to another, while citizens have continued to exercise their fundamental rights to hold governments accountable for their performance.
“Before the return of the democratic process, it was indeed difficult and near taboo to challenge the leadership of the country, and those who may have attempted it in the past faced grave consequences.
“Similarly, we have had smooth transitions from one dispensation to another, producing five presidents through the ballot and not through the barrel of the gun. These elected presidents were produced by different political parties.”
Anosike said the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had sustained the country’s democratic principles and created an avenue for Nigerians, irrespective of tribe, race or religion, to express their views on government policies and programmes.
“Under the stewardship of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Nigerians have been enjoying the freedom to express themselves over issues, policies and programmes of government, and those expressions have been shaping and guiding the administration of Mr President,” he said.
The APC chairman said Nigeria’s 66th independence anniversary provided an opportunity for citizens to reflect on the country’s journey as a nation and the progress made since independence.
He said President Tinubu’s Independence Day broadcast had offered another opportunity for Nigerians to renew their hope for a greater and more prosperous country.
Anosike also commended what he described as the “enormous infrastructural development” taking place across the country under the Tinubu administration.
He urged Nigerians to continue to support and have faith in the administration as the country approaches the 2027 general elections.
An Elder Statesman, Chief Hycienth Ngwu, has called on political leaders and policies formulators to ensure governmental policies and programmes directly touch lives of the people and reduce hardship in the country.
Ngwu, who is a prominent community leader in Enugu, urged Nigerians to maintain peace within neighbourhoods and communities, as no meaningful development can take place without peace.
The statesman made the call on Thursday in Enugu while reacting to the developmental efforts of Nigeria at its 66th Independence.
He said that previous and present administrations had put in place policies and programmes to reset the socioeconomic fabric of the nation.
Ngwu said that while the removal of fuel subsidy, and unification of the foreign exchange had good intentions, their impact is yet to reflect on the lives and livelihoods of vast majority of Nigerians.
He urged leaders to ensure that public resources were properly managed while citizens remained patient with reforms aimed at improving the socioeconomic status of the country.
The elder statesman noted that at 66th independence, the country was still struggling on keeping its peace and co-existence as a country; adding that the founding leaders of Nigeria envisaged a closely united, bonded and peaceful country.
He called for return to policies that promote local production, indigenous industries and entrepreneurship, arguing that excessive dependence on imports had continued to weaken the country’s productive capacity.
According to him, we are yet to achieve economic independence even as we needed to do more on non oil revenue earns as the greater part of the world is moving towards greener and clean energy.
“Greater emphasis should be on skills acquisition, creativity and entrepreneurship education system, as academic qualifications without practical skills could leave graduates dependent on scarce white collar jobs.
“We ought to be economically productive nation capable of producing and exporting goods while developing its human capital,” he said.
Ngwu noted that current insecurity and social instability could be partly attributed to poverty and ignorance, while calling for greater honesty and trust between leaders and citizens.
“Corruption, tribalism and selfishness must be addressed if Nigeria is to achieve peace and lasting progress,” he added.
He also called for the scrapping of state electoral commissions as they have not helped in deepening democracy at that level. The National Election body should take over that responsibility.
As Nigeria marks its 66th Independence Day, Macmaduson Concepts Limited, a leading provider of HVACR,industrial parts, sensors, electrical and plumbing materials, has extended warm Independence Day greetings to its customers, clients and business partners across the country.
In a goodwill message to mark the occasion, the company expressed appreciation to its valued customers for their continuous support, trust and partnership over the years.
Macmaduson Concepts Limited, which specialises in HVACR,Industrial Materials, sensors, air-conditioners, refrigerators, cold rooms, chillers, refrigerants, electrical materials and plumbing materials, said the occasion provides an opportunity to celebrate Nigeria and reflect on the nation’s journey.
The company wished Nigeria continued growth, unity, peace and prosperity, while expressing hope for a brighter future for all Nigerians.
The message from the company reads in part:
At Macmaduson Concepts Limited, we celebrate our great nation, Nigeria, and appreciate our valued clients for their continuous support, trust and partnership. May Nigeria continue to grow in unity, peace and prosperity.”
The company concluded its Independence Day message with the theme: “One Nation, One People, A Brighter Tomorrow.”
Happy Independence Day, Nigeria!
Happy 66th Independence Anniversary from Macmaduson Concepts Limited.
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