Political Crisis in Niger: A Tool for Discord in Northern Nigeria

The Arewa Youth Federation warns that some Nigerian politicians are exploiting the political crisis in Niger to undermine President Tinubu. They accuse these politicians of using disinformation to incite divisions in Northern Nigeria, particularly in light of recent tensions between Niger and Nigeria following the coup. AYF urges citizens to remain vigilant against these divisive strategies.

The Arewa Youth Federation (AYF) has expressed concern that certain Nigerian politicians are exploiting the ongoing political crisis in Niger Republic to weaken President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration. AYF President, Adamu Kabir Matazu, stated that these politicians are using misinformation and ethnic divisions to cause unrest in Northern Nigeria. Following the coup in Niger in July 2023, bilateral relations have experienced significant strain, exacerbated by allegations from the Nigerien junta leader, General Abdourahamane Tchiani, claiming Nigeria harbors French military bases aimed at destabilization.

The AYF dismissed Tchiani’s accusations as unfounded, asserting they serve only to manipulate public opinion and garner support for his struggling regime. Matazu emphasized that the absence of evidence supporting these claims, along with Nigeria’s consistent opposition to foreign military presence, indicates the allegations lack truth. He noted, “Tchiani is not alone in this shenanigans, because some politicians who lost out during the 2023 Nigeria’s general election are hellbent on trying to frustrate President Tinubu’s efforts to deliver dividends of democracy to Nigerians.”

The group accused these politicians of capitalizing on Niger’s political upheaval and the resulting diplomatic tensions with ECOWAS to promote division and undermine the current administration’s credibility. AYF pointed out that the promotion of Tchiani’s claims is part of a strategy to perpetuate discord, specifically targeting Northern Nigeria’s electorate to disrupt unity with the federal government.

Moreover, the federation highlighted that the language of Tchiani’s statements, conducted in Hausa, reveals an intention to incite ethnic discord against the Tinubu-led government. The AYF asserted this tactic is familiar, recalling instances during previous conflicts, such as the 2011 post-election violence. The federation stressed that certain elites are determined to destabilize President Tinubu’s governance and that their allegiance to Tchiani indicates a broader scheme against the administration.

In conclusion, the AYF urged Nigerians to remain vigilant against such disruptive methods aimed at destabilizing the nation. Matazu proclaimed, “Nigeria has never been a subversive hegemon but has historically sacrificed its resources and Armed Forces to restore stability across the sub-region.” The federation called for national unity, urging citizens to discern the truth and actively support initiatives that foster peace and progress within Nigeria.

The political situation in Niger Republic has deteriorated significantly since the coup in July 2023, creating tensions between Niger and Nigeria. The leadership of General Abdourahamane Tchiani has sparked accusations against Nigeria, alleging its support for foreign military bases with the intent of destabilizing Niger. These claims are seen as exacerbating existing political strife, particularly as Nigeria navigates its internal challenges under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. The Arewa Youth Federation, representing Northern Nigerian interests, has voiced concerns over the manipulation of these circumstances by some politicians for their gain, aiming to undermine Tinubu’s governance.

The Arewa Youth Federation has emphasized that certain politicians are leveraging the political unrest in Niger to weaken President Tinubu’s administration. They have condemned the use of misinformation and ethnic division as tools for sowing discord in Northern Nigeria. The Federation calls for unity and vigilance among Nigerians against tactics that threaten the stability and integrity of the nation.

Original Source: dailytrust.com