By John Audu
Daniel Bwala, Special Adviser on Policy Communication to President Bola Tinubu, has condemned recent allegations made by Abdourahamane Tchiani, the military leader of Niger Republic, labeling them as “despicable propaganda.” Tchiani claimed in a Wednesday interview that Nigeria is conspiring with France to destabilize Niger.
Speaking in Hausa, Tchiani alleged that France has made a “substantial payment” to President Tinubu to establish a military base in Nigeria and accused the country of negotiating with terrorists to create unrest in Niger.
In response, Mohammed Idris, Nigeria’s Minister of Information and National Orientation, dismissed Tchiani’s allegations as “baseless.”
Bwala reacted to the claims in a video posted on his X page, stating that they are “baseless propaganda” intended to incite discord in northern Nigeria against President Tinubu. “Yesterday, I came across a video—a despicable propaganda piece by the military head of state of the Niger Republic against the president of Nigeria. This is typical of military regimes,” he said.
He further remarked, “The honeymoon is over for Tchiani; he has failed to address the economic challenges in his country. In a desperate attempt to divert attention, he resorts to falsehoods and propaganda against Nigeria.”
Emphasizing Nigeria’s historical role in West Africa, Bwala highlighted the nation’s commitment to fostering strong bilateral relations with its neighbors. “Nigeria has consistently maintained its leadership in the West African sub-region and has been a tremendous source of support to our neighboring countries,” he stated.
Bwala criticized Tchiani’s choice to use a local language to incite northern sentiments against the president, suggesting that it may be part of a broader political agenda. “It is likely that he is colluding with certain politicians in Nigeria to create chaos and sow division,” he said.
He urged Nigerians to disregard Tchiani’s claims, describing them as “false and divisive.” “His allegations are easily debunked. Nigeria has never offered its land as a military base to any foreign power. We have the capacity to protect our citizens and manage our own affairs,” he asserted.
Bwala concluded by suggesting that Tchiani’s lack of a concrete plan for his people has led him to resort to “cheap blackmail,” urging the public not to take his statements seriously.
