Fani-Kayode Slams Niger’s Allegations, Rejects Claims of Nigeria’s Role in Destabilizing Niger with France
Femi Fani-Kayode, former Aviation Minister, on Sunday, dismissed claims that Nigeria is collaborating with France and the terrorist group Lakurawa to destabilize Niger Republic. Fani-Kayode firmly stated that Nigeria is not part of any Western-led agenda to sponsor terrorism in West Africa.
His comments came in response to an interview by President Abdourahamane Tchiani of Niger, who accused President Bola Tinubu and Nigeria of working with France to cause instability in the region. Tchiani also alleged that the Lakurawa group, with support from foreign forces, including Nigeria’s, was behind the attack on the Niger-Benin oil pipeline on December 13, 2024.
Fani-Kayode, via a post on X, rejected these accusations, asserting: “If Nigeria intended to destabilize Niger, we wouldn’t need France or any terrorist group to do so.” He added that Western powers have historically supported terrorist organizations in West Africa, but Nigeria, as a major victim of these groups, has never been involved in such activities.
He further criticized Tchiani’s allegations against Nigeria, describing them as “absurd” and “mendacious.” Fani-Kayode warned the Nigerien leader to be cautious in making such claims, reminding him that Nigeria’s defense budget is significantly larger than those of Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso combined.
The former minister condemned Tchiani’s attempt to create divisions within Nigeria, calling it a “squalid attempt” to undermine the Tinubu administration. He suggested that the Nigerian government might need to take stronger actions if such provocations continue.
“We are under no obligation to remain restrained when falsely accused,” Fani-Kayode concluded.
