Former Aviation Minister Femi Fani-Kayode has stated that Nigeria does not need to collaborate with France or the Lakurawa terrorist organization to destabilize Niger Republic.
In his comments, Fani-Kayode emphasized that Nigeria is not part of the Western powers that sponsor terrorist organizations wreaking havoc in the West African sub-region.
This statement comes in response to claims made by Niger Republic’s President Tchiani, who alleged that President Bola Tinubu was conspiring with France to destabilize his country.
During an interview with Radio-Télévision du Niger, Tchiani claimed that the Lakurawa terrorist group, allegedly assisted by foreign security forces including Nigeria, was responsible for the attack on the Niger-Benin oil pipeline on December 13, 2024, in the Gaya area of the Dosso Region.
Fani-Kayode reacted on social media, asserting, “If Nigeria wanted to destabilize Niger Republic, I do not believe that we would need France or any terrorist organization to do so.”
He reiterated his long-held view that Western powers are behind the terrorist groups that have plagued the West African region for the past 15 years and that Nigeria, being one of the primary victims, has not engaged in such actions.
Fani-Kayode cautioned Tchiani, stating, “The Nigerien Military Head of State should be careful not to provoke our wrath with his absurd assertions, particularly considering that the combined defense budget of his country, Mali, and Burkina Faso is not up to 25% of Nigeria’s.”
He dismissed Tchiani’s allegations as “infantile, puerile, mendacious, and asinine,” labeling them a sordid attempt to sow discord within Nigeria and undermine the Tinubu administration.
Fani-Kayode further noted, “This is highly provocative, and the Federal Government should consider taking more extreme measures if this reckless provocation continues. We are under no obligation to show restraint when we are being undermined and maligned.”
Nigeria doesn’t need Lakurawa, France to destabilize Niger – Fani-Kayode replies President Tchiani
