Daniel Bwala, the Special Adviser on Policy Communication to President Bola Tinubu, has strongly criticized allegations made by Abdourahamane Tchiani, the military leader of Niger Republic.
Tchiani accused Nigeria of collaborating with France to undermine his country, describing these claims as “cheap propaganda.”
In a recent interview, Tchiani alleged that France was negotiating with terrorists in Nigeria to destabilize Niger and claimed that France had paid President Tinubu to establish a military base in Nigeria.
However, Nigeria’s Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, quickly dismissed these accusations as “baseless and unfounded.”
In a video posted on his X (formerly Twitter) page, Bwala condemned Tchiani’s remarks, characterizing them as an attempt to sow discord in northern Nigeria.
He argued that the Nigerien leader was resorting to falsehoods to distract from his leadership challenges.
“I saw a video filled with despicable propaganda from the military leader of Niger Republic targeting our president,” Bwala said. “It’s typical of military regimes facing internal turmoil.
“His honeymoon period is over, and in desperation, he’s spreading lies to divert attention from his failure to address his country’s economic struggles.”
Bwala emphasized Nigeria’s longstanding leadership in West Africa and its commitment to fostering strong relationships with neighbouring nations.
He also dismissed Tchiani’s claims as a divisive strategy aimed at inciting northern Nigerians against the president.
“Nigeria has never ceded land for foreign military bases, nor would we ever need to,” Bwala asserted.
“This propaganda is nothing more than an attempt to create chaos and bad blood in northern Nigeria.”
The presidential aide urged Nigerians to disregard Tchiani’s allegations, describing them as false and an act of desperation.
“These lies are a clear reflection of his lack of a plan for his people. Nigerians should see them for what they are—unfounded blackmail,” he concluded.