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Niger Republic’s Military Leader’s Allegations Against Nigeria Are Baseless – FG

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Senator Bola Ahamd Tinubu

 

The Federal Government of Nigeria has strongly rejected allegations made in a viral video by the military leader of Niger Republic, General Abdourahamane Tchiani, claiming non-existent collusion between Nigeria and France to destabilize his country.

In a press release issued on Thursday, December 26, 2024, the Nigerian government described these claims as baseless and existing solely in the realm of imagination. The statement emphasized that Nigeria has never engaged in any overt or covert alliance with France—or any other country—to sponsor terrorist attacks or destabilize Niger Republic in the wake of the undemocratic change in the leadership of that country.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu (GCFR), as Chairman of ECOWAS, has demonstrated exemplary leadership by keeping the doors of the sub-regional body open to re-engaging Niger Republic despite the political situation in the country. Nigeria remains committed to fostering peace, harmony, and historic diplomatic ties with Niger.

The Nigerian Armed Forces, in collaboration with partners in the Multinational Joint Task Force, are succeeding in curbing terrorism within the region. It is, therefore, absurd to suggest that Nigeria would conspire with any foreign power to undermine the peace and security of a neighboring country.

The press release further stated that neither the Nigerian government nor any of its officials has ever been involved in arming or supporting any terror group to attack Niger Republic. Additionally, no part of Nigeria has been ceded to any foreign power for subversive operations in Niger Republic. The government reiterated its full support for senior Nigerian officials’ untiring commitment to fostering peace and security between Nigeria and Niger and their efforts towards stronger cooperation in the ECOWAS region.

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Nigeria has a long-standing tradition of safeguarding its sovereignty and territorial integrity. Unlike some nations, Nigeria has never permitted foreign powers to establish military bases on its soil, demonstrating its commitment to national independence and regional leadership.

The accusation that Nigeria seeks to sabotage Niger’s pipelines and agriculture was also dismissed as unfounded and counterproductive. Nigeria has consistently supported Niger’s economic development through joint energy and infrastructure projects, such as the Trans-Saharan Gas Pipeline and the Kano-Maradi Railway Project. It is illogical to suggest that Nigeria would undermine initiatives it has actively promoted.

The claims about the alleged establishment of a so-called Lakurawa terrorist headquarters in Sokoto State, purportedly orchestrated by Nigeria in collaboration with France, were also refuted. Nigeria has been a regional leader in combating terrorism, dedicating significant resources and lives to ensure stability in the Lake Chad Basin and beyond.

Recently, the Nigerian military launched Operation Forest Sanity III, specifically addressing the Lakurawa threat, code-named Operation Chase Lakurawa Out. The government questioned how it could be accused of harboring the same group it is actively fighting against. These accusations lack credible evidence and seem to be part of a broader attempt to deflect attention from Niger’s internal challenges.

The public was urged to disregard these false allegations. Those making such claims, particularly the military leader in Niger Republic, must provide credible evidence to substantiate them. Any attempt to blackmail Nigeria over ECOWAS’s principled stance against the unconstitutional seizure of power in Niger Republic is both disingenuous and doomed to fail.

In conclusion, the press release stated that President Tchiani’s allegations are not only unfounded but also a dangerous attempt to divert attention from his administration’s shortcomings. Nigeria remains committed to fostering regional stability and will continue to lead efforts to address terrorism and other transnational challenges. The government urged Niger to focus on constructive dialogue and collaboration rather than peddling baseless accusations.

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Senate Approves Manual transmission of Results as Backup to Electronic

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By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa

The Senate has, on February 10, 2026, amended votes and proceedings of its plenary sitting last week Wednesday 4th February, with regards to its resolutions on the provisions of section 60 sub 3 in the electoral act amendment bill.

The motion moved today by the Senate Chief Whip Mohammed Tahir Monguno and endorsed by the Senate is with regards to transmission of election results from polling units.

Following the motion, senate adopts electronic means for the transmission of election results, but should there be a communication glitch that leads to failure of delivery by the electronic means, the form EC8, which contains the results at polling unit, duely entered on the form, stamped and signed by the election officer and counter signed by the various agents shall be the primary source of collation.

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After the vote on the motion, Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe moved a counter motion calling for a division, that is individual voting on the section 60 sub 3.

He however withdrew the motion, and Akpabio, after a brief pause and back and forth, eventually upheld Abaribe’s position and allowed the withdrawal to stand.

Meanwhile, the Senate has appointed 12 members to work with the House of Representatives on the Electoral Amendment Act.

The President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, announced the members of the committee on during the emergency plenary session.

Among the members are Senator Orji Uzor Kalu and Senator Tahir Mungono.

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Alhaji Alkasim Musa Rewards Kano Pillars Players with ₦1.2m After Remo Stars Victory

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It was a moment of joy and motivation for Sai Masu Gida on Sunday as Kano Pillars FC returned to winning ways with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Remo Stars and were handsomely rewarded for their dominant display.

Businessman and staunch supporter of the club, Alhaji Alkasim Musa, gifted the Kano Pillars players the sum of ₦1 million in appreciation of their impressive performance and fighting spirit against the visitors.

Mid-season signing Luis Dadong proved to be the difference on the day, netting the decisive goal in the 57th minute to secure all three points for the Pride of Kano at the Sani Abacha Stadium.

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At the end of the encounter, midfielder Olakunle Alaka was named Man of the Match, an award presented by the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), Kano State Chapter. In recognition of his outstanding display, Alhaji Alkasim Musa further rewarded Alaka with an additional ₦200,000.

The generous gesture by Alhaji Alkasim Musa was warmly received by the players and officials, serving as a major morale boost as the team continues its push for a strong finish in the Nigeria Premier Football League.

Next up, Sai Masu Gida will be on the road as they travel to Ilorin, Kwara State, to face Kwara United in NPFL Matchday 26, aiming to build on the momentum and secure valuable points away from home.

 

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Tensions as Amaechi Joins OccupyNASS Protest On Second Day

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By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa

The #OccupyNASS protest demanding urgent amendments to Nigeria’s Electoral Act entered its second day on Tuesday, marked by a significant police blockade and the participation of high-profile political figures.

Protesters, who are advocating for provisions mandating real-time electronic transmission of election results ahead of the 2027 general elections, were prevented from entering the National Assembly complex by a heavy security cordon. The standoff amplified criticisms of the police’s handling of peaceful assembly.

A substantial deployment of security personnel barricaded the entrance to the legislative complex, preventing demonstrators from submitting their demands directly. The move drew sharp condemnation from activists at the scene.

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Prominent rights activist Aisha Yesufu directly challenged the police, stating, “Nigerian police, una no dey shame?” She accused them of targeting peaceful citizens while security challenges persist nationwide. “They send you to fight innocent citizens who want their voices heard, when there are terrorists to kill… When we pray against enemies of this country, we would have to include police that have made themselves a tool of oppression,” Yesufu declared.

Frustrated by the blockade, protesters chanted, “How many people police go kill o, how many people police go kill,” voicing concerns over what they described as excessive force and intimidation.

Former Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, a recent defector from the All Progressives Congress (APC) to the African Democratic Congress (ADC), addressed the crowd. He linked his support for the protest to broader issues of governance and corruption.

“Is life easier now than when I was in the APC? Life is worse now,” Amaechi claimed, comparing the current administration to that of former President Muhammadu Buhari. He alleged severe corruption, citing an unspecified “16 billion dollar road project awarded without due process,” and firmly stated, “I left APC already and they will not win.”

The protest’s momentum has been building since Monday when former Labour Party presidential candidate and ADC chieftain, Peter Obi, joined the demonstrations. Obi endorsed the calls for electoral reforms, specifically urging lawmakers to enshrine real-time electronic transmission of results into law.

The ongoing #OccupyNASS action underscores increasing public pressure on the National Assembly to prioritize electoral transparency and accountability through comprehensive legislative amendments.

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