The Nigerian Senate has commenced an investigation into allegations made by Niger’s military leader General Tchiani. He claims the Nigerian government collaborates with France to destabilize Niger’s security, including support for a terrorist group. The Senate, tasked with verifying these claims, aims to preserve Nigeria’s international standing amid these serious accusations which arise during an already tumultuous diplomatic period.
The Nigerian Senate has initiated an investigation into serious allegations made by General Abdourahmane Tchiani, the military leader of Niger Republic. Tchiani has accused the Nigerian government of collaborating with French authorities to undermine Niger’s internal security. In response, the Senate has tasked its Joint Committees on National Security and Intelligence, as well as Foreign Affairs, to investigate the claims and visit Sokoto, Zamfara, and Kebbi States to look into the proposed militia bases.
The motion that prompted this inquiry was sponsored by Senator Shehu Buba, Chairman of the Senate Committee on National Security and Intelligence. Senator Buba noted that Tchiani’s accusations incorrectly implicate high-ranking Nigerian officials, including National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu and former Director-General of the National Intelligence Agency Ahmed Rufai. He emphasized that these suspicions require thorough examination to maintain Nigeria’s integrity.
General Tchiani alleged that the Nigerian government has been providing support to a terrorist group known as Lakurawa, which operates in North-West Nigeria and purportedly helps them to establish bases in the aforementioned states. He also claimed that foreign military installations in Nigeria are being utilized to attack Niger’s oil pipelines, contributing to regional security instability.
The Senate expressed its deep concern regarding these unverified claims, underscoring the potential damage to Nigeria’s international relations. Senator Buba highlighted the already strained diplomatic ties following a coup in Niger in July 2023, adding that these new allegations emerge amid ongoing efforts to stabilize the region. He remarked, “As the head of ECOWAS, Nigeria insisted on the restoration of constitutional democracy.”
Furthermore, the Nigerian Senate, operating under the authority prescribed by the Constitution, is responsible for reviewing international treaties and asserting that any efforts undermining Nigeria’s sovereignty must be denounced, particularly when such allegations lack substantial evidence. In response to the serious nature of the situation, Deputy Senate President Senator Barau Jibrin directed the joint committees to conduct a thorough investigation and report their findings within four weeks.
The investigation stemmed from allegations by General Abdourahmane Tchiani, associated with the military-led government of Niger. His accusations assert that the Nigerian government is engaging in covert activities aimed at destabilizing Niger’s security landscape by allegedly supporting terrorist factions. These claims come at a sensitive time due to fragile diplomatic relations between Nigeria and Niger following a recent coup in Niger.
In summary, the Nigerian Senate’s inquiry into General Tchiani’s grave allegations against the Nigerian government reflects growing tensions and diplomatic challenges between Nigeria and Niger. This investigation aims to address the serious implications of purported terrorist support and allegations of foreign intervention that threaten regional security and Nigeria’s sovereignty.
Original Source: newscentral.africa
