A coalition of Northern elders and youth groups has strongly rejected the recent allegations made by General Abdourahamane Tchiani, the military head of Niger Republic, accusing Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu of colluding with France to destabilize Niger.
Describing Tchiani’s statements as baseless, irresponsible, and unbecoming of a head of state, the groups called on him to issue an immediate apology to Nigeria.
The condemnation was contained in a communiqué jointly signed by Hon Yusuf Abubakar, Convener; Alhaji Yasir Ramadan Kano of the Youths Group; and Engr. Mustafa Aliyu Dutsin-Ma of the Northern Elders Progressive Group. The document was presented to journalists at the conclusion of the 8th meeting of the Arewa Youths Coalition for Peace and Political Development and the Northern Elders Progressive Group held in Kaduna.
The groups expressed concern over Tchiani’s accusations, stating that they could inflame tensions between the two historically friendly nations.
“Our stance on this saga is total support and endorsement of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, especially with his giant strides of positive development, ensuring political unity, security, and restoration of peace in our troubled zone, i.e., the North,” the communiqué read.
The groups added, “We call on the President of Niger Republic to tender an immediate apology to Nigeria and stop creating the tension of disunity between the two brotherly nations that have a common historical understanding, unity, and regard for each other. We caution some groups hiding under ulterior motives to refrain from fanning embers of hatred, considering its consequences for our collective survival as a people and nation.”
The communiqué commended Nigeria’s National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, for his efforts in tackling insecurity through both kinetic and non-kinetic approaches.
“These efforts have led to improved stability and security in previously deserted areas. However, we urge Mallam Ribadu to use his good office to bring an end to the nefarious reign of terror by bandit kingpin Bello Turji in Sokoto, Zamfara, and Katsina states,” it stated.
At the meeting, the coalition deliberated on issues of national interest and released a seven-point agenda aimed at addressing insecurity and fostering development in the North.
1. Support for Federal Government Initiatives: The groups lauded President Tinubu’s administration for mobilizing military and security forces under ‘Fansan Yamma’ to combat insecurity in the North West.
2. Call for Unity Among Northern Leaders: They urged northern political leaders and elites to unite and prioritize the region’s development to overcome challenges that have hindered progress.
3. Condemnation of Divisive Politics and Misguided Clerics: The communiqué expressed disappointment with clerics who spread misinformation and incite tensions through unguarded statements. “Clerics should focus on truth and allow professionals to handle issues they know little about,” the groups said.
4. Appeal for Responsible Leadership: Northern leaders were urged to set aside political, religious, and ethnic differences to address shared challenges and promote unity.
The communiqué also highlighted the damaging role of some clerics who, it claimed, spread false information for political motives.
“It is painful that some clerics have abandoned the moral character of teaching and wisdom of preaching the truth. They are becoming tools of propaganda and mischief, using vulgar language in sermons and spreading misinformation without verifying facts,” the groups said.
The coalition appealed to clerics to refrain from creating unnecessary tension, emphasizing the importance of verified information to maintain peace and stability.
The communiqué concluded with a renewed call for patriotism, unity, and collective responsibility to address the region’s challenges.
“Unity, peace, and development of our dear North must be non-negotiable and sacrosanct to ensure cohesion and political understanding among all Nigerians,” it stated.
The groups reiterated their unwavering support for President Tinubu and urged all stakeholders to work towards fostering harmony and progress across the nation.
