“Tchiani’s Lies Are Desperate Propaganda to Incite Northerners Against Tinubu” – Daniel Bwala

Daniel Bwala, special adviser on policy communication to President Bola Tinubu, has dismissed claims by Abdourahamane Tchiani, the military leader of Niger Republic, as “despicable propaganda” aimed at inciting northern Nigerians against the president.

Tchiani alleged in a recent interview that Nigeria is colluding with France to destabilize Niger, accusing France of negotiating with terrorists in Nigeria and claiming that a substantial payment was made to Tinubu to establish a military base in the country. These allegations have been widely refuted, with Nigeria’s Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, labeling them “baseless.”

Reacting in a video shared on his X page, Bwala criticized Tchiani’s statements as an attempt to sow division and deflect from the challenges facing Niger. According to Bwala, the Nigerien leader’s remarks reflect desperation as he struggles to address his country’s economic difficulties.

“The honeymoon is over; he has not been able to address economic situations in his country. Everything is turning against him, and in a desperate gasp for breath, he decided to resort to cheap false lies and propaganda against Nigeria,” Bwala stated.

He emphasized Nigeria’s longstanding leadership in West Africa and its commitment to fostering positive bilateral relations with neighboring nations. Rejecting Tchiani’s use of regional languages to target northern Nigerians, Bwala urged citizens to see through the divisive rhetoric.

“Nigeria has never given its land as a military base to any country,” he clarified. “We are a nation capable of protecting our own citizens and have always supported our neighbors in times of need. These falsehoods are designed to create chaos and bad blood against the president.”

Bwala suggested that Tchiani’s propaganda could have local political collaborators but reaffirmed that Nigerians should reject such tactics. He described the Nigerien leader’s claims as a sign of failure, accusing him of resorting to blackmail instead of addressing his people’s needs.

“His lies and propaganda are as false as they are desperate. It is becoming clear that he probably doesn’t have a plan for his people and is grasping at straws. Nigerians should dismiss his statements outright,” Bwala concluded.