Politicians Exploit Niger’s Crisis to Undermine Nigeria’s Stability, Says AYF
The Arewa Youth Federation alleges that certain Nigerian politicians leverage the political crisis in Niger to destabilize President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s government. They utilize disinformation to exploit ethnic tensions in Northern Nigeria as tensions rise following the Niger coup. AYF condemns these tactics and calls for vigilance against such divisive strategies.
The Arewa Youth Federation (AYF) has expressed concerns regarding certain Nigerian politicians who are allegedly capitalizing on the ongoing political crisis in Niger Republic to undermine President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration. AYF President Adamu Kabir Matazu emphasized that these politicians utilize disinformation and fuel ethnic tensions to instigate divisions within Northern Nigeria. Following the military takeover in Niger in July 2023, the relationship between Nigeria and Niger has significantly deteriorated, with accusations from Nigerien junta leader, General Abdourahamane Tchiani, intensifying tensions. Tchiani’s claims, that Nigeria is hosting French military bases with the intention of destabilizing Niger, were dismissed by AYF as unfounded. They assert that such allegations serve only to garner support for Tchiani’s troubled regime.
Matazu articulated, “Tchiani is not alone in this shenanigans, because some politicians who lost out during the 2023 Nigeria’s general election are hellbent on trying to frustrate President Tinubu’s efforts to deliver dividends of democracy to Nigerians.” According to AYF, evidence suggests that these politicians exploit the crisis in Niger and the resulting diplomatic fallout to create disharmony aimed at discrediting the current administration, particularly in Northern Nigeria. This manipulation includes hybrid warfare practices, utilizing disinformation and misinformation to create rifts between northern voters and the government. AYF asserts that these politicians are clandestinely supporting Tchiani’s regime and promoting his unfounded accusations against Nigeria in alignment with foreign interests that seek to destabilize ECOWAS and the Sahel region.
The group noted that the emphasis on Hausa during Tchiani’s interview indicates a strategy intended to incite ethnic sentiment against the Tinubu administration. They highlighted that this approach mirrors previous tactics employed by political elites during turbulent times, such as the post-election violence of 2011. Nevertheless, the AYF believes there are factions committed to undermining President Tinubu’s governance, viewing the alliance with Tchiani as part of a broader agenda. They urged citizens to remain alert and reject strategies aimed at disunity and disruption.
Matazu remarked, “Nigeria has never been a subversive hegemon but has historically sacrificed its resources and Armed Forces to restore stability across the sub-region.” The AYF encourages the populace to discern the truth and back initiatives promoting peace and unity within the nation.
The ongoing political crisis in Niger Republic has led to significant tension between Niger and Nigeria, particularly following the military takeover in July 2023. This situation has provided a fertile ground for various political factions in Nigeria to manipulate public sentiment through disinformation and ethnic divisions. General Abdourahamane Tchiani’s accusations against Nigeria, alleging foreign military interference, further strain diplomatic relations and have been amplified by some Nigerian politicians seeking to destabilize the current government.
In summary, the Arewa Youth Federation emphasizes the urgent need for Nigerian citizens to remain vigilant against divisive tactics employed by unscrupulous politicians seeking to weaken President Tinubu’s administration. These actions are seen as detrimental not only to national stability but also to the integrity of regional cooperation within ECOWAS and the Sahel region. The AYF calls for unity and truthfulness to protect Nigeria’s longstanding commitment to stability and peace in West Africa.
Original Source: dailytrust.com
