A group, styling itself as the League of Northern Democrats (LND) has asked the federal government to defend allegations that its top functionaries, including President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, are working with France to use Boko Haram to destabilise Nigeria’s northern neighbour, Niger Republic.
Similar allegations, including one that France was warming up to Tinubu to put a military base in a northern Nigerian state to destabilise Niger, which recently freed itself from the stranglehold of the French colonial power after a military junta took over power.
Boko Haram, a terrorist group has been fingered in various plots to destabilise various administrations. It was accused of been an instrument in the hands of nothern leaders and opposition elements to disrupt the Dr. Goodluck Jonathan administration after the brazen abduction of over 200 secondary students in 2014. 82 of the girls from a school in Chibok, Borno State are yet to be found.
Curiously, the name of France has always featured in numerous unverified plots to destabilise Nigeria.
The fresh allegations against the government first came to light through the a viral video clip in Hausa language by the President of Niger Republic. He accused France of complicity in funding and equipping Boko Haram and implicated prominent Nigerian officials, including President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, former National Intelligence Agency (NIA) Director-General, Ahmed Rufa’i, and the National Security Adviser (NSA) Nuhu Ribadu.
In a Thursday statement by Dr. Ladan Salihu, the LND added: “Notwithstanding the poor diplomatic relations between Niger on the one hand and France and Nigeria on the other, these allegations, made by a sitting president with access to sensitive intelligence and specific information, are too significant to be ignored as mere international politics. Considering the severe impact of Boko Haram’s insurgency on Northern Nigeria, these claims demand a transparent and immediate response from the Nigerian government to uphold national security and restore public trust. More so, with the current unusually close and intense personal and governmental relationship between President Tinubu and France, including signing of bilateral agreements, there are reasons to believe these accusations.
“We therefore respectfully call on the federal government, and Ahmed Rufa’i and Nuhu Ribadu, as esteemed northerners and public servants, to provide the nation – especially the North that is bearing the brunt of the insurgency – with concrete, cogent and verifiable evidence refuting or clarifying these allegations. Their silence risks further eroding the confidence of the people, most especially northerners. The government must clearly articulate its position, ensuring that no Nigerian official is unfairly implicated in activities undermining our nation’s sovereignty and stability.
“In addition, the LND urges the National Assembly to as a matter of national concern immediately constitute an investigative committee to probe these claims thoroughly. This matter transcends diplomatic relations; it touches the core of our national security and collective future. A transparent investigation will not only address the concerns of our citizens but also demonstrate Nigeria’s commitment to honest leadership, peace and the preservation of its security, sovereignty and integrity in the international arena.
