Northern Elders and Youths Reject Tchiani’s Allegations, Demand Apology for Attacks on Tinubu
A group of Northern elders and youth organizations has strongly rejected the recent allegations made by General Abdourahamane Tchiani, the Military Head of Niger Republic, accusing Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu of collaborating with France to destabilize his country. In a joint statement, the Northern leaders condemned Tchiani’s remarks as baseless, irresponsible, and unpresidential, demanding an immediate apology from the Nigerien leader.
The communique, which was jointly signed by Hon. Yusuf Abubakar (Converner), Alhaji Yasir Ramadan Kano (Youth Group), and Engr. Mustafa Aliyu Dutsin-Ma (Northern Elders Progressive Group), was read to journalists at the end 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 firm support for President Tinubu, particularly in light of his ongoing efforts to ensure political unity, security, and peace, especially in Nigeria’s northern region. They cautioned Tchiani against making inflammatory statements that could worsen tensions between the two neighboring nations, which share a long history of unity and cooperation.
“Let us be clear: we fully endorse President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his significant strides in developing Nigeria, promoting peace, and securing the northern zone,” the communique stated. “We urge the President of Niger to immediately apologize to Nigeria and cease creating unnecessary divisions between our two brotherly nations.”
The leaders also took the opportunity to commend Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, the National Security Adviser to President Tinubu, for his tireless work in improving national security, particularly in the north, where insecurity has been a persistent challenge. They specifically called for further action to end the reign of terror by bandit kingpin Bello Turji in the states of Sokoto, Zamfara, and Katsina.
The communique outlined a seven-point agenda focused on regional stability, urging northern political leaders to unite and work toward solutions that address the ongoing challenges of insecurity, economic decline, and political fragmentation in the region. The leaders emphasized that unity and peace in the north are non-negotiable, stressing the need for collective action to promote development and prosperity for future generations.
The statement also addressed concerns about some religious leaders, urging them to avoid making provocative statements that could heighten tensions and undermine the unity of the nation. The leaders expressed concern over clerics who, in their view, had become tools of propaganda, spreading misinformation without verifying the truth. They called for religious figures to focus on fostering unity and stability, rather than becoming embroiled in political controversies.
In closing, the communique appealed to all Nigerians, especially political leaders, to set aside ethnic, religious, and political differences for the collective good, urging a united front to tackle the nation’s challenges and ensure a prosperous future. “The time to unite for the sake of peace, progress, and national development is now,” the leaders concluded.
