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Benin Republic summons Niger diplomat over terrorism allegations
The Benin Republic has summoned a Nigerien diplomat following allegations by Niger’s junta leader, Abdourahamane Tchiani, accusing the country of backing terrorist activities in West Africa.
The move marks a formal protest against the claims, which Benin has described as baseless and inflammatory.
In a statement issued by Benin’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs via its X on Tuesday, Foreign Minister Olushegun Bakari confirmed that the Nigerien chargé d’affaires was summoned to provide clarification on the allegations.
“Due to the unfounded accusations made against our country, the chargee d’affaires of Niger has been summoned,” the Beninese foreign ministry said on X, as reported by AFP.
The ministry also sent a letter of protest, rejecting the accusations and emphasising Benin’s commitment to peace and collaboration with its neighbors.
The diplomatic tension stems from a Christmas Day address by Tchiani, in which he accused Benin of serving as a rear base for terrorists seeking to destabilize Niger.
The accusations come amid ongoing regional challenges following the military coup in Niger that ousted President Mohamed Bazoum in July 2023.
Relations between Niger and Benin have been strained in recent years, with disputes over oil exports, border closures, and trade.
Despite these challenges, both countries had recently shown signs of reconciliation, including the appointment of new ambassadors.
Benin’s foreign ministry reiterated its dedication to dialogue and fraternal cooperation, warning that baseless accusations could undermine regional stability.
“Benin remains committed to dialogue and to fraternal collaboration between the two nations,” the ministry stated.
The allegations have also drawn reactions from other implicated countries, including Nigeria, which was accused of hosting a French military base intended to destabilize Niger.
The National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, dismissed the claim as unfounded, asserting that Nigeria would never allow a foreign military base on its soil.
Meanwhile, the Federal Government has said it is open to dialogue with Niger.
A fire outbreak in Sokoto metropolis has caused the death of four persons, a daughter to Secretary to the State Government of Sokoto, Muhammad Bello Sifawa, and her three children.
The deceased mother was also the wife of the Permanent Secretary of the Sokoto State Ministry of Sports and Youths Development, Muhammadu Yusuf Bello.
Only the husband survived the fire which affected the entire 6-bedroom flat while family was sleeping.
Personnel of the state fire service were unable to put out the fire as it had already consumed the house before their arrival.
The remains of the 4 deceased members of the family are slated for burial at Sheikh Shehu Usmanu Danfodiyo Mosque, Sifawa, the family home of the Sokoto State SSG.
The state deputy governor, Idris Mohammed Gobir, members of the state executive council, APC stalwarts, friends and well-wishers have been trooping to Sifawa for burial rites and condolence.
By Kayode Sanni-Arewa
Aba Power, an electricity distribution company in Nigeria, has announced a significant increase in electricity tariffs for its customers in Abia State, with rates rising by over 50%. The adjustment, which took effect on January 1, 2025, has been approved by the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC).
Gists9ja reports that the revised tariff structure was shared with customers through a notice posted on the company’s official X account. Under the new rates, customers in Band A feeders will now be charged between ₦219.70 and ₦241.45 per kilowatt-hour, a substantial increase from the previous rate of ₦99/kWh.
Customers in Band B will face rates ranging from ₦180.77 to ₦203/kWh, while those in Band C will pay between ₦145 and ₦205/kWh.
Aba DisCo explained that this tariff increase is necessary to address the challenges posed by the prevailing macroeconomic conditions in Nigeria.
In a statement, the company noted, “This adjustment will enable us to cushion the effects of recent macroeconomic developments on our ability to continue delivering high-quality service to our customers, in compliance with regulatory standards.”
The new tariff structure is part of ongoing efforts to maintain the company’s operations and ensure continued service delivery despite economic challenges.
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced his resignation on Monday, saying he will leave office as soon as the ruling Liberal party chooses a new leader.
“I intend to resign as party leader, as prime minister,” Trudeau, who has been in power since 2015, told reporters in Ottawa following a protracted political crisis that saw top Liberal allies urge him to quit.
More to follow…
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