The Federal Government has strongly rejected allegations made in a viral video by the military leader of Niger Republic, General Abdourahamane Tchiani, claiming non-existent collusion between Nigeria and France to destabilise his country.

The Federal Government also said Nigeria remained committed to fostering regional stability and will continue to lead efforts to address terrorism and other transnational challenges.

A statement issued on Thursday by the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, urged Niger to focus on constructive dialogue and collaboration rather than peddling baseless accusations.

The statement partly said: “These claims exist solely in the realm of imagination, as Nigeria has never engaged in any overt or covert alliance with France—or any other country—to sponsor terrorist attacks or destabilise the Niger Republic in the wake of the undemocratic change in the leadership of that country.

“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu (GCFR), as Chairman of ECOWAS, has demonstrated exemplary leadership, keeping the doors of the sub-regional body open to re-engaging Niger Republic despite the political situation in the country. Nigeria remains committed to fostering peace, harmony, and historic diplomatic ties with Niger.

“Nigeria’s Armed Forces, in collaboration with partners in the Multinational Joint Task Force, are succeeding in curbing terrorism within the region. It is, therefore, absurd to suggest that Nigeria would conspire with any foreign power to undermine the peace and security of a neighbouring country.

“Neither the Nigerian government nor any of its officials has ever been involved in arming or supporting any terror group to attack Niger Republic.

“Furthermore, no part of Nigeria has been ceded to any foreign power for subversive operations in Niger Republic. We reiterate our full support to senior Nigerian government officials for their untiring commitment to fostering peace and security between the government and people of Nigeria and Niger and for their efforts towards stronger cooperation in the ECOWAS region.

“Indeed, Nigeria has a long-standing tradition of safeguarding its sovereignty and territorial integrity. Unlike some nations, Nigeria has never permitted foreign powers to establish military bases on its soil.

“This demonstrates our commitment to national independence and regional leadership.”

The minister said the “accusation that Nigeria seeks to sabotage Niger’s pipelines and agriculture is both unfounded and counterproductive. Nigeria has consistently supported Niger’s economic development through joint energy and infrastructure projects, such as the Trans-Saharan Gas Pipeline and the Kano-Maradi Railway Project. It is illogical to suggest that Nigeria would undermine initiatives it has actively promoted.

“The claims about the alleged establishment of a so-called Lakurawa terrorist headquarters in Sokoto State, purportedly orchestrated by Nigeria in collaboration with France, are baseless. Nigeria has been a regional leader in combating terrorism, dedicating significant resources and lives to ensure stability in the Lake Chad Basin and beyond.”

The minister said recently that the Nigerian military launched Operation Forest Sanity III, specifically addressing the Lakurawa threat, code-named Operation Chase Lakurawa Out.

“How can a government actively fighting the Lakurawa menace now be accused of harbouring the same group within its borders? These accusations lack credible evidence and seem to be part of a broader attempt to deflect attention from Niger’s internal challenges,” he added.

Continuing, he said, “The public is urged to disregard these false allegations. Those making such claims, particularly the military leader in Niger Republic, must provide credible evidence to substantiate them. Any attempt to blackmail Nigeria over ECOWAS’s principled stance against the unconstitutional seizure of power in the Niger Republic is both disingenuous and doomed to fail.

“In conclusion, President Tchiani’s allegations are not only unfounded but also a dangerous attempt to divert attention from his administration’s shortcomings.

“Nigeria remains committed to fostering regional stability and will continue to lead efforts to address terrorism and other transnational challenges. We urge Niger to focus on constructive dialogue and collaboration rather than peddling baseless accusations.”

The Supreme Council for Shari’ah in Nigeria (Oyo branch), on Tuesday, announced the indefinite postponement of its plan to inaugurate a Sharia court in Oyo town.

The postponement followed widespread outcry against the planned Sharia Court inauguration earlier scheduled for January 11, 2025.

In a broadcast on Tuesday, Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, acknowledged the planned Sharia court and the attendant controversy.

“About the establishment of Sharia court in Oyo town, people may try, but for us, I swore to uphold our laws and the Constitution of Nigeria.
“If their actions are within the law, fine, if not they should expect that I will insist the law must be followed,” the governor said.

The planned Sharia court inauguration was to take place at the Muslim Community Islamic Centre in Mobolaje Area, Oyo, and was to include prominent figures such as the Basorun of Oyo Land, High Chief Yusuf Akinade Olayinka, and the Aare Musulumi of Oyo Land, Alhaji Chief Tajudeen Abdul-Hammed Kamorise.

However, the announcement sparked intense debates on social media and within the state, with critics arguing that the introduction of a Sharia court could disrupt the state’s religious harmony.

Amid growing tension, the organisers announced the indefinite postponement of the event.
In a statement signed by the Khadimul Muslimeen of Oyo Kingdom, Imam Daud Igi Ogun, the group said, “The inauguration ceremony of the Supreme Council for Shari’ah in Nigeria (Oyo branch) has been suspended until further notice. Islam portrays peace.”

In an interview with The PUNCH, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria from Oyo State, Ahmed Raji, had clarified that the planned structure was not a Sharia court but an arbitration panel for Muslims seeking voluntary dispute resolution.

“The panel is for resolving matters between consenting Muslims and does not have judicial authority or punitive measures. No court can be established without government approval,” Raji explained.

The Oyo State Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria, Apostle Joshua Akinyemiju, dismissed the initiative, describing it as unconstitutional and a threat to the state’s secular nature.

“This should not happen in Oyo State, where Christians and Muslims coexist in nearly every family. There’s no law to support this, and the government is not aware. We won’t allow anything that jeopardizes the peaceful coexistence we enjoy,” Akinyemiju stated.

The state government, through the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Dr. Sulaimon Olanrewaju, emphasised its commitment to upholding the law.

“Oyo State will not permit anything illegal. The focus isn’t about wanting Sharia or not but ensuring that any structure aligns with the legal system we operate,” Olanrewaju said.

President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has granted approval for visa-free entry to Ghana for all African nationals, fulfilling a key promise made earlier this year.

The policy is expected to take effect before the end of the president’s term on January 6th, 2025.

Citi Newsroom (CNR) reports that this places Ghana among the few African nations offering visa-free access to all African passport holders, joining Rwanda, Seychelles, The Gambia, and Benin.

The move is a step toward improving the movement of people, goods, and services across the continent, and it is expected to foster greater economic integration under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

According to Citi New Room (CNR), in his keynote speech at the Africa Prosperity Dialogues (APD) 2024, Akufo-Addo stressed the importance of the new policy in promoting economic growth. He emphasized that the visa-free initiative would significantly contribute to the goals of the AfCFTA by ensuring easier movement across African borders.

This policy aims to reduce barriers for African citizens traveling to Ghana and increase opportunities for trade and collaboration within the continent.

While delivering his address under the theme “Developing Prosperity in Africa: Produce, Add Value, and Trade,” Akufo-Addo acknowledged the challenges many African citizens face when traveling within the continent. “Many of you had to acquire a visa to attend this event,” he said, highlighting the barriers that still exist.

He reaffirmed Ghana’s commitment to visa-free travel for all African nationals, noting that steps had already been taken to implement the policy this year.

The introduction of visa-free travel is seen as an important step toward achieving the goals of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), which aims to create a single continental market for goods and services.

By removing visa requirements, Ghana is fostering deeper economic integration and making it easier for people to move freely across the continent. This aligns with the broader objectives of AfCFTA to stimulate intra-African trade and improve economic cooperation among African nations.

The new visa-free entry policy will be in effect before the end of President Akufo-Addo’s term on January 6th, 2025. The president’s approval of the initiative marks the beginning of its implementation, with the Ghanaian government taking the necessary steps to roll out the policy.

The move is expected to enhance Ghana’s role in the region and strengthen its ties with neighboring African countries.