Politicians Exploiting Niger Crisis to Undermine Nigeria’s Government: AYF
The Arewa Youth Federation (AYF) has accused some Nigerian politicians of taking advantage of the Niger Republic’s political crisis to undermine President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s government. AYF contends that these politicians are spreading disinformation to sow discord in Northern Nigeria. The organization has labeled the claims made by the Nigerien junta leader against Nigeria as baseless and criticized the ethnic manipulation at play to foster divisions within the populace.
The Arewa Youth Federation (AYF) has raised concerns over certain Nigerian politicians who are allegedly exploiting the political turmoil in Niger Republic to destabilize the government of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. According to AYF President, Adamu Kabir Matazu, these officials are utilizing disinformation and ethnic manipulation to foster division within Northern Nigeria. The political crisis, which began with the junta’s seizure of power in Niger in July 2023, has led to a deterioration of relationships between the neighboring countries.
The AYF criticized claims made by General Abdourahamane Tchiani, the junta’s leader, accusing Nigeria of hosting French military bases aimed at undermining Niger’s stability. The group refuted these allegations as unfounded and a strategic attempt to rally support for Tchiani’s struggling regime by exploiting public sentiment. They emphasized the absence of evidence supporting the accusations, alongside Nigeria’s well-documented opposition to foreign military bases, categorizing Tchiani’s assertions as false.
Matazu emphasized that Tchiani is not acting alone; rather, some disgruntled politicians, impacted by their losses in the 2023 general elections, are intent on disrupting Tinubu’s administration efforts to ensure the democratic benefits for all Nigerians. Evidence gathered indicates that these politicians are capitalizing on Niger’s political situation and its ensuing diplomatic tensions with ECOWAS to undermine the current government, notably within Northern Nigeria.
The organization identified these politicians as engaging in hybrid information warfare, featuring disinformation and fabricated news designed to create discord between the northern electorate and the government. They noted Tchiani’s accusations are being significantly amplified in Northern Nigeria, particularly since Tchiani’s interview was conducted in Hausa, indicating a deliberate attempt to incite ethnic sentiments against Tinubu’s federal administration.
Matazu pointed out that this strategy is not novel; such tactics have been previously employed during times of unrest, such as the 2011 post-election violence. The AYF affirmed that certain elites are determined to destabilize President Tinubu’s government, with their collaboration with Tchiani representing a broader attempt to maintain their power amidst the changes promoted by the administration.
In a bid to foster national unity, AYF has urged citizens to be discerning and reject divisive methods that threaten the nation’s cohesion. Matazu underscored Nigeria’s historical role as a stabilizing force in the region, stating, “Nigeria has never been a subversive hegemon but has historically sacrificed its resources and Armed Forces to restore stability across the sub-region.” The federation called on the populace to recognize the reality of the situation, supporting measures that promote peace, unity, and advancement in Nigeria.
The political landscape in Niger Republic has been tense since the military junta took control in July 2023, leading to significant implications for its relationship with Nigeria. This political crisis has provided an opportunity for various political actors within Nigeria to exploit the situation, particularly those dissatisfied with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration. The manipulation of ethnic sentiments and disinformation campaigns have become tools used by these individuals as they seek to undermine the current government’s stability and efficacy. The tense diplomatic relations arising from this crisis have further fueled discord within Nigeria, as seen through the activities of certain political elements.
In summary, the Arewa Youth Federation has articulated concerns regarding the exploitation of Niger’s political crisis by certain politicians aiming to destabilize President Tinubu’s government. The allegations made by Tchiani against Nigeria are considered unfounded and strategically amplified to manipulate public sentiment in Northern Nigeria. The AYF has called for vigilance among citizens against divisive tactics, reinforcing Nigeria’s historical role in promoting regional stability. Overall, unity and awareness are deemed essential in countering these harmful political machinations.
Original Source: dailytrust.com
