Tchiani vs Tinubu: The explosive battle over security lapses, corruption, and Africa’s independence, by Abubakar M. Kareto
In the heart of West Africa, a brewing storm pits two powerful figures against each other: Niger’s military leader, General Abdourahamane Tchiani, and Nigeria’s President Bola Tinubu. Allegations of ignored intelligence reports, corruption, and foreign meddling have sparked a heated debate with implications that go far beyond the borders of their nations.
This is a tale of high-stakes power plays, the shadow of colonial influence, and the haunting failures of a system that should protect its people.
The Lakarawa Warning: Intelligence Ignored or Denied?
Tchiani’s allegations are damning: Nigeria ignored a critical intelligence report about the Lakarawa Terrorist Group before their attack. The Nigerian government has denied the claim, but history tells a different story.
Consider this: In 2022, terrorists launched a daring attack on Kuje Prison. Intelligence reports had warned about the threat, but authorities turned a blind eye.
After the infamous Kaduna train attack, former Governor Nasir El-Rufai revealed that security agencies had detailed intelligence on the bandits but failed to act.
Even more chilling is the tale from Yobe State, where Boko Haram militants frequently attack towns like Geidam. Villagers send frantic warnings, but no action is taken until it’s too late. The militants strike, wreak havoc, and retreat unchallenged.
This reactive approach to security has become Nigeria’s Achilles’ heel, allowing non-state actors to thrive and leaving its citizens vulnerable.
The Corruption Conspiracy: Tinubu, France, and the African Struggle
Tchiani’s claims go further, accusing Tinubu of colluding with France to undermine Africa’s independence. According to Tchiani, Tinubu is working hand-in-glove with France, a country infamous for exploiting African resources and propping up corrupt regimes.
Is this a wild conspiracy, or is there a grain of truth?
France’s reputation in Africa is tainted. For decades, it has been accused of stealing resources and bribing African leaders with cash and luxury properties. The upcoming trial of former French President Nicolas Sarkozy, who allegedly received campaign funds from Libya’s Muammar Gaddafi, is just one example of its shady dealings.
Even in Nigeria, former EFCC boss Mallam Nuhu Ribadu shared a revealing anecdote. He described how France delayed responding to corruption inquiries for six years, claiming they couldn’t translate his English letters into French.
The message is clear: France will go to great lengths to maintain its grip on Africa, and Tinubu’s alleged alignment with the French agenda has raised eyebrows across the continent.
Tinubu and Tchiani: A Clash of Visions
The animosity between Tinubu and Tchiani reached a boiling point after Niger’s coup. As ECOWAS Chair, Tinubu threatened military action against Tchiani’s junta, accusing it of destabilising the region. Tchiani, however, claims France was using Tinubu to sabotage his government.
In a bold move, Tchiani severed ties with ECOWAS and allied with Mali and Burkina Faso to form the Alliance of Sahel States (AES), a bloc determined to reject foreign interference. His defiance sends a strong message: Africa’s sovereignty is non-negotiable.
But questions remain:
Is Tinubu a willing accomplice in France’s alleged schemes, or is Tchiani weaponising these accusations to deflect criticism?
Why has Nigeria failed to address its internal security issues, creating an environment where such claims gain traction?
Africa’s Fight for Sovereignty
Tchiani’s claims may be explosive, but they highlight a larger issue: Africa’s ongoing struggle for independence, not just from colonial powers like France but from internal corruption and systemic failures.
As the region grapples with these challenges, one thing is certain: the time for reactive governance and external manipulation must end. Africa needs leaders who prioritise its people over foreign interests, who act on intelligence, and who defend the continent’s sovereignty with unyielding resolve.
In this battle of narratives, the stakes couldn’t be higher. Will Africa rise to reclaim its destiny, or will it remain entangled in a web of failed leadership and foreign exploitation? The answer lies in the choices its leaders make today.
Abubakar M Kareto, a Public Analyst, holds a keen interest in Nigeria and Africa-centric matters. Reach him at amkareto@gmail.com
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