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Niger: Be Careful, Don’t Start What You Cannot Finish – Bode George To Tinubu

Published

2 years ago

August 5, 2023

Editor

I write to you as a Nigerian, a retired General in the Nigerian military, a patriot and a war tactician.

On July 26, 2023, the Commander of the Presidential Guard in Niger Republic, General Abdourahamane Tchiani, overthrew President Mohamed Bazoum, seized power and is now the new strongman of the Nigerien Armed Forces.

As the leader of ECOWAS, you immediately invited other West African leaders and an ultimatum was given to Tchiani that Bazoum must be reinstated or else, a strong military force (just like ECOMOG in Liberia and Sierra Leone) will invade Niger Republic and forcefully reinstate him.

The population of Niger Republic is 27,294,785 (just like Lagos State).

Niamey is the capital and the population is 1,437,000 (not up to Alimosho Council in Lagos) and as the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria who gets security briefings everyday since you were sworn in on May 29, 2023, you may have been told that even a Brigade of the Nigerian Army, commanded by a Colonel, can crush the soldiers in Niger Republic.

Now, my observations:

First of all, you have done the right thing by sending a delegation consisting of former Head of State, General Abdulsalami Abubakar (rtd), and Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammad Saad Abubakar, a retired Brigadier-General, to meet the Military High Command in Niger.

It is okay to send a delegation. Diplomacy is always a better option to war. To jaw jaw is better than war war.

But, I believe, it would have been better if the full Nigerian colouration was reflected in that delegation.

Some diplomats (serving or retired) should have been included in the delegation. Diplomats are trained for a situation like this. What is happening in Niger right now is not only for the military.

Number two, when you have a crisis within, you solve that first before going international with a ‘Big Brother’ posture.

In your last national broadcast, you even admitted that Nigerians are going through a lot and everything is being done to alleviate their suffering.
In Nigeria today, there is no food, no financial power to buy fuel, no light, no money. Nigerians are psychologically stranded and people are really going through a lot. So, I don’t know what our going to Niger Republic with full military power will achieve.

Abdulsalami and Sultan

If you remember, Nigeria, almost singularly, financed ECOMOG military operations and that was when our economy was better. Which economy are we going to use now to finance a full military operation in Niger Republic, when Mali and Burkina Faso have threatened to take sides with Niger Republic?

Will this not lead to the collapse of ECOWAS?

Do we really know the type of partisan game Western Powers, on one hand, Russia and China, on another hand, and some other African countries, are playing behind the scene? Can we really trust any one of them? Should Nigeria’s interest not play a major role before taking any decision of this gargantuan dimension which can lead to loss of lives and destruction of properties?

I saw a video today of some Nigeriens, on a road show, backing Tchiani and abusing you. That may have been arranged by the coupists quite alright but do we need that type of distraction now when everything is being done to ensure that Nigeria moves its economy to the next level?

Do we know the involvement of Russians because of the Uranium in Niger?
In Nigeria, the electoral process is yet to be concluded, the palliatives you promised because of the removal of fuel subsidy payment are still in the air, so why do we want to send our soldiers to engage in a needless war?
In ECOMOG, Nigeria paid for almost everything. But the economy then was different from what we have now.

We all know that Nigeriens, directly or indirectly, are fighting the French because of Assimilation Policy which has affected the Francophone speaking countries, unlike what we have in English speaking countries, like Nigeria.
We should think twice before entering another country militarily. Don’t start what you cannot finish.

Niger is one of the largest (land border) countries in the world and also one of the poorest. What exactly do we gain if we go to war in Niger? What? So that people can praise us as a defender of democracy? When people are dying at home, do we need that type of commendation from anybody?

I am a retired General. So, I know that war is not easy. Please, don’t force Nigerians to engage in an endless war.

Despite its mineral wealth, Niger Republic has been held down by its leadership for decades. More than 75 per cent of Nigeriens are poor and uneducated. At the right time, if they don’t want Tchiani, they will get rid of him. Let Nigeriens deal with their rot and let us focus on how to save our own situation back home.

I am sure you know that seven Northern states – Kebbi, Sokoto, Zamfara, Katsina, Jigawa, Yobe and Borno – share a 1,608 kilometres long border with five regions in Niger Republic. In case of any war, residents of these states will be direct targets of bullets and missiles. This can also lead to a resurgence of criminal activities in the border areas.

Also, some countries, such as Algeria, Libya, Chad, Benin, Burkina Faso and Mali share borders with Niger Republic. Can we trust these countries to support us militarily and otherwise in case of a war with Niger Republic?
In all of these, we should ask ourselves, why did we finance a rail line to Maradi during the President Muhammadu Buhari administration?

Russia invaded Ukraine over a year ago. Thousands of people – soldiers and civilians – have been killed, billions of dollars worth of properties have been destroyed and there is still no end in sight.

In International Relations and Politics, you protect your national interest first. Burkina Faso and Mali openly declared that they would support Niger. Can we also trust Chad which has been under military rule since April 2021? Are we sure this move to invade Niger Republic will not affect ECOWAS?

Is this the right time to spend the money Nigeria doesn’t have to fight in another country?

Politically, economically, socially, we are still in a quagmire. Then you want to add the fourth one: Warfare.

Anybody who has been in the military will tell you war is not an easy thing. We must be careful.

Thank God you have started the diplomatic move.

Let the envoys continue the diplomatic discussion in Niger.

War is not a tea party.

Chief Olabode Ibiyinka George
Atona Oodua of Yorubaland
August 4, 2023

News

Pray For Us Politicians, We Are The Problem Of Nigeria — Peter Obi

Published

1 hour ago

February 1, 2026

Editor

Peter Obi, the 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, has asked Nigerians to pray for political leaders, stating that politicians are the primary cause of the country’s challenges.

Speaking on Sunday at the thanksgiving service to mark Oyo state’s 50th anniversary at the Cathedral of St. Peter Anglican Church, Aremo, Ibadan, the Oyo state capital, Obi said politicians are responsible for the country’s challenges.

“I want to make a request from Nigerians. Do remember us politicians in your prayers. We are the problem of Nigeria, no other person,” he said.

“Nigeria is not a poor country, it is poorly governed. Remember us in your prayers that God should touch our hearts to use public money for public good. That is what is required.”

In a post on X after the event, Obi thanked Seyi Makinde, governor of Oyo state, for the opportunity to speak at the service.

He recalled that at the beginning of Makinde’s administration, the governor invited him to address the maiden executive council (exco) retreat, where they spent a full day discussing governance and leadership.

“I am pleased to note that the governor has remained consistent in his approach. Beyond the visible infrastructure across the state, his performance is widely discussed and appreciated by Oyo people wherever they are,” Obi said.

The former Anambra governor also commended Makinde for his remarks at the thanksgiving service, particularly on building strong institutions rather than relying on individuals.

“His focus on continuity, systems, and shared responsibility reflects a statesmanlike vision and offers reassurance that the progress of Oyo State will be sustained beyond any single administration,” he added.

Obi further thanked Williams Aladekugbe, bishop of Ibadan north, for what he described as a timely and profound sermon.

“He reminded us that thanksgiving is not merely a ritual but a moral discipline that nurtures humility, responsibility, and service to the common good,” Obi said.

He called on residents of Oyo state to continue supporting the governor and to pray that God would guide leaders to work for the common good of the state and its people.

News

Tinubu Celebrates Fela As Philosopher Of Freedom After Historic Grammy Win

Published

2 hours ago

February 1, 2026

Editor

President Bola Tinubu has paid tribute to late Afrobeat legend, Fela Anikulapo Kuti, following his posthumous Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award.

Tinubu described Fela as more than a musician, calling him a fearless voice of the people, a philosopher of freedom and a revolutionary force who confronted injustice through music.

The president said Fela’s courage, creativity and conviction defined a generation and continued to inspire audiences across the world.

In a tribute issued on Sunday in Abuja, Tinubu said Fela’s legacy had transcended time, describing him as eternal in cultural and spiritual relevance.

He noted that Fela became the first African to receive the Recording Academy of America’s Lifetime Achievement Award, though posthumously.

The president said the honour affirmed Fela’s enduring global influence and the foundational role he played in shaping modern music from Africa.

Tinubu said Fela defined Afrobeat, with his influence evident across generations of Nigerian musicians and in Afrobeats and global sounds.

“He defined Afrobeat, and you can hear and see his influence in generations of Nigerian musicians and in Afrobeats and beyond.

“Fela lives,” the president said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

News

Benue Killings: FG To Arraign Yelwata Massacre Suspects Monday

Published

2 hours ago

February 1, 2026

Editor

The Federal Government is scheduled to arraign suspects linked to the Yelwata killings on Monday in Abuja, with the Attorney General of the Federation finalizing the charges.

Justice Abdul-Malik is expected to preside over the arraignment at the Federal High Court.

This was disclosed in a statement released to journalists on Sunday by the Office of the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice.

According to the statement, the accused persons will be brought before Justice Joyce Abdulmalik of the Federal High Court sitting in Abuja, following what it described as “after a painstaking investigation and collaboration by government agencies.”

“The Office of the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice wishes to assure Nigerians that justice will be ensured in the matter, to send a strong signal to the enemies of the country acting under any disguise.”

The statement, signed by the media aide to the AGF, Mr. Kamarudeen Ogundele, further noted that “The administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is committed to the protection of the lives and property of all, as enshrined in the Constitution.”

The Yelwata killings took place in June 2025 in the Yelwata community, located in Guma Local Government Area of Benue State.

The violence reportedly started late on June 13, 2025, and spilled into the early hours of June 14, when suspected armed herdsmen launched coordinated attacks on residential buildings, a local market, and a Catholic mission.

During the assault, houses were torched, victims were brutally mutilated, and the attackers exchanged gunfire with security operatives.

Reports indicate that more than 100 people lost their lives, while approximately 3,000 residents were forced to flee their homes.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had earlier condemned the massacre and directed security and law enforcement agencies to track down those responsible and ensure they are prosecuted.