Former Nigerian Ambassador to Niger Republic, Lawrence Obisakin, has cautioned the Tinubu administration to approach the Nigeria-Niger diplomatic situation carefully, emphasizing the importance of maintaining peaceful neighbourly relations.
A former Nigerian Ambassador to Niger Republic, Lawrence Obisakin, has advised the Tinubu administration to exercise caution in handling the ongoing diplomatic tensions between Nigeria and its northern neighbour, Niger Republic.
This follows allegations made by Niger’s military leader, General Abdourahamane Tchiani, claiming collusion between Nigeria and France to destabilize his country.
The Nigerian government has strongly denied the accusations, reiterating its commitment to peaceful engagement under the leadership of President Bola Tinubu, who also chairs ECOWAS.
Speaking on Channels Television on Sunday, Obisakin said:
“Nigeria needs to be careful in its utterances concerning its neighbours because, in international relations, you can change your trading partners but not your neighbours.”
The government has maintained that it is working to resolve the political crisis in Niger through dialogue, rejecting any claims of covert or overt alliances with foreign powers.
Earlier, an APC chieftain, Ambassador Nurain Abayomi Mumuni, advised President Tinubu to involve the African Union or the United Nations to ease tensions and ensure a diplomatic resolution to the situation.
Observers have noted that maintaining stable and cordial relations with Niger is essential, as the two nations share economic, cultural, and geographical ties critical to regional stability.
