NIGER REPUBLIC: OPPOSITION PARTY CLAIMS ULTERIOR MOTIVES BEHIND PROJECTED CONFLICT
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has leveled serious allegations against the Bola Tinubu-led Federal Government, accusing it of attempting to propel Nigeria into a war with Niger Republic for undisclosed agendas.
In a press statement released by Debo Ologunagba, the spokesperson for PDP, concerns have been raised about the escalating tension within Nigeria due to the impending conflict with Niger Republic. The statement suggests that the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) is actively steering the nation into a warlike situation by involving the military in a seemingly unnecessary confrontation with Niger Republic.
Ologunagba stated, “The PDP’s observations reveal that the APC administration’s unwavering determination to deploy Nigerian troops into Niger Republic, despite the clear opposition from the National Assembly and widespread disapproval from citizens, only serves to reinforce public suspicions of ulterior motives harbored by the Tinubu-led APC. These motives seemingly aim to sow discord and destabilize our country, all for political gains.”
While expressing its stance against unconstitutional government changes globally, the PDP firmly believes that the current situation in Niger Republic does not warrant external peacekeeping efforts and poses no discernible threat to Nigerian national interests. The party argues that there is no justification for putting the already stretched-thin military into harm’s way through an unnecessary war.
“The persistence of the APC government in advocating for a military intervention in Niger Republic is exacerbating tensions within Nigeria,” Ologunagba remarked.
The PDP’s statement also alluded to widespread suspicions that the APC’s insistence on involving the Nigerian military in Niger Republic might be a calculated attempt to provoke external aggression from the neighboring nation. This, according to the PDP, could pave the way for the declaration of a state of emergency in Nigeria, potentially disrupting the judicial processes surrounding the 2023 Presidential election.
Moreover, the PDP alleges that such a move could divert attention away from the economic challenges and hardships that have afflicted the nation over the past two months.
As the political landscape continues to evolve, the accusations and counter-accusations between the PDP and the APC add a layer of complexity to the already intricate situation in Nigeria. The apprehensions surrounding the projected war with Niger Republic remain a focal point of concern among citizens, international observers, and political analysts alike.