NewStats: 3,262,144 , 8,176,190 topics. Date: Saturday, 31 May 2025 at 10:38 PM 1mr2g

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 itted 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 , 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 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 istration?

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 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

Let those inexperienced minors continue blaming the Igbos and the Obidients until they destroy what is left of Nigeria because of hate and bigotry.

Being antiwar and pro-diplomacy is now seen as unpatriotic. What a degenerated set of people with nothing other than bragging rights that changes nothing in their lives better than their so-called "losers".

MadamExcellency:
Let those inexperienced minors continue blaming the Igbos and the Obidients until the destroy what is left of Nigeria because of hate and bigotry.

Niger does not have what it takes to stand ECOWAS.
Also I don't want this war on Niger, they are trying to find a govt that will suit them, but I seriously don't want them to think a military dictator is better than a democratic govt.

I think they have to look for a voice in Democracy than settling for military rule

we pray he listen
we are hungry
we need food not bullets

Ebola Tinubu

Deaf man

yoruba vs North

Yoruba people are the people urging druggie .. na dem the suffer most..
Na dem Dey abuse others warning druggie of effect of his foolishness and accusing them of treason

Na them go first jump ship leaving druggie to his fate
Na dem go still abuse everyone , blame everyone and accuse all.. except themselves


Nigerians should please free druggie the Yoruba god to his wish.

Honestly it will hasten things ..

Diplomacy is the key needed to avoid a conflagration of crisis that may spin out of control.

It is a wrong move pushing for a military solution with a neighbouring country whilst there are vested interests at play by warmongers, colonialists and Western countries whose interests are majorly in African resources.

Even if our interests either economic, political may seem to be at stake Nigeria shouldn't be in a rush for war which is to the advantage of and the west who will not bear the brunt of it and are far away from the continent

Like a friend opined do the current istration has something to gain like for legitimacy from the US and Europe? Hence their hurry to go to war?

Are there vested interests by some Nigerians having businesses and investments in Niger?

Or is there an endgame by some African leaders to stylishly push out of west Africa?. Has presence done much to improve insecurity in the Sahel? I read somewhere that the coup leaders accused the former president of always asking their soldiers to get approval from french solders before attacking terrorists.

The FG should gauge the opinion of Nigeriens who have shown massive to the soldiers that ousted their political leaders before venturing into any military operation.

And our national assembly should properly weigh the pro and cons as a war at this point wherein our economy is in dire straits doesn't make economic sense.

Being a big brother doesn't mean we must take risks to our disadvantage cos the Northern part of Nigeria will definitely feel the heat of war due to the border we share with Niger.

And if Tinubu is a strategist as claimed by his followers then I'll want to believe his letter to the national is tactical way of rolling back a hasty decision as it will be a sensible move for the national assembly to turn down his request for a military operation whilst not losing of western countries.

This is the most sensible post by Bode george .

Tinubu should be careful . All wars start on a happy note among countries who it ,but ultimately majority of them do not go as planned .

Saudi - Yemen ,Russia -Ukraine ,USA - Afghanistan, USA -Vietnam, Soviet -Afghanistan ,USA -Iraq wars to name a few ,have not gone to plan .

Soviet adventures in Afghanistan is one of the major point in the dissolution of Soviet union as Soviet union, already close to bankruptcy became one after this war .

USA adventures in Iraq ,Afghanistan have tremendously inflated DEBT of USA , as dollar is de facto currency of the world and they can print as much money as they want ,There are only feeling small pain or else they would also be bankrupt like Soviet union .

Nigeria economy is in a worse shape to handle this war .

If Tinubu wants to go to war ,if his military advisors recommend ,then not only Nigeria army but also USA and Army already present should the campaign and USA should provide Billions of dollars to Nigeria for as it cost lots of money to move troops and material .

Failing to do this ,Nigeria might be on verge of collapse like Soviet Union due to huge economic burden .

Having said that ,Tinubu being a street smart politician knows exactly what he is doing .

Whom the gods wants to destroy.....they first make balablu

Wainey:
Niger does not have what it takes to stand ECOWAS.

Nigeria can't win without having boots on the ground and many of our Northern Soldiers' allegiances can't be trusted.

The Southerners in the Military will be the sacrificial Lamb

A word is enough for the wise.

The question is, is uncle Ebola wise?

To be forewarned is to be forearmed


Tinubu, don't say you weren't told

MadamExcellency:


Nigeria can't win without having boots on the ground and many of our Northern Soldiers' allegiances can't be trusted.

The Southerners in the Military will be the sacrificial Lamb

So you think Nigerian soldiers will Niger and fight their own country?

Lolz,

What did IBB said about these people provoking Niger for war? Can anyone remind us what IBB said about them and war/fighting?

rule number 10 " do not take advice from the camp of your enemy" bode George is an enemy

Well articulated advice by chief bode george.

I hope the unconstitutional political coup plotter in Nigeia will listen.

You can't have a dirty house and be running out to tell people how to clean their house.

Whether we like it or not, Nigeria is under a coup. Democracy is dead in our nation. The constitution has been desecrated.
We don't have the moral right to tell niger to clean up
We as Nigerians need to clean up our house first before we can boldly tell others clean up.

Wainey:
So you think Nigerian soldiers will Niger and fight their own country?

Lolz,

No offence, but how old are you?

Hmmm

We really have to be careful

Agbadorians will call Pa Bode a wailer..

meanwhile Yekini is doing this just to ensure that after buying out the Judiciary and Inec.. the military won't kick his ass out.. so he wants to use Niger as an example so other ECOWAS will him when his sure end comes.

Someone should advise and/or warn Ebola Tinubu to desist from what he has no related business with. I know how he's currently feeling himself over a stolen mandate. The irrational hunger to execute power !!

Meanwhile, his home country is plagued with hefty problems unsolved ...

I just hope the war does not take a religious undertone... because if it does, patriotism would be thrown out the doors...

One former president once said "Bokoharam are our brothers, Christians want to wipe them out" - Buhari

Wainey:
Niger does not have what it takes to stand ECOWAS.
Also I don't want this war on Niger, they are trying to find a govt that will suit them, but I seriously don't want them to think a military dictator is better than a democratic govt.

I think they have to look for a voice in Democracy than settling for military rule

That is where you're wrong sir, in war as in love, assumption is dangerous. You would have thought Russia has overrun Ukraine by now. Be reminded that the same forces (interests) are at play in Niger. So, expect it to drag on needlessly. People profit from war (insurgencies in the North is only a tip of the iceberg). While, Niger may have unwittingly but ceremoniously chosen the path of destruction, does Nigeria need to follow suit? Look at the map, study war history, which border countries can Nigeria count on in the Sahel? ECOWAS will lose woefully, and Nigeria disgraced.
Emphasis is that "Don't start what you can't finish, war is (strategic), not a tea party". We should not let ego drive us nuts, we could just turn a blind eye and fix our own mess.

Timubu is going about this war just to remain as president. Very selfish and reckless.

BoldBrainz:


No offence, but how old are you?

same age as ur father.

Misplaced priority.
U never quench the fire for your house....na another person own you wan go quench.



Yeye presido.....tueh

He won't listen, it won't be too difficult for Russia to launch a single missile that will finish out national assembly, maybe sense will enter him small. French stooge.

Who dash Bode George Patriot and tactician

Lol

One synonymous characteristics of all Nigerians is hypocrisy! its just too pathetically obvious.....just like corruption...a lot of them buy their way through to civil service and obtain their employments through crocked means but will continue to criticize as if they are not partakers of the rot!... a lot of them have numerous birth certificates but will be here criticizing Tinubu....SMH..

To the subject matter.....

One of the benefit of democracy is the ability to change government..... Though Buhari was a pathetic leader, at least we knew that at the end of 8 years maximum, another person will come in!... that is the beauty!.... Now imagine a military rule of Buhari!....

The truth is Nigeria is a giant in west Africa and we need to keep things in check in this region if you dont want wahala....the Bokoharam issue is a case study... just imagine that Chad and Niger are sympathetic to the cause of these terrorists, Nigeria will be over ran by now! same with Cameroon!...

These people are our neighbors and enemies of Nigeria must not be in power particularly not a domineering military Junta!

I don't know how they will do it...I also don't want war coz war is expensive and costs human lives but power needs to return to the people!

Go and a party and solicit for change if you are so desperate for change!