Usman Bugaje Criticizes Tinubu’s Advisers for Misguiding Him on Niger Crisis

• Dr. Usman Bugaje criticized President Tinubu’s “Lagos Boys” for providing misguided advice regarding the aftermath of the coup in Niger
• Bugaje highlighted the failure of Tinubu’s advisers to seek expert counsel before advising him on dealing with the Niger crisis

Dr. Usman Bugaje, a former Member of the House of Representatives, has asserted that President Bola Tinubu’s close associates, particularly those who served alongside him during his tenure as governor of Lagos State, misguided him concerning the aftermath of the coup in Niger.

Referred to as ‘Lagos Boys,’ some of Tinubu’s loyalists who also hold positions in the presidency have been implicated in providing erroneous counsel to Tinubu regarding the post-coup crisis in Niger.

Bugaje, who represented the Kaita/Jibaya Federal Constituency of Katsina State from 2003 to 2007, criticized the ‘Lagos Boys’ for their arrogance and failure to seek expert advice before advising Tinubu on dealing with the situation in Niger following the coup.

The coup in Niger, which occurred on July 26, 2023, saw the ousting of President Mohamed Bazoum, with Gen. Abdourahamane Tchiani assuming control as the head of the Nigerien presidential guard.

In his capacity as the Chairman of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), President Tinubu dispatched a delegation to the junta in Niger to advocate for the restoration of the democratically elected government. However, these efforts proved futile as Tchiani remained in power.

Despite threats of military intervention issued by Tinubu, Tchiani remained steadfast, prompting Tinubu to close the Niger-Nigerian border and impose sanctions such as cutting off electricity and medical supplies.

Reflecting on Nigeria’s handling of the crisis in Niger, Bugaje, who recently returned from the coup-affected nation, remarked that Tinubu’s actions went beyond the scope of ECOWAS mandates.

Bugaje, who previously chaired the Foreign Affairs Committee in the House, voiced his concerns in an interview with Trust TV, highlighting the lack of consultation and the overreaching stance taken by Tinubu’s advisers.

Drawing from his interactions with the people of Niger during his visit, Bugaje emphasized their remarkable humility and tolerance despite Nigeria’s actions. He noted their continued acknowledgement of Nigerians as brothers and emphasized their perception of colonial boundaries as artificial constructs rather than barriers.

Following a meeting over the weekend, ECOWAS decided to lift sanctions imposed on the three Sahel nations led by junta governments—Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso.