
“I spoke to one Frenchman and I have to tell you this: I said to him, you people in 1885 sat down with ruler and pencil and drew the line. I have first cousins in Niger. There are Kanuris, there are Hausas, there are Fulanis in the Niger Republic. The same way there are Yorubas in Benin” – President Muhammadu Buhari (June 2021).
Now that the successor is launched and things are winding down. The President and Federal Government of Nigeria is continuing their expenditure or investment in Niger. When looking into the final term of President Buhari. It is easily to see that his spent fortunes on investment projects connecting and building in Niger. The final straw is apparently buying lots of Toyota Land Cruisers V8.
President Buhari will leave a legacy of lacking investments in the roads and railways inside most of Nigeria. A President who didn’t fix the insecurity or any of the vast promises he pledged since becoming President again in 2015. It has now been two terms and his ending. However, he will not fondly remembered and certainly not in the way he wants to be.
Someone called him during the time in office an android or even Jubril of Sudan. It could be possible that he was so connected in Niamey that he planned to leave and retire there. Instead of being in the nation, which he was the head of state off. That is certainly a possible aspect. Because, there is so many projects and government spending going that way. While he has also claimed to have cousins and relatives there. So, with the latest purchase of vehicles. It all makes some sort of sense now.
Just read these stories over the years. It is all aligned.
Vehicles bought:
“Nigerians have reacted to a budget office document which showed that President Muhammadu Buhari approved the sum of N1.4bn to purchase vehicles for the Government of Niger Republic. Investigative journalist, David Hundeyin shared a photo of the document dated 28th July, 2022, via Twitter” (Tobi Adebayo – ‘Nigerians react as Buhari approves N1.4bn to purchase vehicles for Niger Republic’ 03.08.2022, ThisisNigeria.com).
Building two roads:
“Naijauto learned the first road, Kurnya-Babura, at the Niger Republic border, runs through Jigawa State. It was approved for ₦19.7 billion. The second road called Bale-Kurdella, also at the Niger border, passes through Sokoto State and was awarded for ₦9.5 billion. Briefing journalists after the meeting Mr.Babatunde Fashola, the Minister of Works and Housing, stated the approval of the road project would boost business across the border. He went further to say Nigeria will be positioned to effectively implement the African Continental Free Trade Area Agreement” (Jane Osuagwu – ‘FG approves ₦29.2b road construction from Nigeria to Niger Republic border’ 28.02.2020, NaijAuto.com).
Naming road and getting the highest national order:
“President Muhammadu Buhari has named a road in the federal capital territory (FCT) after President Issoufou Mahamadou of Niger Republic. This is coming hours after President Buhari was awarded the highest national award of Niger Republic, Grand Croix Des Ordre National Du Niger, by his Nigerian counterpart” (Ripples Nigeria – ‘Buhari names Abuja expressway after Niger Republic president, in reciprocal action, 17.03.2021).
Building a railway:
“Another sore point among Nigerians was the decision by the President Muhammadu Buhari-led administration to construct a $2b rail line from Kano to Maradi in Niger Republic when critical rail lines and other road network connecting different regions of Nigeria have been abandoned” (Vanguard News Nigeria – ‘Insistence on unpopular policies/projects like open grazing, rail line to Niger Republic: How to stop Buhari — Lawyers’ 28.08.2021).
A retirement plan?
“A former National Publicity Secretary of the `Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Chuks Ibegbu, has described President Muhammadu Buhari as an unpatriotic Nigerian. Ibegbu alleged that Buhari was more patriotic and loyal to Niger Republic than Nigeria, where he is the president. Speaking exclusively with DAILY POST, the former Ohanaeze spokesman, said Buhari would retire to Niger Republic in 2023 due to his loyalty to the country” (Seun Opejobi – ‘Buhari not loyal to Nigeria, will retire to Niger Republic in 2023 – Ohanaeze chieftain, Ibegbu’ 06.12.2021, Dailypost.ng).
It is hard to see this, because the great nation of Nigeria deserves better. Yes, Nigeria should be close and be an ally with their neighbours. They should ensure trade, commute and ensure the borders. Even do armed operations against militants or rebels if needed. However, Buhari has done much more than that. He and his Presidency has invested or created vast infrastructure projects. While also getting the biggest honour of Niger. That’s saying something and should be recognized.
He never was Jubril of Sudan. Nevertheless, he was someone in Niamey and was a staunch ally. He cared a lot about development, infrastructure and investing there. In such a manner, which haven’t been seen really elsewhere in the Nigerian republic itself. The acts in Niger Republic says it all really.
President Muhammadu Buhari has ties and connects to Niger. There is some underlaying reasons for all of this. Not only some SUVs but also railways and roads. That’s just too much and to convenient to not be anything more. There are to much Naira spent on this to not be something. The President has defended it so whole heartedly. This is why there has to be more underneath it all. There is something behind closed doors that could be revealed at a later date.
Buhari’s heart seems to beat of Niamey. I believe so, until proven otherwise. Peace.














