Nigeria’s Former Minister of Culture and Tourism, Femi Fani Kayode has alleged that the Tinubu administration is killing up to 40 babies on daily basis by cutting electricity supplies to Niger Republic.
FFK in a newspaper advertorial published on LEADERSHIP says Nigeria under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is causing untold hardship to innocent citizens in Niger Republic, including Nigerians.
Recall that on 26 July, 2023, a coup d’etat by Niger Military ousted the serving President Mohammed Bazoum. The military action prompted widespread condemnations and sanctions led by the Economic Community Of West African States (ECOWAS).
FFK in the advertorial titled: “DOES KILLING NIGERIEN BABIES BRING GLORY TO OUR NAME?”, revealed that babies are dying in incubators because hospitals cannot afford power supply nor fuel their generators.
FFK said the infant mortality rate was confirmed by one Dr. Abdoul Djibou, a Nigerien medical practitioner, in an interview with Newsonlineng.com.
“According to a source in Niger Republic, Dr. Abdoul Djibou, there has been reports from Dosso Regional Hospital and Cominak Hospital about the recent spike in infant mortality.” the article read in part.
FFK in the article quoted the Doctor as appealing to the Nigerian government to rethink its stand, citing inhumane consequences inflicted on innocent citizens.
He also noted the need for the Nigerian government to remember that the people of Niger are more like an extension of northern Nigeria.
“I cannot possibly confirm the veracity or accuracy of these assertions and reports but if they are anywhere near the truth it is enough to prick anyone’s conscience. “Furthermore I doubt that our President, being a humane, rational and reasonable leader, would have allowed this to happen if he was aware of the harsh and cruel consequences of the “cut off all electricity to Niger” policy and that is precisely why it is important to bring it to his attention in this article.” FFK wrote.
This electricity cut is not the only sanction Nigeria has imposed on Niger Republic. On August 8, Nigeria presidential spokesman, Ajuri Ngelale who spoke to newsmen in Abuja announced that more sanctions had been imposed on individuals and entities relating to the military junta.
As part of the sanctions, the Central Bank of Nigeria will prevent Nigerien banks from carrying out financial transactions with their Nigerian counterparts. The Federal Government also closed Nigeria’s borders with Niger and prevented the transportation of goods from Nigerian ports to the country.
