President Bola Tinubu has expressed sympathy to Niger Republic’s military leader, General Abdourahamane Tiani, following the death of his father, Tiani Hassane, who died on Thursday at the age of 110.
Tinubu conveyed his condolences in a message issued on Saturday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.
The President described the death of a father as a deeply personal loss and encouraged the Nigerien leader to take comfort in his late father’s long life and the positive influence he had on others.
He also prayed for the deceased, asking Almighty Allah to grant him Al-Jannah Firdaus and provide strength and comfort to his family.
Tinubu further reaffirmed Nigeria’s solidarity with Tiani, his government and the people of Niger Republic during the period of mourning.
The condolence message comes amid diplomatic tensions between Nigeria and Niger following the July 2023 military coup that brought Tiani to power after the removal of former President Mohamed Bazoum.
At the time, Tinubu, who chaired the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), led regional efforts to pressure the military authorities to restore democratic governance, including threats of military intervention.
The disagreement contributed to deteriorating relations between both countries, with Niger subsequently joining Burkina Faso and Mali in withdrawing from ECOWAS to establish the Alliance of Sahel States.
