President Muhammadu Buhari says the Niger Republic is among Nigeria’s “best friends” in a congratulatory message to its president Mohammed Bazoum on the country’s independence anniversary.

Niger marks its independence from colonial powers on August 3.

In a statement by his media aide, Garba Shehu, in Abuja on Tuesday, Mr Buhari described the Niger Republic as “one of Nigeria’s best friends in Africa.”

According to him, the French-speaking country “has always demonstrated tremendous goodwill towards Nigeria.”

“Despite the artificial division of Africa, the people of Niger share (a) cultural affinity with Nigerians,” noted Mr Buhari.

In March, a retired army colonel, Tony Nyiam, claimed Mr Buhari publicly opened up that he is from the Niger Republic, a landlocked country in West Africa.

Mr Nyiam said this in a recent interview with Arise TV. A snippet of the interview was shared on social media. The retired military officer, now a human rights activist, maintained that Mr Buhari, who he admires, was his boss.

He also revealed that the president declared that most of his family members are Nigeriens even though “he owes allegiance to Nigeria.”

“The colonial identity of the people of Niger Republic has never affected the spirit of mutual respect and brotherliness with their Nigerian neighbours.”

The Nigerian leader described Bazoum as “a great Africanist who has demonstrated statesmanship since his election in April this year.”

“As you celebrate your independence today, I send hearty best wishes on behalf of the government and the people of Nigeria,” Mr Buhari told Bazoum.

(NAN)