By Jude-Ken Ojinnaka
President Ahmed Bola Tinubu has disclosed that there is increasing pressure on him to deploy military force in Niger Republic.
He stressed that as the chairman of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), his commitment to peaceful resolution guides his approach to the matter.
Tinubu stated this while hosting top Islamic clerics (Ulama) led by Sheikh Bala Lau at the Presidential Villa in Abuja on Thursday.
It was the second time the clerics were visiting the President. The first time they visited was August 9, when they were granted permission to travel to Niamey and hold talks with the junta.
The president okayed the Ulama’s request to continue the talks with the coup leaders urging them to expedite action as time was of the essence.
“I am managing a very serious situation. Even as of this morning(yesterday), I have been inundated with phone calls on the readiness of countries with their military force and contributions. However, I told them to wait. I am meeting with the Ulama and I will get back to you,” Tinubu said.
”If you take ECOWAS aside, other people will react, those who are outside of our control. I am the one holding those sides back. I am the one holding back ECOWAS.”
Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to the President, Ajuri Ngelale, said in a statement that Tinubu received a comprehensive briefing from the clerics on their visits to Niamey.
The Islamic leaders, according to Ngelale, informed the President that the coup leaders were open to deepening dialogue with ECOWAS in order to forestall armed conflict.
