Anglican Bishop tells Tinubu to tackle the problems in his own backyard
By Jeph Ajobaju, Chief Copy Editor
Another clergyman has warned President Bola Tinubu not to cave in under pressure from the United States and go into war in Niger Republic, decrying the planned invasion by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) over the coup in that country on July 26.
Emmanuel Chukwuma, the Archbishop of Enugu Ecclesiastical Province of the Anglican Communion, said ECOWAS failed to engage in proper consultation before issuing threats of war.
The junta in Niger Republic at the weekend proposed a three-year transition to civilian rule, but it was rejected out of hand by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), which the Nigerian President currently chairs.
Many citizens in Niger have expressed support for the coup that sacked President Mohamed Bazoum over corruption, and thousands of youths trooped out from the regions at the weekend to volunteer to join the army to defend the country against invaders.
Chukwuma warned any military action in Niger will backfire on Nigeria and other West African states, adding ECOWAS warmongering is proof of endemic corruption among its leaders.
“It’s also unfortunate that the present government is not consulting enough, hence, they have led ECOWAS to misfire. Right now, it’s an absolute shame on our President Tinubu who wants to go to war with Niger,” Chukwuma said.
“The Niger Republic coup happened because of corruption and life becoming so difficult for the people. That led to an intervention by the army. The people rejoiced about that.”
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Corrupt ECOWAS leaders ‘see nothing wrong’ in corruption
“Now, rather than fighting corruption and condemning the evil act of the Nigerien President, they are fighting the coup d’etat. It is wrong. I think this has shown that ECOWAS leaders themselves are corrupt and they don’t see anything wrong in corruption,” Chukwuma stressed, according to Vanguard.
“Worse things are happening in ECOWAS countries than what is happening in Niger but because there is some sort of corruption even in the military, they are not planning for intervention.
“Nigerians today are passing through a difficult time. They are suffering but they have enough patience. I think the time has come for us to say enough is enough.
“I am very happy that many people are condemning going to Niger for war. Nigeria at this time needs intervention to bring succour in this country because people are suffering.
“If the government can’t do that, God will come down one day and intervene on our behalf and there will be confusion. There is a need for a revolution in Nigeria. Nigeria is due for a revolution for things to go better because things are becoming worse.”