By Jude-Ken Ojinnaka
Anxiety has mounted in Nigerian communities bordering the Republic of Niger, especially the Northern region where about seven states bordering the country are curious over the next action of ECOWAS after the expiration of its 7 days ultimatum to the Niger military junta.
Similarly, Nigerians of Southeast extraction who live in the Niger Republic have protested against the proposed military action against coup leaders in Niger by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) led by Nigerian President Bola Tinubu.
The ECOWAS had given the Niger coup plotters led by General Abdourahamane Tchiani, seven days to return power to President Mohammed Bazoom or face military action.
As part of its punitive measures, ECOWAS has also imposed sanctions on Niger, including halting all financial transactions and freezing its national assets while the Nigerian government has cut off electricity supply to the country.
The one-week ultimatum expired on Sunday but the Niger military leaders have remained adamant as they have cut ties with Nigeria, France and some other countries while warning that any military action against them will amount to a full-blown war.
Reacting to the proposed military invasion, the Southeastern Nigerians, dominantly Igbo living in Niger have called on Tinubu and ECOWAS to jettison the idea of military action against Niger military junta.
In a viral video, they expressed having good relationship with their host country and therefore, do not want any action that would affect their lives and livelihoods in Niger.
“We don’t want war in the Niger Republic. We are living in peace with the people here. We will do a demonstration round. We want peace,” some of them were heard speaking in Igbo in the video.
Recall that the Nigerian Senate recently rejected Tinubu’s proposal for military invasion in Niger and advised him and ECOWAS to explore diplomatic means to resolve the political issue.