Catholic Bishops join Muslims and others to demand peaceful resolution of impasse
By Jeph Ajobaju, Chief Copy Editor
Opposition to President Bola Tinubu’s quest for war against the military coupists in Niger Republic has been swelled by the Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria (CBCN), Jama’atu Nasril Islam (JNI), and the Alumni Association of the National Institute (AANI).
The JNI is headed by the Sultan of Sokoto, Sa’ad Abubakar.
The ultimatum given the coup plotters by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) leaders to restore ousted President Mohamed Bazoum to power or face military action expired on August 6.
Catholic Bishops averse to bloodshed
CBCN President Lucius Ugorji urged Tinubu to dissuade ECOWAS Heads of States from using military might to subdue the coupists.
“About a week ago, ECOWAS Heads of State met in Abuja to deliberate on the recent coup d’etat in Niger Republic.
‘’At the end of their meeting, they gave the coup plotters one week to restore democratic leadership in Niger or risk military intervention. This marching order expires today (yesterday),” Ugorji said at the inauguration of the Mary Mother of God Catholic Parish, Upe in Imo.
“They reasoned that it is wrong to change government by force. They are correct, but we also believe that shedding precious human blood is equally wrong. Two wrongs can never make a right.
“We are begging President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to dissuade ECOWAS Heads of States to resist the temptation of going to war, against the coup plotters. We beg them to stop the imminent bloodshed that will trail the military intervention.
“We have wasted a lot of human blood in Africa. We have also wasted precious human lives in Nigeria and we cannot continue in this ugly fashion, for whatever reason.
“For now, we don’t know who is sponsoring the coup plotters. We equally do not know who is behind the decision of the ECOWAS Heads of States. This may be a story for another day.
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Foreign support for Niger Republic
“The media is awash with the news of some countries that have already declared their full support for the country and their military strongmen. Russia may also be there, without our knowing,” Ugorji added, according to reporting by Vanguard.
“While we say no to coup d’etat, we also say no to war, for whatever reason. We say no manipulation of election results because it is also another shade of coup d’etat.
“President Tinubu should please not launch any military expedition in Niger. Let us not forget that during the ECOMOG expedition, Nigeria not only played a major role but also bore the brunt of the losses in human and material resources.
“ECOWAS Heads of State should please, think of what should be the fate of the organisation, if they begin military intervention in Niger.
“We have been saying that palliative measures do not cure economic hardship. In the same vein, wars do not resolve misunderstandings. It is better to dialogue instead of going into a full-scale war, which nobody can precisely tell when it will end.”
Ugorji reminded Abuja that if Niger Republic is attacked, citizens from that country will troop into Nigeria for safety.
“This is not what we should pray for, especially as we are currently battling our sagging economic climate,” Ugorji stressed.
“Like Jesus Christ, we climb several mountains in our individual, communal and national lives.
“We should remain steadfast, despite tribulations, trials, temptations and suffering. We should live as one family in love and stop all the killings going on in several states of the federation.”
JNI cautions against military action
JNI Secretary General Khalid Aliyu, a Professor, expressed deep concern over the seizure of power through a coup from the democratically Bazoum but cautioned against military action.
“We firmly note the relevance of upholding democratic principles and the rule of law to fostering the stability, development and steady progress within nations,” Aliyu said in a statement issued in Kaduna.
“Without a doubt, these are the cornerstones for good governance because democratic principles and the rule of law prevent arbitrary use of force and power and ensure consistency with international human rights, norms and standards.’’
JNI commended efforts so far undertaken by Abuja, particularly the initiation of dialogue, aimed at resolving the crisis in Niger Republic.
“While this attempt may not have yielded the desired results, it demonstrates Nigeria’s commitment to peaceful resolutions.
“We acknowledge that dialogue is an invaluable tool in preventing further bloodshed and instability within the Sahel Region, which has many political and security uncertainties.
“Nevertheless, we wish to raise a word of caution against pursuing military action as a means to restore democracy.
“We believe strongly that dialogue, cooperation and negotiation are the most effective means to establish lasting peace and stability in the region.
“Let us pray together for the restoration of peace and order, the protection of human rights and the well-being of the people of Nigeria and Niger Republic.
“JNI reiterated its commitment to promoting unity, understanding, and cooperation among all Muslim communities.
“We stand united against any form of injustice, oppression, and violence and advocate for a peaceful and harmonious world.”
AANI seeks tackling root causes of Nigerien crisis
AANI expressed support for ECOWAS in calling for the restoration of democracy in Niger but cautioned against immediate military action.
It said ECOWAS should consider the immediate and long-term implications of its actions on the people of Niger Republic and the wider West African sub-region.
“Addressing the root causes of the political crisis in Niger Republic and strengthening the democratic institutions in the country is vital to achieving lasting peace and stability in the region,’’ AANI stressed in a statement issued by its spokesman, Sani Usman, a retired Brigadier.
AANI, a body of senior executive course graduates of the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS) Kuru, Jos, warned military action by ECOWAS may escalate the situation into a humanitarian crisis and worsen security challenges in West Africa.
“Instead, non-military options like diplomatic pressure, and economic sanctions should be adopted towards a peaceful resolution and a quicker return to democratic governance in Niger Republic ….
“ECOWAS should upscale diplomatic efforts to persuade the military leaders in Niger to relinquish power and allow the democratically elected government to reclaim the people’s mandate.
“By avoiding military intervention, ECOWAS would have demonstrated commitment to peaceful conflict resolution and regional stability.
“AANI believes that finding durable solutions to the prevailing political crisis in Niger Republic lies in prioritising the well-being of the civilian population and upholding the principles of democracy, human rights, and regional cooperation within ECOWAS.
“It is only through peaceful means that ECOWAS can ensure a sustainable and prosperous future for the people of Niger Republic and the broader West African community.’’
