Northern Senators reject military solution in Niger, recommend diplomatic option
By Emma Ogbuehi
Senators from the Northern Region in the 10th National Assembly, have lent their voices to those opposed to military action in resolving the impasse in the neighbouring Republic of Niger. They also kicked against the raft of economic sanctions unleashed on the military regime in the country by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).
The senators who took the stand under their umbrella body, the Northern Senators Forum (NSF), however condemned the July 26 coup that ousted the democratic government of President Mohammed Bazoum. Their position is in sharp contrast to the demand by President Tinubu on the Senate to grant him leeway to deploy the military to Niger against the coup leaders.
The Senators acknowledged the efforts of the ECOWAS leaders under the chairmanship of President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, in resolving the situation in Niger Republic, stressing however, that emphasis should be focused on political and diplomatic means to restore democratic government in the country.
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The Senators however rejected the use of military force in settling the impasse, adding that such could only be contemplated when other options may have been exhausted. According to the senators, the consequences of military solution will be casualties among the innocent citizens who go about their daily business. Besides, about seven northern states who shared border with Niger Republic namely Sokoto, Kebbi, Katsina, Zamfara, Jigawa, Yobe and Borno will be negatively affected, they added.
The senators made the remarks in a release signed by their spokesman, Suleiman A. Kawu Sumaila. The statement read:
“We, the Northern Senators Caucus of the 10th Senate under the leadership of Sen. Abdul Ahmad Ningi, note with concern and condemn in its entirety the unfortunate development in Niger Republic, where the military forcefully upstaged a democratically elected government of President Mohammed Bazoum.
“The Northern Senators also take cognizance of the efforts of the ECOWAS leaders under the chairmanship of our Dear President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, in resolving the situation in Niger Republic. The emphasis, however, should be focused on political and diplomatic means to restore democratic government in Niger Republic.
“We also take exception to use of the of military force until other avenues as mentioned above are exhausted as the consequences will be casualties among the innocent citizens who go about their daily business. Besides, about seven northern states who shared border with Niger Republic namely Sokoto, Kebbi, Katsina, Zamfara, Jigawa, Yobe and Borno will be negatively affected.
“We are also aware of the situation of Mali, Burkina Faso and Libya, which may affect the seven Northern states, if military force is used. There is serious implication for our country, if military force is used without exhausting all the diplomatic channels.
“As democrats and representatives of the people we are here by urging our colleagues to observe due diligence in invoking section 5 sub section (4) (a) and (b) of 1999 Nigerian Constitution as amended”.
Apex Northern socio-cultural organisation, the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF, former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar and the erstwhile senator representing Kaduna Central, Shehu Sani, have also warned against the use of force I addressing the crisis in Niger.