…seek diplomatic solution
Hours after President Bola Tinubu formally informed the Senate of impending military action against coupists in Niger Republic who overthrew President Mohammed Bazoum last week, Northern Senators caucus kicked against the move.
President Tinubu had in a letter forwarded to the President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, and read at plenary on Friday, informed Senators of plan by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), led by Nigeria, to dislodge the military government in Niger Republic with combined military onslaught.
But the Northern Senators’ Caucus in the Senate, in a statement signed by its spokesperson, Senator Suleiman Kawu (NNPP Kano South), called for caution on the planned military action and kicked against economic sanctions being imposed on the country by ECOWAS.
The statement reads: “We, the Northern Senators of 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 the use 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 share border with Niger Republic, namely, Sokoto, Kebbi, Katsina, Zamfara, Jigawa, Yobe and Bomo 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 diplomatic channels.
“As democrats and representatives of the people we are hereby urging our colleagues to observe due diligence in invoking section 5 sub section (4) (a) and (b) of the 1999 Constitution as amended to guide President Tinubu on the planned military action.”
