Victor Ezeja
Northern Nigeria Senators Forum has called on President Bola Tinubu and other ECOWAS leaders to adopt diplomatic approach in dealing with the political crisis in the Niger Republic.
The Senators cautioned against the use of military force in responding to the coup leaders in the West Africa country.
The Call followed the letter sent to the National Assembly by President Tinubu briefing about the proposed action of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) against the coup plotters in Niger.
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President Tinubu in the letter sent to the Senate, listed a number of actions proposed by ECOWAS under his leadership which include closure of air and land borders with Niger, economic sanctions, cutting off electricity supply and deployment of troops if the coup leaders fail to restore constitutional democracy before the one-week ultimatum expires.
READ ALSO: Niger Republic Coup: Impacts On Democracy And Governance
Reacting to the proposal, the Northern Senators Forum in statement signed by its spokesperson, Sen. Suleiman Kawu Sumaila, said it condemns the military takeover of power in Niger but believes that in an attempt to ensure that democratic government is restored, diplomatic approach should be adopted.
The statement said: “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.”
The senators said that military force should only be the last resort when other nonviolent appproaches have been exhausted.
According to the senators, depolying military force in the situation could have serious consequences on the lives of innocent citizens living in Nigerian states having borders woth 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.”
