Don’t approve Tinubu’s request to wage war against Niger Republic, Nigerian Senate told

By BASHIR ADEFAKA, KEMI KASUMU and OUR REPORTER, Abuja

Reacting to that, Senator Sani, also a human rights activist, said any military intervention in Niger could plunge Nigeria into war with her neigbour and may not end any soon once it starts.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, in a letter to the Senate and read during plenary by Senate President Godswill Akpabio, had briefed the Red Chamber on plans against the coup leaders in the Republic of Niger, which include deploying troops to the Francophone West African nation.

He then sought the approval of the lawmakers to enable him go ahead with the plans.

But a former Senator representing Kaduna Central senatorial district, Shehu Sani, urged the Nigerian Senate not to approve the request by the President.

Recall that a coup d’état took place in Niger on Wednesday July 26, 2023, resulting in the detention of the country’s ousted President Mohamed Bazoum and the installation of General Abdourahamane Tchiani as the new Head of State in the country.

The coup plotters said they overthrew President Mohamed Bazoum, who was elected two years ago in Niger’s first peaceful, democratic transfer of power since independence from France because he was unable to secure the nation from growing cases of insurgencies and their perpetrated violence.

Reacting to the development, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) leaders met in Abuja, Nigeria’s capital, on Sunday July 30 after which they slammed sanctions on the coup leaders and also issued a seven-day ultimatum to them to return the country to constitutional democracy or face the use of force by the union.

Some of the sanctions, according to Tinubu’s letter to the Senate include freezing utility services and closing of land borders with the Niger Republic.

“Cutting off Electricity supply to the Niger Republic, mobilising international support for the implementation of the provisions of the ECOWAS communique, and preventing the operation of commercial and special flights into and from the Niger Republic.

“Blockade of goods in transit to Niger, especially from Lagos and eastern seaports Embarking on sensitisation of Nigerians on the imperative of these actions, particularly via social media. Military build-up and deployment of personnel for military intervention to enforce compliance of the military junta in Niger should they remain recalcitrant,” Tinubu’s letter added.

Reacting to that, Senator Sani, also a human rights activist, said any military intervention in Niger could plunge Nigeria into war with her neigbour and may not end any soon once it starts.

In a statement posted on his Twitter handle, the lawmaker urged the senators to weigh the implications of such a decision, adding that the outcome of Saudi Arabia’s intervention in Yemen, America in Afghanistan and now Russia in Ukraine should serve as “a lesson that war doesn’t end in days, weeks or months.”

He also condemned the decision of the Nigerian government to cut off the electricity supply to Niger and urged Tinubu to explore diplomatic channels to save the lives of people that may be sacrificed in conflict.

“The Nigerian Senate should NOT approve any military action against the Niger Republic. This country should not be plunged into war and eventually stuck in war in the Sahel. President Tinubu shouldn’t allow himself to be misled by foreign powers. Saudi in Yemen, America in Afghanistan, and now Russia in Ukraine should teach us a lesson that war doesn’t end in days, weeks, or months.

“Senators should weigh the implications and consequences of their decisions, especially those senators representing states along the Niger Border. Weaponising electricity supplies to Niger is also condemnable. President Tinubu should continue to explore diplomatic channels and save the lives of those who will be sacrificed,” Sani stated.

Meanwhile, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar had also warned ECOWAS leaders against military intervention in Niger.

“As the ECOWAS continues to work towards reinstating democracy in the Republic of Niger, it must be reinforced that the regional body should not travel the road of military hostilities that may exacerbate the status quo,” Mr Abubakar said.