The Northern Senators Forum has urged Nigerian government to exercise caution and avoid use of military force against the Niger military junta.
DAILY NIGERIAN reports that on July 26, a coup d’état led by the commander of the presidential guard, General Abdourahamane Tchiani, occurred in Niger Republic.
The Nigerian government had called on the military junta to reinstate President Bazoum Mohamed and threatened military action against the junta.
But the Northern Senators Forum, in a statement by its spokesman, Senator Kawu Sumaila, urged President Bola Tinubu to tread with caution and explore dialogue rather than military action.
“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 Mohamed 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 subsection (4) (a) and (b) of 1999 Nigerian Constitution as amended,” the forum added.
