Sending Troops to Niger Without Senate Approval: A Blow to Nigerian Democracy, Says Senator Sumaila

A Senator representing Kano South Senatorial District, Kawu Sumaila, has strongly criticized President Bola Tinubu, stating that sending Nigerian troops to Niger without the approval of the National Assembly would constitute a coup against democracy.

Speaking to reporters at an event in Kano on Sunday, Senator Sumaila raised concerns over the lack of Senate approval for this military action.

“There is inconsistency in ECOWAS. They are there to protect democracy. Isn’t that what they claim to stand for? Democracy relies on a constitutional government,” said Sumaila.

Highlighting the constitutional authority given to the Senate to approve the President’s decision to go to war, Senator Sumaila questioned the actions of ECOWAS and President Tinubu.

He exclaimed, “We [senators] are constitutionally recognized by the Nigerian Constitution to give the president the approval to go to war. Therefore, we are waiting to see what they can do. They are criticizing the military junta in Niger while violating our own constitution.

“So, for ECOWAS and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to initiate a war without the approval of the National Assembly is tantamount to another coup against democracy.”

Senator Sumaila firmly declared that lawmakers would not endorse any request to go to war with the neighboring country, asserting, “We will reject it. We definitely will not support it.”