A former executive secretary of the National Health Insurance Scheme, NHIS, Usman Yusuf, has cautioned President Bola Tinubu against going to war with the coupists in Niger Republic.
Speaking during an interview with ARISE NEWS on Sunday, Mr Usman noted that the Northern region is already overwhelmed with security challenges and could not afford any war.
He said, “The primary responsibility of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is to Nigeria and not to ECOWAS. He answers to us. He has not even addressed Nigerians and justified what he’s going to do, he has gone to the Senate to ask for approval. That’s no way to declare war.
“We in the north are tired of wars. We’ve been at war for 14 years now with Boko-Haram since 2009 and 9 years with bandits and kidnappers, and you’re bringing a fresh war to us.
“We in Nigeria, 78% of the land mass of Nigeria, 7 states and 19 states in this country are saying no to an unprovoked war with Niger.”
While appealing for proper dialogue to end the internal crisis in West African country, Mr Yusuf asked the ECOWAS to take violence off the table.
“You have brought the last trump card at the very beginning, that’s no way to do it, and it’s showing the inexperience of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on the international scene.”
The ex-NHIS boss also claimed that the war threat was a possible attempt by Mr Tinubu to prove his legitimacy.
“The elephant in the room is that the election is still contested in court.
“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, his election is contested. It’s still in court. He has legitimacy issues, nationally and internationally.
“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has not even settled down. He doesn’t even have his team, and he’s declaring war without consulting the people,” he added.
