Nigeria Northern Senators Kick Against Perceived ECOWAS Military Action In Niger

Nigeria Senators from the Northern geopolitical zones in the West Africa country has kicked against offensive military action as a way to settle the political situation in Niger Republic.

The Nigeria Northern Senators kick against the perceived military intervention in a statement made available few hours ago in reaction to the ECOWAS Chairman and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu written request seeking the approval of the country Senate, the upper Chamber of the National Assembly to support the ECOWAS resolutions against Niger over forceful takeover of power by small group of soldiers in the Niger Republic on July 26, 2023.

The Senators called on President Bola Tinubu to avoid any military action and use other diplomatic means to resolve the political situation in Niger. Adding that, any military action in Nigeria will affect states sharing borders with Niger.

The statement reads in quote as presented by Senator Suleiman Kawu Sumaila, Spokesperson, Northern Senators Forum.

We, the Northern Senators Caucus of the 10th Senate under the leadership of Senator 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.

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.