*Bode George insists it is colossal waste of money and human resources
*Thousands gather in solidarity for the coupists in Niger
The Alumni Association of the National Institute (AANI) and other well-meaning Nigerians habe cautioned against adopting war as the only option in ending the political situation in Niger Republic.
Although all of them strongly condemn the military seizure of power in the Niger Republic, theynorefer diplomacy than issuing deadlines and threats of war.
AANI in particular noted that “in restoring democracy, ECOWAS should consider the immediate and long-term implications of its actions on the people of the Niger Republic and the wider West African sub-region”.
They noted that addressing the root causes of the political crisis in the Niger Republic and strengthening the democratic institutions in the country is vital to achieving lasting peace and stability in the region. AANI, and therefore, urges caution against immediate military action.
“Instead, non-military options like diplomatic pressure and economic sanctions should be adopted towards a peaceful resolution and a quicker return to democratic governance in the Niger Republic.
“Military action by ECOWAS may escalate the current situation into a humanitarian crisis and worsen the security challenges in the West African sub-region. It may also escalate tensions in the fragile security situation in the Lake Chad region and other parts of West Africa, attracting other armed groups and external actors to take advantage of it.
“This would exacerbate the security challenges and create a more complex and dangerous situation.
“It is, therefore, essential to prioritise peaceful and diplomatic solutions to the political crisis.
“ECOWAS should upscale diplomatic efforts to persuade the military leaders in Niger to relinquish power and allow the democratically elected government to reclaim the people’s mandate.
“By avoiding military intervention, ECOWAS would have demonstrated commitment to peaceful conflict resolution and regional stability.
*Chief Olabode George also calls for caution
Former Deputy National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, Chief Olabode George, has advised against taking war to the Niger Republic, saying it will be a costly mistake.
In a open letter to President Ahmed Bola Tinubu, George stated: “First of all, you have done the right thing by sending a delegation consisting of former Head of State, General Abdulsalami Abubakar (rtd), and Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammad Saad Abubakar, a retired Brigadier-General, to meet the Military High Command in Niger.
“It is okay to send a delegation. Diplomacy is always a better option to war. To jaw jaw is better than war war.
“But, I believe, it would have been better if the full Nigerian colouration was reflected in that delegation.
“Some diplomats (serving or retired) should have been included in the delegation. Diplomats are trained for a situation like this. What is happening in Niger right now is not only for the military.
“Number two, when you have a crisis within, you solve that first before going international with a ‘Big Brother’ posture.
“In your last national broadcast, you even admitted that Nigerians are going through a lot and everything is being done to alleviate their suffering.
“In Nigeria today, there is no food, no financial power to buy fuel, no light, no money. Nigerians are psychologically stranded and people are really going through a lot.
“So, I don’t know what our going to Niger Republic with full military power will achieve.
“Abdulsalami and Sultan
If you remember, Nigeria, almost singularly, financed ECOMOG military operations and that was when our economy was better.
“Which economy are we going to use now to finance a full military operation in Niger Republic, when Mali and Burkina Faso have threatened to take sides with Niger Republic”? he asked.
*Thousands gather in solidarity with Nigerien coup plotters in Niamey Stadium
Meanwhile, thousands of supporters of the military coup in Niger gathered at a Niamey stadium Sunday, when a deadline set by the West African regional bloc ECOWAS to return the deposed President Mohamed Bazoum to power is set to expire, according to AFP journalists.
A delegation of members of the ruling National Council for the Safeguard of the Homeland (CNSP) arrived at the 30,000-seat stadium to cheers from supporters. (AFP)
