The Nigerian Senate has largely rejected the move by President Bola Tinubu to use military action to restore the democratic government of Niger President Mohamed Bazoum, ousted by a military junta on July 26.
The leaders of the Economic Committee of Western African States (ECOWAS), led by Tinubu, were exploring a military option in their quest to reinstate Bazoum, as their earlier diplomatic approach failed.
Following the expiration of the seven-day ultimatum issued to the military junta four days after the coup, the regional bloc’s leaders have been touting military force as a viable option in restoring Bazoum.
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Based on this, Tinubu had on Friday, written the Senate, seeking approval for the deployment of troops and approval of a series of sanctions, in addition to cutting off Niger’s electricity supply and closing the borders with the former French colony.
However, at an executive session on Saturday, the senators rejected the request by the president. The senators reportedly overwhelmingly ruled out military options.
“Almost all the senators spoke and totally ruled out the military options because of many factors and also because of the harmonious relationship that Nigeria and Niger have always enjoyed.
“Senators instead urged President Tinubu to intensify negotiation with the coup leaders by again sending a high-powered delegation to Niamey. Someone suggested that elder statesmen like Obasanjo, Gen Ali Gusau, and Abdulsalam Abubakar should be sent as special envoys to dialogue and seek a diplomatic solution.
“Senators opposed to military action pointed out that our military is highly ill-equipped and not prepared to fight any war. They said that we have fragile peace in Nigeria and that Niger is the highest arms market in Africa.
“Senators believe that the Federal Government should focus on solving the Boko Haram, banditry and ESN/IPOB menaces ravaging the country instead of contemplating going to war in a foreign country,” a Senator said.
The Senate also issued resolutions urging the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, who serves as the chairman of ECOWAS, to take proactive steps in rallying fellow ECOWAS leaders. The objective is to enhance political and diplomatic strategies, alongside other available approaches, aimed at effectively addressing the ongoing political deadlock within the Niger Republic.
Additionally, the Senate entrusted its leadership with the responsibility of initiating a constructive dialogue with the President, who also holds the role of Commander-In-Chief. This dialogue is intended to collaboratively explore optimal methods for resolving the matter, considering the historically amicable relationship between the people of Niger and Nigeria.
Over 90 percent of senators who spoke were said to be vehement against military action. Their resolve also came against the appeal of the President of the Senate to consider Tinubu’s requests.
The development has drawn loud cheers from Nigerians, who have in large numbers opposed the idea of military action in the neighboring country.
On Friday, ECOWAS leaders also announced that they are reconsidering their earlier plan to deploy troops to the troubled country. They said they’re now prioritizing a diplomatic approach.