Northern Nigerian senators plead with ECOWAS not to use military force to tackle the Niger Republic coup

The Northern Senators Forum of the 10th Senate have pleaded with the
Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) not to deploy the use of military force to restore the democratic government of Niger Republic as it would affect the northern states that share borders with Niger.

The forum revealed this in a statement signed by their Spokesperson, Sen. Suleiman A. Kawu Sumaila, on Friday, August 4, 2023, as they condemn the coup and commend ECOWAS for its efforts.

“We, the Northern Senators Caucus of the 10th Senate under the leadership of Sen. 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 borders 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 subsection (4) (a) and (b) of the 1999 Nigerian Constitution as amended,” the statement reads.