Nigerians, especially those living in the northern areas, have been gripped with fear following President Bola Tinubu’s decision to employ military measures against the junta in Niger Republic.
Following the recent coup that deposed Niger’s democratically elected president, Mohamed Bazoum, by his military guard, Africa Today News, New York reports that leaders of the West African regional bloc have been working together to find solutions for the restoration of democracy in the nation.
It’s worth noting that Colonel Major Amadou Abdramane and about 10 other senior military officers took to the National broadcast on July 27 to declare a coup in Niger.
Their decision was attributed to concerns about inadequate governance and the government’s apparent inability to address the various security and socio-economic challenges prevailing in the country.
With the objective of quashing any potential military rule in the region, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) swung into action.
President Bola Tinubu, the newly elected Chairman, took the lead by issuing the junta a seven-day ultimatum to restore normalcy or face harsh sanctions.
The ultimatum was issued last week during an emergency meeting in Abuja, Nigeria.
As stated in the communique released after the meeting, the West African leaders reached a consensus on implementing seven political sanctions to exert pressure on the military junta. They resolved that the West African States would guarantee:
‘Closure and monitoring of all land borders with the Niger Republic and reactivation of the border drilling exercise.’
‘Cutting off Electricity supply to the Niger Republic’
‘Mobilising international support for the implementation of the provisions of the ECOWAS communique’
‘Preventing the operation of commercial and special flights into and from Niger Republic.’
‘Blockade of goods in transit to Niger especially from Lagos and eastern seaports’
‘Embarking on sensitization of Nigerians and Nigeriens on the imperative of these actions, particularly via social media,’
‘Military build-up and deployment of personnel for military intervention to enforce compliance of the military junta in Niger should they remain recalcitrant’
In an earlier report, it was stated that on Friday, President Tinubu approached the Senate, seeking their approval for a military action to address the political unrest in Niger.
Read also: Coup: We Will Defend Nigeria’s Democracy At All Cost – COAS
The President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, took to the floor of the Upper Chamber on Friday to read the letter.
However, the initiative for military action has sparked serious fear among Nigerians, particularly Northerners living near the borders with Niger.
Recall that on Monday, Burkina Faso and Mali aligned themselves with Niger, cautioning that any military intervention in their neighbouring country facing a coup would be regarded as an act of war within the West African region.
According to the report, the capital city of Niger, Niamey, is situated 371 miles away from Katsina State, and a journey by road would take approximately 10 hours and 45 minutes.
Fears are growing that the approaching military intervention may result in the Niger junta resorting to unleashing attacks on specific Northern States.
In a viral video on Friday, Dr. Muhammad Sani Umar Rijiyar Lemo, an Islamic preacher hailed from Kano, cautioned Tinubu against taking any action to lead Nigeria into invading Niger.
Rijiyar Lemo emphasised that a military incursion would exacerbate the already numerous socio-economic challenges in the Sahel region. He advised ECOWAS to seek peaceful means of resolving the issues.
‘Everyone knows that war, especially at this moment, comes with several consequences. We won’t know how and when it ends’, he added.
Speaking to journalists on Saturday, Alhaji Yerima Shettima, the National President of the Arewa Youth Consultative Forum (AYCF), hammered on the potential direct repercussions on Northerners in the event of military moves in Niger.
Drawing attention to the matter, he emphasized the significant role played by Russia, a formidable military force, in the situation.
Drawing attention to the involvement of Russia, a formidable military force, he said:
‘The decision is coming in a haste. I don’t think Nigeria is prepared to go to war now. Don’t forget that we have serious internal issues that are already threatening our existence.’
‘Don’t forget that if war should break out from Niger, the North will be directly affected. I don’t understand why we are taking Panadol for somebody’s headaches. Citizens of Niger are jubilating over the coup and we are here carrying another man’s cross on our head.’
Shortly after Tinubu addressed the Senate, the ECOWAS security committee, including military leaders from prominent West African states, disclosed their intention to pursue diplomatic avenues concerning the activities of the junta in Niger.
They assured that a robust diplomatic campaign would be undertaken to involve all relevant parties and prioritise dialogue and negotiation as the primary means to resolve the crisis in the Republic of Niger.