Against economic hardships and insecurity confronting Nigeria, most Nigerians and Christian Association of Nigeria have raised red flags against any military onslaught against Niger Republic.
The Economic Community of West African States, after a meeting held in Abuja, Nigeria on Thursday, August 9, ordered Chief of Defence Staff for immediate standby force to restore constitutional order in Niger Republic following the recent military coup that took over power from ousted President Mohamed Bazoum.
Bazoum who was ousted by the Niger Republic Junta on July 29 has complained that he is being fed with rice and has been put in isolation.
Also read: ECOWAS orders immediate standby force against Niger junta
Straightnews online gathers that France which is at the centre of the controversy surrounding the military putsch over Uranium exploitation in the country has thrown its weight behind the ECOWAS resolutions reached in Abuja.
Kicking against the ECOWAS use of force against Niger on his Twitter handle, the former Kaduna lawmaker urged President Tinubu and other West African leaders not to drag Nigeria into war because of the coup in Niger Republic.
Senator Shehu Sani tweeted: “ECOWAS communiqué is contradictory; Opting for dialogue and setting up a standby force. Our message to the leaders of West Africa is unambiguously clear; DO NOT drag us to war because of coup in Niger Republic.”
“We don’t want war”
In his reaction, a Nigerian lawyer under the topic: Niger coup: “It’s unconstitutional,” faulted the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) recent move against the military junta in Niger Republic.
Barrister Inibehe Effiong @InibeheEffiong, said the order of standby force to restore constitutional order in the Niger Republic by ECOWAS is a ‘terrible decision.’
The legal luminary noted that “ECOWAS military force” against Niger coup leaders is unconstitutional, considering the Senate’s resolution against the involvement of Nigeria’s military.
CAN Opposes war
The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has called for the peaceful resolution of conflicts and the upholding of democratic principles.
The call came amidst the ongoing discussion by the Authority of ECOWAS Heads of Government on the possibility of a military intervention in the crisis in the Republic of Niger.
In a statement issued in Abuja on Thursday, CAN emphasized the importance of stability within the West African region.
“CAN fully recognizes the gravity of the situation in Niger and the importance of upholding democratic principles, peace, and stability within the West African region.
“We believe that the peaceful resolution of conflicts is vital for the progress and well-being of our nations and our people,” declared Archbishop Daniel Okoh, the President of CAN.
He further stated that the path to lasting peace lies in upholding democratic processes, respecting the sovereignty of nations, and engaging in peaceful dialogue to address grievances and resolve conflicts.
“As an organization deeply committed to promoting justice, peace, and harmony, CAN urges His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, to remain on the path of dialogue and avoid any form of military intervention or measures that would create enmity between the good people of Nigeria and Niger.
“We firmly believe that the path to lasting peace lies in upholding democratic processes, respecting the sovereignty of nations, and engaging in peaceful dialogue to address grievances and resolve conflicts,” Okoh added.
CAN commended President Ahmed Tinubu and the Authority of the ECOWAS Heads of Government for their unwavering commitment to discouraging coups d’état and the forceful takeover of power.
The association also lauded President Tinubu’s diplomatic efforts, which included sending a high-level delegation, led by General Abdulsalam Abubakar, to engage with Nigerien authorities.
“Furthermore, we commend the inclusion of the esteemed Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar III, in the delegation.
“This representation showcases the unity of purpose and the collaborative spirit of Nigerian leaders, transcending religious and ethnic boundaries to jointly pursue peace in our region,” CAN stated.
Additionally, the apex Christian body appreciated the efforts of other prominent leaders who engaged with the Nigerien authorities in their personal capacities, leveraging private contacts.
Their wisdom, experience, and counsel, according to the statement, will contribute to the resolution of the crisis in Niger and the restoration of peace and stability in the region.
CAN implored all stakeholders involved in the Niger crisis to embrace peaceful negotiations and work tirelessly towards a sustainable resolution.
“Peace is a collective responsibility, and only through joint efforts and unwavering commitment can we build a future of progress, stability, and prosperity for our nations,” Archbishop Okoh noted.
The statement prayed for the Republics of Nigeria, Niger, and all the nations of ECOWAS.
