Abuja – Northern Senators Caucus of the 10th Senate have cautioned the Federal Government against the use of military intervention in resolving the leadership crisis Niger Republic.
The Senators who stated this in a statement , instead advocated diplomatic channel to address the situation.
The Northern Senators Caucus under the leadership of Sen. Abdul Ahmad Ningi also frowned at economic, other sanctions imposed on the country by other ECOWAS countries.
Spokesman of the caucus, Sen. Suleiman A. Kawu Sumaila, signed the statement which was released in Abuja on Friday
They, however, condemned the recent military coup in Niger Republic.
The full text of the statement ; “NORTHERN NIGERIAN SENATORS RESPONSE TO THE NIGER REPUBLIC COUP.
Press Release
August 4, 2023
Northern Senators condemn Niger coup, caution against use of military power.
…advocate diplomatic channel to address situation
…frown at economic, other sanctions.
“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 border 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 sub section (4) (a) and (b) of 1999 Nigerian Constitution as amended.
Sen. Suleiman A. Kawu Sumaila, OFR, PhD., Spokesperson
Northern Senators Forum.”
(vitalnewsngr.com)
