Northern Senators Caucus have expressed strong reservations against the proposed military onslaught in Niger Republic by the leaders of the West African sub-region under the platform of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) .
The stance of the Northern Senators was on the heels of a letter from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu informing the Senate of Nigeria’s readiness to be involved in the joint military operation to oust the new military government in Niger Republic.
Tribune Online reports that the democratically elected President Mohamed Bazoum was removed from office in a coup by General Abdourahamane Tchiani, the head of Niger’s presidential guard last week.
But ECOWAS in its resolution gave the new military leader in Niger one week ultimatum to restore constitutional order.
President of the ECOWAS Commission, Dr Omar Touray, who read the communique at the end of the Extraordinary Summit on Socio-Political Situation in the Republic of Niger, demanded the immediate release and reinstatement of President Mohamed Bazoum as the legitimate head of state and government of the Republic of Niger.
A statement made available to newsmen last night in Abuja by spokesperson of the Northern Senators Caucus, Senator Suleiman Kawu, insisted that emphasis should be focused on political and diplomatic means to restore democratic government in Niger Republic.
“We also take exception to use 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 diplomatic channels.
“As democrats and representatives of the people we are hereby urging our colleagues to observe due diligence in invoking section 5 sub section (4) (a) and (b) of the 1999 Constitution as amended to guide President Tinubu on the planned military action “.
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