By John Ikani
The Nigerian Senate has firmly declined President Bola Tinubu’s request for military intervention to restore constitutional order in neighbouring Niger Republic following a recent coup.
President Tinubu had in a letter to the Senate on Friday, sought approval for implementing the Resolutions of ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government regarding the political situation in Niger Republic.
However, during a closed-door session on Saturday, the Senate turned down the proposal for military action and instead emphasized the importance of seeking a diplomatic resolution.
Speaking to newsmen after a closed-door session on Saturday, Senate President, Godswill Akpabio said lawmakers considered Tinubu’s request and opted for a political solution, taking into account the longstanding relationship between Nigeria and Niger.
“At our executive session, the Senate condemned the coup that occurred in Niger Republic and commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and other ECOWAS Heads of State for their prompt response.”
“The Senate acknowledges that President Tinubu’s correspondence did not seek approval for going to war but expressed a wish to solicit support in successfully implementing the ECOWAS communiqué.”
“The Senate has tasked its leadership to further engage with President Tinubu on the best approach to resolving the issue.”
“Considering the cordial relationship between Nigeria and Niger, the Senate is committed to working with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to find the most appropriate resolution.”
“The Senate also urges the ECOWAS Parliament to condemn the military coup in Niger and work towards resolving the impasse.”
The events leading up to this decision began on July 26 when members of the Presidential Guard detained Niger’s ousted leader, Bazoum.
That same evening, the military announced that they had taken control of the government.
Two days after the coup, General Abdourahamane Tchiani, commander of Niger’s presidential guard, declared himself the head of a transitional government.
Tinubu had on Sunday during an extraordinary summit of the Authority of Heads of State and Government, issued a seven-day ultimatum to the Military junta in Niger to revert back to the status quo or risk consequences including a possible military action and economic sanctions.
Similarly, the United States expressed support for ECOWAS, led by Nigerian President Bola Tinubu, in their efforts to reinstate President Bazoum.
In a statement from the White House, President Joe Biden emphasized the importance of releasing Bazoum immediately to uphold democratic values, constitutional order, justice, and the right of peaceful assembly.
According to him, the US stands with the people of Niger to preserve their hard-earned democracy and maintain their longstanding partnership based on shared democratic values and support for civilian-led governance.
