Former Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Timi Frank has alleged that President Bola Tinubu is using the proposed military action in Niger Republic as a pretext to declare a state of emergency in Nigeria with the ultimate aim of suspending the ongoing Presidential Election Petition Tribunal (PEPT).
Frank made the allegation in a statement he released to the media on Saturday, Daily Post reports.
The Herald earlier reported that the president wrote the Senate to seek the National Assembly’s support for military action against the military junta in Niger Republic, where there was a coup on July 26.
Frank said that the president is seeking the Senate’s approval to put Nigeria at war, which would justify declaring a state of emergency and disrupting the tribunal’s proceedings.
According to him, Tinubu must not push Nigeria into war with Niger, as doing so would push the neighbouring country into socio-economic ruin.
“It is clear to discerning minds that Tinubu wants to find an alibi to declare war in Niger and under that declare a state of emergency in Nigeria which will invariably lead to suspension of the ongoing sitting of the Presidential Election tribunal.
“He is not out to restore democracy in Niger Republic. He is out to legitimise and gain recognition for his government from western allies. Let Nigeriens solve their problems. Nigeria has enough challenges of its own,” Frank said.