The Northern Senators Caucus of the 10th Senate has advised President Bola Tinubu to deploy political and diplomatic means to restore democratic government in Niger Republic rather than the use of military force.
The caucus under the leadership of Sen. Abdul Ahmad Ningi disclosed this in a Friday statement signed by Spokesperson of Northern Senators Forum, Sen. Suleiman Kawu Sumaila.
The senators said that while the upstaging of a democratically-elected government in Niger is condemnable, restoring democracy in the country should not be through the use of military force in the first instance.
“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.
Read Also: Tinubu’s Risky Niger Gamble, Shetty’s Embarrassment – By Farooq Kperogi
“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,” the statement read in part.
The Northern senators said they were 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,” the statement also read.