The Middle Belt Forum (MBF) has called on President Bola Tinudu to focus on solving the security and economic problems facing Nigeria and not plunge the nation into an avoidable war.
In a statement signed by the National Publicity Secretary of MBF, Dr. Isuwa Dogo, the Forum warned Nigeria under the leadership of President Tinubu to guard against deliberate interference in the affairs of a sovereign nation.
He stated that understanding the dynamics and intricate relationship between Niger Republic and Nigerian states that share borders; should serve as lessons in avoiding any form of warfare. He noted that with the coup in Niger Republic attracting sympathy from Nigerien masses over the sacking of the democratically elected leadership, caution should be exercised.
The Forum noted, “The attention of the Middle Belt Forum (MBF) has been drawn to the rising tension in Niger Republic, following the staging of a coup that ousted the Nigerien democratically elected government, headed by President Mohamed Bazoum. At a summit called by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) headed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, resolved to issue a seven-day ultimatum to the military junta to release President Bazoum from detention and restore democracy.
“The General Abdulsalami Abubakar-led delegation dispatched by the Nigerian President turned out fruitless as the coup leaders refused to grant audience to the delegation. To make matters worse, the military junta has severed diplomatic ties with Nigeria, Togo, United States and France over their condemnation of the putsch. Considering the reaction of the Nigerien people to support the military takeover, it is clear that the planned deployment of troops within the Nigerien borders by the Algerian armed force predicts dark days ahead.
“President’s Tinubu’s letter to the Senate has ignited rumours that the possibility of engaging the coupists is already concluded. Informed analysts have cautioned against starting a war that could lead us into an unpredictable dilemma that may spell disastrous consequences on both countries. Against the backdrop of clouds of war and tension over the seven-day ultimatum handed down by ECOWAS on the military leaders, the Forum wishes to call on President Tinubu to desist from carrying out any action that may lead to the outbreak of war. The level of anger as demonstrated by ordinary Nigerien citizens on the streets of Niamey and other cities in Niger Republic makes it unpopular for a military action against the junta regime.
“The present times call for caution and statesmanship in dealing with the little smoke of insurrection blowing across Niger Republic. Understanding the intricate relationship between Niger and Nigeria makes it imperative for President Tinubu and ECOWAS to tread carefully. As it stands, Nigeria should never allow itself to plunge into an avoidable war. The lesson of the coup should not be lost on leaders who deployed underhand dealings to assume the mantle of leadership through compromising the electoral process.
“We call on President Tinubu to focus attention in addressing the monsters of insecurity shredding our Nation, including addressing the harsh economic sufferings unleashed on the masses, following the withdrawal of fuel subsidies that has thrown millions of Nigerian citizens into dungeons of hopelessness and despair. Leadership is founded on moral high ground. The best medicine against coups is enthronement of justice and equity for all. For ambitious military officers to be discouraged from staging coups, democracy must be cleansed of rogue leaders thrown up by flawed electoral processes.”
