Northern Senators in the 10th Senate have warned president Bola Ahmed Tinubu to exercise caution over the planned military action in Niger Republic following the removal of president Mohamed Bazoum from power by the junta.
President Tinubu earlier today in a letter transmitted to the Senate, requested the approval of the red carpet chamber to send the Nigerian military to Niger as part of its measures to restore constitutional government.
But in a statement issued on Friday night by Senator Suleiman Kawu Sumaila on behalf of Northern Senators, expressed disapproval over the planned military action.
He noted that innocent citizens will only bear the unfortunate consequences of the planned military action.
Senator Suleiman while condemning the coup and also acknowledging the effort made so far by the regional bloc—ECOWAS to address the political face-off in Niger Republic, noted that some Northern states which shares borders with Niger could be at risk if the crisis escalate to military confrontation.
Part of the statement reads, “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.
“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.
“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 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.”
