The Nigerian Senate has dissociated itself from any military action against the coup plotters in Niger and called for peaceful diplomatic solutions to address the recent coup in the neighboring country. In an extraordinary session, the Red Chamber commended President Bola Tinubu for not seeking its backing for military action in Niger and urged him to explore diplomatic options to resolve the political impasse.
The Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, condemned the coup d’état and expressed the Senate’s willingness to engage with President Tinubu and other regional leaders to find peaceful resolutions. The Senate further called on the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) parliament to condemn the coup and propose solutions to the impasse.
Meanwhile, governors under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) also advised President Tinubu against military action in Niger, urging the use of dialogue and diplomacy. Chief Bode George, a former Deputy National Vice Chairman of the PDP, cautioned against military intervention in Niger, stressing the potential negative consequences for Nigeria and neighboring states.
Former Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Comrade Timi Frank, accused President Tinubu of seeking political legitimacy through military action and warned against plunging Nigeria into war with Niger.
Experts in international relations, Prof. Anthony Kila and Ambassador Victor Asije, suggested that negotiation and sanctions should be considered before resorting to military action. Prof. Kila cautioned about the potential gravitas and consequences of military intervention, while Ambassador Asije emphasized the need for leaders to be vigilant and work towards durable solutions for their nations’ challenges.
The coup in Niger has raised concerns among neighboring countries, with ECOWAS issuing sanctions against Niger. However, leaders are now calling for a measured approach to handle the situation, focusing on peaceful diplomatic efforts to restore democratic governance in the troubled West African state.
