The Arewa Consultative Forum, representing the Northern leadership, has cautioned President Bola Tinubu against engaging in conflict with the Niger military junta.
Instead, they urged for a dialogue to address the matter.
The group believes that military intervention in the Niger Republic to remove the coup plotters might not ensure peace and stability in the ECOWAS sub-region.
ECOWAS instructed the closure of land and air borders among member states in response to the military coup in Niger, which ousted the democratically elected President, Mohamed Bazoum.
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The ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Governments, presided over by Nigeria, further issued a seven-day ultimatum to the Niger military to reinstate the deposed President.
Additionally, Tinubu wrote to the Senate, proposing military intervention against the Niger military junta if they resist efforts to capture them and restore democracy in the ECOWAS nation.
According to the statement, the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) expresses concern about the ongoing events in Nigeria’s neighboring country, the Republic of Niger, and the potential effects on the region.
The statement emphasizes that the actions being considered should have carefully considered the historical background and shared interests of both countries and thoroughly evaluated the repercussions of resorting to military force.
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The Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) acknowledges ECOWAS’ approach of applying pressure on the culprits, but it believes that military action should not be an obligatory condition for Nigeria and the region to promote democracy in the 21st century.
The ACF also pointed out that while military intervention might bring about a short-term resolution, it could have adverse consequences for Nigeria’s leadership role and the regional body in the long run.
ACF emphasizes its endorsement of the goal to reinstate democracy in Niger.
It urges the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government, led by President Bola Tinubu, to opt for dialogue and diplomacy rather than coercion in resolving the current crisis in Niger.
This approach is essential to foster peaceful coexistence with the neighboring country and ensure stability in the ECOWAS region, as stated in the statement.
