Senators have firmly declined President Bola Tinubu’s proposal to deploy Nigerian troops to Niger Republic as part of an ECOWAS initiative aimed at restoring the ousted democratically elected president of the nation.
In the aftermath of the coup that removed President Mohamed Bazoum on July 26, ECOWAS leaders issued a seven-day ultimatum for the reinstatement of constitutional order, warning of possible military intervention.
The regional bloc further imposed sanctions, including Nigeria’s suspension of electricity supply and border closure with Niger.
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With coup leaders disregarding the ultimatum, West African defense chiefs devised a military action plan, prompting President Tinubu to seek Senate approval for involving Nigerian troops.
However, during an executive session, the Senate rebuffed the president’s request, opting for diplomatic and negotiation avenues instead.
A senator disclosed that the session revealed an overwhelming consensus against military intervention due to several factors, including the close bilateral relationship between Nigeria and Niger.
“Almost all the senators spoke and totally ruled out the military options because of many factors and also because of the harmonious relationship that Nigeria and Niger has always enjoyed.
“Senators instead urged President Tinubu to intensify negotiation with the coup leaders by again sending a high-powered delegation to Niamey. Someone suggested that elderstatemen like Obasanjo, Gen Ali Gusau and Abdulsalam Abubakar should be sent as special envoys to dialogue and seek a diplomatic solution.
“Senators opposed to military action pointed out that our military is highly ill-equipped and not prepared to fight any war.They said that we have fragile peace in Nigeria and that Niger is the highest arms market in Africa.
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“Senators believe that the Federal Government should focus on solving the Boko Haram, banditry and ESN/IPOB menaces ravaging the country instead of contemplating going to war in a foreign country. ”
Reports indicate that over 90% of senators voiced their vehement opposition to deploying troops for military action.
The senator said Senate President Goodswill Akpabio appealed to the lawmakers to endorse the steps President Tinubu had taken so far, but they vehemently rejected the appeal.
Senators were saying that they will pass a resolution condemning the coup, but on the issue of going to war with Niger, it is a no go area.”