President Bola Tinubu’s request for permission to deploy Nigerian troops to Niger Republic as part of an ECOWAS force to reinstate the deposed President Mohamed Bazoum, Nigerian senators have overwhelmingly rejected the proposal.
The rejection came during an executive session on Saturday, where the senators opted for a different approach to address the situation in Niger.
President Bazoum was deposed in a coup led by his presidential guards on July 26, prompting ECOWAS leaders to issue a seven-day ultimatum for the restoration of constitutional order, with the threat of possible military action. Nigeria also took measures such as cutting electricity supplies and closing its borders with Niger in response to the coup.
Verdict on coup
However, instead of military intervention, the senators chose to pass a resolution condemning the coup and commending ECOWAS leaders for their efforts to restore constitutional order in Niger.
They emphasized the importance of pursuing diplomatic solutions and highlighted the longstanding amicable relationship between Nigeria and Niger.
During the session, many senators expressed concerns about Nigeria’s military readiness for a foreign war, considering the ongoing internal challenges, such as Boko Haram insurgency, banditry, and ESN/IPOB activities.
Senate’s suggestion
As an alternative approach, the lawmakers urged President Tinubu to intensify negotiation efforts with the coup leaders and consider sending elder statesmen, such as Obasanjo, Gen Ali Gusau, and Abdulsalam Abubakar, as special envoys for dialogue and diplomatic resolution.
With this rejection of the troop deployment request, the focus now shifts towards diplomatic engagements to resolve the situation in Niger and restore stability to the West African nation.
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