Niger Coup: Northern Senators kick against military action

By Samuel Ogunsona

Niger is home to millions of indigenous Hausa and Fulani People wo form the bulk of the population of 25million.

It is believed that many top Northern Nigerian politicians, business men and even high ranking soldiers have their ancestral root in Niger.

Former President Mohammadu Buhari is believed to be of Niger origin.

The Northern Senators said they are opposed to any military action

It came after President Tinubu formally informed the Nigeria National Assembly about his approach to disorganize Niger coupist and restore democracy in the country.

The Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, read during the plenary session in Abuja to inform the senators of the Economic Community of West Africa state (ECOWAS) plan to dislodge the military government in Niger.

However, the northern senators caucus rejected the move,Irohinoodua was informed. “There is serious implication for the country”.

A statement by the spokespersons, Senator Suleiman Kawu, emphasized that the focus should be on political and deplomatic means of restoration.

Kawu who represents Kano on the NNPP platform said

” We, the Northern Senators of the Northern Senators Caucus of the 10th Senate under the leadership of Senator 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 Bomo 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 diplomatic channels.
” As democrats and representatives of the people we are hereby urging our colleagues to observe due diligence in invoking section 5 sub section (4) (a) and (b) of the 1999 Constitution as amended to guide President Tinubu on the planned military action “.