Niger coup: Senate suggests political solution to end crises

By Iyojo Ameh

Senate has rejected an option of military operations by the Economic Community of West Africa States, ECOWAS in Niger Republic, advising the sub-regional body and its leaders to intensify efforts on political and diplomatic solutions to the coup.

The military in Niger had recently seized power from the democratically elected President Mohammed Bazoum and appointed General Abdourahamane Tchiani as the Head of State.

However, while reacting to President Bola Tinubu’s letter seeking support for the implementation of the resolutions of ECOWAS on the political situation in Niger Republic, the Senate opposed waging war against country without exhausting peaceful resolutions.

The communique issued by the ECOWAS leaders, chaired byTinubu, who is their chairman, stated that military action would be carried against any country that forcefully toppled a democratically elected government.

But considering the executive communication during a closed door session that lasted for more than two hours, which was raised by the Senate Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, the Red Chamber rejected military action and insisted on engaging with the president on resolving the issue.

Speaking after the closed door session, Senate President Godswill Akpabio said at the close session, the lawmakers considered Tinubu’s request and resolved to go for a political solution rather than military action, considering the relationship between Nigeria and Niger.

“At our executive session, the Senate condemned in totality the coup that took place in Niger Republic.

“The Senate commend President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and other head of states of ECOWAS on their prompt response.

“The Senate recognizes the fact that President Tinubu, by the virtue of his correspondents, has not asked that we should approve a request to go to war, but he expressed a wish to solicit support in the successful implementation of the ECOWAS communique.

“The leadership of the Senate is mandated to further engage the President on how best to engage and resolve the issues,” the Senate President said.

Speaking further, Akpabio said they are calling on the President of Nigeria, who is also the chairman of ECOWAS to further engage leaders to strengthen political options in resolving the political situation.

He said: “The Senate is mandated to further engage President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on how best to resolve the issue in view of the cordial relationship between Nigeria and Niger.

“The Senate called on the ECOWAS parliament to rise to this and condemn the military coup in Niger and to resolve the impasse.”