Coup: Northern Senators reject military intervention in Niger

Senators from the North, have rejected the prospect of Nigeria intervening militarily against the coup leaders in Niger.

Under the platform of Northern Senators Forum, the lawmakers said any military intervention in Niger, could worsen humanitarian situations in seven northern states bordering the West African country.

Nigerian senators are expected to either give or reject consent to a request by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to intervene militarily in Niger.

In a statement signed by Senator Suleiman A. Kawu Sumaila, spokesman to the Northern Senators Forum, they said non military intervention remains the best option in resolving the crisis.

The statement reads: “We, the Northern Senators Caucus of the 10th Senate under the leadership of Sen. 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 Borno 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 the diplomatic channels.

“As democrats and representatives of the people we are here by urging our colleagues to observe due diligence in invoking section 5 sub section (4) (a) and (b) of 1999 Nigerian Constitution as amended.”