Following the end of the 7-day ultimatum to the military junta to release President Mohamed Bazoum to the junta in the Republic of Niger by the Economic Community of Western African States, (ECOWAS), under the leadership of President Bola Tinubu, the Middle-Belt Forum (MBF) has asked Tinubu to guard against deliberate interference in the affairs of a sovereign nation.
A press statement issued yesterday, signed by Dr. Isuwa Dogo, the National Publicity Secretary of the socio-cultural organisation, noted that understanding the dynamics and intricate relationship between Niger Republic and Nigerian states that share borders; should serve as lessons in avoiding any form of warfare.
While urging the President to desist from action that may lead to war, MBF said, “With the coup in the Niger Republic attracting sympathy from Nigeriens masses over the sacking of the democratically elected leadership, caution should be exercised.
“The present times call for caution and statesmanship in dealing with the little smoke of insurrection blowing across the Niger Republic. Considering the reaction of the Nigerien people to support the military takeover, it is clear that the planned deployment of troops within the Nigerien borders by the Algerian armed force predicts dark days ahead”, it added.
President’s Tinubu’s letter to the Senate has ignited rumours that the possibility of engaging the coupists is already concluded.
The MBF asked Tinubu to focus attention in addressing the monsters of insecurity shredding our nation, including addressing the harsh economic sufferings unleashed on the masses, following the withdrawal of fuel subsidies that has thrown millions of Nigerian citizens into dungeons of hopelessness and despair.
