Robinson Uwak, a former member of the House of Representatives, issued a statement on Sunday urging the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and its chairman, President Bola Tinubu, to halt their planned incursion into Niger Republic.
In his statement released from Abuja, Uwak emphasized the importance of maintaining the ongoing diplomatic dialogue with the junta led by Gen. Abdourahamane Tchiani. He called for the establishment of clear timelines for the restoration of democratic governance.
Reports from our correspondent revealed that during a meeting in Accra, Ghana, on Thursday, ECOWAS troops pledged their readiness to participate in a standby force, with the intention of intervening in Niger due to the refusal to reverse the coup that ousted President Mohamed Bazoum.
Uwak acknowledged the efforts of former Head of State and Chairman of the National Peace Committee, Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar. Despite being rebuffed during his initial visit, Abubakar has committed to engaging with Niger’s military rulers and exploring diplomatic solutions.
Given Nigeria’s existing security challenges within its borders, Uwak stressed that engaging in another international military conflict nearby would be detrimental. He implored President Bola Tinubu to prioritize dialogue over military action, citing the potential consequences of war, such as post-traumatic disorders, strained cross-border relationships, destruction, and enduring injuries.
Uwak’s plea centered on preventing any form of conflict and striving for regional peace and stability within the ECOWAS sub-region.
He expressed his hope for the restoration of peace not only in Nigeria but across the entire West African sub-region.
Recent reports from NAN indicated that West African military leaders convened in Ghana for a second day of discussions concerning the potential intervention in Niger after the coup that removed President Mohamed Bazoum.
ECOWAS had agreed to activate a “standby force” as a final measure to reinstate democracy in Niger if negotiations with the coup leaders fail.
During the discussions, Abdel-Fatau Musah, an ECOWAS commissioner for political affairs and security, conveyed that while diplomacy remains a priority, the armed forces of West Africa stand prepared to act if necessary.
The decision to proceed with military action hinges on the response of the junta.
NAN.