Despite warning my well meaning Nigerians to apply caution in dealing with the political tension in the Niger Republic, President Bola Tinubu, has written to the Nigerian Senate seeking its support on the deployment of military operatives to the former French colony.
The president in the letter also called for the support of the lawmakers on the cutting off of electricity supply to the junta controlled nation.
Tinubu who is the Chairman of the Economic Community of West African States, had on Sunday met with other ECOWAS leaders to brainstorm appropriate measures which can be taken to restore constitutional government in Niger.
The leaders of the regional bloc met to discuss sanctions to be slammed against the coupists who booted Bazoum on July 26, 2023 out of power.
Tinubu’s letter read, “Political situation in Niger. Following the unfortunate political situation in Niger Republic culminating in the overthrow of its President, ECOWAS under my leadership condemned the coup in its entirety and resolved to seek the return of the democratically elected govt in a bid to restore peace, ECOWAS convened a meeting and came out with a communique.”
“Military buildup and deployment of personnel for military intervention to enforce compliance of the military junta in Niger should they remain recalcitrant.
“Closure and monitoring of all land borders with the Niger Republic and reactivating of the border drilling exercise.
“Cutting off Electricity supply to the Niger Republic, mobilising international support for the implementation of the provisions of the ECOWAS communique.”
“Preventing the operation of commercial and special flights into and from Niger Republic; Blockade of goods in transit to Niger especially from Lagos and eastern seaports”.
Tinubu also told the Senate that his government will begin sensitisation of Nigerians on the importance of these actions, particularly through social media.
Meanwhile, the junta government in Niger has warned the regional bloc—ECOWAS that any attempt to use military force in dealing with the situation will not be condoned and that they will respond with full force.
Also, junta in Mali, Burkina Faso and others within the West African region have declared their readiness to stand with coupists in Niger.