Taking over from Bazoum averted threat against Nigeria ~ Gen Tchiani

The leader of the military junta in the Republic of Niger, General Abdourahmane Tchiani, stated over the weekend that the coup that deposed President Mohammad Bazoum was undertaken with good intentions. He emphasized that the coup was carried out to prevent an imminent threat that could have impacted both Niger and neighboring Nigeria.

This statement followed a renewed appeal from the Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) to the Federal Government of Nigeria. The CBCN urged the government to address issues such as corruption, insecurity, and imbalanced appointments within the country rather than engaging in conflict with Niger Republic.

Earlier, when ECOWAS leaders had contemplated a military approach against the coup leaders in Niger Republic, the Catholic Bishops had advised President Bola Tinubu, the chairman of ECOWAS, not to resort to military intervention.

Moreover, Peter Obi, the presidential candidate of the Labour Party in the February 2023 election, advocated for a diplomatic approach. He urged the Federal Government and ECOWAS to prioritize diplomacy instead of military force to resolve the crisis with the coupists in Niger Republic.

General Tchiani expressed disappointment that ECOWAS leaders didn’t consider their perspective before issuing an ultimatum. However, during a meeting with an intervention team from Nigeria, which included Islamic scholars, General Tchiani and the team discussed the potential for dialogue to resolve the political crisis in Niger.

The Islamic Ulammas, representing President Bola Tinubu, emphasized that the focus should be on peaceful dialogue rather than warfare. General Tchiani welcomed their intervention and stated that the military junta is open to diplomatic efforts to resolve the matter.

In response, Sheik Ahmad Abdulrahman, a member of the intervention team, confirmed that the discussions were constructive and that the team would report their findings to President Tinubu.

Niger Republic’s Prime Minister, Ali Mahamane Lamine Zeine, also acknowledged that General Tchiani had approved talks with ECOWAS and was hopeful that discussions would take place in the coming days.

In conclusion, there have been various appeals for peaceful resolution and diplomatic dialogue to address the political crisis in the Niger Republic, with an emphasis on prioritizing the well-being of both nations and their citizens.