THE Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) has implored the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the Federal Government to continue to tread the path of dialogue in their attempt to resolve the leadership crisis in the Republic of Niger caused by the military takeover of power from a democratically elected leader, Muhammed Bazoum.
The apex Islamic organisation in Nigeria, in a statement signed by its Deputy Secretary-General, Professor Salisu Shehu, said it had followed the reactions trailing “the rather belligerent stand” of ECOWAS and its resolutions that include possible use of violence in Niger and asserted that Nigerians are united against military intervention in that country.
It noted that many religious and civil society groups across religious, ethnic and regional divides, as well as elder statesmen and retired military veterans and security experts have all rejected the use of violence to resolve the situation.
The NSCIA said it recognised the duty of the leadership of both ECOWAS and Nigeria to preserve and protect democracy by discouraging takeover of power through military coup, but cautioned that “violence does more harm than the intended good in any circumstance.”
According to the council, should violence break out in Niger, “the helpless and hapless masses, who have already been devastated and impoverished by the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on the world economy, would pay the very costly price, not the coup plotters.”
The council lamented that the coup in the West African country has negative socio-economic implications for both Nigerians and Nigeriens, “especially as we share common history and borders.”
It noted that ECOWAS had lately imposed further stringent economic sanctions against the defiant military junta in Niger, but described such kinds of sanctions as counter-productive and futile.
The NSCIA said: “It is the masses that do suffer the pains and difficulties of the sanctions while the junta takes control of state resources and begins a life of indulgence” and therefore called on ECOWAS and in particular, the Nigerian government, to retrace their steps in this regard “to avoid correcting wrong with another.”
It added: “While Nigeria spearheads the imposition and heaping of sanctions on Niger, it should be reminded of the thousands of Nigerian refugees to whom Niger provided succour and safe abode for several years now.
“This is undoubtedly an act of good neighbourliness, rare hospitality and kindness that should not be reciprocated with measures that would cause disaffection, breed hate and hostility and aggravate the sufferings of the downtrodden people across both sides of the borders.”
“It is pertinent to state here that Nigeria has not gotten away with its own intractable issues and challenges of insecurity and violence that have been causing deaths incessantly, displacing millions and destroying livelihoods in states that share borders with Niger.
“The Boko Haram insurgency in the North East and the banditry in the North West have not been subdued. Given this situation, it would not only take a dance on the precipice to embark on military expedition at this material time, but would also smack of ingratitude to a neighbour that had consistently remained faithful in helping and supporting us in our fight against those extreme groups and criminal gangs.
“The Council hereby reiterates the need to pursue peace by peaceful means as any war between Nigeria and Niger would severely strain the fraternal relationship between the two countries which dates back to the pre-colonial era. There is, therefore, no option to dialogue, and to be forewarned is to be forearmed.
“The Council prays that Almighty Allah would grant our leaders the wisdom and ability to resolve the crisis in Niger in a peaceful manner. May He also bestow peace upon us in Nigeria and the region at large.”
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