Two years and three months after Mohamed Bazoum was inaugurated as the president of Niger Republic, he was deposed in a military coup and detained by members of his presidential guard. This coup has necessitated sanctions and military action against Niger from African nations − including Nigeria, whose president is the chairman of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). KINGSLEY ALUMONA sampled the opinions of some Nigerians on how Nigeria could handle the situation in Niger. Their views:
Lukman Kelani
Nigeria must insist on her opposition to the military takeover of government anywhere in the world. The Nigerian government should work with ECOWAS and the African Union (AU) countries to put in place effective diplomatic, economic and social sanctions to bring the illegitimate military government in Niger to its knees. Military rule is not desirable and necessary, except as the last option.
Shigo Baba
What is Nigeria’s business with the coup in Niger? Niger is a failed state and the military took over − even their citizens are happy. Nigeria should focus on their internal issues. We do not want our country to be like Ukraine because Niger has Russia, Mali, Burkina Faso and other African countries with military governments backing it. We are still facing high prices of food and petrol. Boko Haram, banditry, kidnapping, unemployment and other forms of hardship are still there and our president wants to fight another country. Thanks to the National Assembly for rejecting his military solution to the Niger crisis.
Erinle Taiwo
Nigeria is not at war with Niger, as is erroneously believed by some Nigerians. ECOWAS has Nigeria shouldering many of its overheads. One of the aims of the body is the promotion and consolidation of a democratic system of governance in its member states. Military rule is an aberration globally. Suffice it to say, Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger are having Jihadists and ISIS occupying their territories. This is a dangerous trend if unchecked. Diplomacy and kinetics should be applied by the regional body to resolve the crisis in Niger.
Don Muller
Niger’s problems are for the Nigeriens while Nigeria’s problems are for Nigerians. If President Bola Tinubu is acting based on his role as the chairman of the ECOWAS, which should not be more than that, it should not look like a feud between both countries. We have boundaries with Niger in the northern part of our country, which calls for diplomatic solutions than avoidable military engagements. If a war breaks out, it would do us no good. We should not forget that Niger is a sovereign state. They have citizenship rights over everything within their country’s space.
Moh’Jamiu Nuhu
Military rule has proven to be costly and unsustainable. Nigeria could learn from the successes of ECOWAS interventions in Burkina Faso, Mali, and other West African nations by engaging in political dialogue, fostering democratic processes, and encouraging peaceful transitions of power in Niger. This would help to mitigate conflicts and protect Nigeria’s national interests without resorting to violence or depleting its resources. If military intervention becomes necessary, Nigeria should rely on the assistance of the over 3000 foreign troops stationed in Niger and within its borders. These troops have vested economic interests in Niger, making them better equipped to intervene without compromising Nigeria’s resources and security.
OluwaFemi Olagunju
With more than enough problems on our hands, Nigeria should not interfere in any way but leave Niger’s junta and citizens who are happy with their military. Invading Niger will cause Nigeria billions of naira in warfare, further weaken the overstretched Nigerian military, and create enmity with our neighbour. It would also lead to the deaths of Nigerian soldiers and the loss of livelihood of most Nigerians that cross the Niger-Nigerian borders for business purposes. And what would we gain if we invade Niger? Ego and installing a president that his people do not want. It does not worth it.
Ibrahim Dan
Niger is historically part of Nigeria in time past before colonial incursion provided artificial boundaries. Nigeria should use tact, diplomacy, and strategy in managing the coup crisis there. ECOWAS should negotiate with the military junta for a timeframe to leave office and organise a credible election. Military action should be off the table because our economy would not support it. The crisis would pave the way for proxy wars between global superpowers, and Nigeria would pay dearly for it. We should know that the price of peace is greater than the cost of war. Where war ends, diplomacy starts.
David Adebayor
The Nigerian government should allow the people of Niger, especially the young ones, who do not know what military rule is about to have a taste of what they clamour for since experience remains the best teacher. We could not afford to waste what the Federal Government has already described as limited revenue and resources in restoring peace in ungrateful nations. What did we gain during the era of the Economic Community of West African State Monitoring Group (ECOMOG)?
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