Labour

Military intervention against Niger junta of no benefit, NLC tells ECOWAS

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has warned against the use of military force to restore democratic rule in Niger Republic, as it insists the disadvantages of such an action outweighs its benefits both to the region and Nigeria in particular.

President of the NLC, Comrade Joe Ajaero, in a statement on Sunday in Abuja, urged the leadership of ECOWAS to stay its planned action and listen to the various voices of people and organisations warning and advising them not to declare war on Niger Republic.

While wondering if there was enough economic strength to pursue war against Niger Republic, the congress urged ECOWAS to continue to embrace dialogue or risk the end of the regional body.

The statement read, “Despite our unimpeachable credentials in the popular struggle against military rule, we would strongly counsel against the use of military force to remove the military junta in Niger Republic as the disadvantages clearly outweigh the benefits, from putting in danger the lives of the deposed President Bazoum and his family to the destabilisation of the entire region, including northern Nigeria and loss of many lives in and out of the battle field. Equally of significance is the unintended possibility of turning Niger into a fertile territory for proxy wars.

“Even after the war is over, the region must brace itself for raised acts of terrorism or insurgency just as it might signal the end of ECOWAS as we know it today given the scenario of 10 members fighting five.

“Suspicions are rife that the ECOWAS leadership is trying to pull out of the fire the nut for and on behalf of another or others. While we cannot ascertain the veracity of these claims, ECOWAS must conduct itself in such a manner that its citizens and the world would believe it has a mind of its own.

“In the extant matter of Niger Republic, we equally do believe that ECOWAS did not exhaust the process of dialogue before beating war drums. The missions to Niamey were seen as an afterthought.

“One of the consequences of weaponising electricity supply to Niger Republic is the right of proportionate responsorial action by way of Niger Republic damming the Niger River with unimaginable effects on our ecosystem.

“Beyond all this, time has come for us to ask ourselves if we have the economic strength to prosecute this war. Even seasoned generals do admit that we can often predict the beginning of wars but can seldom tell how they end.

“As we stated at the beginning of this statement, we are advocates of democracy and will do all that is necessary to promote and preserve it. However, what will preserve democracy in our territories will not be the threat or use of military force against sovereign nations but the observance of the core values

and rules of democracy. It is up to our presidents or political leaders to do the needful. It is in consideration of these that we join other organisations and respected voices in saying no to war!”

ALSO READ FROM NIGERIAN TRIBUNE