Politics

Tinubu okays Islamic clerics’ negotiations with Niger coup leaders

President Bola Tinubu has given the go-ahead for major Islamic groups to negotiate with military who ousted the democratically elected President of Niger Republic, Mohamed Bazoum.

After a meeting with the President on Wednesday at the presidential villa, Abuja, the Ulamas said that they are enjoined by their religious faith and the Quran to seek mediation first in conflicts before resorting to war.

Sheikh Bala Lau of Izalla group and Sheikh Abdurahman Ahmad of Ansar ud Deen, flanked by leaders of other sects, addressed correspondents after their meeting with Tinubu.

He said: “The delegation of Ulama here in Nigeria, met with Mr. President on the issue of Niger Republic. We want to find a lasting solution. We want peace and harmony to reign not only in Nigeria, but in the sub Sahara region and globally. So, the whole Ulama advised Mr. President, that we want peace and reconciliation.

“Always if there is anything happens between you and your neighbour, the Holy Quran commands you to reconcile. So, we want reconciliation.

“That’s what we’re here and our able leader and President accepted the offer that he wants us to intervene and to talk to our brothers over there in Niger Republic, the scholars as well on how we can come together and bring a lasting solution to this problem.

“That is why we’re here. And insha Allah by the Grace of Allah, we’re optimistic that Allah Subhanahu Wa Taala will do it for us and find a lasting solution to this issue.

“May Allah Subhanahu Wa Taala continue to guide us and maybe protect us.”

On his part, Sheikh Abdurrahaman Ahmed stated: “The President, like he said, welcomed our intervention. And he has promised that if we could also talk to the people on the other side, for them to be ready to give concession then ECOWAS, that he is chairman of is also ready.

“Other than that, the president deplored coup d’etat in the Sahel region, and, as a democrat himself, said he will do everything to ensure that there is democracy, justice, freedom and peace in the sub region.

“We as Ulama are also committed to peace and justice, and the President will be enabling the Ulama to mediate as it is appropriate. So this is why we’re here. And it is a mission accomplished, because the President responded positively and in turn he has given us an assignment to also mediate to ensure reconciliation between the warring factions in Niger Republic.

“So, we pray for peace, not only in Nigeria but also in the sub region and in the world, because that is the only thing that can ensure developments. Thank you very much.”

Meanwhile, former Emir of Kano, Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, who was in Niamey, capital of Niger Republic, earlier in the day and met with the military leader, returned was at the presidential villa to brief Tinubu on the visit

When asked by journalists how his visit to Niger went, Sanusi said “fine” but declined further comment.

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