The Northern Elders Forum (NEF) has called on the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to rule out the use of force against Niger Republic.
It said it was unlikely to achieve the goals of restoring the constitutional order and improving the frontiers of democratic systems in West Africa
The body also called on the federal government to remove all sanctions and other measures intended to force the government and people of Niger into acquiescence.
It stressed this would make negotiations led by Nigeria, using all assets that both countries value, easier to conduct.
The Convener of NEC, Professor Ango Abdullahi, made the call while addressing a press conference on Tuesday in Abuja, where it rejected in totality any attempt to overthrow the constitutional order by the Nigerien military.
His words: “Negative sanctions are affecting the morale and welfare of citizens of both countries, and they will detract from the existing positive disposition towards Nigeria’s position.’
“The use of force against Niger should be ruled out. It is unlikely to achieve the goals of restoring the constitutional order and improving the frontiers of democratic systems in West Africa.”
The NEF warned that It would compound the security and humanitarian crises in the ECOWAS region.
It stressed that it was also likely to weaken and further divide the ECOWAS and provide greater access of non-African interests into the lives of Africans, with negative consequences.
Abdulahi, however, noted that the safety of President Bazoum, his family and restoration of the constitutional order must remain non-negotiable priorities.
The elder statesman stressed that the military leaders in Niger must accord due cognizance and respect for the position of ECOWAS, whose fundamental principles and goals Niger Republic submitted to.
NEF noted that active negotiations regarding Bazoum and the plans of the military leadership in Niger should commence immediately, adding that Nigeria is uniquely placed to engage the leadership of Niger Republic to accept these with the minimum of delay.
Abdulahi stressed that President Bola Tinubu as the Chairman of ECOWAS and leader of Nigerians should explore ways of balancing these responsibilities without doing any injury to the position of Nigeria and Nigerians on Niger Republic and the unity of the ECOWAS.
He added: “Nigeria should remove all sanctions and other measures intended to force the government and people of Niger into acquiescence. This will make negotiations led by Nigeria, using all assets that both countries value, easier to conduct.
“The Forum notes the apology offered by the military leaders in Niger to our President over the manner his envoys, General Abdussalami and His Eminence, Sultan of Sokoto were received. It advises that this should be treated as a sign of the respect and esteem with which Nigeria and President Tinubu are held by the putschists, which should not be wasted.
