The Peoples Redemption Party (PRP) has called on President Bola Tinubu and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) not to go to war with the Niger Republic.
Its National Chairman, Falalu Bello, in a statement issued Saturday said war would destabilise the entire Sahelian region and could lead to the spread of violence and instability to other countries in the West African subregion.
He noted that there exists an excellent neighborliness and good relationship between the two countries that are closely linked economically, culturally and geographically, saying it would be tragic if these relationships for centuries are spoilt.
Bello said: “Niger Republic depends on Nigeria for trade and investment, and Nigeria depends on Niger for some products. A war would disrupt this economic interdependence and harm both countries.
“The PRP strongly urges President Tinubu, as the present ECOWAS Chairman, to painstakingly pursue dialogue and diplomacy in resolving the imbroglio in the Republic of Niger and to exercise restraint and avoid taking any action that could lead to war.
“We urge President Tinubu to focus on addressing the challenges facing Nigerians, including insecurity, extreme poverty, and unemployment, among others.”
The party insisted that the recent skirmishes between Nigeria and the Niger Republics are avoidable and should be resolved through dialogue and diplomacy.
It expresses confidence that Nigeria and the ECOWAS will resolve the issue at stake with the Niger Republic peacefully through dialogue without bloodshed.
