President Bola Tinubu, says all diplomatic options will be exhausted with the military junta in Niger Republic before any last resort of military intervention comes into the picture.
The President, however, insisted that any forceful removal of a democratic government remains “wholly unacceptable.”
Tinubu made this known in Thursday in Abuja while receiving the Nigeria Supreme Council of Islamic Affairs, led by the Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, at the State House.
He noted that the alternative of kinetic intervention in Niger Republic had not been jettisoned.
The President was of the opinion that Nigeria, under General Abdulsalami Abubakar instituted a nine-month transition programme in 1998, and it proved very successful, leading the country into a new era of democratic governance.
He said he sees no reason why such can not be replicated in Niger if the military authorities are sincere
The President stated: “I must thank you for your several visits to Niger Republic, Your Eminence, but you will still have to go back. My fear has been confirmed in Gabon that copy cats will start doing the same thing until it is stopped.
“We are neighbours with Niger Republic, and what has joined Nigerians together with their great people cannot be broken. Nobody is interested in a war. We have seen the devastation in Ukraine and Sudan. But, if we don’t wield the big stick, we will all suffer the consequences together.
“Your Eminence, please don’t get tired, you will still go back there. The soldiers’ action is unacceptable. The earlier they make positive adjustments, the quicker we will dial back the sanctions to alleviate the sufferings we are seeing in Niger “
On the hardship faced by many Nigerians post-fuel subsidy removal, the President assured that all ongoing reforms will liberate and reposition the economy.
The President assured that the economic reform will benefit the majority of the population in terms of opportunities, infrastructure, healthcare and education.
“Nigeria is headed for a promise. Our diversity will turn into prosperity, not adversity. We will build a country that our children will be proud of,” the said.