Senators from the 19 northern states Friday kicked against the plan by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to initiate military actions in the Republic of Niger.
The Spokesperson for the Northern Senators Forum, Senator Suleiman Sumaila, in a statement said the Forum took cognizance of the efforts of the ECOWAS leaders under the chairmanship of President Bola Tinubu, in resolving the situation in Niger Republic.
The forum, however, maintained that the emphasis should be on political and diplomatic means to restore democratic government in Niger Republic
It stated: “We, the Northern Senators of the Northern Senators Caucus of the 10th Senate under the leadership of Senator Abdul Ningi, note with concern and condemn in its entirety the unfortunate development in Niger Republic, where the military forcefully upstaged a democratically elected government of President Mohammed Bazoum.
“We also take exception to the use of military force until other avenues as mentioned above are exhausted as the consequences will be casualties among the innocent citizens who go about their daily business.”
The forum added that about seven northern states who share border with Niger Republic namely Sokoto, Kebbi, Katsina, Zamfara, Jigawa, Yobe and Borno would be negatively affected.
It added: “We are also aware of the situation in Mali, Burkina Faso and Libya, which may affect the seven Northern states, if military force is used. There is serious implication for our country.”
“As democrats and representatives of the people we are here by urging our colleagues to observe due diligence in invoking Section 5(4) (a) and (b).”
it said Sub Section (4) of the 1999 constitution (as amended) stipulates that, “Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions of this section:“(a) the President shall not declare a state of war between the Federation and another country except with the sanction of a resolution of both Houses of the National Assembly, sitting in a joint session; and“(b) except with the prior approval of the Senate, no member of the armed forces of the Federation shall be deployed on combat duty outside Nigeria.”