The Senate has rejected the plan by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) military action in the Republic of Niger.
TheHintsNews reports that President Bola Tinubu Friday notified the National Assembly about the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) proposed military action against the Nigerien military junta who recently seized power.
Also, the Northern Senators Forum in a statement issued Friday kicked against the option of war and called for political and diplomatic means to restore democratic government in that country.
However, considering the President’s request during a closed-door session that lasted for more than two hours on Saturday, the Senate kicked against military action and insisted on engaging with the President on resolving the issue.
Speaking after the closed-door session, Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, said at the closed-session they considered Tinubu’s request and resolved to go for a political solution rather than military action, considering the long-standing relationship between Nigeria and Niger.
His words: “At our executive session, the Senate condemned in totality the coup that took place in Niger Republic. The Senate commend President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and other Heads of State of ECOWAS on their prompt response.
“The Senate recognises the fact that President Tinubu, by the virtue of his correspondence, has not asked that we should approve a request to go to war, but he expressed a wish to solicit support in the successful implementation of the ECOWAS communique.
“The leadership of the Senate is mandated to further engage the President on how best to engage and resolve the issues.
Akapbio said the Senate called on the President of Nigeria, who is also the Chairman of ECOWAS, to further engage leaders to strengthen political options in resolving the political situation in Niger.
“The Senate is mandated to further engage President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on how best to resolve the issue in view of the cordial relationship between Nigeria and Niger.