Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has warned the Economic Community of West Africa (ECOWAS) to refrain from resorting to military hostilities as a means to resolve the leadership crisis in Niger Republic.
Atiku in a press statement he personally signed said military intervention in the Republic of Niger had created tension across the West Africa sub-region, adding “it is a development that has caused international attention to that neighbouring country of ours.”
He said the putsch was even more worrisome because the number of states that had witnessed military intervention in the last three years in the subregion was increasing.
“Of course, the world expects Nigeria to take up. leadership in ensuring that the crisis of political leadership in the Republic of Niger is not just curtailed but also ensuring the restoration of democratic governance in that country.
“While the expectations that fall on Nigeria as the sub-regional leader is not a quick fix, it must be expressed that the role taken so far by the Economic Community of West African States has been commendable.
“As the ECOWAS continues to work towards reinstating democracy in the Republic of Niger, it must be reinforced that the regional body should not travel the road of military hostilities that may exacerbate the status quo.
“The crisis in the Republic of Niger requires diplomatic engagements, and that must mean that the channels for dialogue should be well sustained.
“While the world expects Nigeria to take a leading role in this process of peaceful conflict resolution, it must be clear to the military insurrectionists in the Republic of Niger that the world cannot afford to wait for too long before this crisis is resolved reasonably,” the statement read.
He added that it was undoubtedly a challenging time for the West African region.
He, however, said that any actions taken towards the prompt resolution of the crisis in the Republic of Niger must prioritize democracy as the ultimate victor.
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