Katsina Forum Faults ECOWAS Decision on Niger

• Warns FG against supporting aggression 

Francis Sardauna in Katsina 

The Katsina-Daura Unity and Progress Forum has described as ill-conceived the Economic Community of West African States’ (ECOWAS) decision to use its standby military force to restore constitutional order in the Republic of Niger.

Reacting to the ECOWAS decision at a press conference in Katsina Saturday, the acting President of the forum, Mr. Tukur Malami, said it would lead to socio-economic and political disruption in the West African sub-region.

He said the amassing of troops and military hardware on standby was an intimidation and a threat to the Republic of Niger which might hamper diplomatic approach to restore democracy.

According to the acting president of the forum, the best antidote against coup is good governance, founded on the basis of free, fair and credible elections.

Consequently, he warned the President Bola Tinubu-led Federal Government to desist from supporting any aggression towards the Republic of Niger and its citizens.

Malami said: “Doing so is in effect undertaking a proxy war for NATO and its allies, and will negatively and tragically affect people living in the northern states of Nigeria. 

“It also amounts to self-inflicted injury by the Federal Government of Nigeria on its people, especially those living in the northern states who will definitely be affected by the war.”

He admonished President Tinubu to look inward and address the lingering security challenges, poverty and corruption which he said has made life in Nigeria unbearable.

According to him, concerted efforts should rather further be intensified in tackling the security challenges pervading the country, adding that: “Tinubu should remember that he is first and foremost the President of Nigeria before becoming the leader of ECOWAS.”

Malami called on governors, members of the national and state assemblies, traditional and religious leaders, as well as the general public to stand up stoutly against the ECOWAS decision.