UN, AU, ECOWAS meet on next move, NSCIA warns FG

By bintu jidda kanempress
Kanempress
10th August 2023

Diplomats from the United Nations, African Union and the Economic Community of West African States will Thursday converge on Abuja, the Nigerian capital, for major decisions at an Extraordinary Summit on the political crisis in the Republic of Niger .

The summit is to be hosted by the Chairman of the ECOWAS of Heads of States and Government, President Bola Tinubu.

Similarly, the Deputy Secretary-General of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, Professor Salisu Shehu had on Wednesday, warned that sanctions imposed by ECOWAS, would be counter-productive and would have “socio-economic negative implications for both Nigerians and Nigeriens especially as we share common history and borders.

The former emir of Kano, Muhammad Sanusi II, had on Wednesday, met with military junta leader, General Tchiani in Niamey to discuss the political impasse which ouster President Bazoum.

It is not clear if Sanusi was in Niamey at the instance of President Tinubu.

Meanwhile, Sanusi also met Nigerian President Bola Tinubu at the Presidential Villa following the former emir’s meeting with the junta leader.

He efused to discuss details of his meeting with the President as he went on the peace mission without any directive from the government.

“I came to brief him on the details of my discussions with leaders of Niger. We’ll continue to do our best to bring the two parties together to improve understanding. This is the time for public diplomacy, it’s not a matter that we leave to governments, all Nigerians, all Nigeriens need to be involved to find a solution that works for Africa, a solution that works for Niger that works for Nigeria and a solution that works for humanity”, Sanusi said.

“No, I was not sent by the government. Government officials were aware I was going, but it was my personal initiative, using my personal contacts to get there and I will continue to do my best. It is my duty as a leader to do that”, Sanusi said.

Meanwhile, Tinubu, as the chairman of ECOWAS Heads of State and Government, met with leaders of various Islamic sects, who sought his approval to intervene and negotiate with their counterparts in Niger Republic.

Sheikh Bala Lau of Izalla group and Sheikh Abdurahman Ahmad of Ansar ud Deen, flanked by leaders of other sects, told journalists after their meeting with Tinubu.

“we thank Allah that He gave us the opportunity to meet with Mr. President and the delegation of Ulama from here in Nigeria met with Mr. President on the issue of Niger Republic. We want to find a lasting solution, we want peace and harmony to reign, not only in Nigeria, but in the sub-Saharan region and in globe as well, ” Sheikh Lau said.

“The Ulama advised Mr. President that we want peace and reconciliation. If anything happens between you and your neighbour, the holy Quran commands you to reconcile, so we want reconciliation.

“That’s why we are here and our able leader and President accepted the offer that he wants us to intervene and to talk to our brothers in Niger Republic, the scholars also there on how we can come together and bring a lasting solution to this problem,” he said.