Coup: You are on your own – Northern Senators warn Tinubu against sending troops to Niger

Northern Senators in the 10th National Assembly have raised their concerns and cautioned President Bola Ahmed Tinubu against resorting to military intervention as a means to resolve the ongoing crisis in Niger. The senators emphasized the urgency of employing political and diplomatic avenues to restore democratic governance in the neighboring country.

The spokesperson for the Northern Senators Forum, Sen. Suleiman Sumaila, issued a compelling statement on Friday, articulating the collective stance of the senators on the matter. The group of senators believes that utilizing military force could have far-reaching consequences, not only for Niger but also for several Nigerian states situated along its border.

The Northern Senators expressed their apprehensions, particularly regarding the potential loss of innocent lives that could result from a military intervention. They highlighted the risks posed to civilians who are merely going about their daily lives, emphasizing the need to exhaust peaceful solutions before considering military action.

Sen. Sumaila highlighted that seven northern states in Nigeria, namely Sokoto, Kebbi, Katsina, Zamfara, Jigawa, Yobe, and Borno, could be adversely affected by any military engagement in Niger. These states share geographical proximity and historical ties with Niger, making them vulnerable to the spillover effects of any conflict in the region.

“The emphasis, however, should be on political and diplomatic means to restore democratic government in the Niger Republic.

“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 do their daily business. Besides, about seven northern states with a border with the Niger Republic will be negatively affected, namely Sokoto, Kebbi, Katsina, Zamfara, Jigawa, Yobe and Borno”.