A renowned scholar and expert in international relations, Prof. Bola Akinterinwa has cautioned President Bola Tinubu in the manner he intervenes in the political crisis in Niger Republic.
The West African country was thrown into crisis last week following a military coup de’tat that has now thrown up General Abdourahamane Tchiani as its military leader.
The Economic Community of West Africa, ECOWAS, has rejected the forceful change of power, calling on the coup plotters to return power to President Bassoum within one week. Tinubu is the president of ECOWAS.
The bloc after a meeting in Abuja, Nigeria’s capital on Sunday announced a slew of economic measures against the new regime, including land, air, and Sea blockade.
ECOWAS has also warned that force may be used if the soldiers failed to reinstate democratic government within the stipulated time.
Reacting to the crisis, Prof. Akintehinwa said Nigeria as ECOWAS leader should adopt diplomacy to bring all the parties together with the aim of restoring lasting peace to the restive poor country, saying Nigeria lacks the resources to fight any war at the moment.
Citing ongoing efforts by the West and Russia to control Niger, the renowned diplomat warned that Nigeria is “likely to have a war we are not prepared for” in case we decided to send troops to remove the current military leader.
He blamed the wets for making lives in the country difficult for its people, saying the coup plotters have received massive support since they came to power last week.
“Russia and Wagner group are capitalising on the manner Western powers are making lives difficult in the country to advance their own interest,” he stated.
West African leaders on Sunday gave the military junta in Niger one week to cede power, warning they did not rule out the “use of force”, and imposed immediate financial sanctions.
In its demand for the immediate reinstatement of President Mohammed Bazoum, the 15-nation ECOWAS bloc said it may be forced to use force to restore constitutional democracy.
ECOWAS said, “In the event the authorities’ demands are not met within one week (ECOWAS will) take all measures necessary to restore constitutional order in the Republic of Niger. Such measures may include the use of force.
“For this effect, the chiefs of defence staff of ECOWAS are to meet immediately.”
The bloc also announced the “suspension of all commercial and financial transactions between ECOWAS member states and Niger”, apart from imposing a “travel ban and asset freeze for the military officials involved in the coup attempt”.
“The same applies to their family members and the civilians who accept to participate in any institutions or government established by these military officials,” said the statement, which was read out at the end of the crisis meeting yesterday by President Tinubu.
Recall that General Abdourahamane Tchiani, the new military leader had warned ECOWAS against using military force, saying they will be violently resisted.
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