President Bola Tinubu has appealed to a delegation of Islamic scholars (Ulamas), who were previously engaged in discussions to facilitate the restoration of constitutional democratic governance in Niger Republic, to expedite progress in their ongoing dialogue with the military junta.
Tinubu, who is the Chairman of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government, made the appeal during a meeting with the Islamic scholars, who were led by Sheikh Bala Lau, at the State House in Abuja on Thursday, August 24, 2023.
The briefing followed the Ulamas’ two most recent visits to Niger Republic.
According to a statement issued by the presidential spokesman, Ajuri Ngelale, the Islamic leaders had informed Tinubu that the military junta was open to deepening dialogue with ECOWAS as more steps are being taken to forestall armed conflict with a more detailed acceptance of the ECOWAS position by Niger military council officials.
Responding, President Tinubu stressed that he is at the forefront of a peaceful resolution of the crisis, even in the midst of more hawkish individuals, urging swifter intervention.
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He said: “I am managing a very serious situation. If you take ECOWAS aside, other people will react, those who are outside of our control. I am the one holding those sides back. I am the one holding back ECOWAS.
”Even as of this morning, I have been inundated with phone calls on the readiness of countries with their military force and contributions. However, I told them to wait. I am meeting with the Ulamas and I will get back to you.”
The president stressed that the military junta must be held accountable for putting the entire people of Niger Republic in jeopardy, adding: ”They cannot use the gun given to them to protect the sovereignty of the country and turn it against the people of the country.”
Tinubu, however, pledged that ECOWAS will remain steadfast in its commitment to diplomatically engage with all stakeholders and seek a peaceful resolution to the impasse in Niger.
“I will draw a line in the sand and ask you to make arrangements to go back to Niger Republic,” he added.
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