Former Deputy National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Olabode George has appealed to President Bola Tinubu, to think deeply before intervening in restoring democratic governance in Niger Republic by returning the country’s ousted President Mohamed Bazoum to power.
It will be recalled that on July 26, 2023, the Commander of the Presidential Guard in the country General Abdourahamane Tchiani ousted President Bazoum.
Chief George in a letter written to President Tinubu noted that Nigeria has numerous challenges, urging the president to focus on solving the challenges presently rocking the country ,rather than embarking on a needless war which he cannot finish and also have consequences on Nigerians because seven Northern States share borders with Niger.
He said the steps the president has taken so far is commendable but he needs to think twice before entering another country militarily.
“We should think twice before entering another country militarily. Don’t start what you cannot finish.
“You may have been told that even a Brigade of the Nigerian Army, commanded by a Colonel, can crush the soldiers in Niger Republic. Now, my observations:
“First of all, you have done the right thing by sending a delegation consisting of former Head of State, General Abdulsalami Abubakar (rtd), and Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammad Saad Abubakar, a retired Brigadier-General, to meet the Military High Command in Niger. It is okay to send a delegation.”
Chief George said rather than go to war with Niger Republic Nigeria should use diplomacy to resolve the imbroglio in the country.
He said, “Diplomacy is always a better option to war. To jaw jaw is better than war war. But, I believe, it would have been better if the full Nigerian colouration was reflected in that delegation. Some diplomats (serving or retired) should have been included in the delegation. Diplomats are trained for a situation like this. What is happening in Niger right now is not only for the military, ” he stated.
Chief George who said countries like Mali and Burkina Faso have threatened to take sides with Niger Republic, wondered if Nigeria’s sending military troops to Niger Republic will not lead to the collapse of ECOWAS.
