I Am Opposed To Military Engagement In Niger Republic -Atiku

Presidential candidate of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, has said he was opposed to military engagement in Niger Republic as a way of restoring order there.

He has therefore advised the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) against resorting to such in the ongoing disturbance in the country.

Abubakar who was former vice president in the country, made his suggestion in a statement he personally signed in Abuja today.

Rather than military to military engagement, what the problem in Niger Republic required was sustained diplomatic engagement, he said, while also praising the efforts of the ECOWAS thus far targeted at restoring order in Niger.

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“While the expectations that fall on Nigeria as the sub-regional leader is not a quick fix, it must be expressed that the role taken so far by the ECOWAS has been commendable.

“As the ECOWAS continues to work towards reinstating democracy in the Republic of Niger, it must be reinforced that the regional body should not travel the road of military hostilities that may exacerbate the status quo.

“The crisis in the Republic of Niger requires diplomatic engagements, and that must mean that the channels for dialogue should be well sustained.

“While the world expects Nigeria to take a leading role in this process of peaceful conflict resolution, it must be clear to the military insurrectionists in the Republic of Niger that the world cannot afford to wait for too long before this crisis is resolved reasonably, “ he said.

Alhaji Abubakar observed further that issue was already creating tension across the subregion drawing international attention to it.

According to him there was need for concern in the developments in Niger Republic given the increasing number of countries that had witnessed military intervention in the recent.

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Democracy he said must be give prior consideration in any efforts at resolving the problem in the country, he further said.

Atiku spoke against the stance of leaders from the sub-region who have suggested that military intervention against the army-ruled Niger had become inevitable.

ECOWAS had earlier given an ultimatum to the new leaders, but who seem resolved in holding power. Video messages online have shown them threatening any external forces that may want to meddle in the internal affairs of Niger.

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On the other hand, the Nigeria Chief of Defence Staff, Christopher Musa has given indication of Nigeria’s readiness for military engagement. “We are ready, and as soon as we receive the order to intervene, we will do so,” he was quoted as telling Radio France Internationale’s Hausa service on Monday.