An Islamic scholar, Sheikh Dahiru Usman Bauchi, has urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu not to start a conflict with the neighboring nation of Nigeria after the deadline set by the Economic Community of West African States, or ECOWAS, to the military junta in the Niger Republic expired.
The well-known preacher, who also serves as the sect’s leader in Nigeria, urged the National Assembly to reject the president’s desire for a conflict with the Niger Republic in whatever form.
The senior academic advised President Tinubu and other ECOWAS leaders to start a discussion with the Nigerien military junta that overthrew President Mohammed Bazoum rather than start a war with the Francophone West African nation.
“Nigerians and Niger are united. Hence, there is the need for the Federal Government to engage in diplomatic approaches with a view to strengthening the cordial relationship for the economic growth and development of the two West African countries,” the centenarian said in Bauchi while speaking with journalists.
After that, he exhorted other West African leaders and other players to pursue diplomatic engagement.
“We are pleading with President Tinubu, the National Assembly, and all ECOWAS parties to refrain from inciting violence in Niger.
Sheikh Bauchi said, “This is to save the lives of innocent souls and to prevent people from going through more hardship.”
