President Bola Tinubu has pledged to work closely with Niger Republic to prevail on the junta there to opt for a peaceful resolution of the impasse.
He made the pledge on Wednesday when he received a group of Islamic leaders, under the auspices of the Nigerian Council of Ulama’s, at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.
The President subsequently assigned the Ulamas to undertake a journey to Niger to wade in to the crisis and avert military action against the junta.
Briefing newsmen on the responsibility given to them, the spokesperson for the Ulamas, Shaikh Bala Lau, said they would do their utmost to avert bloodshed.
Citing a verse in the Qur’an, Shaikh Lau stressed that reconciliation was always the best option to resolving disputes.
“We want peace and harmony to reign not only in Nigeria, but in the sub-sahara region and globally. So, the whole Ulama advised Mr. President, that we want peace and reconciliation. Always if there is anything happening between you and your neighbour, the Glorious Qur’an commands you to reconcile. May Allah Subhaanahu wa Ta’ala continue to guide us and may he protect us”, he hoped.
Commenting on the implications of forceful take-over of power, a member of the delegation, Sheikh AbdurRahman Ahmed, said President Tinubu had vowed to do everything possible to ensure that democracy, justice, freedom, and peace spread roots in the sub-region.
“We as Ulama are committed to peace and justice, and because the President responded positively and in turn, he has given us an assignment to also mediate to ensure reconciliation between the warring factions in Niger Republic,” he explained.
In a similar move, the 14th Emir of Kano, Alhaji Sanusi Lamido II, who privately met with leaders of the junta, briefed President Tinubu on their discussions.
He told State House correspondents that he was hopeful that a peaceful solution to the crisis would be attained.
Bello Wakili
