Atiku Abubakar, a former vice president, has warned the ECOWAS leadership against using military force to reestablish democratic order in the Niger Republic.
The Peoples Democratic Party’s (PDP) presidential nominee, Mr. Abubakar, stated in a statement that he personally signed on Thursday in Abuja that the crisis in Niger required ongoing diplomatic efforts.
According to him, the military intervention in the Republic of Niger has heightened tension in the West African region, drawing attention from around the world to Nigeria’s neighbor.
Because more states in the sub-region had experienced military interventions over the past three years, according to Mr. Abubakar, the revolt was more of a concern.
“The world naturally expects Nigeria to assume a leadership role in ensuring that the political leadership crisis in the Republic of Niger is not only contained but also that democratic governance is restored there.
“Although there is no quick fix for the expectations placed on Nigeria to lead the subregion, the ECOWAS must be commended for the role it has played thus far.
“It must be emphasized that the ECOWAS should avoid engaging in military hostilities, which could worsen the situation, as it works to restore democracy in the Republic of Niger.
“Diplomatic engagement is necessary to address the crisis in the Republic of Niger, which calls for maintaining open lines of communication.
“It must be made 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 rationally, he said, adding that the world expects Nigeria to take the lead in this process of peaceful conflict resolution.
According to Mr. Abubakar, the situation was undoubtedly difficult for the West African region.
He asserted, however, that democracy must be prioritized as the ultimate victor in any steps taken to hasten the resolution of the crisis in the Republic of Niger.
