The Senate Must Not Approve Tinubu’s Request – Sani Reacts To Proposed Military Invasion On Niger Republic

Former Kaduna Central lawmaker, Shehu Sani has urged the Senate not to approve any military action against the Niger Republic.

Naija News recalls that President Bola Tinubu had officially briefed the National Assembly on the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) proposed military action and other penalties against the coup plotters in the Niger Republic.

This was contained in a formal letter to the Senate and read during plenary by Senate President, Godswill Akpabio.

“Following the unfortunate political situation in Niger Republic culminating in the overthrow of its President, ECOWAS under my leadership condemned the coup in its entirety and resolved to seek the return of the democratically elected government,” the president said.

In the letter, Tinubu informed the upper chamber that sanctions, including freezing utility services and closing land borders with the Niger Republic, were imposed on the neighbouring West African country at an emergency meeting after its coup.

“Blockade of goods in transit to Niger, especially from Lagos and eastern seaports Embarking on sensitisation of Nigerians and Nigerians on the imperative of these actions, particularly via social media. Military build-up and deployment of personnel for military intervention to enforce compliance of the military junta in Niger should they remain recalcitrant,” Tinubu added.

Reacting, Sani warned the Senate against approving Tinubu’s request.

He advised the president not to be misled by foreign powers.

The former lawmaker insisted that diplomatic measures should be employed in combating the unrest in Niger.

Speaking via Twitter, he wrote, “The Nigerian Senate should NOT approve any military action against Niger Republic. This country should not be plunged into war and eventually stuck in war in the Sahel. President Tinubu shouldn’t allow himself to be misled by foreign powers. Saudi in Yemen, America in Afghanistan, and now Russia in Ukraine should teach us a lesson that war doesn’t end in days, weeks or months.

“Senators should weigh the implications and consequences of their decisions, especially those senators representing states along the Niger Border.

“Weaponising electricity supplies to Niger is also condemnable.

“President Tinubu should continue to explore diplomatic channels and save the lives of those who will be sacrificed. That’s my view.”