ECOWAS Cannot Declare War Directly – Adamu Garba

An All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain, Adamu Garba has said that the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) cannot declare war directly.

He insisted that before war is declared there must be approval from the National Assembly, National Security Council, and the Council of State.

He, however, stated that if indeed the body declares war against Niger Republic it would be a miscalculation on Africa’s part.

Speaking further, he noted that ECOWAS putting the military on standby is ambiguous and not necessarily a declaration of war.

According to him, “If indeed, war is declared by ECOWAS against Niger in the name of democracy, it is going to be the most strategic miscalculation for Africa in the 21st century.

“This goes contrary to the statement made by the state house earlier today on the need to approach the issue of Niger’s coup with diplomacy and not through war.

“I am not sure that is the way war is declared. There must be approval from the National Assembly, National Security Council, and the Council of State. The President must also talk to the Nation justifying the need for war.

“ECOWAS cannot declare war directly.

“Sometimes the media can speculate. We might need to wait and see how the event unfolds.

“ECOWAS statement is ambiguous and not categorical. “Activating Military as a Standby Force for deployment” doesn’t not mean starting a war for me.

“Media should not mislead you into conclusions. We should still wait and see what happens next.”