Former Emir of Kano, Muhammad Sanusi, who was in Niamey, capital of Niger Republic, earlier on Wednesday, August 9 and met with leader of the military junta, General Abdourahamane Tchiani
returned home and headed straight for the Presidential Villa, Abuja to brief President Bola Tinubu.
Sanusi said “I came to brief him on the details of my discussions with leaders of Niger. We’ll continue to do our best to bring the two parties together to improve understanding. This is the time public diplomacy, it’s not a matter that we leave to governments, all Nigerians, all Nigeriens need to be involved to find a solution that works for Africa, a solution that works for Niger that works for Nigeria and a solution that works for humanity.
He, however clarified that he was not sent to Niamey by the government. According to him, “No, I was not sent by the government. Government officials were are aware I was going, but it was my personal initiative, using my personal contacts to get there and I will continue to do my best. It is my duty as a leader to do that”.
Meanwhile, President Tinubu on Wednesday also received a delegation of leaders of major Islamic groups in Nigeria who came to seek his approval to dialogue with their colleagues (Islamic Scholars) in Niger Republic on how to restore peace and democratic government in the country.
The clerics, popularly known as Ulamas, who are opposed to war with the Nigerien military, as threatened by the Economic Community of West African States, ECOWAS, said that apart from the dire consequences of armed conflict, they are enjoined by their religious faith and the Quran to seek mediation first in cases like this before resorting to war.
The delegation had representatives of all the different Islamic sects in the country. Sheikh Bala Lau of Izalla Group and Sheikh Abdura
hman Ahmad of Ansar ud Deen spoke to journalists on behalf of leaders of other sects.
According to Sheikh Bala Lau “The delegation of Ulama here in Nigeria, met with Mr. President on the issue of Niger Republic. We want to find a lasting solution. 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 happens between you and your neighbour, the Holy Quran commands you to reconcile. So, we want reconciliation. That’s what we’re here and our able leader and President accepted the offer that he wants us to intervene and to talk to our brothers over there in Niger Republic, the scholars as well on how we can come together and bring a lasting solution to this problem.
That is why we’re here. And Insha Allah by the Grace of Allah, we’re optimistic that Allah Subhanahu Wa Taala will do it for us and find a lasting solution to this issue. May Allah Subhanahu Wa Taala continue to guide us and maybe protect us.
Also speaking, Sheikh Ahmad said “The President, like he said, welcomed our intervention. And he has promised that if we could also talk to the people on the other side, for them to be ready to give concession then ECOWAS, that he is chairman of, would also be ready.
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“Other than that, the president deplored coup d’etat in the Sahel region, and, as a Democrat himself, said he will do everything to ensure that there is democracy, justice, freedom and peace in the sub-region.
“We as Ulama are also committed to peace and justice, and the President will be enabling the Ulama to mediate as it is appropriate. So this is why we’re here. And it is a mission accomplished 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.
“So, we pray for peace, not only in Nigeria but also in the sub-region and in the world, because that is the only thing that can ensure developments.
It will be recalled that ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government is set to meet on Thursday in Abuja to deliberate on the way forward on the political situation in Niger Republic after the seven-day ultimatum to the military junta to return the country to democracy and reinstate ousted President Mohamed Bazoum.
(Editor: Terverr Tyav)
