Senators from the Northern Region have rejected proposal for a military action in resolving the impasse in the neighbouring Republic of Niger.

Instead, they recommended political and diplomatic solutions to the crisis in Niger Republic.

They also frowns at the economic sanctions already unleashed on the military regime in the country by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).

The Northern Senators took the stand under their umbrella body, the Northern Senators Forum (NSF), notwithstanding their proclaimed condemnation of the July 26 coup that ousted the democratic government of President Mohammed Bazoum.

It would be recalled that Nigeria’s President Bola Tinubu, who is also the current leader of ECOWAS, had written to the Senate, praying the National Assembly to grant him leeway to deploy Nigerian military to Niger against the coup leaders.

The senators from the North made open their position on the matter in a release signed by their spokesman, Suleiman A. Kawu Sumaila.

NewsOrient reported yesterday that Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) also formally rejected proposed military option against Niger Republic but recommended diplomatic solution. Former Vice President of Nigeria, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, had also warned Bola Ahmed Tinubu-led Federal Government of Nigeria against using military option against Niger Republic.

With the Northern Senators’ position, it seems clear that the leadership of the North is against military option against the military junta in Niger Republic.

The statement from the Northern Senators Forum (NSF) signed by their spokesman, Suleiman A. Kawu Sumaila, reads:

“We, the Northern Senators Caucus of the 10th Senate under the leadership of Sen. Abdul Ahmad Ningi, note with concern and condemn in its entirety the unfortunate development in Niger Republic, where the military forcefully upstaged a democratically elected government of President Mohammed Bazoum.

“The Northern Senators also take cognizance of the efforts of the ECOWAS leaders under the chairmanship of our Dear President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, in resolving the situation in Niger Republic. The emphasis, however, should be focused on political and diplomatic means to restore democratic government in Niger Republic.

“We also take exception to use of the of military force until other avenues as mentioned above are exhausted as the consequences will be casualties among the innocent citizens who go about their daily business. Besides, about seven northern states who shared border with Niger Republic namely Sokoto, Kebbi, Katsina, Zamfara, Jigawa, Yobe and Borno will be negatively affected.

“We are also aware of the situation of Mali, Burkina Faso and Libya, which may affect the seven Northern states, if military force is used. There is serious implication for our country, if military force is used without exhausting all the diplomatic channels.

“As democrats and representatives of the people we are here by urging our colleagues to observe due diligence in invoking section 5 sub section (4) (a) and (b) of 1999 Nigerian Constitution as amended”.