By Ifeonu Okolo
SIR: The recent letter transmitted to the National Assembly by President Bola Tinubu to intimate them of a possible military action against the military junta that ousted the government of Mohammed Bazoum of Niger Republic may be a wrong move on the part of Nigerian government and members of the Economic Community of West Africa (ECOWAS).
President Bola Tinubu as chairman of ECOWAS should be circumspect in leading not only Nigeria, but other West African countries into a likely war that will do the sub region no good.
The more acceptable way is for ECOWAS to foster dialogue or at best, encourage the new military leader to conduct an election within a time frame.
He who wears the shoes knows where it pinches; no other persons other than the people of Niger should determine who governs their country. It does not lie with ECOWAS member countries to dictate to them. Or has it not been said that democracy is for the masses to decide?
Read Also: Maryam Shetty breaks silence after withdrawal of ministerial nomination
With the ousting of Mohammed Bazoum and the consequent show of support by Niger citizens for the military junta, the Nigeriens have spoken loud and clear that Bazoum is no longer wanted as president of their country. Any attempt to force the man back on the people would definitely spell doom for him.
France under the watch of Bazoum has been exploiting their uranium and gold almost for free, while the masses of Niger have been languishing in penury. If the French have good intentions for Niger and other West African countries, why have they not ordered the over 1,000 soldiers they stationed in Niger to assist in the war against Boko Haram and banditry?
The promise by France and USA to stand by Nigeria and other interested ECOWAS countries over the Niger issue is purely for their selfish interest not for the good of Nigeria as a country. ECOWAS must not allow themselves to be plunged into a needles regional conflict that could escalate beyond imagination of the purveyors.
Nigeria is still battling with all forms of insecurity and has not defeated the monster. Therefore, it will be a wrong move on the part of the leadership of the country to contemplate leading willing ECOWAS countries into war with a close door neighbour.
Besides, countries like Libya, Algeria, Burkina-Faso, Mali and even the Russian Wagner mercenary group have pledged to protect the Niger Republic against any invading ECOWAS countries.