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Senators warn Tinubu against invasion of Niger, say 7 states at risk of missile attack

The Northern Senators Caucus at the National Assembly has voiced strong reservations against the proposed military intervention of Niger Republic by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), led by Nigeria.

This comes after President Bola Ahmed Tinubu informed the Nigerian Senate about the country’s readiness to participate in the joint military operation to remove the new military government in Niger.

The democratically elected President Mohamed Bazoum was ousted in a coup led by General Abdourahamane Tchiani, the head of Niger’s presidential guard, just last week.

In response, ECOWAS issued a resolution, demanding the immediate release and reinstatement of President Bazoum as the legitimate head of state and government, giving the new military leader in Niger a one-week ultimatum to restore constitutional order.

However, the Northern Senators Caucus, through a statement by its spokesperson, Senator Suleiman Kawu, has emphasized the need to focus on political and diplomatic means to restore democratic government in Niger Republic.

They expressed concern about the potential casualties among innocent citizens and the negative impact on seven northern states that share a border with Niger Republic, including Sokoto, Kebbi, Katsina, Zamfara, Jigawa, Yobe, and Borno, should military force be used.

The senators also pointed out the implications for Nigeria, considering the situations in Mali, Burkina Faso, and Libya, which may further affect the aforementioned northern states if military force is employed.

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They called upon their colleagues to exercise due diligence in invoking section 5 subsection (4) (a) and (b) of the 1999 Constitution as amended, to guide President Tinubu on the planned military action.

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