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On Thursday, the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) expressed its appreciation for President Bola Tinubu’s diplomatic efforts in addressing the ongoing crisis impacting Nigeria’s neighboring Republic of Niger.
In a statement, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, the President of CAN, also applauded the leadership of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) for their resolute dedication to discouraging coup d’états and the forcible seizure of power.
However, the Christian body cautioned against military involvement in Niger, emphasizing that such actions could foster animosity between Nigeria and its embattled neighbors in the country.
“As an organization deeply committed to advancing justice, peace, and harmony, CAN urges His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, to steadfastly pursue dialogue and abstain from any military intervention or actions that may fuel hostility between the Nigerian people and Niger.
“We hold the strong conviction that the road to enduring peace rests upon upholding democratic processes, respecting national sovereignty, and engaging in peaceful dialogues to address grievances and resolve conflicts,” the statement further affirmed.
CAN has also earnestly implored all stakeholders involved in the matter to “embrace peaceful negotiations, exercise restraint, and tirelessly work towards a sustainable resolution of the crisis in Niger”.
In the meantime, leaders from the West African bloc are set to convene today (Thursday) for an emergency summit concerning the coup in Niger. This comes after the country’s military chiefs chose to defy an ultimatum aimed at restoring the elected president.
With two weeks elapsed since the coup that led to the toppling of Mohamed Bazoum, ECOWAS has expressed its pursuit of a diplomatic solution, while not entirely dismissing the possibility of employing force to address the crisis.
Anticipated consequential decisions will be reached during the assembly in Nigeria’s capital, Abuja. This was highlighted in a statement issued by the 15-nation organization on Tuesday.
Struggling to quell a series of coups within its ranks since 2020, the alliance granted the military faction that took control on July 26 a deadline until the previous Sunday to restore Bazoum to power, warning of the potential imposition of force.
However, the coup organizers maintained their defiance, and the stipulated deadline came and went without any proactive measures taken.
