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Peter Obi has called upon the leaders of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to give paramount importance to dialogue and diplomacy. This approach, he believes, is crucial for the restoration of democracy in Niger Republic.
The West African bloc is currently facing the challenge of restoring political stability in Niger after the military’s takeover and subsequent detention of President Mohamed Bazoum on July 26th.
During the most recent extraordinary summit on Niger held in Abuja, Nigeria, ECOWAS took a significant step by authorizing the deployment of its standby force to facilitate the reestablishment of democracy in this West African country.
However, responding to the situation via a post on his Twitter account on Sunday, Obi emphasized the paramount importance of prioritizing diplomacy as the fundamental approach to resolving the ongoing crisis.
The former governor of Anambra State emphasized the importance of granting the people of Niger the opportunity to swiftly transition back to a representative democratic government through their national institutions.
While acknowledging the role of ECOWAS in preventing the proliferation of military dictatorships in West Africa, Obi argued that resorting to armed deterrence should be tempered by the use of multilateral diplomatic mechanisms.
The following statement was shared: “Recent developments in neighboring Niger Republic have attracted global attention. For Nigeria, these developments are of utmost and immediate national interest and security concern.
Undoubtedly, Niger poses a critical challenge for ECOWAS and numerous international stakeholders. Irrespective of the perspectives held by different parties with direct or indirect vested interests in Niger, priority must be accorded to dialogue and diplomacy as the path to a resolution that minimizes disruptive consequences for both Nigeria and the broader West African region.
“A comprehensive diplomatic solution must fully consider the realpolitik dynamics within the West African sub-region.
“I commend the dedicated mediation efforts of Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar, His Eminence Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar, the Sultan of Sokoto, and His Royal Highness Sanusi Lamido Sanusi. While ECOWAS authorities have expressed willingness to explore diverse avenues for conflict resolution, prioritizing diplomacy remains of paramount importance in addressing the ongoing crisis.
“I align myself with the sentiments of countless concerned Nigerians who advocate for a primary emphasis on diplomatic dialogue among all key stakeholders in this crisis.
“Hence, it is imperative to grant the people of Niger the opportunity, facilitated through their national institutions, to swiftly transition back to a representative democratic governance system. The collective efforts of national, regional, and international partners should be extended to support the Nigerien people in restoring normalcy to their nation.”
“ECOWAS must actively discourage the proliferation of military dictatorships in West Africa, emphasizing the importance of multilateral diplomatic mechanisms over armed deterrence.
The pressing situation in Niger demands a united multilateral effort involving Nigeria, ECOWAS, the AU, and the UN, dedicated to facilitating a well-planned restoration of democratic constitutional governance. Throughout this critical process, Nigeria’s unequivocal leadership role must remain unquestioned.”
