In a closed-door session that extended for nearly two hours, the Nigerian Senate deliberated on a letter received from President Bola Tinubu on Friday concerning the unfolding political situation in Niger Republic.
Following the discussion, the Senate has urged the Chairman of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and other regional leaders to approach the political quagmire in Niger Republic with caution and explore diplomatic and political solutions.
Expressing their unequivocal condemnation of the coup in Niger Republic, the Nigerian Senate also commended President Bola Tinubu and other Heads of State within ECOWAS for their swift response and decisive stance on the unfortunate developments in the neighboring country.
Reading the resolutions of the senators after the meeting, Senate President Godswill Akpabio clarified that President Tinubu’s communication did not seek approval from the Nigerian parliament to engage in military action, contrary to some misconceptions. Instead, the President humbly requested the support of the National Assembly in implementing the resolutions proposed by ECOWAS to address the crisis in Niger Republic.
Consequently, the Senate has called upon President Bola Tinubu, as the Chairman of ECOWAS, to encourage fellow regional leaders to explore and strengthen political and diplomatic channels in their efforts to resolve the political turmoil in Niger Republic. The Nigerian National Assembly has also pledged its commitment to supporting ECOWAS’ initiatives aimed at restoring democratic governance in Niger Republic at the earliest opportunity.
In light of the historically amicable relationship between Nigeria and Niger Republic, the leadership of the Senate has been mandated to engage with President Bola Tinubu, the Commander in Chief, on behalf of the entire National Assembly. This engagement aims to find the best possible approach to resolving the crisis and restore stability in the region.
Finally, the Nigerian Senate has called upon the ECOWAS Parliament to play a proactive role by firmly condemning the coup in Niger Republic and actively participating in finding expeditious solutions to the ongoing political turmoil.
As the situation in Niger Republic unfolds, ECOWAS and its member states, particularly Nigeria, continue to work together to address the crisis and ensure a peaceful return to democratic governance in the affected country. The eyes of the region and the international community remain focused on the unfolding developments as efforts to resolve the political impasse intensify.