The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) President Archbishop Daniel Okoh has praised the leadership of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) for “unwavering commitment to discouraging coups d’état and the forceful takeover of power.”
The Christian organisation, on the other hand, advised against military action in Niger, saying that such a step would sour relations between Nigeria and its neighbors in the troubled nation.
“As an organization deeply committed to promoting justice, peace, and harmony, CAN urges His Excellency, President Bola Tinubu, to remain on the path of dialogue and avoid any form of military intervention or measures that would create enmity between the good people of Nigeria and Niger.
“We firmly believe that the path to lasting peace lies in upholding democratic processes, respecting the sovereignty of nations, and engaging in peaceful dialogue to address grievances and resolve conflicts,” the statement added.
CAN also urged all parties engaged in the situation to “embrace peaceful negotiations, exercise restraint, and work tirelessly toward a sustainable resolution of the crisis in Niger.”
Meanwhile, West African leaders will convene today (Thursday) for an emergency meeting on the Niger coup, after the country’s military commanders refused an ultimatum to reinstate the elected president.
ECOWAS announced two weeks after the coup that deposed Mohamed Bazoum that it is pursuing a diplomatic solution but has not ruled out the use of force to end the conflict.
According to a statement issued by the 15-nation organization on Tuesday, important decisions would be made at the meeting in Nigeria’s capital, Abuja.
