The Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) has cautioned the Nigerian government and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) led by President Bola Tinubu against the use of military force against the coup plotters in Niger Republic .
The forum while condemning the July 26th coup in Niger led by Brigadier General Abdoulrahame Tchiani, asks the African Union and ECOWAS to dialogue with the coupists as one of the civil measures to restore democratic governance in that country.
The forum noted that the use of military force against the coup plotters in Niger will not guarantee peace and stability in the ECOWAS sub-region, adding that the military option shouldn’t be a prerequisite for the international community “s continuing efforts to enthrone democracy in the region in the 21st century.
Aliyu said, “ACF however views with concern the unfolding events in Nigeria’s immediate neighbour, Republic of Niger and the potential impact on the region.
“Nigeria and Niger Republic share long historical border of more than one thousand five hundred kilometres with families, communities sharing common facilities including farmlands, markets , cultural bonds and languages for many centuries predating the trans-Saharan trade and colonial times.
“The measures being contemplated should have taken into consideration the historical antecedents and mutual interests of the two countries and weighed the consequences of the use of military force.
“While the ACF recognises the ECOWAS position to bring pressure to bear on the perpetrators, but nevertheless the military option shouldn’t be a prerequisite for Nigeria’s and the Community’s continuing efforts to enthrone democracy in the region in the 21st century.
“Certainly, not an adventure to be led by Nigeria. Democracy has taken root in Nigeria and her leadership role has inspired many countries in ECOWAS to embrace a democratic governance structure.
