The prospect of a truce in the ongoing political crisis rocking Niger Republic emerged Wednesday as former Emir of Kano, Alhaji Muhammadu Sanusi, met with the coup leaders in Niamey, the nation’s capital city.
He told journalists on arrival in Abuja that the issue at hand must not be left for government alone.
The move is coming a day to the Economic Community of West Africa States (ECOWAS) leaders’ meeting scheduled to hold Thursday in Abuja, following the expiration of the 7-day ultimatum issued by the regional body for the restoration of the democratic order in the country.
At different times, ECOWAS rolled out some sanctions against Niger and threatened possible military action if the members of the junta refused to retrace their steps.
But there are many voices against a military action, a development President Bola Ahmed Tinubu said was not his decision, but that of ECOWAS.
The failed moves
For instance, an ECOWAS delegation led by former Nigeria’s military leader, Abdulsalami Abubakar, with Sultan of Sokoto Abubakar Saad and President ECOWAS Commission Omar Touray as members, was not allowed into the nation’s capital city, based on “security reasons.”
It was gathered that the delegation was held up at the airport where a group of soldiers met with them and promised to pass on their requests to the appropriate authority.
They had to return to Nigeria Friday without making any headway.
Prior to that time, a delegation, according to Premium Times report, led by Director General Nigeria’s National Intelligence Agency (NIA) Ahmed Abubakar, was also sent to negotiate with the coup leaders.
Former Katsina state Governor Aminu Bello Masari and Chief of Air Staff Hassan Abubakar were said to be part of the team.
The Ahmed-led delegation was the first to storm Niamey immediately the presidential guard struck and put President Mohammed Bazoum under arrest, but could not achieve any mission as the military announced formal takeover after their meeting.
Another delegation, being the second, was sent after the coup was officially announced. Led by President of Chad, Mahamat Dérby, the delegation was sent on the day the ECOWAS Heads of State met in Abuja at an emergency meeting at the instance of President Bola Tinubu.
The team met with the trio of the junta leader, Abdourahmane Tchiani, Bazoum and former President Mahamadou Issoufou.
The Sanusi move
Despite the failed moves of the other delegations, It was gathered that Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) governor Wednesday met the military leadership after the junta aborted a meeting with representatives of African Union (AU), ECOWAS and a top US diplomat.
The former CBN boss was granted audience by leader of the junta, General Abdourahmane Tchiani as both were seen in a footage which went viral, walking side by side.
Although it was not clear while the former Kano monarch was granted audience, a source however said it might not be unconnected with his status as Khalifa of the Nigeria’s chapter of Tijjaniya, a sect that enjoys large followership world over.
“His Highness took the trip in his personal capacity but with the knowledge of President Bola Tinubu following his concerns about the impasse and the likely consequences it is already having on Nigeria/Niger relations and the citizens of the two countries,” said a source.
Briefing journalists on arrival in Abuja Wednesday after a closed-door meeting with President Tinubu, Sanusi confirmed holding a meeting with members of the military junta in Niamey in the early hours of Wednesday.
Asked how his visit to Niger went, Sanusi simply said “fine.”
He said the ECOWAS should use diplomacy to restore democracy in Niger Republic, stressing that the task of resolving the crisis should not be left to government alone.
“I came to brief him on the details of my discussions with leaders of Niger. We’ll continue to do our best to bring the two parties together to improve understanding. This is the time public diplomacy, it’s not a matter that we leave to governments, all Nigerians, all Nigeriens need to be involved to find a solution that works for Africa, a solution that works for Niger that works for Nigeria and a solution that works for humanity,” he said.
Asked if he took the initiative by himself or sent by the government, he said: “No, I was not sent by the government. Government officials were aware I was going, but it was my personal initiative, using my personal contacts to get there and I will continue to do my best. It is my duty as a leader to do that.”
Credit: Blueprints
