Apex Igbo socio-cultural organization, Ohanaeze Ndigbo worldwide, has cautioned the federal government against the proposed plans to deploy the Nigerian military to Niger Republic.
Ohanaeze expressed concerns over President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s request to the Nigerian Senate to invade Niger Republic with Nigerian military and ECOWAS troops.
A statement on Tuesday signed by its Secretary-general, Mazi Okechukwu lsiguzoro, said that such military operations could have adverse consequences for Nigeria as a country.
“Ohanaeze advised the Nigerian Senate to halt the request and denied President Tinibu’s request to invade Niger Republic will avert waste of human lives and resources meant for the general wellbeing of Nigerians.
“Ndigbo supports Nigerian opposition to Tinubu’s proposed Military aggression in the neighbouring Niger Republic and caution over the potential unfavourable implications of President intervention.”
According to Ohanaeze’s statement, Ndigbo’s primary concern lies in restoring constitutional authority in Niger Republic through dialogue and diplomatic channels.
It questioned the legitimacy of the military junta that deposed the Nigerien President and accused him of corruption and collusion with Western countries, especially France, USA, and UK to exploit Niger’s natural resources.
The umbrella body stated that it believes such military intervention to reinstate a deposed leader of Niger Republic, could lead to further instability and potentially worsen the political and social situation in that country.
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Ohanaeze Ndigbo condemned the alleged backing of military regime in Niger, Mali, Guinea, and Burkina Faso by Russian authorities.
The organization suggests that these countries are now working together to counter the influence of Nigeria-led ECOWAS regional troops.
“This assertion implies that President Tinubu’s military operations in Niger Republic could potentially escalate tensions with the ECOWAS member countries and heighten regional security concerns. It is important to note, that Russian alleged involvement and support to Niger, Mali, Guinea and Burkina Faso troops to counter President Tinubu-led ECOWAS troops will spell doom for ECOWAS member countries especially Nigeria in particular.
Stating that the governments of USA and UK are encouraging President Tinubu’s actions to combat the military junta in Niger Republic, warned that such military interventions may not bode well for Nigeria.
Ohanaeze appealed to the Nigerian Senate to halt President Tinubu’s military operations in Niger Republic and channel its commitment to the well-being of Nigerians.
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