An Islamic scholar, Sheikh Dahiru Usman Bauchi has warned President Bola Tinubu not to go to war with the Niger Republic.
The popular cleric who is the leader of the Tijjaniya sect in Nigeria stated this amidst the expiration of the seven days ultimatum given to the embattled nation by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).
Bauchi advised Tinubu and other ECOWAS leaders to engage in dialogue with the Nigerien military junta instead of engaging in war.
The Sheikh stated this in Bauchi while addressing journalists in Bauchi. He insisted that Nigeria and Niger Republic have a longtime cordial relationship that needed to be strengthened more.
He said, “Nigerians and Niger are united. Hence there is the need for the Federal Government to engage in diplomatic approaches with a view to strengthening the cordial relationship for the economic growth and development of the two West African countries.”
According to the revered Sheikh, if Nigeria should embark on war with Niger, many would not only suffer the consequence but innocent souls would also be killed, admonishing that, “it is good to find an amicable resolution to avoid shedding blood of innocent souls.”
He then urged other West African leaders and other critical stakeholders to embrace diplomatic dialogue.
“We are appealing to President Tinubu; we are also appealing to the National Assembly and all ECOWAS leaders and stakeholders not to engage Niger in war.
“This is to save the lives of innocent souls and to save people from incurring more hardship,” the cleric added.
