I’m Under Pressure – Tinubu Speaks

I’m Under Pressure – Tinubu Speaks

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is currently facing pressure to employ force in Niger Republic, he revealed yesterday.

However, he emphasized his commitment to achieving a peaceful resolution in his role as the Chairman of the Authority of Heads of States and Government of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).

Tinubu made these remarks during a meeting with prominent Islamic clerics (Ulama), led by Sheikh Bala Lau, at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.

This marked the second occasion the clerics visited the President. During their first visit on August 9, they were granted permission to travel to Niamey and engage in discussions with the junta.

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In their recent visit, the Ulama sought to continue negotiations with the coup leaders, and the President granted their request. He urged them to expedite their efforts, stressing the urgency of the situation.

Tinubu explained, “I am managing a very serious situation. Even as of this morning, I have been inundated with phone calls on the readiness of countries with their military force and contributions. However, I told them to wait. I am meeting with the Ulama and I will get back to you.”

He further noted his role in holding back potential actions from various parties, both within and beyond ECOWAS. He underlined his commitment to diplomatic engagement and expressed his concern for the people of Niger due to the junta’s actions.

President Tinubu stated, “They cannot use the power they were given to protect their country’s sovereignty and then turn it against the people. We must hold them accountable for putting the entire nation in jeopardy.”

He assured the Ulama that ECOWAS would persist in diplomatic efforts to achieve a peaceful resolution to the crisis in Niger. He concluded by emphasizing the importance of dialogue and diplomatic engagement.

The Ulama, led by Sheikh Bala Lau, thanked the President for the opportunity to meet and engage. They highlighted their efforts to prevent conflict in the sub-region and expressed their commitment to peaceful resolution.

Algeria’s Foreign Ministry’s Secretary General, Lounes Magramane, was also actively engaged in diplomatic initiatives to address the crisis in Niger. His visit to the troubled Sahel nation was part of Algeria’s ongoing efforts to contribute to a peaceful solution and avoid escalating risks for the country and the region.

Algeria’s President Abdelmadjid Tebboune had previously cautioned against military solutions, highlighting the potential consequences for the entire Sahel region. Algeria’s leaders underscored their commitment to resolving the crisis and their role as a key player in the resolution process.