El-Rufai Sends Strong Warning To Tinubu After Missing Out On Ministerial Appointment (DETAILS)

El-Rufai Sends Strong Warning To Tinubu After Missing Out On Ministerial Appointment (DETAILS)

Former Governor Nasir El-Rufai has issued a caution to President Bola Tinubu, stating that if ECOWAS troops engage in a military attack on Niger, it would signify a declaration of civil war against northern Nigeria.

Mr. El-Rufai, who had not publicly commented on recent political events in Niger and ECOWAS responses, conveyed this warning through a tweet on Tuesday morning.

Drawing a parallel with the 1970s rock classic “Brothers in Arms” by Dire Straits, Mr. El-Rufai emphasized that a conflict within the subregion would essentially be a war between close kin.

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He underscored the shared identity of the people of Niger Republic and those living in Northern Nigeria, highlighting their interconnectedness. Mr. El-Rufai stressed the need to actively avoid a civil war among brethren.

The warning from Mr. El-Rufai follows a previous falling out with Mr. Tinubu over a ministerial appointment. These developments also coincide with the ECOWAS directive for its troops to stand prepared to restore constitutional order in Niger, following the removal of President Mohamed Bazoum by his presidential guards in July. During an extraordinary summit on the political situation in Niger Republic held in Abuja on August 10, ECOWAS President Omar Alieu Touray instructed the committee of defense staff to activate the ECOWAS standby force to restore constitutional order in the country.

Mr. Tinubu, serving as the ECOWAS chair, had highlighted the ongoing political crisis in Niger as a threat to the stability of not only Nigeria but also other West African nations.

See his tweet below;

TUESDAY THOUGHT: As ECOWAS beats the drums of war, I recall the 1970s rock classic by Dire Straits – ‘Brothers in Arms’, because a war within our subregion is a war between brothers. Indeed, the people of Niger Republic are one and the same with those living in Northern Nigeria.…

— Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai (@elrufai) August 22, 2023