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In a press release issued on August 4, 2023, the Northern Senators Caucus of the 10th Senate, led by Sen. Abdul Ahmad Ningi, expressed strong condemnation of the recent military coup in Niger Republic, where the democratically elected government of President Mohammed Bazoum was forcefully overthrown. The senators from Northern Nigeria conveyed their deep concern and disapproval of this unfortunate event.
Acknowledging the efforts of the ECOWAS leaders, particularly under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, in attempting to address the situation in Niger Republic, the Northern Senators Caucus emphasized the importance of prioritizing political and diplomatic means to restore democratic governance in the country. They advocated for a peaceful resolution that respects democratic principles and the will of the people.
The senators voiced their reservations against the immediate use of military force to address the crisis. Instead, they underscored the need to exhaust all available diplomatic channels before considering military intervention. They raised concerns about potential casualties among innocent citizens who are simply going about their daily lives and the potential negative impact on the neighboring northern states of Nigeria, including Sokoto, Kebbi, Katsina, Zamfara, Jigawa, Yobe, and Borno.
Drawing attention to the complex regional dynamics and the situation in neighboring countries such as Mali, Burkina Faso, and Libya, the senators highlighted the broader implications of resorting to military force without exploring all diplomatic avenues. They emphasized that such actions could have serious repercussions not only for Niger Republic but also for the stability of the entire region.
As elected representatives and advocates of democratic values, the Northern Senators Caucus urged their colleagues to carefully consider and adhere to the provisions of the Nigerian Constitution. Specifically, they referred to Section 5, Subsection (4) (a) and (b) of the 1999 Nigerian Constitution as amended, which outlines the powers of the National Assembly to declare a state of emergency when necessary.
The spokesperson for the Northern Senators Forum, Sen. Suleiman A. Kawu Sumaila, OFR, PhD, delivered this important message on behalf of the caucus. The release reflects their commitment to upholding democratic norms, fostering regional stability, and advocating for peaceful and diplomatic resolutions to critical regional issues.
