August 05, (THEWILL) – The Nigerian Senate has rejected President Bola Tinubu’s request for consideration of military intervention in Niger Republic, to resolve the ongoing political impasse in the country.
The President had written to the Senate on Friday, seeking approval for the implementation of the Resolutions of ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government on the political situation in Niger Republic.
But considering the executive communication during a closed-door session on Saturday, the Senate rejected military action in Niger and insisted on diplomatic resolution.
Speaking after the closed-door session, Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, said at the closed session they considered Tinubu’s request and resolved to go for a political solution rather than military action, considering the long-standing relationship between Nigeria and Niger.
“At our executive session, the Senate condemned in totality the coup that took place in Niger Republic. The Senate commend President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and other Heads of State of ECOWAS on their prompt response.
“The Senate recognises the fact that President Tinubu, by the virtue of his correspondence, has not asked that we should approve a request to go to war, but he expressed a wish to solicit support in the successful implementation of the ECOWAS communiqué.
“The leadership of the Senate is mandated to further engage the President on how best to engage and resolve the issues.
“The Senate is mandated to further engage President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on how best to resolve the issue in view of the cordial relationship between Nigeria and Niger.
“The Senate called on the ECOWAS Parliament to rise to this and condemn the military coup in Niger and to resolve the impasse”, he said.
