The Arewa Youth Consultative Forum (AYCF) has expresses worry that a military intervention by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) against the military junta in the Niger Republic could have negative repercussions for the Northern region of Nigeria, Channels TV reports
Vanguard had reported that there have been concerns following the expiration of the ultimatum issued by the ECOWAS to the military junta in the Niger Republic to relinquish control and restore to power the democratically elected President Mohamed Basoum, who was ousted weeks ago.
However, AYCF President, Yerima Shettima speaking during a recent interview with Channels TV, said that Nigeria, especially the northern region, will pay dearly if ECOWAS decides to use military force to oust the Nigerien military junta.
The AYCF president warned the regional body led by President Bola Tinubu and the African Union against using military force on the coup plotters.
The forum also appealed to the coup leaders to immediately commence the transitional arrangement to restore the country back to democratic governance within one year, noting that military rule is no longer fashionable in Africa.
Shettima admonished President Tinubu and ECOWAS to apply diplomacy and dialogue in addressing the political impasse in the West African country
President Tinubu had stated last Sunday that force could be used as a last resort if the coup leaders in Niger did not comply within the time frame.
The Northern Senators Forum (NSF) had urged Tinubu to explore diplomatic means to resolve the crisis.
They warned that deploying Nigerian troops to Niger would impact seven northern states that share borders with the country.
A week after President Bazoum’s ouster, Niger’s new military government reopened its land borders and airspace to Mali, Burkina Faso, Algeria, Libya, and Chad, but excluded other ECOWAS member states.
In retaliation, the Nigerian government closed all land borders with Niger and cut off electricity supply.
In turn, Niger’s military recalled its ambassadors in Nigeria, France, the United States, and Togo.
As the deadline approaches, the next steps from the regional body are unclear, with many stakeholders advocating for a diplomatic resolution to the crisis.
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