When we got to Niger, we discovered that there was no agitation about change in govt – Abdur-Rahman Ahmad

According to a news that was published by the Punch paper online this morning, it was reported that the National Missioner of Ansar-Ud-Deen Society of Nigeria, Abdur-Rahman Ahmad, who was part of a delegation that visited to the Republic of Niger, following the coup that ousted President Mohamed Bazoum, during an interview with Punch correspondent has revealed what he noticed when they got to Niger Republic for dialogue.

During the interview, Ahmad was told that he recently visited the Niger Republic, with some delegates, as he was asked what his assessment of the situation over there was, and while he was responding, he said they have read a lot about what was happening in the Niger Republic before their visit, but when they got there, they found that the situation on the ground was different from what a section of the media was reporting.

He said, “When we got to Niger, we discovered that there was no agitation about change in government. The capital (Niamey) appeared very calm and people were going about their normal business. Some of the people were even on the streets to welcome us. Perhaps they had been told that a delegation of Islamic scholars from Nigeria would be visiting. We saw evidence of the effect of the sanction on the country by the ECOWAS in terms of a cut in power supply but other than that, everything seemed normal.”

Further talking, he said, “Our initial impression was that the average person on the street appeared somewhat indifferent to a change in government. Although we were apprehensive about what we might encounter, we were pleasantly surprised upon our arrival. We received a warm and enthusiastic welcome, akin to a red carpet reception. A civilian minister, accompanied by other ministers, was present at the airport to greet us.”

Abdur-Rahman also said, “We had a productive meeting with the military Head of State. It seemed evident that both the government and the people were pleased to see us, a sentiment reinforced by the military leader, who likened our arrival to an answered prayer. It’s important to note that our observations were not exhaustive, as we did not tour the entire country nor conduct official surveys, so our impression remains subjective.”

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