Sir,
It is critical that we as a nation thread even more carefully on the Nigerien situation.
I do not know if the timing by the coupists is deliberate but surely happening at a time that our nation, Nigeria, which is unarguably the most consequential nation in West Africa is still undergoing a democratic transition is significant to note.
I clearly appreciate our stature among the comity of nations as well as our duties and obligations to the West African sub region and the need to honour those but our national well being and welfare are surely paramount.
We are currently contending with some very important and sensitive internal national dynamics, including national security issues.
It goes without saying that any fallouts and pressures from any possible confrontation with and within Niger Republic would have greater impact, socially, culturally, economically and otherwise on Nigeria more than on any other West African nation.
I would therefore, humbly and respectfully advise more of diplomatic engagements and dialogue and keep off any possible military confrontation and escalation of aggression, not out of cowardice, rather caution and discretion which is actually the better part of valour.
There is a reason a surgeon would refuse or defer operating on a tumour even if it is cancerous or malignant until a more auspicious time. The military junta, who have ceased power in Niger Republic, currently are like a malignant tumour.
With at least the temporary and maybe uniformed support it is enjoying from a cross section of Nigerien citizens as observed, the situation needs to be handled with surgical caution and precision.
I am glad that former Nigerian Head of State, General Abdulsalami Abubakar and His Majesty Sultan Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, the Sultan of Sokoto have been drafted in. We should maintain that trajectory and approach of dialogue and diplomacy, in my humble view.
Sir, I am confident that you have the capacity, sagacity and experience to handle the situation. I only added my voice as a patriotic citizen of Nigeria, West Africa, Africa and the world.
I wish you all the best and I assure you of my continued support and prayers as you navigate this delicate and unfortunate situation as President of most populous black nation and Chairman of ECOWAS.
Yours Sincerely,
Dr Uche Diala