Niger Republic military junta has agreed with Nigeria’s Intervention Team, Ulammas, to intensify the option of dialogue in resolving the political crisis in the country.
Nigeria’s Intervention Team, led by Sheik Bala Lau, at the weekend met with Niger’s coup leader General Abdourahmane Tchiani during which they deliberated on all the issues including the ECOWAS demands to reinstated former President Bazoum.
Bala Lau, in a statement made available to Crux News on Sunday, said the team were in Niger on behalf of President Bola Tinubu who approved their request to intervene.
He therefore told General Tchiani that the visit to Niger was to engage in constructive dialogue to encourage him and other military leaders behind the coup to toe the path of peace instead of war to resolve the crisis.
In his response, General Tchiani who accorded the team’s warm reception welcomed their intervention.
He said: “Our doors were open to explore diplomacy and peace in resolving the matter. It was painful that ECOWAS leaders did not hear our side of the matter before issuing an ultimatum to quit office.”
He further claimed the coup was well intended, stating that they struck to starve off an imminent threat that would have affected not only Niger Republic but also Nigeria.
While apologising for not giving the required attention to the team earlier sent by President Tinubu, the coup leader explained that it was because they were angry about the ECOWAS ultimatum.
The team comprised scholars from various Islamic sects in the country.
Among them were Sheik Kabiru Gombe-Secretary,
Jamatul izalatul bida waikamatul sunnah,
Sheik Yakubu Musa Hassan Katsina-Director Daawah, JIBWIS, Sheik Ibrahim Dahiru Bauchi- Rep Sheik Ibrahim Bauchi and Dr Khalid Aliya- Secretary General, Jammatul Nasril Islam.
Others included Sheik Karibullah Nasiru Kabara- Leader Khadriya group Nigeria, Sheik Ahmad Abdurahman, Professor Salisu Sheri- Deputy Secretary-General Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, Sheik Nasiru Abdul Muhayuid- Director Admin, JIBWIS Jos, Professor Mansur Sokoto, and Alhaji
Mele Kyari.
