Shehu Sani, a former lawmaker and activist, has listed 13 reasons why Nigerians should not support the invasion of Niger Republic.
He advised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu not to be compelled to invade Niger Republic, noting that during Nigeria’s military rule, its citizens fought alone. He also advised Nigeriens to fight their own battle.
Sani’s arguments against the invasion include the following:
1. An Ecowas-led invasion of Niger Republic would be a war between Nigeria and Niger, given their proximity.
2. Russia and Wagner may come to Niger’s aid, and Nigeria would have to bear the financial burden of the operation.
3. The bordering states of Sokoto, Zamfara, Katsina, Jigawa, and Yobe would be directly affected by the war.
4. There was no military action to dislodge the military coupists in Guinea, Mali, Burkina Faso, and Chad, so why should there be one for Niger Republic?
5. Why did the American and French military bases inside Niger Republic refuse to stop the coup, but are now encouraging Nigeria to go to war?
6. Niger has been helpful to Nigeria in the fight against terrorist groups, and the country is currently hosting over 303,000 Nigerian refugees. A war could put this assistance in jeopardy.
7. President Tinubu should not allow himself to be pushed into starting a war with a neighboring country, only to be left stranded. No West African country has the military capability to start or sustain a war with Niger Republic.
8. Nigerians should not cry more than the bereaved. If the people of Niger Republic do not want military rule, they should fight to remove it themselves. Nigerians fought their own military rulers, and some even went to jail in that struggle. Let Nigerians fight their own fight.
9. Saudi Arabia is still bogged down in Yemen after spending hundreds of billions of dollars, which Nigeria does not have.
10. The military regime in Myanmar is still in place, and no stronger nation is contemplating military action.
11. Nigeria has a war at home against terrorism. Let’s concentrate on that.
12. Mali, Burkina Faso, and Guinean forces are likely to enter the war to support Niger Republic, and they could attack Nigerian territory.
13. President Tinubu must continue to pursue dialogue with the military authorities in Niger Republic, rather than war.
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