Fear Of War In Niger As ECOWAS Meets In Abuja: Ex Kano Emir, Muslim Leaders Storm Aso Rock
Twenty four hours to the commencement of an emergency Summit of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), scheduled to be held in the Nigeria’s Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, today August 10, leaders of Muslims across the country and the former Emir of Kano, Muhammad Sanusi II, visited the Aso Rock Presidential villa to address the issues around the coup in Niger Republic and the threat of military action.
At a meeting yesterday, the Muslim scholars, known as Ulama, sought the permission of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to Intervene in the political logjam in Niger Republic through peaceful, diplomatic solutions.
This was even as former Emir Sanusi briefed the President on his meeting with leaders of the coup d’etat, on his return from Niamey, the capital of Niger Republic. He directly engaged with General Abdourahamane Tchiani, the leader of the military junta.
Sanusi’s presence in Niamey, where he met with key figures of the military junta, underscores his active role in regional diplomacy and conflict resolution.
The former Emir’s engagement came at a time of heightened political tension and uncertainty in Niger, following the military takeover from the democratically elected President Muhamad Bazoum.
The former Emir told newsmen shortly after the meeting with the President at the Presidential villa: “I came to brief him on the details of my discussions with leaders of Niger. We’ll continue to do our best to bring the two parties together to improve understanding. This is the time public diplomacy, it’s not a matter that we leave to governments. All Nigerians need to be involved to find a solution that works for Africa, a solution that works for Niger, that works for Nigeria and a solution that works for humanity.”
Sanusi said that his engagement was not at the behest of the government.
“No, I was not sent by the government. Government officials were aware I was going, but it was my personal initiative, using my personal contacts to get there and I will continue to do my best. “It is my duty as a leader to do that.”
Also, the Muslim scholars, the Ulamas said that they met with President Tinubu on the issue of Niger Ripublic to find a lasting solution, saying: “we want peace and harmony to reign, not only in Nigeria, but in the sub-Saharan region and in the globe as well.”
Speaking on their behalf by Sheikh Bala Lau, the Ulama insisted on the option of peace and reconciliation, adding that even the Holy Qur’an enjoins reconciliation between neighbors.
“So we want reconciliation. That’s why we are here and our able leader and President accepted the offer that he wants us to intervene and asked us to talk to our brothers in Niger Republic.”
The Islamic scholars are sure that Allah will do it “and we’ll find a lasting solution to this issue. May Allah continue to guide us and may He continue to protect us.”
Also speaking, Sheikh Abdulhaman Ahmad of Ansar-u-deen, said that President Tinubu welcomed their intervention and asked them to talk to the people on the other side, for them to be ready to give concession.
“ECOWAS which he’s the Chairman of, will also be ready. Other than that, the President deplored coup d’etat in the Sahel region and as a democrat himself, he said he will do everything to ensure that there is democracy, justice, freedom and peace in the subregion.
“We, as the Ulama, are also committed to peace and justice and the government will be enabling the Ulama to mediate as it is appropriate. This is why we are here and it is a mission accomplished because the President responded positively, and in turn, he has given us assignment to also mediate to ensure reconciliation between the warring factions in Niger.
“We pray for peace, not only in Nigeria, but also in the subregion and in the world because that is the only thing that can ensure development.”
Trust: A Cornerstone Of National Unity For Secured Nigeria, By Sani Usman Kukasheka
In the intricate tapestry of human interactions, trust is the cornerstone upon which societies are built, nations flourish, and progress thrives. It is a beacon that guides our collective endeavours, shaping the dynamics of national unity and development. In our country Nigeria, a nation rich in diversity and history, trust has played a pivotal role in the past. It possesses the potential to pave the way for a brighter future. As we navigate the complex landscape of the present world, it becomes evident that the implications of eroding trust are profound and far-reaching. The lack of trust casts shadows of conflict, misunderstandings, and insecurity, undermining the essence of societal cohesion among the various components of Nigerian society. However, beyond these ominous clouds lies the promise of enhanced national unity, harmony, and prosperity if we have trust and understanding.
Trust, a cornerstone of societal harmony, economic progress, and national solidarity, serves as the adhesive that binds diverse individuals into a cohesive whole. It encompasses the belief in reliability, honesty, and effectiveness, a shared faith that empowers cooperative efforts towards shared goals. Today, Nigeria stands at a crucial juncture, facing both the ravages of mistrust and boundless unity opportunities. In this context, nurturing trust emerges as a solution to the current conflicts and misunderstandings and as a vital catalyst for security, prosperity, and global relevance.
A glance into history reveals a Nigeria adorned with interwoven bonds of trust. Tradespeople entrusting their goods and children to business associates across regions has been a hallmark of cross-cultural partnerships and mutual reliance over the past few decades. Communities embraced the values of accommodation and hospitality, fostering an environment where trust was the currency of interaction. However, contemporary times find us on a different path. Amidst rumours, suspicions, and the deluge of misinformation, the erosion of trust has been palpable. The fraying of these essential bonds is evident in the swift resort to religion and ethnicity in national debates, eclipsing the broader perspectives that should unite us.
The ramifications of this deficit in trust are dire. Once harmonious under a banner of unity, the discordant chords of ethnicity and religion now resound with disharmony. The aftermath of the EndSARS movement and the last general elections highlighted the fractures within the national fabric, exposing a landscape marred by primordial sentiments, selfish inclinations, and a loss of collective identity. This critical moment demands reevaluating our societal values and an introspective journey towards rebuilding the trust that underpins our progress as a nation.
But why has trust waned, and who is responsible? Due to the unchecked spread of false information and fake news on social media, politics, religion, and cultural biases play a part. To navigate our diversity, we must champion the shared values that transcend our differences. Examples abound of countries embracing their diversity to forge national unity. Their successes underscore the state’s and its citizens’ pivotal role in sculpting a harmonious narrative. The state must not merely govern but also inspire trust through transparent governance, unbiased justice, and inclusive policies. In tandem, citizens are entrusted with nurturing a culture of empathy, openness, and cooperation.
To transform our trajectory, concerted efforts are indispensable. National orientation, public education, and enlightenment campaigns will serve as the lodestars that guide our collective ethos. Reviving neglected sports as a binding force is imperative, as is strengthening institutions like the National Orientation Agency (NOA) and the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC). By promoting cultural exchange programmes and inter-ethnic marriages, we lay the foundation for an inclusive Nigeria.
Government ministries, departments, and agencies, notably information and culture, youth, sports, the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), civil society organisations, and other professional bodies, are pivotal in spearheading initiatives to engender a sense of belonging and unity. Good governance, complemented by incentives for inter-ethnic marriages, will facilitate a tapestry where diversity is celebrated rather than vilified. Our media should play a transformative role by amplifying cultural practices that foster unity rather than those that divide us.
Yet, the path to restored trust is full of obstacles. The communication gap between citizens and authorities needs bridging, requiring timely, truthful, and transparent information dissemination. The government can nurture a culture of responsiveness that fortifies trust by leveraging modern communication channels such as mainstream d social media and credible non-partisan organisations and associations. Although this project may be challenging, the rewards are immeasurable—a united Nigeria built on integrity and trust.
In the mosaic of our nation, trust is the luminous thread that stitches hearts and minds together. By embracing the collective heritage bestowed by our founding fathers and the shared values that bind us, Nigeria can transcend its current challenges and emerge as a beacon of unity, strength, and progress on the global stage. With trust as our cornerstone, we can mould a future where national development and security thrive, prosperity is shared, and our collective identity stands resolute against the tides of discord.
In the end, trust will unite us, and in unity, we shall thrive.
Usman Kukasheka, is an Abuja-based public analyst, strategic communication expert, and security expert. He can be reached at usmanusk@yahoo.com or on his Twitter handle, @skusman.