By Temidayo Akinsuyi
National leader of pan-Yoruba socio-political organisation, Afenifere, Chief Ayo Adebanjo has warned Nigerians against the invasion of the Niger Republic, saying it is an unwise decision.
Speaking exclusively with QUESTTIMES, Adebanjo advised President Bola Tinubu who is the chairman of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to explore other diplomatic and peaceful means in proffering solutions to the crisis, rather than an outright declaration of war.
According to him, military deployment to phase out the coup plotters in the Niger Republic will only worsen the insecurity crisis Nigeria is battling to deal with.
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He also said the coup plotters in Niger are backed by foreign nations who may retaliate if ECOWAS, led by Tinubu declares war.
He said “It is unwise to declare war on Niger Republic. ECOWAS is an economic commission, not a political war commission. They should explore diplomatic and other peaceful means. It is too brash for Nigeria to talk of declaration of war on our neighbour”.
“Don’t forget, those people who took over power in Niger have foreign backers. Can Nigeria face that? Is our country here secure with what our military is facing here with bandits, kidnappers, and terrorists? Are we not going to stretch our military further if we send them to Niger? It is not wise to declare war on Niger Republic. That is my position on it”.