By Temidayo Akinsuyi
National Missioner and the Chief Imam, Ansar-Ud-Deen Society of Nigeria (AUDSN), Sheikh AbdurRahman Ahmad on Tuesday said Nigeria cannot afford going to war against Niger Republic as doing so will amount to waging war against ourselves.
The cleric stated this while featuring as a guest on Channels Television programme ‘Sunrise Daily’ which was monitored by QUESTTIMES.
The Ulamas had earlier secured President Bola Tinubu’s approval to seek a truce with the junta in a bid to avoid bloodshed that could result from a military intervention in the country.
Speaking on the visit by the delegation of the Nigerian Muslim leaders to Niger Republic where they held discussions with the military junta led by General Abdourahmane Tchiani, Ahmad said Nigeria cannot afford another war as we are already faced with several wars at home already.
Giving reasons why Nigeria shouldn’t go to war with Niger Republic, he said “This is a very serious matter. Nigeria in particular cannot ill-afford any full-blown military war at this point in time. We are already fighting so many wars, both socio-economic and political. So, we can’t add direct military war to that”.
“Nigeria has perhaps the longest border with Niger Republic, about seven states share border with Niger Republic. These are the same people. They speak the same language, they have the same culture, they have historical and cultural ties dating back to many hundred years”.
“It is not in the best interests of Nigeria to fight Niger at this point in time. It is like declaring a war on ourselves”.
“Number two, these northern borders are very porous and sometimes very difficult to patrol and monitor. It will be an opportunity to strengthen insurgency and to intensify their cross-border attacks. The president is just 100 days in office. We thought it will not be in the best interest of this administration to start off with a war that may be fought differently”.