The Senate has expressed its concerns about the political situation in Niger Republic, following the removal of the democratically elected administration of Mohamed Bazoum.
In a closed-door session that lasted nearly two hours, the Senate discussed the letter sent by President Bola Tinubu and other regional leaders regarding the decisions made by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).
While condemning the coup in Niger, the Senate commended President Tinubu and the other ECOWAS Heads of State for their swift response and the positions they have taken in addressing this unfortunate development.
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Contrary to some misconceptions, President Tinubu’s correspondence did not seek the Senate’s approval to go to war; rather, he respectfully sought the support of the National Assembly in implementing ECOWAS resolutions as outlined in his communication.
The Senate called on President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, as the ECOWAS chairman, to encourage other leaders within the regional body to explore political and diplomatic options for resolving the political crisis in Niger Republic. The National Assembly, under President Tinubu’s leadership, pledged its commitment to assisting in resolving the political situation and restoring democratic governance in Niger as soon as possible.
The Senate also mandated its leadership to engage with the President and Commander-in-Chief on behalf of the entire National Assembly to find the best way to address the issue, considering the historically cordial relationship between Nigerians and Nigereans.
Furthermore, the Senate urged the ECOWAS parliament to condemn the coup and propose solutions to resolve the situation promptly. President Tinubu’s letter had previously informed the Senate of ECOWAS’ decision to propose military action and other sanctions against the military officers who seized power in Niger.
ECOWAS convened a meeting to restore peace in Niger and issued a communique that included the closure and monitoring of all land borders with Niger Republic, as well as reactivating the border drilling exercise. Other measures discussed involved blocking goods in transit to Niger, especially from Lagos and eastern seaports, and conducting sensitization campaigns through social media to explain the necessity of these actions. Additionally, ECOWAS indicated a readiness for military intervention to enforce compliance with the military junta in Niger if they remain uncooperative.
In summary, the Senate’s response emphasizes a cautious and diplomatic approach to resolving the political crisis in Niger Republic, while appreciating the prompt actions taken by President Tinubu and other ECOWAS leaders.
Following the reading of the communication from President Tinubu, Abdul Ningi, a former deputy Senate majority leader representing the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) from Bauchi Central, promptly raised a constitutional point of order during the Senate session. His intention was to draw the attention of the Senate to the provisions in the Constitution concerning the deployment of the armed forces on combat duty outside Nigeria.
Ningi cited Section 5(5) of the Constitution, which states that “Notwithstanding the provisions of subsection (4) of this section, the President, in consultation with the National Defence Council, may deploy members of the armed forces of the Federation on a limited combat duty outside Nigeria if he is satisfied that the national security is under imminent threat or danger, provided that the President shall, within seven days of actual combat engagement, seek the consent of the Senate, and the Senate shall thereafter give or refuse the said consent within 14 days.”
This section outlines the process for deploying the armed forces on limited combat duty outside Nigeria. It stipulates that the President, in consultation with the National Defence Council, can authorize such deployment if the national security is deemed to be under imminent threat or danger. However, the President must seek the consent of the Senate within seven days of actual combat engagement, and the Senate has 14 days to either grant or refuse this consent.
