The group led by the Peoples Democratic Party chieftain, Senator Abdul Ningi lauded the effort of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, stressing however that any model of intervention should be economic and diplomatic rather than military.
In a statement issued on Friday and signed by the Spokesman of the Northern Caucus of the 10th Senate, Senator Suleiman Kawu Sumaila, the group said,
“We, the Northern Senators of the Northern Senators Caucus of the 10th Senate under the leadership of Sen. Abdul Ahmad Ningi, note with concern and condemn in its entirety the unfortunate development in Niger Republic, where the military forcefully upstaged a democratically elected government of President Mohammed Bazoum.
“The Northern Senators also take cognizance of the efforts of the ECOWAS leaders under the chairmanship of our Dear President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, in resolving the situation in Niger Republic. The emphasis, however, should be focused on political and diplomatic means to restore democratic government in Niger Republic.
“We also take exception to the use of military force until other avenues as mentioned above are exhausted as the consequences will be casualties among the innocent citizens who go about their daily business. Besides, about seven northern states who share border with Niger Republic namely Sokoto, Kebbi, Katsina, Zamfara, Jigawa, Yobe and Borno will be negatively affected.
“We are also aware of the situation of Mali, Burkina Faso and Libya, which may affect the seven Northern states, if military force is used.
“There is serious implication for our country, if military force is used without exhausting all the diplomatic channels.
As democrats and representatives of the people, we are here by urging our colleagues to observe due diligence in invoking section 5 (4) (a) and (b) of the 1999 Nigerian Constitution as amended.”