Nigerians residing in Niger have called on the Federal Government to extend its palliatives to them as well as resolve ECOWAS’ differences with the embattled country.
The Nigerians who made the appeal while speaking with newsmen stated that the call had become imperative, following the hardship faced by them as a result of the closure of the borders of Nigeria and imposition of stringent sanctions on the Sahel nation.
They lamented that the closure of the borders has starved the francophone nation of food and other critical supplies, putting the beleaguered country on the edge of a humanitarian crisis.
Furthermorer, they pointed out that the stringent sanctions imposed by the 15-member regional bloc on the country to compel the junta led by Gen Tchiani Abdourahmane to restore the ousted president to power have brought untold hardship to them.
Ibrahim Afolabi from Taawa, said that most Nigerians living in Niger Republic were apprehensive about the situation.
He said, “Although we cannot sleep with our two eyes closed, honestly, there is no form of harassment against us. The only problem we have now is the high cost of living compared to before the closure of borders at both ends.
“ECOWAS needs to soft-pedal on this issue; the majority of the people of Niger Republic here support the military junta and their style in the country, so why not ECOWAS look at that aspect and resolve this issue?”
On his part, Abubakar Namazo, who resides in Algadez, said the major problem they faced in Niger Republic is the high cost of foodstuffs and other items.
He said, “I think it’s better for the Federal Government of Nigeria to extend their palliatives to our side as well. Business has gone bad here since the two countries of Niger Republic and Nigerians close their borders.’’
In a bid to survive, motorists now ply illegal routes through Illela on the Nigerian side to beat the closure of the borders.
Mr Samaila Abdul, a motorcycle operator, explained that security operatives extorted motorists and motorcycle operators who plied the illegal bush route.
“We now use the bush (route) to get across to the other country from Nigeria. So, the expenses have been added to the cost of foodstuffs, especially those items we take to them from Nigeria and the one we buy over there (in Niger),’’ he revealed.
Meanwhile, President Bola Tinubu on Thursday said all diplomatic options will be exhausted with the military junta in Niger Republic before a resort to military intervention comes into the picture.
The President who stated this while receiving the Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, led by the Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, at the State House, insisted that any forceful removal of a democratic government remains “wholly unacceptable”.
Tinubu noted that the alternative of kinetic intervention in Niger Republic had not been jettisoned.
“I must thank you for your several visits to Niger Republic, Your Eminence, but you will still have to go back. My fear has been confirmed in Gabon that copycats will start doing the same thing until it is stopped.
‘’We are neighbours with the Niger Republic, and what has joined Nigerians together with their great people cannot be broken. Nobody is interested in a war. We have seen the devastation in Ukraine and Sudan. But if we don’t wield the big stick, we will all suffer the consequences together,” the President warned.
He noted that Nigeria under General Abdulsalami Abubakar instituted a nine-month transition programme in 1998, and it proved very successful, leading the country into a new era of democratic governance.
The President sees no reason why such cannot be replicated in Niger if the junta was sincere.
“Your Eminence, please don’t get tired, you will still go back there. The soldiers’ action is unacceptable. The earlier they make positive adjustments, the quicker we will dial back the sanctions to alleviate the sufferings we are seeing in Niger,” the President affirmed.
On the hardship faced by many Nigerians post-fuel subsidy removal, the President assured that all ongoing reforms will liberate and reposition the economy, which will benefit the majority of the population in terms of opportunities, infrastructure, healthcare, and education.
“Nigeria is headed for a promise. Our diversity will turn into prosperity, not adversity. We will build a country that our children will be proud of,” the President assured.
The President told the delegation that the Federal Government had opened talks with state governments to provide land for the proper sustenance of animals with a view to developing pan-national animal husbandry and agro-allied production and processing facilities for mass export, job creation, and revenue generation.
He noted, “If Nigeria is still looking for vaccines for basic health issues; if infant and maternal mortality is rampant, then we should examine ourselves. I will commit to consulting with other leaders, like the NSCIA, and we will meet the needs of our people.”
In his contribution, Vice President Kashim Shettima said the President had budgeted N50 billion to support the ongoing rebuilding of lives and property in the North West and North East, with a new focus on dialogue to address security challenges.
The Sultan of Sokoto pledged “one hundred percent loyalty” to the President, affirming that a leader can only reach a position by the will of God, and not man.
The monarch assured the President that the NSCIA would be available to advise and support him to realize his dream for the country, adding that “God will hold all leaders to account, in justice and fairness.”
