The leader of the military junta in the Republic of Niger, General Abdourahmane Tchiani, says the coup that overthrew President Mohammad Bazoum was carried out to avert an imminent threat that would have affected not only the Niger Republic but also Nigeria.
General Tchiani at the weekend, said it was painful to the coup leaders that the Economic Community of West African States, ECOWAS Heads of State and Government leaders did not hear their side of the matter before issuing an ultimatum to them to quit office.
Speaking when he received Nigeria’s intervention team, comprising prominent Islamic scholars in the country in Niamey, the coup leader and the Nigerian team agreed to intensify the option of dialogue in resolving the political crisis in his country.
A statement by the leader of the Islamic Ulamma, Sheik Bala Lau, stated that General Tchiani, who accorded the team warm reception, welcomed their intervention.
According to the statement, the military leader said their doors are open to explore diplomacy and peace in resolving the matter.
He apologised for not according to the team sent by President Bola Tinubu, led by former Head of State, General Abdulsalami Abubakar, retd, the required attention because they were angry about the ECOWAS ultimatum.
While tracing historical ties between the two nations, he said Niger Republic and Nigeria are not only neighbours but also brothers and sisters who should resolve issues amicably.
The statement explained that the Islamic Ulammas met with General Tchiani for several hours in Niamey during which they deliberated on all the issues, including the demand by ECOWAS leaders that former President Bazoum be reinstated.
Bala Lau, National Chairman of Jamatul Izalatu Bida Waikamatu Sunnah, said the clerics were in Niger on behalf of President Bola Tinubu who accepted their request to intervene.
