The delegation of Islamic leaders, representing the Council of Ulamas, has secured President Tinubu’s endorsement to intervene in the ongoing crisis resulting from the recent coup in Niger.
The Islamic clerics received President Tinubu’s consent during their visit to the Presidential Villa in Abuja today.
Their objective was to formally seek permission to engage in mediation efforts for the resolution of the Niger coup crisis.
The delegation, comprising prominent figures such as Sheikh Nasiru Abdulmumini, Sheikh Abduurrahman, Sheikh Bala Lau, and Sheikh Qaribulahi Nasir Ksbara, held discussions with the President during their visit.
This approval for the Ulamas’ involvement in mediating the Niger coup crisis comes on the eve of the highly anticipated extraordinary summit convened by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). The summit is slated to take place once again in Abuja on Thursday, August 10, 2023.
GOVIMA had earlier reported that Alhaji Muhammadu Sanusi, the leader of the Tijjaniya Movement in Africa and the 14th Emir of Kano, held a surprising meeting with the leadership of the military junta in the Niger Republic. This unexpected encounter has drawn global attention.
As tensions continue to simmer, the involvement of the Council of Ulamas and the interactions between influential figures like Alhaji Muhammadu Sanusi and the military junta underscore the complexity of the situation in Niger. The diplomatic landscape remains dynamic as regional leaders and stakeholders seek solutions to restore stability and peace in the troubled nation.
Recall, the military junta had aborted a meeting with representatives of African Union (AU), Economic Community of West Africa States (ECOWAS), and a top US diplomat.
The clerics (Ulamas), who are opposed to war with the Nigerien military, as threatened by ECOWAS, said that apart from the dire consequences of armed conflict, they were enjoined by their religious faith and the Quran to seek mediation first in cases like this before resorting to war.
Sheikh Bala Lau of the Izalla group and Sheikh Abdurahman Ahmad of Ansar ud Deen, flanked by leaders of other sects, addressed journalists after their meeting with President Tinubu.
According to Sheikh Lau, “We thank Allah that He gave us the opportunity to meet with Mr. President and the delegation of Ulama from here in Nigeria met with Mr. President on the issue of Niger Republic. We want to find a lasting solution, we want peace and harmony to reign, not only in Nigeria, but in the sub region and in the globe as well.
“The Ulama advised Mr. President that we want peace and reconciliation. If anything happens between you and your neighbour, the holy Quran commands you to reconcile, so we want reconciliation.
“That’s why we are here and our able leader and President accepted the offer that he wants us to intervene and to talk to our brothers in Niger Republic, the scholars also there on how we can come together and bring a lasting solution to this problem.
“That is why we are here and insha Allah, by the grace of Allah, we’re optimistic that Allah will do it for us and we’ll find a lasting solution to this issue. May Allah continue to guy us and may He continue to protect us”, he said.
Also speaking on their meeting with the President, Sheikh Ahmad of Ansar-u-deen Movement said, “The President welcomed our intervention and he has promised that if we could also talk to the people on the other side, for them to be ready to give concession, then ECOWAS that he’s Chairman of will also be ready.
“We as the Ulama are also committed to peace and justice and the government will be enabling the Ulama to mediate as it is appropriate. This is why we are here and it is a mission accomplished because the President responded positively and in turn he has given us assignment to also mediate to ensure reconciliation between the warring factions in Niger.
“We pray for peace, not only in Nigeria, but also in the sub-region and in the world because that is the only thing that can ensure development”, he said.
Sanusi gives a report..
Meanwhile, Former Emir Sanusi addressed reporters subsequent to his meeting with the President, noting that his purpose at the Villa was to brief Tinubu regarding the results of his discussions with the Niger junta’s leaders. He also mentioned his positive reception in Niger.
He stated that he embarked on the peace mission voluntarily, without any government prompting. He saw it as his responsibility as a leader to fulfil expectations and emphasised that addressing the crisis shouldn’t solely rely on governments.
“I came to brief him on the details of my discussions with leaders of Niger. We’ll continue to do our best to bring the two parties together to improve understanding. This is the time for public diplomacy, it’s not a matter that we leave to governments, all Nigerians, all Nigeriens need to be involved to find a solution that works for Africa, a solution that works for Niger that works for Nigeria and a solution that works for humanity”, he said.
When asked if he was a government emissary on the mission, he said “no, I was not sent by the government. Government officials were aware I was going, but it was my personal initiative, using my personal contacts to get there and I will continue to do my best. It is my duty as a leader to do that”.
