The People’s Redemption Party (PRP) has appealed to the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to avoid a military solution to the political crisis in Niger Republic, saying it could lead to the spread of violence across the subregion.
The PRP made the appeal in a statement on Saturday evening by its National Chairman, Alhaji Falalu Bello, noting that Nigeria and Niger share a lot in common in terms of economics, cultures and geography.
According to the statement, an ECOWAS/Niger war has the tendency of destabilising the Sahel region further.
“The Peoples Redemption Party (PRP) considers it pertinent to urge President Bola Tinubu and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) not to go to war with the Niger Republic.
“The PRP views war as not in the interests of Nigeria, Niger and ECOWAS. War would destabilize the entire Sahelian region and could lead to the spread of violence and instability to other countries in the West African subregion.
“There exists an excellent neighborliness and good relationship between the two countries that are closely linked economically culturally and geographically, and it will be tragic if these relationships for centuries are spoilt.
“Niger Republic depends on Nigeria for trade and investment, and Nigeria depends on Niger for some products. A war would disrupt this economic interdependence and harm both countries.
“The PRP notes that the recent skirmishes between Nigeria and the Niger Republics are avoidable and should be resolved through dialogue and diplomacy,” the PRP said.
It called on the Chairman of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government, President Bola Tinubu of Nigeria to do everything to resolve the crisis through dialogue and diplomacy.
