An Islamic group, the International Organization of Tijaniyyah Brotherhood, has called on Economic Community of West African States to opt for a diplomatic solution in resolving the crisis in Niger Republic.
According to the News Agency of Nigeria, the advice was contained in an open letter to President Bola Tunibu, who doubles ad the Chairman, Authority of Heads of States and Government, ECOWAS.
The letter signed by the Chairman of the Brotherhood, Prof. Abdullahi El-Okene, and Secretary, Prof. Mustafa Gwadabe, was issued on Sunday in Abuja.
It read, “The crisis should be handled with caution and maturity, so as not to inflict more hardship and economic dislocation on the people of Niger and those in Nigeria around the border with Niger.
“Already, people are living in hard times and require sympathy rather than dragging them into a war.”
According to the Brotherhood, although the military intervention in Niger politics is not a welcome development, the use of military force to restore the ousted government will only lead to more chaos.
“Indeed the economic sanctions which were imposed under the directive of ECOWAS will inflict more suffering on the ordinary people of Niger.
“These sufferings have a direct impact on the inhabitants of the border towns in Nigeria,” the Tijjaniyya said.
The Muslim group, however, said it was categorically against any military intervention in Niger Republic.
It enjoined Nigerians to continue praying for peace and stability in Nigeria, Niger Republic and the sub-region.
