9th August, 2023
By Ismail Abdulaziz
The former Emir of Kano, Mohammed Lamido Sanusi II, on Wednesday evening met with President Bola Tinubu on the Niger Republic crisis in Abuja.
Sanusi has reportedly spoken with the head of the military junta on Wednesday in Niamey in collaboration with the Emir of Damagaram, Niger Republic.
Speaking with State House Correspondents, Sanusi said his mission was a private one not known to the government.
“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.
Earlier, Tinubu received a delegation of Nigerian Muslim leaders, led by Sheikh Dahiru Bauchi, and accepted their mediation in Niger conflict.
The leaders were at the State House to consult with the President on the situation in the Republic of Niger.
The president had on Tuesday declared that all options were still opened to find an amicable resolution to the Niger political crisis.
Speaking to newsmen earlier, Sheikh Bala Lau, said the delegation pledged to find a lasting and peaceful solution in neighbouring Niger Republic.
“The delegation of Ulamah 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-Sahara region and globally.
“So, the whole Ulamah advised Mr President, that we want peace and reconciliation.
“Always if there is anything that happens between you and your neighbour, the Holy Qur’an commands you to reconcile. So, we want reconciliation.
“That’s why we’re here and our able leader and President accepted the offer that he wants us to intervene and to talk to our brothers over there in Niger Republic, the scholars as well on how we can come together and bring a lasting solution to this problem,’’ Lau explained.