23rd August, 2023
By Naomi Sharang
The Peoples Redemption Party (PRP) has urged the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to use diplomatic means in dealing with the military junta in the Niger Republic.
The PRP National Chairman, Alhaji Falalu Bello, said this in a statement in Abuja.
It partly reads, “The PRP remains confident that Nigeria and the ECOWAS will resolve the issue at stake with the Niger Republic peacefully through dialogue without bloodshed.
“We strongly urge President Bola Tinubu, as the present ECOWAS Chairman, to painstakingly pursue dialogue and diplomacy in resolving the imbroglio in the Republic of Niger and to exercise restraint and avoid taking any action that could lead to war.
“War would destabilise the entire Sahelian region and could lead to the spread of violence and instability to other countries in the West African subregion.
“There exists excellent neighbourliness and a good relationship between the two countries that are closely linked economically, culturally, and geographically,” he said.
Bello added, “It will be tragic if these relationships forged over centuries are spoiled. The 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.
“We urge Tinubu to focus on addressing the challenges facing Nigerians, including insecurity, extreme poverty, and unemployment, among others.”
NAN