A former lawmaker, Daniel Bwala has urged President Bola Tinubu to exercise caution and discretion on how he approaches the coup in Niger Republic.
Bwala, a chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, insisted that Nigeria does not want military intervention anywhere in Africa.
In a statement via his verified Twitter handle on Monday, Bwala advised Tinubu to resist by all means the temptation to send soldiers to Niger but instead, engage in diplomacy.
He wrote, “Mr President should exercise caution and discretion on the Niger coup and how to approach it. One fact is clear, we don’t want military intervention anywhere in Africa. No matter how imperfect democracy is, we shall force its growth through citizenship engagement.
“PBAT should avoid being drawn into what appears to be a proxy war. The temptation to send soldiers to Niger should be resisted by all means. Peace in Niger is strategic to our national security. Engage through diplomacy; use the power of economic, trade, travel sanctions etc; but avoid militarization of diplomacy.
“We do not have even soldiers and arms for our own internal and territorial security; proceeds from the removal of subsidy must NEVER BE USED TO RUN, OPERATE OR MANAGE ECOWAS. I come in peace.”