PDP Warns Tinubu Against Dragging Nigeria Into War With Niger…Vows To Rein In Errant Members

The Governors’ Forum of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) rose from a meeting Saturday in Abuja with a warning to President Bola Tinubu against dragging Nigeria into a ‘needless’ war with its neighbour, Niger Republic.

Tinubu, who is ECOWAS chairman, had written the National Assembly seeking authorisation for the military to invade Niger in order to restore civil rule in the country following a coup d’etat that sacked President Mohammed Bazoum.

Tinubu’s letter followed a decision of leaders of ECOWAS to use military force to remove the new military leaders on the expiration of a 7-day ultimatum.

The order had flared tension between Nigeria and Niger, leading to the closure of the borders of both countries and the severance of relations with the Republic of Niger even as the Nigerian military had been put on high alert for immediate action.

ALSO READ: Niger: Atiku Cautions Against Military Action

But reviewing the situation at its meeting chaired by Governor Bala Mohammed, with the party’s presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, in attendance, PDP cautioned against the declaration of war on Niger.

Objecting to war, PDP said as ECOWAS chair, Nigeria must explore every rational, civil, and diplomatic means to resolve the development.

PDP’s communiqué from the meeting read: “The meeting emphasised the need for party discipline and re-iterated zero tolerance for anti-party activities and sabotage. No individual or group of individuals will be allowed to undermine the unity of the party and its processes.

“The meeting committed to repositioning and stabilising the party. To this end, the healing and reconciliation process is in progress and yielding results.

“The meeting signalled that unity and loyalty are still core values of the PDP and would be rewarded.

“All the Governors and organs of the party solidly support the PDP Presidential candidate, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, GCON, and the PDP Vice Presidential Candidate, Senator (Dr.) Ifeanyi Okowa, to rescue the stolen mandate in the tribunal and would do everything lawful towards achieving this.

“The Governors will work in partnership with the party at the states and national level to ensure good Governance, transparency and accountability.

“The meeting congratulated the party for empanelling the Campaign Councils for the off-session elections in Bayelsa, Imo and Kogi States and urged the Campaign Councils to ensure victory for the party in the three States.

“The meeting counselled the Federal Government to show leadership in curtailing the cost of Governance. 48 Ministers and several Special Advisers and Assistants should be reduced to ensure the health of our economy.

“The meeting advised the President, Commander in Chief and the Government of the Federal Republic of Nigeria not to go into any form of war with the Republic of Niger over the recent military coup in the country, rather all tools of dialogue and diplomacy should be further employed.”

Attendance

Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, GCON -Presidential Candidate
Senator (Dr.) Ifeanyi Okowa -VP Candidate

Governors who attended the meeting include:

i. Gov. Bala Mohammed, CON -Bauchi State -Chairman
ii. Gov. Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri -Adamawa State -Member
iii. Gov. Sen. Douye Diri -Bayelsa State -Member
iv. Gov. Sheriff Oborevwori -Delta State -Member
v. Gov. Peter Mbah -Enugu State -Member
vi. Gov. Ademola Adeleke -Osun State -Member
vii. Gov. Godwin Obaseki – Edo State -Member
viii. Gov. Kefas Agbu -Taraba State -Member
ix. Gov. Dauda Lawal -Zamfara State -Member

Others: