Tinubu sends Muslim clerics back to Niger junta for more talks

Tinubu sends Muslim clerics back to Niger junta for more talks

President Bola Tinubu has asked a delegation of Nigerian Muslim leaders led by Sheikh Dahiru Bauchi to continue their discussions with Niger junta on how to amicably resolve the leadership crisis in the country.
The President gave the approval in Abuja on Thursday after the team briefed him on their dialogue with the military leaders in Niger on behalf of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).
President Tinubu, chairman of the ECOWAS’ Authority of Heads of State and Government, said the Ulamas needed more engagement with the junta led by General Abdourahmane Tchiani.

Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Malagi,  confirmed that the Ulamas on Thursday briefed the President on the situation.
“He said President Tinubu was interested in exploring peaceful options in this matter, but nothing is off the table.

“Mr. President has listened to them and they’ll continue this dialogue. Mr President is interested in exploring peaceful options in this, but nothing is off the table.
“He has asked the Ulamas to continue with their dialogue and they will continue to do that.”

Asked what next, the minister replied, “The next line of action is that dialogue will continue. Mr President as the head of ECOWAS is interested in pursuing resolution of this crisis, but like I said, nothing is off the table.
“Mr. President has said they should continue to engage and the Ulammas will continue to do that.
“By the way, he has appreciated their efforts to finding solution to this issue, he’s encouraging them to continue. He has thanked them and efforts are ongoing.”

After the meeting with President Tinubu, Sheikh Bauchi spoke to State House correspondents and expressed his appreciation for the opportunity to meet with the President.

He also emphasised the Ulamas’ commitment to peaceful and amicable dialogue with the military junta in Niger to achieve peace in the region.
Sheikh Bauchi called for fervent prayers from the entire community across the region to ensure peace and harmony continue to reign.
Sheikh Bauchi said, “First and foremost, we thank Allah for giving us the opportunity. And we appreciate and commend the efforts of His Excellency the President.

“And as you saw, we have just met with him and told him all what went on there in Niger and he appreciated and he still gave us the mandate that we should continue to make this dialogue and discuss with the junta over there.”

He added, “We are still going back there to ensure that through peaceful and amicable ways, as spiritual leaders, we’ll be able to do and contribute what we can be able to do.
“What we want? We don’t want war; we want peace to reign in our region. So may Allah continue to bless the President for giving us this opportunity.”