Middle Belt Forum (MBF) Cautions President Tinubu Against Interference Amid Niger Coup Fallout | Cliptv Online

The Middle Belt Forum (MBF) has issued a warning to Nigeria, under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, against deliberate interference in the affairs of a sovereign nation, following the recent coup in the Niger Republic. The MBF emphasized the need for caution, considering the strong sympathy shown by the Nigerien masses towards the military takeover.

The General Abdulsalami Abubakar-led delegation dispatched by President Tinubu to engage with the coup leaders faced a refusal to grant an audience. As a consequence, the military junta severed diplomatic ties with Nigeria, Togo, the United States, and France over their condemnation of the putsch.

In a statement signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Dr. Isuwa Dogo, the MBF highlighted that the planned deployment of troops within the Nigerien borders by the Algerian armed forces predicts dark days ahead. The forum cautioned against initiating any actions that could lead to war, citing the precarious situation and anger demonstrated by ordinary Nigerien citizens.

The MBF called on President Tinubu to prioritize addressing the internal challenges in Nigeria, such as insecurity and the economic hardships faced by the masses due to the removal of fuel subsidies. It stressed that entrenching justice and equity for all is crucial to discourage ambitious military officers from staging coups, emphasizing the need for fair electoral processes.

As the region navigates through tensions and uncertainties, the Middle Belt Forum urged President Tinubu and ECOWAS to exercise statesmanship and tread carefully in their approach. The lesson of the coup in the Niger Republic should serve as a reminder of the importance of upholding democracy and avoiding any form of warfare.

The statement from the MBF serves as a call for reflection and strategic leadership, advocating for a peaceful resolution to regional issues and a focus on improving the lives of Nigerian citizens. The forum believes that promoting fairness and inclusivity will help safeguard against potential security challenges and political upheaval in the future.