Napoleon Bali, a prominent senator from the north, claimed that the Nigerian Senate could not authorize Nigeria to declare war on the Niger Republic.
Given that seven states in Nigeria share a border with Niger, Senator Bali predicted that it would be both bloody and cost-effective.
In addition to Boko Haram and other terrorist challenges, he continued, Nigeria’s economy is not in a position to wage such a war.
Abuja, FCT – Napoleon Bali, a federal member for Plateau South, outlined why Nigeria cannot go to war with the Niger Republic.
According to Bali, Nigeria is currently experiencing serious economic difficulties and won’t be able to bear the costs of going to war at this moment, according to The Sun.
The Senator said in an appearance for Arise TV’s morning show that going to war would be both expensive and terrible.
Tinubu didn’t ask for permission to start a war with Niger.
He stated that despite the recent coup in the neighboring West African nation, President Bola Tinubu had not requested authority to declare war on the Niger Republic.
He said that Tinubu had just asked the Senate for suggestions on ways to resolve the dispute between ECOWAS and the Niger.
Why Nigeria Can’t Attack the Niger Republic at War
The senator continued, “With Boko Haram and other terrorist issues there, it will not be easy.” Nigeria has a lengthy border with the Niger Republic.
“We have advised that Tinubu should strengthen the relationship between Nigeria and Niger. But if he fails to take our advice and the ECOWAS leadership decides war is an option, definitely, it is going to be catastrophic. We already have refugees in Niger. Nigeria will suffer seriously because we will employ military contractors, who will feed on us. It is not going to be easy.”
“We have a solution which we will give to him to take to the ECOWAS leadership, but we can’t make it public. Anyway, the northern senators came out openly to say what their constituencies told them. That is that they don’t want war. The Niger Republic is bordering about seven northern states – Sokoto, Jigawa, kebbi and others.
Before starting a war against the military junta in Niger, Tinubu must have the Senate’s and the House of Representatives’ consent, according to Falana.
A plot to send soldiers to the Niger Republic is disclosed to the Senate by President Tinubu.
Sanctions on coup plotters in Niger were included in President Tinubu’s official communication to the Senate.