9/8/23 Ulama/PBAT

President Bola Tinubu has accepted the Nigerian Council of Ulama’s offer to synergise with its counterpart in Niger Republic to prevail on the junta to opt for a peaceful resolution of the impasse.

At a meeting with the President in Abuja, the Ulama advised him to choose the option of diplomacy in resolving the problem.

The President subsequently assigned the Ulama to undertake a journey to Niger to wade in to avert military action against the junta.

Briefing newsmen, the spokesperson of the Council, Shaikh Bala Lau, said they would do their best to avert bloodshed.

Quoting a verse from the Glorious Qur’an, Shaikh Bala Lau, stressed that reconciliation was always the best option to resolving disputes.

“We want peace and harmony to reign not only in Nigeria, but in the sub-sahara region and globally. So, the whole Ulama advised Mr. President, that we want peace and reconciliation. Always if there is anything happening between you and your neighbour, the Glorious Qur’an commands you to reconcile. May Allah Subhaanahu wa Ta’ala continue to guide us and may he protect us”, he hoped.

Commenting on the implications of forceful take-over of power, a member of the delegation, Sheikh AbdurRahman Ahmed, said President Tinubu had vowed to do everything possible to ensure that democracy, justice, freedom, and peace spread roots in the sub-region.

We as Ulama are committed to peace and justice, and because the President responded positively and in turn, he has given us an assignment to also mediate to ensure reconciliation between the warring factions in Niger Republic”, he explained.

In a similar move, the 15th of Emir of Kano, Alhaji Sanusi Lamido II, who privately met with leaders of the junta, briefed President Tinubu on their discussion.

He told State House correspondents that he was hopeful that a peaceful solution to the would be attained.