From Godwin Tsa, Abuja
The West African Action Network on Small Arms (WAANSA) has joined the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) in seeking dialogue and the peaceful restoration of constitutional order in Niger.
The first vice president of the group, Mr. Martin Igwe specifically called for a peaceful solution to reverse Niger’s coup and also on the junta that seized power last month to ensure the safety and security of President Mohamed Bazoum, his family, and detained members of the government.
WAANSA’s position came after the West African bloc ECOWAS last Thursday ordered the activation of a standby force for possible use against the junta.
ECOWAS said it wanted a peaceful restoration of democracy but all options including force were on the table.
Igwe said his group appreaciates the determination of ECOWAS to explore all options for the peaceful resolution of the crisis.
He said, ECOWAS is playing a key role in making clear the imperative of a return to constitutional order, and we very much support ECOWAS’ leadership and work on this.”
The WAANSA vice president disclosed the group’s position while on a visit to commiserate with the Emir of Zazzua, HRH, Alhaji Nuhu Bamali over the loss of Zaria indigenes who were victims of the collapsed Mosque.
Igwe said ” the office of the WAANSA regional has received with admiration the determination of the ECOWAS head of states and parliament to explore dialogue towards resolving Niger political development.
He said: “The Nigerian president and ECOWAS chairman, Bola Tinubu has demonstrated willingness to adhere to peoples wish in line with national assembly decisions knowing fully well that in a democratic state like Nigeria utmost power lies with the people.
“In the present harsh economic situation in Nigeria it is better to be vigilant so that the ECOWAS chairman will not be lurred into a trap of international conflict entrepreneur which its devastating consequences can be better imagined than experienced.”
The group noted that after getting the news of Sheik Abdullahi Bala Lau we hereby pass vote of confidence on ECOWAS for it is better to jaw jaw than war war.
It appealed to the ECOWAS chairman to integrate former president Gudluck Jonathan who is presently ECOWAS envoy to Mali into the negotiation team as he has credible credentials to advice on the best way forward in resolving the Niger political conflict.
Igwe expressed the readiness of WAANSA to always advice the regional government on the possible way to eradicate the menace gun violence, small arms proliferation and security situation in the sub-region.