By David Kabiyesi
Aware of what awaits his regime should the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) unleash its standby Army, Niger Republic military junta, General Abdourahmane Tchiani has swallowed his pride and apologized to President Tinubu for snubbing General Abdusalami Abubakar (read)-led group that visited Niamey last week.
In a statement released in Niamey on Sunday and monitored by iwitnesslive.com, Tchiani told Nigeria’s Intervention Team, led by Sheik Bala Lau that he was sorry not to have met with the groups last week, stressing that it was painful that the regional body failed to hear his side of the story before issuing the ultimatum
He maintained the coup was needed to save both Niger and Nigeria from what he described as likely economic and humanitarian crisis while assuring that he is ready to embrace dialogue.
In its reaction, the leader of Nigeria’s Intervention Team, Sheik Bala Lau lauded Tchiani for extending a warm welcome to the group which comprises of prominent Islamic scholars in the country.
Lau hinted that the group has agreed to intensify the option of dialogue in resolving the political crisis in Niger.
“We will now go back home and report to President Tinubu what we have discussed and press it on him that war is not an option in resolving the matter. We believe that war is an ill wind that will not blow any good and that peaceful resolution should prevail.” Lau said
