Former Emir of Kano, Mohammed Sanusi and other influencial muslim clerics thronged the Presidential Villa on Wednesday, in connection with the crisis brewing in the Republic of Niger.
The islamic clerics comprising of Ulamas across the federation hinged their visit on the need to caution President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to thread carefully in resolving the impasse in Niger.
They advised the President who had on Tuesday imposed additional financial sanctions on the junta in Niger to explore peaceful resolution of the crisis.
Their visit came ahead of the extraordinary ECOWAS summit scheduled for the nation’s capital today Thursday.
Sheikh Bala Lau who had a brief interaction with State House Correspondents, said, “the delegation of Ulama here in Nigeria, met with Mr. President on the issue of Niger Republic. We want to find a lasting solution. 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 happens between you and your neighbour, the Holy Quran commands you to reconcile. So, we want reconciliation. That’s what we’re here and our able leader and President accepted the offer that he wants us to intervene and to talk to our brothers over there in Niger Republic, the scholars as well on how we can come together and bring a lasting solution to this problem.
“That is why we’re here. And insha Allah by the Grace of Allah, we’re optimistic that Allah Subhanahu Wa Taala will do it for us and find a lasting solution to this issue”.
Sheikh Abdurrahaman Ahmed corroborated when he said, “the President, like he said, welcomed our intervention. And he has promised that if we could also talk to the people on the other side, for them to be ready to give concession then ECOWAS, that he is chairman of is also ready.
“Other than that, the president deplored coup d’etat in the Sahel region, and, as a Democrat himself, said he will do everything to ensure that there is democracy, justice, freedom and peace in the sub region.
“We as Ulama are also committed to peace and justice, and the President will be enabling the Ulama to mediate as it is appropriate. So this is why we’re here. And it is a mission accomplished, 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.
“So, we pray for peace, not only in Nigeria but also in the sub region and in the world, because that is the only thing that can ensure developments. Thank you very much”.
Meanwhile former Emir of Kano, Mohammed Sanusi said he came to brief the President on the details of his personal discussions with leaders of Niger.
“We’ll continue to do our best to bring the two parties together to improve understanding. This is the time public diplomacy, it’s not a matter that we leave to governments, all Nigerians, all Nigeriens need to be involved to find a solution that works for Africa, a solution that works for Niger that works for Nigeria and a solution that works for humanity”.
Asked to confirm if he took the initiative by himself or whether he was mandated by government, he responded saying, “No, I was not sent by the government. Government officials were aware I was going, but it was my personal initiative, using my personal contacts to get there and I will continue to do my best. It is my duty as a leader to do that”.
