Ndume Criticizes Tinubu’s Approach to Niger Republic Sanctions

• Senator Ali Ndume criticizes President Tinubu’s sanctions on Niger, citing adverse effects on innocent citizens and proposing former military leaders as mediators
• Ndume highlights the sanctions’ impact on Nigeria’s reputation, challenges their effectiveness, and calls for immediate lifting and diplomatic negotiations

Senate Majority Chief Whip Sen. Ali Ndume expressed dissatisfaction with President Bola Tinubu’s decision to impose sanctions in response to the military takeover.

Ndume highlighted the ineffectiveness of these sanctions, emphasizing that they were adversely impacting innocent citizens rather than the junta responsible for toppling and detaining President Mohammed Bazoum. Speaking in Maiduguri during a media briefing, Ndume proposed the involvement of four former military leaders from the North—Yakubu Gowon, Muhammadu Buhari, Ibrahim Babangida, and Abdulsalami Abubakar—as potential mediators to resolve the crisis.

He raised concerns about the sanctions tarnishing Nigeria’s reputation as the ‘giant of Africa’ and ‘big brother’ in Niger. Ndume argued that the punitive measures, affecting seven northern states, were miscalculated and violated ECOWAS Protocols and International Law.

The senator criticized the decision to cut off Nigeria’s power supply to Niger and restrict the free movement of goods and services. According to him, these actions had detrimental consequences for innocent citizens in both nations, especially children, women, petty traders, and low-income earners.

Ndume called for an immediate lift of the sanctions and urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the current ECOWAS Chairman, to address the crisis promptly. He emphasized Nigeria’s significant role within ECOWAS, contributing 70% of its funding and holding the majority of votes.

Expressing his disagreement with ECOWAS’s hasty decision to impose sanctions, Ndume highlighted the personal impact on his state and region, where over 100,000 Nigerians had sought refuge from Borno State for more than a decade.

He underscored the historical and cultural ties between Nigeria and Niger Republic, urging Tinubu to lead efforts in engaging with the junta for a transition to democratic rule. Ndume appealed for the immediate lifting of sanctions, followed by negotiations on the release of President Bazoum and the transition to civilian rule.

“Lift the sanctions first, agree to negotiate on the release of President Bazoum, and outline the transition to civilian rule,” Ndume advised, stressing the historical support Nigeria has received from Niger during critical times.