A group of Nigerian Islamic Clerics on Wednesday met with the Chairman of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Nigeria’s President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the Presidential Villa, Abuja and got his approval to negotiate with fellow clerics in Niger Republic to appeal to the coup leaders in that country to reinstate the democratically elected government of Mohammed Bazoum.
The Islamic clerics (Ulamas), who opposed the use of force in addressing the problem in Niger, said apart from the dire consequences of armed conflicts, they are instructed by the Qur’an to seek mediation first in cases like this before resorting to war.
The group of Clerics spoke through their Spokespersons, Sheikh Bala Lau of the Izalla sect and Sheikh Abdurahman Ahmad of the Ansar-Ud-Deen sect, after their meeting with the ECOWAS Chairman.
They said as leaders, they had to wade into the matter in order to find a peaceful resolution to the impasse in the Niger Republic because, when war erupts, it might consume everyone.
According to Shekh Bala Lau, “This 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 anything happens between you and your neighbour, the Holy Qur’an commands you to reconcile. So, we want reconciliation. That’s what we’re here for 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 will do it for us and find a lasting solution to this issue.”
Reiterating the appeal, Sheikh Abdurrahaman Ahmed, said the President welcomed their intervention.
“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 which he is the Chairman 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 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 contending factions in Niger Republic.
“So, we pray for peace, not only in Nigeria but also in the region and in the world, because that is the only thing that can ensure development,” Sheikh Ahmed added.
PIAK
