Chief Bode George, former Deputy National chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has advised President Bola Tinubu against planned military action against Niger.
The President should not start something he cannot finish,the Atona Oodua of Yorubaland,said in an open letter to Tinubu on Saturday.
He said Nigeria has nothing to gain from going to war with Niger,a country populated by illiterate and poor people.
“Niger is one of the largest (land border) countries in the world and also one of the poorest. What exactly do we gain if we go to war in Niger? What? So that people can praise us as a defender of democracy? When people are dying at home, do we need that type of commendation from anybody?
“I’m a retired General. So, I know that war is not easy. Please, don’t force Nigerians to engage in an endless war.
“Despite its mineral wealth, the Niger Republic has been held down by its leadership for decades. More than 75 percent of Nigeriens are poor and uneducated. At the right time, if they don’t want Tchiani, they’ll get rid of him. Let Nigeriens deal with their rot and let us focus on how to save our own situation back home.
“I’m sure you know that seven Northern states – Kebbi, Sokoto, Zamfara, Katsina, Jigawa, Yobe and Borno share a 1,608 kilometres long border with five regions in Niger Republic.
“In case of any war, residents of these states will be direct targets of bullets and missiles. This can also lead to a resurgence of criminal activities in the border areas.
“Also, some countries, such as Algeria, Libya, Chad, Benin, Burkina Faso and Mali share borders with the Niger Republic. Can we trust these countries to support us militarily and otherwise in case of a war with Niger Republic?
“In all of these, we should ask ourselves, why did we finance a rail line to Maradi during the President Muhammadu Buhari administration?
“Russia invaded Ukraine over a year ago. Thousands of people, soldiers and civilians have been killed, billions of dollars’ worth of properties have been destroyed and there is still no end in sight.
“In International Relations and Politics, you protect your national interest first. Burkina Faso and Mali openly declared that they would support Niger.
“Can we also trust Chad which has been under military rule since April 2021? Are we sure this move to invade Niger Republic will not affect ECOWAS?
“Is this the right time to spend the money Nigeria doesn’t have to fight in another country?.Politically, economically, socially, we are still in a quagmire. Then you want to add the fourth one: Warfare,” George added.
