Some Islamic preachers Wednesday had a closed-door meeting with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and chairperson of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Authority of Heads of State and Government at the State House in Abuja over the military intervention in Niger Republic.
Addressing State House correspondents after the meeting, the national chairman of Jama’atu Izalatul Bidi’ah wa Ikamatus Sunnah (JIBWIS) Sheikh Bala Lau and the national missioner and Chief Imam of Ansar-Ud-Deen Society of Nigeria, Sheikh Abdulrahman Ahmad, said the president gave them approval to negotiate with the junta in Niger Republic through their counterparts.
Sheikh Bala Lau said apart from the dire consequences of armed conflict, Islamic preachers were enjoined to seek mediation first before resorting to war.
“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 Saharan region and globally. So, the whole Ulama advised Mr. President, that we want peace and reconciliation.
“Always if there is anything happening between you and your neighbour, the Holy Quran commands you to reconcile. So, we want reconciliation. That’s what we’re here to do 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 Taala will do it for us and find a lasting solution to this issue. May Allah Subhanahu wa Taala continue to guide us and maybe protect us,” he said.
Also speaking, Sheikh Abdurrahaman Ahmad said the president welcomed their intervention with a commitment that the ECOWAS that he chairs was ready to engage others on the other side of the divide.
“Other than that, the president deplored coup d’état 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,” he said.
