…How clerics opened the door to save democracy in Niger Republic
By Abdullahi Sabiu
Historians are now convinced the Nigerian clerics holding forte in Izala, Tijjaniyya or Qadiriyya Sects command respectability and unrivalled influence in helping to address conflicts on the African continent, especially West Africa. The impact of 19 Century reforms spearhead by highly intelligent Usman Danfodio is still a critical factor in the enthronement of peace and stability today. His proselytising mission in Senegal, parts of what is today known as Chad Basin are factors closely knit to the unity of purpose amongst these countries.
The Nigeria clerics that were dispatched by the Federal Government to meet the military leaders of the recent coup in Niger have considerable influence as they command the total loyalty of their followers. As a Muslim-majority nation, the Republic of Niger has millions of adherents of the three different sects, namely Izala, Tijjaniyya and Qadiriyya to address on the importance of stability of Niger Republic as a strategic to peace in the West African subregion. Countries like Senegal has strong cultural and religious ties to both Nigeria and the Niger Republic.
Leaders of the current military regime in the Republic of Niger also belong to these three Islamic sects and this makes it convenient to communicate effectively and efficiently with the clerics from Nigeria. The Nigerian government must have been driven by the sense of brotherhood in terms of religion, culture and dialect between the two countries. Historians are also United in the view that most West African countries share strong bond of oneness that could be helpful in addressing issues conflict in whatever form.
Analysts have always pointed at the cordial relationship between Nigeria and Republic to the strong cultural, religious and language affinities.
It would be recalled that a Nigerian Aeroplane hijacked by terrorists was once diverted to the Niger Republic. The government in Niamey launched a security operation that helped Nigeria recover its aircraft.
When Nigeria was battling the 30-month civil war with Biafran insurgents, the Republic of Niger was reported to have made massive contributions to the war to preserve an indivisible and largest black nation on the continent.
Way back in time, during the First Republic, the government in Niamey deferred their decision to dig a national Dam, in order not to truncate Nigeria’s plan for Kainji Hydroelectricity, for which the Republic of Niger was getting electricity supply as a token of appreciation from Nigeria.
Undoubtedly, a new chapter in diplomatic efforts to protect and promote democracy in Africa has been opened by Nigeria under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
The President, in an unprecedented move, sought the input of respected Nigerians in government to mobilize renowned Nigerian clerics in the diplomatic moves to resolve the protracted stalemate that eliminated from the military intervention in the neighboring Republic of Niger.
The option of involving these clerics as an unexplored strategy in moments of unexpected clash between military rule and democratic rule, has never been seen anywhere in Africa –at least in the last decades of independence in various countries that form the continent.
The international community has been full of praises for Nigeria, which has the ECOWAS Chairman, President Tinubu as one of its illustrious sons. Public opinion on the continent, especially in Nigeria has not been favourably disposed to a military action to restore democracy in the Republic of Nigeria. Series after series of negotiations with ECOWAS leaders and the new military adminstration in Niger Republic, has either been complicated or too slow for both parties in the conflict.
A neutral third party of well-educated and peace strategists became necessary. People close to the President, who are not in the diplomatic or security arm of government pulled a surprise by winning him and ECOWAs towards the dialogue option. They mobilised Muslim clerics that in turn succeeded in getting the listening ears of the Niger Republic Junta. It has been so magical that this strategy has so far been the most effective of ensuring discussions and setting aside the option of bloodletting.
The respected and vocal clerics made their first successful trip to Niger Republic, got the audience with the forces behind the junta and the who-is-who within the junta itself.
That the Muslim clerics have for yet another approval to return to the dialogue table with the Niger Junta is a proof that they are doing something quite spectacular in the interest of peace, economic, and democratic stability in Africa today.
Significantly, this option of dialogue has opened a new leaf in the history of diplomacy and promotion of democratic instrument of dialogue for peace on the continent.
A new dawn is here, according to experts on international diplomacy and peace seems nearer than far, for strong allies and good neighbors —Niamey and Abuja.
Sabiu is the Publisher of THE REPORTERS NIGERIA MAGAZINE and can be reached via 08031322577, maijarida69@gmail.com