Why we should use a strong stick against putschists – Tinubu

President Bola Tinubu warned on Thursday that if the big sticks are not used against the putschists, African countries will suffer the repercussions of forcible removal of democratically elected governments by military.

President Tinubu also stated that all diplomatic alternatives with the military junta in Niger Republic will be exhausted before resorting to military involvement, stating that any forceful removal of a democratic government is “wholly unacceptable.”

President Tinubu welcomed the Nigeria Supreme Council of Islamic Affairs, led by the Sultan of Sokoto, His Eminence, Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, to the State House, noting that the option of kinetic intervention in Niger Republic had not been abandoned.

According to Mr Ajuri Ngelale, the President’s Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, “I must thank you for your several visits to Niger Republic, Your Eminence, but you will still have to return.” In Gabon, my worry was confirmed: copy cats will start performing the same thing until it is stopped. We share a border with Niger Republic, and what has bound Nigerians to their magnificent people cannot be broken. Nobody wants to go to war. We’ve witnessed the carnage in Ukraine and Sudan. But if we don’t wield the heavy stick, we’ll all bear the consequences.”

President Tinubu observed that in 1998, Nigeria, led by General Abdulsalami Abubakar, undertook a nine-month transition programme that was extraordinarily successful, ushering the country into a new age of democratic governance. If Niger’s military leaders are honest, the President sees no reason why this cannot be reproduced in Niger.

“Your Eminence, don’t get tired; you’ll still go there.” The soldiers’ behaviour is intolerable. The sooner they make meaningful changes, the sooner we will reduce sanctions to ease the suffering in Niger,” the President stated.

Regarding the hardships experienced by many Nigerians following the elimination of fuel subsidies, the President stated that the ongoing reforms will liberate and reposition the economy, benefiting the majority of the population in terms of opportunities, infrastructure, healthcare, and education.

“Nigeria is on a promising path.” Our variety will lead to success rather than adversity. “We will build a country for our children,” the President promised.

The President informed the delegation that the Federal Government had begun discussions with state governments to provide land for animal husbandry and agro-allied production and processing facilities for mass export, job creation, and revenue generation.

“If Nigeria is still looking for vaccines for basic health issues; if infant and maternal mortality is high, then we need to look in the mirror.” “I will commit to consulting with other leaders, such as the NSCIA, and we will meet our people’s needs,” he stated.

Vice President Kashim Shettima stated at the conference that the President had budgeted N50 billion to help the continued rebuilding of lives and property in the North West and North East, as well as a new emphasis on dialogue to address security concerns.

The Sultan of Sokoto vowed “one hundred percent loyalty” to the President, stating that a leader can only be appointed by God’s will, not man’s.

His Eminence told President Tinubu that the NSCIA will be available to advise and support him in realising his vision for the country, adding that “God will hold all leaders to account, in justice and fairness.”

He advised that the distribution of palliatives across the country be checked and supplemented in areas where it falls short of reaching some of the people who are still in desperate need.

“I honestly believe we will come out of these challenges stronger,” the Sultan of Sokoto said.