“I am still appealing that we don’t want war. We want peace to prevail. Not only us but even our Christian brothers from the CAN.”
Sheik Bala Lau, National Chairman of Jamatul Izalatu Bida Waikamatu Sunnah and one of the members of the delegation who was received by the Niger Junta on behalf of the ECOWAS group discussed the agenda of the meeting between the delegation and the Niger Junta leaders.
The junta televised a conference stating that former President Bazoum would be tried for various crimes and with a substantial amount of evidence against him.
Concerning the well-being of Bazoum, the Sheik stated, “We asked them about that. How is he doing? What is his condition? Because we heard a lot about him. They said he is doing well; sound and healthy. There is a doctor that visits him and even offers to call the doctor to ask. He has access to his telephone and calls everyone he needs. So there is nothing they are preventing him from doing.”
The religious leader withheld further information until meeting with President Tinubu but stated, “They didn’t inform us anything about a sitting court of law to charge President Bazoum or others. We as spiritual leaders were there to intervene for them to have discussions with President Tinubu or other leaders. So on our side we have done our own effort of bringing them closer so they can discuss and have a stand whereby things will come to an end by the grace of Allah.
“I am still appealing that we don’t want war. We want peace to prevail. Not only us but even our Christian brothers from the CAN. They also appeal that we don’t war.
“So as soon as we meet with President Tinubu, Ins-ah Allah, we will pledge and ask them to please consider another option, not wage war.”
The Sheik stated that in the meeting, the Niger leaders tendered an apology for not receiving the delegation of the Sultan of Sokoto himself as it was at the height of the impasse.
Sharing his thoughts on the ECOWAS ultimatum given to Niger and border closure, Sheik Lau said, “We would be glad if they can open borders so the citizens will be able to access food and medical supplies. You cannot keep someone even if he is in jail, without giving him food. We would be glad if the ECOWAS would open borders so food items would be taken to Niger and also access health facilities.
“We would be happy if they could do it before the dialogue. What we have seen there is something we can sympathize with.”
Glamour Adah
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