Lately, the media has been awash with crises ongoing in the Niger republic which has taken a new dimension as many world powers have shown keen interest in the political instability.
Niger republic has a population of over 20 million and known to be endowed with abundant natural resources especially uranium which has always been mined and exported to other western countries especially France their colonial master.
Niger republic also has quite a favorable active age group among the Sahel countries that has also been involved in the mining activities. It also has quite a good terrain for combating terrorism which has been instrumental to the United States of America therefore housing some of the US military bases.
The uranium from Niger Republic has been regarded to be of high quality and is being used to power nuclear reactors in France adding tremendous value to the life of her citizens and the country at large. But its mind blowing for a country like Niger sitting on vast amount of uranium and gold still depending on neighboring countries for basic amenities, it’s on record that 80 percents of the populace does not have access to electricity.
It was also noted that terrorism has been the order of the day: terrorists were being killed on the order of the French nationals which has made combating terrorism difficult.
Nigeria an Anglophone speaking country is bordered by Niger republic on the North West which is some kilometers away from Sokoto State and has enjoyed a long standing bilateral relationship as regards the economy. Nigeria has also remained a major player in the stability of their economy, even at the expense of her citizens. The northern part of Nigeria in recent times has been facing a lot of security challenges that looked insuperable bordering on terrorisms, kidnapping and banditry, hence the region has remained delicate among other regions. The border has remained porous allowing the infiltration of terrorists and illegal importation of firearms into the country.
During the ECOWAS meeting, some sanctions were placed on them by the chairman among which was an invasion of the military if democracy was not returned. This sanction was perceived as a threat to their sovereignty as an independent nation, and may strike if there is an eventual invasion.
It us very imperative to remind His Excellency Ahmed Bola Tinubu that our economy is not robust to take care of this crisis as there are millions of Nigerians living in abject poverty and which calls for concern.
Confronted daily with increase in food price, inflation, transport fare among others; local businesses are gradually winding up due to harsh economy policies.
Also considering how porous our border is can further encourage neo-genesis and spread of terrorist groups especially in the North West geopolitical zone adding to the already established security challenges across the region.
It is my humble appeal to the Chairman of ECOWAS to exhaust all forms of peaceful dialogue in other to forestall any imminent events that may likely cause chaos and political instability in the region and the country at large.
– Apeh Emmanuel Monday (Coordinator, APEH Health Talk Show) Presidentapehmonday@gmail.com
