Alhaji Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, 14th Emir of Kano and a former governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN on Wednesday met with the coup leaders in Niamey, the country’s capital.
Recall that IdanNews had earlier reported that Niger military leaders aborted a meeting with an ECOWAS delegation led by former Head of State, General Abdulsalami Abubakar, retd.
In lieu of that the Heads of States of the Economic Community of West Africa States, ECOWAS, set to meet in Abuja today to take a position on the military junta in Niger Republic.
Meanwhile, Sanusi in the company of the Sultan of Damagaran, the third largest city in Niger met the junta leaders in Niamey.
It was gathered that Sanusi is the Khalifa of the Tijjaniya sect in Nigeria, and is a large sect following in Niger.
It was gathered Sanusi went there to open doors for negotiation with the junta.
A source said: “His Highness took the trip in his capacity but with the knowledge of President Bola Tinubu, following his concerns about the impasse and the likely consequences it is already having on Nigeria/Niger relations and the citizens of the two countries.”
While talking to newsmen, Sanusi said he was in the Nigerien capital, Niamey, to hold mediation talks with the military leader, General Abdourahamane Tchiani.
He said “We have spoken to the head of state, the new strongman, General Abdourahamane Tchiani, and will deliver a ‘message’ to Nigeria’s President, Bola Tinubu,’’ said Sanusi, adding that he is not an emissary of the government.
“We came hoping that our arrival will pave the way for real discussions between the leaders of Niger and those of Nigeria,” Sanusi said.
It also gathered that Sanusi’s meeting with the coup leaders came as Niger’s former revolutionary leader launched an anti-coup movement in the first sign of internal resistance in the country.
Moreover, Sanusi after returning from the Niger Republic last night briefed President Tinubu at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
It was learnt that He arrived at the Villa at about 8:25 pm immediately after a high delegation of the Nigeria Islamic Ulama met with the President.
Asked about his visit to Niger, the former Emir said, “I came to brief him on the details of my discussions with leaders of Niger.“
“We’ll continue to do our best to bring the two parties together to improve understanding. This is not the time public diplomacy is left to governments alone. All Nigerians, all Nigeriens need to be involved to find a solution that works for Africa, a solution that works for Niger, that works for Nigeria, and a solution that works for humanity.
However, the former CBN governor claimed he was not sent by the government but the government are aware of his going to Niger.
He said “I was not sent by the government. Government officials were aware I was going, but it was my initiative, to use my contacts to get there and I will continue to do my best. It is my duty as a leader to do that.”
He said that he was well received by the military juntas in Niger.
