Yoruba Self-Determination Group Urges Tinubu, Other African Leaders To Shelve Idea Of War Against Niger
IBADAN – The Yoruba Self-Determination Movement has urged the Federal government under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to shelve the idea of waging war against the military leadership in Niger, saying overwhelming nationals of the country are in support of the New military regime.
Hence, appealing to President Tinubu and other African leaders to respect the wish of the people of the Niger Republic.
This was contained in a statement on Monday by the Assistant Director (Homeland) of the group, Dr Tunde Amusat, on behalf of the Chairman of the group, Professor Banji Akintoye.
According to the statement, “The Supreme Council of the Yoruba Self-determination Movement, meeting this day, Saturday, August 12, 2023, solemnly adopts and authorizes the following statement for and on behalf of the Yoruba Nation.
“We Yoruba people of the Southwestern states of Nigeria including the Yoruba populations of the Nigerian states of Lagos, Ogun, Oyo, Oshun, Ondo and Ekiti, plus the Yoruba populations of Kwara and Kogi States and the Itsekiri Yoruba people of the Delta State, hereby make the following statement to Nigeria, to West Africa, to Africa and to the world, concerning the ongoing situation in the Republic of Niger.
“We Yoruba Nation totally reject any intention or plan by Nigeria, by any West African state, or by any combination of West African states, to levy war against the Republic of Niger.
“We acknowledge, from all that have been manifesting on the news media since the military coup in Niger Republic, that the overwhelming majority of the people of Niger Republic are massively and fervently supportive of the change of government in their country, and we strongly urge that their wish be respected.
“We inform the world that we Yoruba and the Hausa nation whose Niger people constitute the majority of the population of Niger, are sister nations, that for countless centuries before the coming of European colonialism we Yoruba and Hausa were very closely related, that we were two large trading nation’s trading side by side in the vast territories of the West African interior, that many Hausa lived happily in Yoruba towns while many Yoruba lived happily in Hausa towns.
“We want the world to know now that we Yoruba do not want any harm to come to our Hausa brethren. Indeed, Yoruba youths are saying in all parts of Yorubaland that if Niger Republic be invaded by anybody, countless Yoruba youths would hurry to Niger Republic to join hands with the people of Niger to defend their country and to throw out the invaders.
“Therefore, we Yoruba nation strongly urge the president of Nigeria, our son President Bola Tinubu, to cancel totally any intention or plan for any invasion of Niger Republic. We urge him to see to it that the military option is completely taken off the table in the ongoing situation. We also strongly urge him to reverse any sanctions that have been embarked upon by Nigeria against Niger Republic”.
Independent.ng
