Tinubu Authorizes Council of Ulamas to Meditate in Niger Situation

President Bola Tinubu has given approval for Islamic leaders on the platform of the Council of Ulamas to mediate in the Niger coup situation.

The approval was given on Wednesday when the Ulamas visited President Tinubu at the Aso Rock Presidential Villa and sought his permission to mediate the Niger coup crisis.

Some of the prominent Ulamas who were part of the delegation that visited the President were Sheihk Nasiru Abdulmumini; Sheikh Abduurrahman; Sheikh Bala Lau and Sheikh Qaribulahi Nasir Ksbara.

Earlier, the leader of the Tijjaniya Movement in Africa and former Emir of Kano, Alhaji Muhammadu Sanusi met with the leaders of the military junta Niger Republic as part of efforts to resolve the crisis in the West African nation.

Ousted Niger Republic President, Mohamed Bazoum, on Wednesday, disclosed he’s been isolated and forced to survive on dry rice since the military’s takeover on July 26, 2023.

In text messages shared with a friend and cited by CNN, Bazoum mentioned being “deprived of all human contact” and left without food or medicine.

He has also been without electricity, an issue plaguing all Nigeriens due to Nigeria’s response to the coup by cutting power.

Although he’s largely cut off, Bazoum has managed some outside communication. He confirmed speaking with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken by phone, despite missing a chance to meet the visiting Deputy Secretary of State, Victoria Nuland.

The Chairman of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), President Bola Tinubu has called for a meeting following the expiration of the bloc’s 7-day ultimatum for Bazoum’s reinstatement.