The 14th Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi, has met with Head of Niger’s Transitional government, General Abdourahamane Tchiani in Niger republic in Niamey on Wednesday.
Sunusi, the former governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), in company of the first class emir of Damgaram, Alhaji Aboubacar Sanda, arrived in the uranium rich country amidst tension between the putschists and African blocs.
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Days back, the representatives of the African Union (AU), the Economic Community of West Africa States (ECOWAS) and a top American diplomat visited the country but returned after an aborted meeting.
Daily Telescope gathered that the former CBN governor was in Niger on a personal capacity to open the door for negotiation with the junta.
“However, he traveled with the consent of President Bola Tinubu, to find a lead in solving the impasse that may likely have consequences on Nigeria/Niger relations and their citizens,” he said.
Upon his return from Niger yesterday, Sanusi went to the presidential villa in Abuja where briefed president Bola Ahmed Tinubu on the development.
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In a chat with State House reporters, Sanusi said he was well received by the leaders of the junta in Niamey.
Asked if he was there at the behest of the Federal Government, he said: “No, I was not sent by the government. Government officials were aware I was going, but it was my personal initiative, using my personal contacts to get there, and I’ll continue to do my best. It’s my duty as a leader to do that.
“I’m here to brief him (Tinubu) 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 the time for public diplomacy, it’s not a matter that we will leave to governments. All Nigerians and all Nigeriens need to be involved to find a solution that works for Africa, a solution that works for Niger, a solution that works for Nigeria and a solution that works for humanity.” he added.
President Bola Tinubu, who is the chairman of ECOWAS, had scheduled a meeting for today after the expiration of the seven-day ultimatum the regional bloc issued for the reinstatement of President Mohamed Bazoum.
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ECOWAS had slammed sanctions on Niger and unilaterally Nigeria cut-off Niger from electricity supply for days, despite a covenant reached between the two countries to allow river Niger flow to Kainji Dam and in return give the upstream neighbor, Niger, a percentage from the electricity generated.
Also, the regional blocs have threatened possible military options; a move that was widely rejected, especially in Nigeria.
