Former Governor of Jigawa State and a key figure in the founding of the Peoples Democratic Party, Mr Sule Lamido, has criticized President Bola Ahmad Tinubu’s handling of international diplomacy. Lamido’s comments come in response to ECOWAS’ stance on the recent coup d’état in Niger Republic.
In a post on his verified Facebook account titled “Nigeria/Niger Relations,” Lamido pointed out President Tinubu’s lack of experience in international diplomacy and urged him to seek advice from Nigeria’s former Presidents and Heads of State.
Lamido noted, “President Tinubu has found himself in a delicate situation since the Niger coup. His limited exposure to international diplomacy makes him a novice in this field. His dominance in Lagos does not necessarily translate to diplomatic wisdom.”
He suggested that President Tinubu should have analyzed ECOWAS dynamics before making a significant decision affecting the region, highlighting the example of President Alassane Quattara of Ivory Coast, who faced nationality disputes but did not advocate for military intervention in his ancestral home of Mali.
Lamido stressed that a war with Niger is not favored by Nigerians, with the Senate’s constitutional authority to grant such power remaining withheld. He advised President Tinubu to focus on damage control and seek guidance from respected former leaders, despite potential differences.
Concluding his post, Lamido emphasized the need for both Nigeria and Niger to mend relations and rebuild their bond, acknowledging the challenges faced in recent weeks and expressing hope for a better future.
