General Abdourahmane Tchiani, the leader of the Niger junta, asserted that the military takeover in Niger averted a potential disaster for both Niger Republic and neighboring Nigeria.
During a meeting in Niamey, Niger’s capital, with a Nigerian delegation of clerics, including Sheik Bala Lau, Chairman of Jam’atul Izalatu Bida Waikamatu Sunnah, Tchiani elaborated on the coup’s intentions.
Tchiani stated that the junta’s action was taken to preempt a looming threat that could have impacted not only Niger Republic but also Nigeria. While details of the potential threat were not provided in his statement, Tchiani emphasized the necessity of their intervention.
This statement comes in the wake of reports from the Defence Headquarters about attempts to instigate a military takeover in Nigeria.
Brigadier-General Tukur Gusau, the Director of Defence Information, denounced these reports as unpatriotic and reiterated the armed forces’ commitment to their constitutional duties.
The Nigerian delegation visiting Niger consisted of scholars from diverse Islamic sects. Among the attendees were Sheik Kabiru Gombe, Secretary of Jamatul Izalatul Bida Waikamatul Sunnah; Sheik Yakubu Musa Hassan Katsina, Director Daawah of JIBWIS; Sheik Ibrahim Dahiru Bauchi, representing Sheik Ibrahim Bauchi; and Dr Khalid Aliya, Secretary General of Jammatul Nasril Islam.
Other participants included Sheik Karibullah Nasiru Kabara, Leader of the Khadriya group Nigeria; Sheik Ahmad Abdurahman; Professor Salisu Shehu, Deputy Secretary-General of the Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs; Sheik Nasiru Abdul Muhayuid, Director Admin of JIBWIS Jos; Professor Mansur Sokoto; and Alhaji Mele Kyari.
