As the deadline given by the Economic Community of West African States, ECOWAS, to the military junta in Niger Republic expired, an Islamic scholar, Sheikh Dahiru Usman Bauchi has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu not to go to war with the Nigerian neighbouring country.

The popular cleric, who is the leader of the Tijjaniya sect in Nigeria, also urged the National Assembly not to approve the request made by the President for any form of war with Niger Republic.

According to the elderly scholar, instead of engaging in war with the Francophone West African country, President Tinubu and other ECOWAS leaders should rather engage in dialogue with the Nigerien military junta that ousted President Mohammed Bazoum going forward.

Sheikh Bauchi said this in Bauchi while interacting with journalists, adding that both Nigeria and the Niger Republic have a longtime cordial relationship that needs to be strengthened more.

“Nigerians and Niger are united. Hence there is the need for the Federal Government to engage in diplomatic approaches with a view to strengthening the cordial relationship for the economic growth and development of the two West African countries,” the centenarian said.

According to the revered Sheikh, if Nigeria should embark on war with Niger, many would not only suffer the consequence but innocent souls would also be killed, admonishing that, “it is good to find an amicable resolution to avoid shedding blood of innocent souls.”

He then urged other West African leaders and other critical stakeholders to embrace diplomatic dialogue.

“We are appealing to President Tinubu; we are also appealing to the National Assembly and all ECOWAS leaders and stakeholders not to engage Niger in war.

“This is to save the lives of innocent souls and to save people from incurring more hardship,” Sheikh Bauchi appealed.