Sanusi Mohammed, the 14th Emir of Kano, has spoken with the military authorities in Niger responsible for the coup.
This was revealed by the former governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria when he visited President Bola Tinubu on Wednesday to inform him of his attempts to mediate the political situation in the neighboring nation.
After unsuccessful attempts by officials of the African Union, Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), and a prominent US ambassador, he meets with the leaders of the Niger coup.
According to Sanusi, Nigerians and Nigeriens must be involved in finding a solution to the Niger dilemma, which cannot be left to the government alone.
He said, “I came to brief him 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 leave to governments. All Nigerians, all Nigeriens need to be involved to find a solution that works for Africa, a solution that works for Niger, that works for Nigeria, and a solution that works for humanity.”
Sanusi Mohammed, the 14th Emir of Kano, has spoken with the Niger He emphasized that he used his personal connections to make the peace move on his own initiative and added that he would keep doing his utmost to serve as a leader.
“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 will continue to do my best. It is my duty as a leader to do that,” Sanusi said.
The situation in Niger, whose military authorities have disobeyed its ultimatum to surrender control or face potential military intervention, is the subject of a Thursday meeting of the leaders of ECOWAS..
“ECOWAS heads of state (will) hold another extraordinary summit on the political situation in the Republic of Niger,” the 15-member bloc said in its first official reaction after Niger ignored Sunday’s deadline to reinstate democratically elected President Mohamed Bazoum.
The summit is to be held in Abuja.