A former governor of Kaduna State, Nasir El-Rufai, recommended that the Economic Community of West African States avoid a possible war with Niger since it would essentially be a battle between brothers.
El-Rufai urged the West African group to take action to stop a war that might have consequences for the northern part of Nigeria in the early hours of Tuesday via his account on X, (formerly Twitter).
The former governor of Kaduna compared ECOWAS’s impending military intervention in Niger to a civil war between brothers.
“I remember the Dire Straits rock classic from the 1970s,” He said, “TUESDAY THOUGHT: As ECOWAS beats the drums of war, I recall the 1970s rock classic by Dire Straits – ‘Brothers in Arms’ because a war within our subregion is a war between brothers.
“Indeed, the people of Niger Republic are one and the same with those living in Northern Nigeria. Let us bend therefore over backwards to avoid this civil war between brothers. And so for this bright Tuesday, please enjoy this classic and reflect on the equally timeless lyrics. Music is something to enjoy, but being so overwhelmed with public affairs in the last 10 years, I have lost valuable pleasurable moments. Time to catch up on lost time. Enjoy!! Life is too short not too!! – #elrufai
Recall that on Friday, August 18, 2023, the ECOWAS military leaders met in Accra, Ghana, to examine whether military intervention in Niger would be feasible.
Following fruitless diplomatic efforts by several ECOWAS parties, this action is a response to the military coup that took place in the nation.