Femi Fani-Kayode, a former Nigerian minister of aviation, has advised the Bola Tinubu-led administration not to engage in warfare with the Niger Republic unless the backers of the Nigerien government show any sign of insubordination.
Fani-Kayode, a lawyer, noted that he does not support war but warned that Nigeria cannot afford to be disrespected by its neighbours.
According to him, the Nigerian government should resist any attempt to deploy soldiers in Nigerian territory with full force.
His words:
”I do not want a war, and I do not believe that we should initiate hostilities by invading or deploying troops to Niger Republic unless it is absolutely necessary.
”However, if Niger, Burkina Faso and/or Mali attack Nigeria or any of our ECOWAS allies for ANY reason whatsoever or if they deploy their forces on even one inch of our soil, our response must be swift, shocking, deadly and devastating.
”We must kick them out, occupy their Southern territories, take their capital Niamey, topple their military government and re-establish democracy.
”If a puppy nibbles at the toes of a lion, it must be taught the lesson of its life lest it forgets that it is nothing but a dog. If Wagner jumps into the ring to support them, then Nigeria must get support from Executive Outcomes (remember them?), Blackwater and other Western mercenary armies.
”For the record, Wagner is NOT the only mercenary force in the world. Nigerians should stop trembling at the mention of their name.
”We pray that it does not come to it, but if this war eventually comes, our boys will acquit themselves well in the field of battle, and we shall not stand alone. Help will come. We as a nation have the resources and connections to ensure that.”
Fani-Kayode’s recommendations came when the Nigerien junta ended diplomatic relations with the Tinubu administration.
Supporters of the coupists also took to the streets to openly criticize President Tinubu.
