By: Kebba AF Touray
Some members of the Ecowas Parliament who describe themselves as “concerned parliamentarians”, have called on the authority of ECOWAS Heads of States and Government to lift sanctions on Niger.
Senator Ali Ndume of Nigeria, a member of the above group of concerned parliamentarians, appealed to Nigerian President Bola Tinubu, who is also the current chairperson of the Conference of Head of States of Ecowas, to persuade his colleagues and lift the sanctions.
This, according to them, has brought negative impacts on the ordinary people of Niger and Nigerians living along the border with Niger.
The said concerned regional lawmakers informed the press that the conference was to address the press on the happenings in Niger.
The concerned parliamentarians explained that immediately after the change of Government in Niger on the 30th of July 2023, ECOWAS and other countries decided to impose sanctions on Niger.
“We thought it was temporary and the matter could be resolved quickly,” the concerned parliamentarians stated.
One of the concerned legislators was Senator Ndume, who explained that what is happening now, is the continuous suffering of the poor people of Niger and other neighboring countries, especially Nigeria.
Senator Ndume, during a press conference at the Ecowas Parliament headquarters in Abuja, Nigeria, said Niger and Nigeria share a long common border with about eight other Nigerian States which include Kano, Katsina, Jebbi, Sokoto, Zamfara, and Borno which lie on the border. He said when one goes to the border, thousands of trailers loaded with foodstuff can be still seen parked along the roadside with food items that continue to decay and waste away.
“This is affecting the economy of Niger and all other States and communities bordering Nigeria,” he said.
