General Abdourahmane Tchiani, leader of the Niger Republic junta has said the military take over in his country saved Nigeria of an imminent disaster.
Sheik Bala Lau, Chairman of Jam’atul Izalatu Bida Waikamatu Sunnah, quoted General Tchiani as telling the Nigerian Islamic clerics’ delegation in a meeting with the junta in Niamey, Niger’s capital, on Saturday.
The Nigerian Islamic scholars had met President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the Presidential Villa, Abuja on Friday before heading to Niger Republic.
According to Sheik Lau, Tchiani claimed that the coup was well intentioned, adding that “they struck to starve off an imminent threat that would have affected not only Niger Republic but also Nigeria.”
But it is unclear what the junta leader meant as the statement did not quote any further details.
The team that visited Niger comprised scholars from various Islamic sects in the country.
Among them were Sheik Kabiru Gombe-Secretary, Jamatul izalatul bida waikamatul sunnah,
Sheik Yakubu Musa Hassan Katsina-Director Daawah, JIBWIS, Sheik Ibrahim Dahiru Bauchi- Rep Sheik Ibrahim Bauchi and Dr Khalid Aliya- Secretary General, Jammatul Nasril Islam.
Others included Sheik Karibullah Nasiru Kabara- Leader Khadriya group Nigeria, Sheik Ahmad Abdurahman, Professor Salisu Sheri- Deputy Secretary-General Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, Sheik Nasiru Abdul Muhayuid- Director Admin, JIBWIS Jos, Professor Mansur Sokoto, and Alhaji Mele Kyari.
First reported in Daily Trust