OPINION – Who will tell the president?

Periodic border closures by either country have in fact always turned these boundaries into differential Berlin walls, astride which the lives and livelihoods of many citizens of Nigeria and Niger are sacrificed

By Abu Shekara

That his position as leader of ECOWAS obligates him to assume a certain posture on the ongoing events in Niger Republic is well understood. Everyone appreciates the demand on our President to exhibit the correct attitude and make the appropriate response in the event of a threat to civilian rule (which is referred to as democracy) anywhere on the continent and within the sub-region because that is now the globally accepted behavior.

It is also understandable that as a product of an election, our own leader would not accept the idea of toppling any government that is formed through the ballot box. We know the practice of sacking such systems could be contagious, especially in Africa, where almost all countries share the same conditions that could provide excuses for similar events to occur.

Nigerians are therefore quite conscious of the obligations and reasons for our President’s stand on the unfolding events in Niger Republic. But a number of realities are too compelling to afford some citizens the luxury of conforming to those lofty ideals that inspire a tough stand on the ruling junta across the border.

Those Nigerians are not in any way lesser lovers of democracy or any less patriotic than their fellow citizens, who would urge our nation towards sternness, gallantry or fierceness with those infringers on the people’s mandate but they are more wary of the consequences of cross-border hostilities because the theatre is just across the border, within walking distance of where they have lived all their lives.

In fact, many Nigerians practically live ON the border, as do many citizens of Niger Republic. Between communities like Illela in Sokoto State, Nigeria and Konni in Niger Republic and between Kamba in Kebbi State and Dole Kaina in Niger Republic, the borders are so blurred that parts of the same families live on and commute to and from either side.

Periodic border closures by either country have in fact always turned these boundaries into differential Berlin walls, astride which the lives and livelihoods of many citizens of Nigeria and Niger are sacrificed. Military hostilities involving the two nations would certainly, not only initially incur huge collateral damages in lives and property but also exert on both countries, lasting socioeconomic costs that would subsist long after the cannons are silent.

It is therefore crucial that the Presidents exercise caution about the situation across the border and pursue diplomacy as a choice both as ECOWAS Chairman and more importantly, as the leader of the country that is closest to the potential battle fronts.

History and contemporary events in all parts of the globe have moreover amply taught the lesson that there are actually no winners of wars and as the Japanese author, SunTsu said in his Art of War, “the greatest victory is that which requires no battle”

* Shekara, a media executive, wrote from Sokoto.

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