Honourable Kabiru Aliyu, a chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Sokoto State and a former Special Adviser to the immediate past governor of the state has spoken on the relationship between Sokoto people and Niger Republic and why the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) should not declare war on Niger, among other national issues.

Speaking on his views on the move of ECOWAS’ to achieve peace in Niger Republic, he said “I think the statement they made is okay but it’s unfortunate that the war option is still available. I would have wished that they (ECOWAS) put off the war option so that a genuine diplomatic method can be pursued. I said this because when you pursue diplomacy and war at the same time, it is a sort of contradiction. You have to put off war mongering and discuss diplomatically until and unless the diplomatic option fails. It is then that you can bring on the war option. It is supposed to be the last option. You cannot put all your cards on the table. I don’t think it makes sense. So, I still prefer the diplomatic option. It should be exhausted first; they should do away with war threats.”

On the sanctions imposed on Niger Republic, he said “I can tell you that even with the sanctions, they have gone too far. They should not have slammed all the sanctions at once. For example, they can close borders but cutting off electricity to Niger Republic, which was based on agreement, I believe, is too much. The electricity that Nigeria supplies Niger Republic is based on the agreement that they (Niger) would not dam River Niger where we generate power most. So, like I said, it is wrong to put all your cards or options on the table. You can’t do that. You do it gradually. Let them feel one, then put another one. If they don’t concede, then you put another one until they begin to realise they are at the receiving end of it. But to give everything at once is madness; it doesn’t make sense.”

Asked whether he has any relations in Niger Republic, “I doubt very much if there is any family in Sokoto that has no relation in Niger Republic; let me tell you one historical fact, the father of Usman Dan Fodio and the great-great grandfather of the Emir of Niger Republic are from the same father and mother. In fact, Sheikh Usman Dan Fodio was born in Niger. Although his grandparents came from Senegal, he was born and raised in present-day Niger Republic. So, like Usman Dan Fodio, I am also a descendant of that great clan which migrated to present-day Sokoto and we still have relations in Niger Republic.

“Every prominent family in Sokoto has relationship in one way or the other with the people in different parts of Niger Republic. The truth is, we are related in so many ways. We share common religious background, common tribal background. Our cultural ties with Niger Republic are stronger than those with southern Nigeria. That is the truth. If anyone tells you in Sokoto that he has no relation in Niger, such a person is not an indigene of this place. Their parents were not here over 250 years ago; anyone whose ancestors were here 250 years and above ago must have relations in Niger Republic,” he reiterated. (Story adapted from Nigerian Tribune)