Abbas Yushau Yusuf
Abuja , Nigeria (13/8/2023) – The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has voiced strong opposition to the decision made by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) during its second extraordinary summit. The summit, held on August 10, 2023, resulted in a directive to activate the ECOWAS standby force, with immediate deployment aimed at restoring constitutional order in the Republic of Niger.
The NLC, in a press release signed by its President, Comrade Joe Ajaero, expressed concern over the potential consequences of this move. Ajaero emphasized that despite their commitment to democratic rule and their historical involvement in the struggle against military regimes in Nigeria, they strongly advise against using military force to remove the military junta in Niger Republic.
Among the reasons cited for their opposition are the potential loss of lives, destabilization of the region, and the risk of turning Niger into a breeding ground for proxy wars. The NLC highlighted the need for peaceful dialogue and raised doubts about the thoroughness of ECOWAS’s diplomatic efforts, suggesting that the missions to Niamey were perceived as an afterthought.
The NLC’s statement also drew attention to suspicions that ECOWAS might be influenced by double standards or discriminatory policies. The organization has been perceived as condoning coups in certain instances, leading to concerns about the credibility of its decision-making process.
The economic implications of waging a war were also underscored in the statement. The NLC questioned whether the region had the necessary economic strength to sustain such a conflict and cautioned against underestimating the unpredictable nature of wars.
The NLC concluded by asserting that preserving democracy requires adherence to core democratic values and rules, rather than resorting to military force against sovereign nations. They called on political leaders to make responsible decisions in the interest of the region’s stability.
The statement from Comrade Joe Ajaero, President of the Nigeria Labour Congress, aligns with the growing chorus of voices saying “No to War
