By Omonu YG Nelson & Linda Ike
In continuation of its multi-stakeholders consultation towards finding amicable solution to the political stalemate in Niger republic, the Ad-hoc mediation committee set-up by the Parliament of Economic Community of West African States, on Friday, September 1, 2023, in Abuja, parleyed the former Nigerian foreign affairs minister, Ambassador Babagana Kingibe.
The meeting which was held behind closed doors lasted for about three hours and no official statement was released.
Recall that the military junta in Niger republic had on July 26, overthrown the democratically elected government of President Mohamed Bazoum.
The meeting with Kingibe is in continuation of the Ad-hoc committee’s consultations with critical stakeholders.
Recall also that the Committee had on August 21, 2023, held similar consultion with the President of ECOWAS Commission, Omar Alieu Touray, at the ECOWAS secretariat, Abuja.
The following day, August 22, the Committee was at the residence of a foremost Islamic scholar and national Chairman of the Jama’atu Izalatul Bidi’ah wa Ikamatus Sunnah, the largest Salafi movement in Nigeria, Abdullahi Bala Lau for consultation.
Furthermore, on August 23rd, the Committee was in Lagos to consult with the former Emir of Kano, Sanusi Lamido Sanusi.
For the benefit of hindsight, Ambassador Babagana Kingibe OV GCON, is a Nigerian diplomat of immense pedigree. A politician and civil servant who has held several high ranking government offices, culminating in his appointment as the Secretary to the Government of the Federation from 2007 to 2008. He spent over a decade in the Foreign Service cadre and has been in politics since the 1970s serving six heads of state; most recently as a member of the inner circle of President Muhammadu Buhari.