In an interview with journalists in Maiduguri, Ndume, representing Borno South in the national assembly, expressed his disapproval of a military coup in Niger. He stated that punishing innocent citizens through sanctions affecting humanitarian needs is unacceptable.

According to the senator, measures such as reducing power supply, restricting free movement, and blocking food, fuel, and water supply to Niger Republic have negative repercussions not only for Nigeriens but also for Nigerian Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) seeking refuge in Niger.

Ndume proposed negotiation with the coup leaders to secure the release of Mohamed Bazoum and facilitate the transition to a democratically elected government.

He said, “I’m one of those that are against the action taken by ECOWAS leadership. I believe that decision was rushed and it was not the right thing because is anti-democratic.

“Over one hundred thousand Nigerians, indigents of Borno state from Abadam, Guzamala, Malum Fatori, Baga Kukawa migrated to Niger Republic during the days of Boko Haram attacks and Niger people accepted them as their brothers and sisters.

“Nigeria and Niger Republic is only separated by the borderline imposed by colonial government, 8 states in the North sharing border with Niger, Kano, Katsina, Borno, Yobe, Jigawa, Sokoto, Zamfara, Kebbi state, these are our neighbors, our culture and language is the same.

“For five months now the borders are closed, which means you cannot freely move while the ECOWAS protocols are saying there should be free movement, the sanctions are not well thought out.

“By the constitution of Nigeria, even the president is not supposed to take that action without the approval of the national assembly.

“Niger government has been supporting Nigeria even during the Biafran war, France supported Biafra but Niger a former colony of France supported Nigeria and in fact with military support.

“The sanctions are not affecting the juntas but innocent citizens especially women, children, and vulnerable people who have no hand in the coup.

The senator who is the Majority Leader called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, as a matter of urgency to reconsider the sanctions, particularly on the humanitarian needs of the people.