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“Sanusi’s Visit to Niger Exemplifies Nigeria’s Soft Power”

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“Recent images of Alhaji Muhammadu Sanusi, former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, alongside Abdourahmane Tchiani, the leader of the Niger junta, have surfaced on the internet.

 

As reported by Daily Trust, Sanusi, the 14th Emir of Kano and Kalifa of the Tijanniya Islamic sect in Nigeria, met with Tchiani in the company of the Emir of Damagaran on Wednesday. This encounter follows the junta’s military leadership canceling a meeting with representatives from the African Union (AU), the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), a high-ranking US diplomat, as well as notable figures like Nigeria’s former president, Abdulsalam Abubakar, and the Sultan of Sokoto.

 

Sanusi assumed the role of Kalifa of the Tijanniya sect in March 2021, with the Emir of Damagaran present at his turbaning ceremony.

 

The former CBN governor, along with other prominent individuals of northern Nigerian origin, such as Aliko Dangote, the founder and chairman of the Dangote Group, is known for frequent visits to Niger Republic. These visits are often linked to family connections and economic ties with the country.

 

Experts suggest that Sanusi represents just one facet of the soft power assets that Nigeria and ECOWAS could employ to avert potential conflicts between Nigeria and Niger Republic.”

“I’ve come across various opinions from experts and novices regarding the Nigerien crisis, highlighting factors ranging from France, the US, Russia, China, and Sahel instability. This perspective, however, suggests that Nigeria is quietly utilizing a potent tool within its arsenal of soft power: deep-rooted connections with its neighboring nations,” shared Deji Olatoye, a lawyer based in Lagos.

 

Earlier in the day, President Bola Tinubu engaged with a group of Muslim Ulemas regarding the political turmoil in Niger.

 

Ulema constitutes a body of Muslim scholars who possess specialized knowledge in Islamic sacred law and theology. While specific details about the meeting and its agenda are not currently available, sources close to the matter indicate that the meeting is likely related to the President’s ongoing efforts to clarify the ECOWAS mandate and alleviate tensions in Northern Nigeria concerning the proposed ECOWAS military intervention.”

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