ECOWAS cannot declare war immediately – Adamu Garba

Adamu Garba, a leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and Ex Presidential aspirant has stated that the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) cannot declare war immediately.

He demanded that before declaring war, the National Assembly, National Security Council, and Council of State must all agree.

He did, however, say that if the body does declare war on Niger Republic, it will be a mistake on Africa’s behalf.

He went on to say that ECOWAS putting its military on alert is ambiguous and not necessarily a declaration of war.

According to him, “If indeed, war is declared by ECOWAS against Niger in the name of democracy, it is going to be the most strategic miscalculation for Africa in the 21st century.

“This goes contrary to the statement made by the state house earlier today on the need to approach the issue of Niger’s coup with diplomacy and not through war.

“I am not sure that is the way war is declared. There must be approval from the National Assembly, National Security Council, and the Council of State. The President must also talk to the Nation justifying the need for war.

“ECOWAS cannot declare war directly.

“Sometimes the media can speculate. We might need to wait and see how the event unfolds.

“ECOWAS statement is ambiguous and not categorical. “Activating Military as a Standby Force for deployment” doesn’t not mean starting a war for me.

“Media should not mislead you into conclusions. We should still wait and see what happens next.”