Dr Abati makes PDP Chieftain Bode George smile as they discuss military intervention in Niger

A video of Dr. Reuben Abati, a co-host of Arise Television's Morning drawing a smile from Olabode George, a Chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has emerged on social media.

The video from the morning show on Tuesday, August 8 showed Bode George was in smiles after Dr. Abati had asked why he, a former army general is against military intervention in Niger.

"I was quoting you on Sunday on another program, ThisDay Live and you had said that Nigeria shouldn't go to war and Nigeria shouldn't be part of the resolution," Dr Abati said.

"And I was a bit baffled that a military General is afraid of war or the prospect of military intervention. Why are you so scared about military intervention soldiers are supposed to be valiant and to say let us go there and do it.," he continued.

In his response and in smiles, Bode George simply said: "Once bitten twice shy."

Meanwhile, Senior US diplomat, Victoria Nuland has met with senior leaders of the military junta in Niger.

The US State Department confirmed this on Monday.

Nuland, the acting deputy secretary of state, traveled to Niamey to meet with the armed forces’ new chief of staff, General Moussa Salaou Barmou, and three other members of the military junta.

She expressed Washington’s “grave concern regarding developments in Niger and our resolute commitment to supporting democracy and constitutional order,” U.S. State Department spokesman Matthew Miller said in a statement.