Unpleasant Development In Niger Republic Unacceptable — Tinubu Declares

The Chairman of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), President Bola Tinubu, has described as unacceptable, the unfolding development in Niger Republic.

Earlier on Wednesday, disgruntled members of the guard sealed off access to the President’s residence and offices, and after talks broke down “refused to release the President.”

Bazoum was democratically elected in 2021, taking the helm of one of Africa’s poorest and most coup-prone countries.

In a swift response to the suspected coup, Tinubu, in a statement, said ECOWAS leadership will not accept any action that impedes the smooth functioning of legitimate authority in Niger or any part of West Africa.

“I wish to say that we are closely monitoring the situation and developments in Niger and we will do everything within our powers to ensure democracy is firmly planted, nurtured, well rooted and thrives in our region.

“I am in close consultation with other leaders in our region, and we shall protect our hard-earned democracy in line with the universally acceptable principle of constitutionalism.

“As the Chairperson of ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government, I state without equivocation that Nigeria stands firmly with the elected government in Niger and equally conveys the absolute resolve of leaders in our sub-region that we shall not waiver or flinch on our stand to defend and preserve constitutional order,” Tinubu stated.