ECOWAS Won’t Condone Coup in Niger Republic—Tinubu

By Aduragbemi Omiyale

President Bola Tinubu has asked the military in the Niger Republic to stay away from politics, warning that the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) will not condone a coup in the country.

In a statement signed by him on Wednesday, the Nigerian leader said the leadership of ECOWAS will do everything within its powers to ensure democracy is rooted in the Republic of Niger.

Mr Tinubu was reacting to reports that some military officials had restricted the movement of the President of Niger Republic, Mr Mohamed Bazoum, who assumed office in April 2021.

“It should be quite clear to all players in the Republic of Niger that the leadership of the ECOWAS Region and all lovers of democracy around the world will not tolerate any situation that incapacitates the democratically-elected government of the country.

”The ECOWAS leadership will not accept any action that impedes the smooth functioning of legitimate authority in Niger or any part of West Africa,” a part of the statement from Mr Tinubu stated.

“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,” he further said.

Nigeria shares a border with Niger Republic to the north and has a close tie with th.