PRESIDENT Bola Ahmed Tinubu has stated that the ECOWAS leadership will not accept any action that impedes the smooth functioning of legitimate authority in Niger Republic or any part of West Africa.
The President made the remark in a statement while reacting to reports of an ongoing coup attempt in Niger Republic, Wednesday.
News Point Nigeria had reported that, access to the official residence of Niger President Mohamed Bazoum was blocked off early Wednesday by members of the elite Presidential Guard, although the reason was unclear.
Unconfirmed reports also suggested that a coup attempt is possibly ongoing at the presidential palace in Niamey. The president is reported to be negotiating with armed forces who have blocked access to the palace.
Shortly before President Tinubu’s statement, a reliable source told News Point Nigeria that, Bazoum is being detained by members of the Presidential Guard, who have been given an “ultimatum” by the army.
“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,” the source said, adding: “The army has given them an ultimatum.”
But President Tinubu has warned 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.
See full statement below:
STATE HOUSE PRESS STATEMENT | UNPLEASANT DEVELOPMENTS IN NIGER REPUBLIC
Information filtering in from the Republic of Niger indicates some unpleasant developments around the country’s highest political leadership.
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.
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, 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.
Bola Ahmed Tinubu
President, Federal Republic of Nigeria and Chairman ECOWAS Authority of Heads of Government
July 26, 2023