Tinubu: We’re Monitoring Situation in Niger Republic

• Says Nigeria stands firmly with the elected govt
• Declares ECOWAS will not tolerate acts hindering smooth functioning of legitimate authority in region

Deji Elumoye in Abuja 

Nigerian President and Chairman, ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, has reacted to latest undemocratic moves in neighbouring Niger Republic with a warning that ECOWAS will not tolerate untoward acts that will hinder smooth functioning of legitimate authority in Niger or any part of West Africa. 

In a statement entitled “Unpleasant Developments in Niger Republic”, personally signed by him on Wednesday, President Tinubu  also pledged not to be undeterred in his pursuit and defence of constitutional order in the region.

The President in the release stated, inter alia:

“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 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”.