JUST IN : Tinubu warns against coup in Niger Republic, vows to defend democracy

JUST IN : Tinubu warns against coup in Niger Republic, vows to defend democracy

President Bola Tinubu has issued warning against any action that will impede smooth functioning of legitimate authority in Niger Republic or any part of West Africa.

Soldiers in Niger Republic have blockaded the presidential palace, as well as several ministries in the capital, Niamey, according to reports.

No shots were fired and as it was not clear if this was an attempt by the presidential guard to seize power.

The president’s office tweeted that the guards unsuccessfully tried to get support from the military in their “anti-republican” efforts.

Reacting to the development in a statement personally signed by him on Wednesday, Tinubu, who doubles as chairman of the Economic Community of West African States, said the regional body would do anything possible to ensure sustainance of democracy in Niger Republic.

The statement read in full : “Information filtering in from the Republic of Niger indicates some unpleasant developments around the country’s highest political leadership.

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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.”

JUST IN : Tinubu warns against coup in Niger Republic, vows to defend democracy