Niger coup: Tinubu writes Senate, seeks approval for military action

Since the soldiers seized power in Niger on July 26, the leaders of the West African regional bloc headed by President Tinubu, has been in discussions, especially on sanctions against the coup plotters.

However, the junta has remained adamant. Not even a delegation by Tinubu, yesterday, could de-escalate the situation.

His letter to the Senate was read on the floor of the Upper Chamber by the President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio.

The letter read: “Political situation in Niger. Following the unfortunate political situation in the Niger Republic culminating in the overthrow of its President, ECOWAS under my leadership condemned the coup in its entirety and resolved to seek the return of the democratically elected government.

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“In a bid to restore peace, ECOWAS convened a meeting and came out with a communique:

“Closure and monitoring of all land borders with the Niger Republic and reactivating of the border drilling exercise.

“Cutting off electricity supply to the Niger Republic; mobilising international support for the implementation of the provisions of the ECOWAS communique.

“Preventing the operation of commercial and special flights into and from Niger Republic; blockade of goods in transit to Niger, especially from Lagos and eastern seaports.

“Embarking on sensitisation of Nigerians and Nigeriens on the imperative of these actions, particularly via social media.