Richard Anyebe
The Chairman of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), Bola Tinubu on Thursday said the 15-member regional body was committed to protecting democracy and human rights in the Niger Republic.
Tinubu, who is also Nigeria’s President said ECOWAS must engage the coup leaders in the restive West African nation to reinstate ousted President Mohamed Bazoum.
Bazoum was overthrown by his elite presidential guard on July 26th in a military wildly condemned by the UN, the EU, the United States, France, and other countries.
The Nigerian leader stated this while declaring open the ECOWAS second extraordinary session on the situation in the Niger Republic.
He said, “More so, in reaffirming our relentless commitment to democracy, human rights, and the well-being of the people of Niger, it is crucial that we prioritise diplomatic negotiations and dialogue as the bedrock of our approach.
“We must engage all parties involved, including the coup leaders, in earnest discussions to convince them to relinquish power and reinstate President Bazoum. It is our duty to exhaust all avenues of engagement to ensure a swift return to constitutional governance in Niger.”
According to the ECOWAS chairman, the coup in neighbouring Niger has far-reaching effects on democratically constituted governments in the sub-region.
“More specifically, as leaders of our respective nations, we must recognise that the political crisis in Niger not only poses a threat to the stability of the nation but also has far-reaching implications for the entire West African region.
“By remaining steadfast in our adherence to the principles of democracy, good governance, and the rule of law, we can restore peace, stability, and prosperity in the Republic of Niger, thereby fostering an environment conducive to growth and development for all,” he said.
Recall that ECOWAS had given a seven-day ultimatum to the coup leaders to relinquish power and return the country to constitutional order or face military intervention as a last resort. The ultimatum expired on Sunday with the junta refusing to step down.
The body also slammed the country with sanctions including cutting off power supply to the country from Nigeria.
Although, the talk of a military intervention appears to have been put on hold to allow for dialogue, the coupists have vowed to meet “force with force” should the regional bloc make good its threat.
“Any aggression or attempted aggression against the State of Niger will see an immediate and unannounced response from the Niger Defence and Security Forces on one of (the bloc’s) members,” one of the putschists said in a statement read on national television.
In other news, Kanyi Daily reported that the body of a yet-to-be-identified man who jumped into the Lagos Lagoon in the Lekki-Ikoyi link bridge area of Lagos State has been recovered.
Head, Public Education of the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Services, Amodu Shakiru confirmed this in a statement issued on Thursday.
