THIS DAY
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has taken steps to restore democratic order in Niger Republic by dispatching the president of Benin, Patrice Talon, on an intervention mission to the troubled nation. This followed reports yesterday morning that President of Niger Republic, Mohamed Bazoum, had been seized by his presidential guards, with the Presidential Palace in Niamey, the capital of Niger, cordoned off by military vehicles.
President Bola Tinubu, who is also Chairman, ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government, reacted to the development with a warning that ECOWAS would not tolerate untoward acts that could hinder smooth functioning of legitimate authority in Niger or any part of West Africa.
A high-powered delegation from Nigeria, yesterday, arrived in Niamey, capital of Niger Republic, to engage with the coup plotters, amid the ongoing political crisis. The delegation reportedly comprised former governors, a top diplomat and military leaders.
Tinubu, in a statement he personally signed, titled, “Unpleasant Developments in Niger Republic”, pledged to be undeterred in his pursuit and defence of constitutional order in the region.
The Nigerian president, who met with his Beninese counterpart at State House, Abuja, directed that the Beninese president immediately proceed to Niger on an intervention mission.
Speaking with newsmen after the meeting with Talon, Tinubu affirmed that the meeting had to do with the political unrest in Niger, and that the Benin president was heading to the troubled country already…
