President Bola Tinubu has adopted a stern stance regarding the unfolding situation in Niger Republic, issuing a stern warning that there will be “grave consequences” if the military regime in Niger Republic exacerbates the health condition of the detained ousted President Mohamed Bazoum.
An official from the European Union (EU) revealed on Friday that President Tinubu communicated his concerns to EU chief Charles Michel. In the course of their conversation, Tinubu, who also serves as the Chairman of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), expressed resolute opposition to the coup in Niger Republic. He emphasized his distress over the deteriorating conditions of President Bazoum’s detention.
The EU official, who initially attributed the “grave consequences” threat to Michel, correcting the error, stated: “The Nigerian president stressed the determination and political will of ECOWAS to act together. ECOWAS will maintain their sanctions despite the economic impact these have on some of the countries from the region.”
Michel was said to have “reiterated the EU’s full support and backing of ECOWAS’ decisions, as well as firm condemnation of the unacceptable coup de force in Niger.”
She was cited to have maintained: “The EU will not recognise the authorities resulting from the putsch in Niger. President Bazoum, democratically elected, remains the legitimate head of state of Niger.
“President Bazoum’s detention conditions are deteriorating. Any further deterioration to his well-being status will have grave consequences.”
The grave consequences was later attributed to Tinubu, not Michel.