President Bola Tinubu has taken a proactive stance to implement the resolutions of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) regarding the military coup in Niger Republic. During an extraordinary summit of the Authority of Heads of State and Government on Sunday, July 30, President Tinubu sought Senate approval for the deployment of troops to restore democracy and reinstate ousted President Mohamed Bazoum in Niger Republic.
The President’s letter, which was read by the President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, expressed strong condemnation of the coup in Niger by ECOWAS under his leadership. He emphasized that the West African bloc, in collaboration with the international community, is determined to ensure the restoration of democracy in Niger Republic.
The resolutions made by ECOWAS at the extraordinary summit include measures to address the political situation in Niger Republic. President Tinubu’s request for Senate approval indicates Nigeria’s commitment to upholding the principles of democratic governance and regional stability in the West African sub-region.
* Closure and monitoring of all land borders with Niger Republic and reactivating of the border drilling exercise.
* Cutting off Electricity supply to 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 Republic especially from Lagos and eastern seaports
* Embarking on sensitization of Nigerians and Nigeriens on the imperative of these actions particularly via social media.
* Military build-up and deployment of personnel for military intervention to enforce compliance of the military junta in Niger Republic should they remain recalcitrant.
The President, in the letter, maintained that as Chairman of ECOWAS, Nigeria has the obligation to lead in the implementation of the directives outlined in the communique.
Meanwhile, Niger Republic has cut off diplomatic relations with Nigeria, including France, Togo and the U.S.; and has recalled her ambassadors.