The Federal Government is calling on the international community to steadfastly support the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), in its efforts to restore democratic governance in the country.
Adamu Lamuwa, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, made this statement on Friday during a briefing session organised by the Ministry for the Diplomatic Corps.
The briefing focused on the current political situation in Niger Republic and the broader ECOWAS sub-region.
GOVIMA reported that On July 30, 2023, ECOWAS, led by Nigerian President BolaTinubu, decided on sanctions against the military personnel in Niger who toppled President-elect Mohamed Bazoum Last week.
In addition to a one-week ultimatum to restore constitutional order and the suspension of financial transactions with Niger, ECOWAS decreed the freezing of “all service transactions, including energy transactions.”
ECOWAS on Thursday sent a three-man delegation to Niger to resolve the current political impasse in the country.
During the event, Lamuwa highlighted that the ECOWAS authority appreciated the swift condemnation of the coup in Niger by the international community.
He emphasised that this response demonstrated a strong preference for democracy and constitutional rule over any other form of governance.
“Consequently, Nigeria and indeed, ECOWAS, calls upon the international community to remain resolute on this stance and to continue to show solidarity to ECOWAS in affirming the superiority of democratic and constitutional rule over dictatorship.”
The Permanent Secretary expressed concerns that if the coup were to take place, it could potentially tarnish ECOWAS’ reputation.
“There is concern that the success of the coup in Niger would significantly dampen ECOWAS’s reputation, especially if the country joins the ranks of others that are governed by unconstitutional leaders, such as Burkina Faso, Guinea, and Mali.”
The Permanent Secretary further noted that the ECOWAS would ensure “the life of Bazoum, his family members and other political leaders detained alongside him are preserved and their constitutional rights protected.”
Lamuwa emphasised that the region firmly believes that Bazoum is the legitimate President and Head of State of the Republic of Niger, with recognition and support from ECOWAS, the AU, and the International Community.
He stated that any purported resignation from Bazoum, possibly under duress, would be rejected by the region.
Meanwhile, Arewa Consultative Forum, representing the Northern leadership, has issued a warning to President Bola Tinubu, advising him to refrain from engaging in any conflict with the Niger military junta.
In a statement released on Friday, the Arewa Consultative Forum urged for a peaceful dialogue to address the issue, while giving their admonition to President Bola Tinubu regarding any potential conflict with the Niger military junta.
The Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF), stated that military deployment and intervention to remove the coup plotters in Niger Republic may not ensure lasting peace and stability in the ECOWAS sub-region.
The statement reads in part, “ACF, however, views with concern the unfolding events in Nigeria’s immediate neighbour, the Republic of Niger, and the potential impact on the region
“The measures being contemplated should have taken into consideration the historical antecedents and mutual interests of the two countries and weighed the consequences of the use of military force.
“While the ACF recognises the ECOWAS position to bring pressure to bear on the perpetrators, nevertheless the military option shouldn’t be a prerequisite for Nigeria’s and the Community’s continuing efforts to enthrone democracy in the region in the 21st century.”
ACF emphasised that while military intervention might offer a temporary solution, it could have repercussions for Nigeria as a regional leader and the entire ECOWAS body.
“To this end, ACF notes that while it supports the position to restore democratic rule in Niger, it calls on the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government under the able Chairmanship of President Bola Tinubu, that it should toe the path of dialogue and diplomacy and certainly not force, in resolving the current impasse in Niger in the interest of peaceful coexistence with our brotherly neighbour and stability of the ECOWAS region,” it added.
