President Bola Tinubu has formally requested the support of the National Assembly in the proposed military action and other sanctions planned by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) against the military officers who recently seized power in Niger Republic.
Last week, soldiers from the Presidential Guard overthrew President Mohamed Bazoum, leading to a constitutional crisis in the country. General Abdourahamane Tchiani was named as the new leader, and he warned against any foreign military intervention.
In response to the crisis, President Tinubu, who is also the Chairman of ECOWAS, held an Extraordinary Meeting with other ECOWAS leaders to discuss measures to restore democracy in Niger. The regional bloc decided to explore all necessary actions, including the use of force, to bring back democratic governance.
In a letter addressed to the Senate and read at plenary by Senate President Godswill Akpabio, President Tinubu informed them about the decisions made during the ECOWAS meeting. He outlined several actions to be taken, including the closure and monitoring of land borders with Niger Republic, cutting off electricity supply, preventing commercial and special flights, blocking goods in transit, mobilizing international support, and military deployment to enforce compliance with the Military Junta if needed.
However, the junta leader, General Abdourahamane Tchiani, snubbed the efforts of the ECOWAS delegation, led by former Nigerian military Head of State, Abdulsalami Abubakar. The junta issued a warning, stating that any aggression against Niger would be met with an immediate response from the country's defense and security forces.
Amidst the developments, the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) cautioned against military intervention in Niger Republic and called for dialogue to resolve the crisis peacefully. Similarly, Senators from the 19 northern states of Nigeria expressed their opposition to any military actions in Niger, emphasizing the need for political and diplomatic efforts before resorting to force.
Meanwhile, the Chiefs of Defence Staff of ECOWAS confirmed that a military action plan to restore democracy in Niger was ready and awaiting approval from the Heads of State and Government. The military chiefs stressed the importance of upholding democratic principles and the rule of law, condemning the coup and reiterating their commitment to democracy and regional stability.
The situation in Niger remains tense, and the regional and international community is closely monitoring developments in the country to ensure the restoration of democratic governance and stability in the region.
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