President Bola Tinubu has expressed strong condemnation over the reported detention of Niger President Mohamed Bazoum by members of the Presidential Guard.
The unfolding events in Niger have raised concerns, as disgruntled members of the presidential guard sealed off access to the president’s residence and offices after an ultimatum was given by the Nigerien Army.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, President Tinubu, who is also the Chairman of the ECOWAS Heads of Government, emphasized that the ECOWAS leadership will not tolerate any action that disrupts the smooth functioning of legitimate authority in Niger or any part of West Africa.
He reassured that the ECOWAS body is closely monitoring the situation in Niger and is committed to ensuring that democracy is firmly established, nurtured, and flourishes in the region.
He stated, “We will do everything within our powers to ensure democracy is firmly planted, nurtured, well rooted, and thrives in our region.”
President Tinubu further asserted that he is in close consultation with other leaders in the region to protect and uphold their hard-earned democracy, adhering to the universally acceptable principle of constitutionalism.
“As the Chairperson of ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government, I state without equivocation that Nigeria stands firmly with the elected government in Niger and equally conveys the absolute resolve of leaders in our sub-region that we shall not waiver or flinch on our stand to defend and preserve constitutional order,” he declared.
