Tinubu stands with elected government in Niger Republic

President Bola Tinubu on Wednesday drummed support for the elected government in Niger Republic, stating that information filtering in from the country indicates some unpleasant developments around the highest political leadership.

According to reports, access to the residence and offices of Niger President Mohamed Bazoum was blocked off by members of the elite Presidential Guard.

Bazoum was democratically elected in 2021, and a close ally of France.

Tinubu, who is also Chairman Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Authority of Heads of Government, stated: “It should be quite clear to all players in the Republic of Niger that the leadership of the ECOWAS Region and all lovers of democracy around the world will not tolerate any situation that incapacitates the democratically elected government of the country.”

He warned that ECOWAS leadership would not accept any action that impedes the smooth functioning of legitimate authority in Niger or any part of West Africa.

He expressed that the leaders in ECOWAS countries are closely monitoring the situation and developments in Niger republic.

He added: “I wish to say that we are closely monitoring the situation and developments in Niger and we will do everything within our powers to ensure democracy is firmly planted, nurtured, well rooted and thrives in our region.

“I am in close consultation with other leaders in our region, and we shall protect our hard-earned democracy in line with the universally acceptable principle of constitutionalism.

“As the Chairperson of ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State, I state without equivocation that Nigeria stands firmly with the elected government in Niger and equally convey 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.”