Tinubu writes Senate on measures against Niger’s military junta

President Bola Tinubu has written to the Senate on plans by the Economic Committee of West African State (ECOWAS) to return democratic rule to Niger Republic following the taking over of power by the military.

The president in a letter which was read by the Senate President during plenary on Friday, listed the resolutions of ECOWAS during the meeting of the presidents and heads of governments in Abuja on Sunday.

These measures include cutting of power supply to Niger, closure and monitoring of all land borders with Niger, military intervention and others.

Tinubu said: “I present my modest compliments to the Distinguished Senate President and Distinguished Senators.

“I do have the honour to inform you that following the unfortunate political situation in Niger Republic culminating in the overthrow of His Excellency, President Mohammed Bazoum on 26th July 2023, the Economic Community of West African States under my leadership condemned the coup in its entirety and resolved alongside other members of the international community to seek the return of the democratically elected Government in Niger.

“Consequently, in a bid to broker peace and restore democracy in the country, the ECOWAS convened an extra-ordinary summit of the authority of Heads of States and Governments on Sunday 30th July, 2023 in Abuja.

“The body consisted the African Union and ECOWAS Protocols on constitutional changes of Government thereafter issued a communiqué, a copy attached, on the line of action decided upon by Member States.

“As Chair of ECOWAS, Nigeria has the obligation to lead in the implementation of the directives outlined in the communique. I have directed all our extra ministerial developments and agencies including military and paramilitary agencies which actions include:

“Closure and monitoring of all land borders with Niger Republic and reactivation of the border drill excercise.

“Cutting off Electricity supply to Niger Republic; Mobilizing 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 and Blockade of goods in transit to Niger Republic especially from Lagos and the Eastern seaports

“Embarking on sensitization of Nigerians and Nigerians on the imperative of these actions particularly via the social media.

“Military build up and deployment of personnel for military intervention to enforce compliance by the military junta in Niger should they remain recalcitrant to the ECOWAS communique.”