ECOWAS Chairman, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who serves as both the President of Nigeria and the Chairman of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), has unequivocally stated that the regional body will not tolerate any form of undemocratic government in West Africa.
In an official statement, personally signed by President Tinubu on Wednesday, he addressed reports of an attempted destabilization of Niger Republic’s elected government, stating that such actions will not be accepted.
The ECOWAS Chairman said: “Information filtering in from the Republic of Niger indicates some unpleasant developments around the country’s highest political leadership.
“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.
“The ECOWAS leadership will not accept any action that impedes the smooth functioning of legitimate authority in Niger or any part of West Africa.”
President Tinubu further asserted that ECOWAS is closely monitoring the developments in Niger Republic and is committed to ensuring the continuity and success of democracy not only in that nation but also across the entire region of West Africa. The regional body stands resolute in upholding democratic principles and safeguarding the rights of the people to elect their leaders freely and fairly.
“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 thrive 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 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 region that we shall not waiver or flinch on our stand to defend and preserve constitutional order,” the ECOWAS Chairman concluded.