Niger coup: Tinubu tells ECOWAS leaders what to do

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has charged the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Authority of Heads of State and Government to come up with resolutions that would be hard on the coup plotters that ousted President Mohammed Bozum.

Tinubu gave the address at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, in an ongoing meeting with ECOWAS leaders.

The meeting has in attendance the transitional President of Tchad, Gen Mahamat Kaka, President. Umaro Mokhtar Sissoco of Guinea Bissau, Togo. Faure Essozimna Gnassingbé Eyadéma, President Alassane Ouattara of Cote d’Ivoire and President Macky Sall of Senegal.

Other participants include President Patrice Talon of Benin Republic, President Nana Akofo-Ado of Ghana and President Adama Barrow of The Gambia.

Addressing the ECOWAS leaders, Tinubu said this was not the time to issue warnings to coup plotters, adding that the resolutions of the summit will either make or mar the democratic credentials of Africa as a continent.

Tinubu said, “It is a great honour to have you here because you accepted my invitation to be here at a very short notice.

“This extraordinary submit became necessary because of the emergency situation that we have in Niger Republic.

“Our authority and very devoted members of this union. Deep thanks to the African Union and other international observers.

“We can’t pretend that we didn’t have the knowledge of what has happened and what is currently happening. We have a hostage situation, an interruption to the properly elected government of Niger Republic.

“Your presence here reflects your commitment to democracy, it is a very challenging time for us and it is at this time that we must demonstrate our commitment to a sustainable fact clearly that without freedom and democracy there can be no development, there can be no end to poverty.

“We will be discussing other details. But just let’s cast our minds back on these assaults. I have briefed some of you about the actions that I have taken and prepared to abide by all resolutions necessary to respond to this assault and to make sure that our colleague, President Bazoum is safe and that democracy is re-installed in Niger Republic.

“Whether we call it constructive dialogue or otherwise, whatever you and I resolve will make or mar our democratic credentials. I want us to be strong, forceful and resolute about the survival of Bazoum as well as the freedom and restoration of the constitutionally elected body in Niger Republic”.