As ECOWAS Chair, I’m under pressure over Niger junta – Tinubu

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is under pressure to deploy force in Niger Republic, he said yesterday.

He added that his belief in the peaceful resolution is driving his approach to the issue as chairman of the Authority of Heads of States and Government of Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).

Tinubu stated this while hosting top Islamic clerics (Ulama)  led by Sheikh Bala Lau at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.

It was the second time the clerics were visiting the President. The first time they visited August 9, they were granted permission to travel to Niamey and hold talks with the junta.

The President yesterday okayed the Ulama’s request to continue the talks with the coup leaders. He requested them to expedite action because time is of essence.

“I am managing a very serious situation. Even as of this (yesterday) morning, I have been inundated with phone calls on the readiness of countries with their military force and contributions. However, I told them to wait. I am meeting with the Ulama and I will get back to you.

”If you take ECOWAS aside, other people will react, those who are outside of our control. I am the one holding those sides back. I am the one holding back ECOWAS,”  the President told the Ulama.

Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to the President,   Ajuri Ngelale, said in a statement that Tinubu received a comprehensive briefing from the clerics on their visits to Niamey.

The Islamic leaders, according to Ngelale, informed the President that the coup leaders were open to deepening dialogue with ECOWAS  in order to forestall armed conflict.

Tinubu told the Islamic clerics that the junta should be held accountable for putting the entire people of Niger in jeopardy.

‘’They cannot use the gun given to them to protect the sovereignty of the country and turn it against the people of the country,” he said.