President Bola Tinubu has frowned at the mutinous developments unfolding in Niger Republic.
Reports filtered in early Wednesday that President Mohamed Bazoum of the West African country was said to have been held hostage, which are likely signs of a possible coup d’état.
One of the reports said heavy military presence around the residence of Mr Bazoum was noticed while another said he has been barred from accessing his office.
Mr Tinubu, as chairman of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), warned that the body will not tolerate acts aimed at undermining democracies in the region.
“The ECOWAS leadership will not accept any action that impedes the smooth functioning of legitimate authority in Niger or any part of West Africa,” Tinubu said in a statement.
“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.
“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 sub-region that we shall not waiver or flinch on our stand to defend and preserve constitutional order,” he added.
The country, since its independence in 1960, have experienced about four coups with a recent failed coup attempt in 2021.
