President Bola Tinubu has briefed the National Assembly on ECOWAS’ proposed military action and other penalties against the coup plotters in the Niger Republic.

This was contained in a formal letter to the Senate and read during plenary by Senate President Godswill Akpabio. 

“Following the unfortunate political situation in Niger Republic culminating in the overthrow of its President, ECOWAS under my leadership condemned the coup in its entirety and resolved to seek the return of the democratically elected government,” the president said.

In the letter, Mr Tinubu informed the upper chamber that sanctions, including freezing utility services and closing land borders with the Niger Republic, were imposed on the neighbouring West African country at an emergency meeting after its coup.

The president further disclosed that other sanctions include “Cutting off Electricity supply to Niger Republic, mobilising international support for the implementation of the provisions of the ECOWAS communique, and preventing the operation of commercial and special flights into and from Niger Republic.

“Blockade of goods in transit to Niger, especially from Lagos and eastern seaports Embarking on sensitisation of Nigerians and Nigerians on the imperative of these actions, particularly via social media. Military build-up and deployment of personnel for military intervention to enforce compliance of the military junta in Niger should they remain recalcitrant.”

A coup d’état took place in Niger on July 26, 2023, resulting in the detention of President Mohamed Bazoum and the installation of General Abdourahamane Tchiani as the head of a new military junta.

During its meeting last Sunday, when sanctions were slammed on the coup plotters, West African leaders gave the military junta one week to give up power or face possible military intervention. 

Meanwhile, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar had warned the West African leaders against military intervention.

“As the ECOWAS continues to work towards reinstating democracy in the Republic of Niger, it must be reinforced that the regional body should not travel the road of military hostilities that may exacerbate the status quo,” Mr Abubakar said.