Tinubu officially informs Senate of plan to invade Niger Republic
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.
We have recently deactivated our website's comment provider in favour of other channels of distribution and commentary. We encourage you to join the conversation on our stories via our Facebook, Twitter and other social media pages.
More from Peoples Gazette
States
Independence: NBA urges Nigerians to expect better future
The NBA said that ordinary Nigerians should be deriving benefit from the subsidy removal rather than hardship.
Agriculture
FG tasks ECOWAS on leveraging financing strategies for agroecology
The federal government has urged stakeholders in the agriculture and finance sectors in the West Africa region to leverage financing strategies to enhance agroecology practices
Politics
Katsina youths pledge to deliver over 2 million votes to Atiku
“Katsina State is Atiku’s political base because it is his second home.”
Hot news Home top
Chris Brown sentenced for London nightclub attack
Brown,37, had repeatedly struck Abe Diaw with a tequila bottle in the VIP section of Tape, a nightclub in London on February 19, 2023.
World
London’s Oxford Street becomes traffic-free
City officials said the revitalisation plan will create new opportunities for the famous street, which brings about $33 billion annually to London’s economy.
Health
Borno NMA sets up committee to check quackery
The NMA chair said that suspected cases of quackery would be reported to the appropriate authorities for investigation and necessary action.
Sport
Burna Boy headlines NFL’s first regular-season game in France
The performance marked the return of Burna Boy to the Stade de France after he headlined a sold-out 80,000-capacity concert at the venue last year.
Faith
Church chains Jesus’ statue to prevent another fall after killing Ecuadorian priest
This was captured in a viral video on social media showing the church taking the extra precaution by securing the crucifix with chains.
States
Ogun man arrested, arraigned for stealing iron rods
A 23-year-old man, Michael Gbadero, stood before an Abeokuta Magistrates’ Court in Isabo on Monday, accused of stealing iron rods worth N460,000.
