President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has informed the Senate of a proposed military operation by the Economic Community of West African States, (ECOWAS) against the military government in Niger Republic.
The letter was read on Friday by the President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio.
Recall that General Abdourahamane Tchiani, the head of Niger’s presidential guard, had last week declared himself head of state after the military seized power, and deposed the elected president, Mohamed Bazoum.
The ECOWAS in its resolution gave the new military leader in Niger one week ultimatum to restore constitutional order.
President of the ECOWAS Commission, Dr Omar Touray, who read the communique at the end of the Extraordinary Summit on Socio-Political Situation in the Republic of Niger, demanded for the immediate release and reinstatement of President Mohamed Bazoum as the legitimate head of state and government of the Republic of Niger.
They also resolved that in the event where ECOWAS’ demands were not met within one week, the leaders said they would take all measures necessary to restore constitutional order in the Republic of Niger.
“Such measures may include the use of force for this effect. The Chiefs of Defence staff of ECOWAS are to meet immediately,’’ the leaders said.
Tinubu in a letter addressed to the Senate entitled, “Political situation in Niger,” informed the Senate of the far reaching resolutions of leaders of the West African sub-region , particularly the involvement of Nigeria which include, “Military build up and deployment of personnel for military intervention to enforce compliance of the military junta in Niger should they remain recalcitrant.”
The letter reads in part: 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 govt. in a bid to restore peace, ECOWAS convened a meeting and came out with a communique.
“.1 Closure and monitoring of all land borders with Niger Republic and reactivating of the border drilling exercise.
“2 Cutting off Electricity supply to Niger Republic
“3. Mobilizing international support for the implementation of the provisions of the ECOWAS communique.
“4 Preventing the operation of commercial and special flights into and from Niger Republic
“5. Blockade of goods in transit to Niger especially from Lagos and eastern seaports
“6. Embarking on sensitization 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.”
Raising a Point of Order, Senator Abdul Ningi cited Section 5(5) of the 1999 Constitution and urged the Senate to be properly guided by the provision.
The provisions cited by Senator Ningi reads in part:”
(5) Notwithstanding the provisions of subsection (4) of this section, the President, in consultation with the National Defence Council, may deploy members of the armed forces of the Federation on a limited combat duty outside Nigeria if he is satisfied that the national security is under imminent threat or danger:
“Provided that the President shall, within seven days of actual combat engagement, seek the consent of the Senate and the Senate shall thereafter give or refuse the said consent within 14 days.”
In his response, the President of the Senate said his colleague observation “is noted.”
