Niger: Tinubu Asks National Assembly For Approval On Military Intervention

PRESIDENT Bola Tinubu has communicated to the Nigerian Senate the intention to send military might into neighbouring Niger, recently overthrown by coup plotters.

The letter seeking the Senate’s approval for sanctions on Niger was sent in on Friday.

Since July 26 when President Bazoum was overthrown, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has been locked in a strategy on how best to “preserve democracy” and restore the old leadership.

The letter by the President to the Senate, as read by President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, reads thus:

“Political situation in Niger. Following the unfortunate political situation in the 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.

“In a bid to restore peace, ECOWAS convened a meeting and came out with a communique:

“Closure and monitoring of all land borders with the Niger Republic and reactivating of the border drilling exercise.

“Cutting off electricity supply to the Niger Republic; mobilising international support for the implementation of the provisions of the ECOWAS communique.

“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 Nigeriens 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.”

Earlier today, Niger had communicated their intention to cut off ties with Nigeria and ECOWAS and end all forms of diplomatic resolution.