"Why I'm Holding ECOWAS Back": Tinubu Opens Up on External Forces Against Niger Junta
- President Bola Tinubu has disclosed that he has been under pressure to deploy the ECOWAS military against the junta in the Niger Republic
- The president told the Ulama that some external forces wanted to act but noted that he asked them to hold back
- He expressed his commitment to a peaceful resolution and urged the Ulama to be fast in their dialogue with the military junta in the Niger Republic in their second visit
Unlock the best of Legit.ng on Pinterest! Subscribe now and get your daily inspiration!
Aso Villa, Abuja - President Bola Tinubu has revealed that he was under pressure to deploy the use of force against the military junta in the Niger Republic.
The president stressed his commitment to a peaceful resolution in solving the issue as the chairman of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Authority of Heads of States, The Nation reported.
Source: Twitter
President Tinubu hosts Islamic leaders over Niger coup
Tinubu spoke when he hosted top Islamic leaders, known as Ulama, led by their leader, Sheikh Bala Lau, at the presidential villa in Abuja on Thursday, August 24.
PAY ATTENTION: Join Legit.ng Telegram channel! Never miss important updates!
The meeting was the second of its kind between the Ulama and President Tinubu.
Their first meeting was Wednesday, August 9, when they were first granted permission to visit Niamey, the Niger capital, and dialogue with the coup leader.
After the latest meeting, the president sent the Ulama to the military junta in Niger Republic, urging them to be fast with it because time is essential.
Why we want to deploy military against junta in Niger, Tinubu reveals
“I am managing a very serious situation. Even as of this (yesterday) morning, I have been inundated with phone calls on the readiness of countries with their military force and contributions. However, I told them to wait. I am meeting with the Ulama and will get back to you."
He further disclosed that he has been the one holding back other forces outside the ECOWAS control and the regional bloc. He said:
”If you take ECOWAS aside, other people will react, those who are outside of our control. I am the one holding those sides back. I am the one holding back ECOWAS.”
Anxiety in another ECOWAS country over military coup? Fact emerges
Legit.ng earlier reported that there has been rumour of a failed military coup in Sierra Leone, another ECOWAS country, while the region battles the military junta in the Niger Republic.
There has been heightened political tension in Sierra Leone following the outcome of the June 2023 presidential election in the West African country.
The police in the country have confirmed the arrest of some military and police personnel, but their details were yet to be unveiled.
Source: Legit.ng
