Abuja, Nigeria – President Bola Tinubu held a significant interaction with the Nigeria Supreme Council of Islamic Affairs, led by His Eminence, Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, the Sultan of Sokoto, at the State House in Abuja. During this meeting, President Tinubu made a crucial call for the military regime in Niger Republic to expedite the process of returning the country to civilian rule.
Tinubu emphasized the importance of a swift transition, stating that “nine months is enough for the Niger military junta to return the country to civilian rule after seizing power from President Mohamed Bazoum on July 26.” Drawing parallels with Nigeria’s own successful return to democracy in 1999 under General Abdulsalami Abubakar’s nine-month program, Tinubu expressed confidence in the feasibility of a similar timeline for Niger.
In a statement issued by the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale, President Tinubu, who also serves as the Chairman of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), underscored that the sanctions imposed on Niger Republic by ECOWAS would not be lifted without “positive adjustments” by the military junta.
Tinubu voiced concerns over the potential for other countries to follow the example set by Niger Republic, as evidenced by the recent coup in Gabon. He emphasized the need to prevent such developments and highlighted the consequences of inaction, citing the devastating situations in Ukraine and Sudan.
President Tinubu stated, “Nobody is interested in a war. We have seen the devastation in Ukraine and Sudan. But, if we don’t wield the big stick, we will all suffer the consequences together.”
It’s worth noting that while the military regime in Niger proposed a three-year transition plan to restore democracy, ECOWAS rejected this proposal, insisting on an immediate transfer of power. President Tinubu’s call for a shorter timeline aligns with the desire for a swift return to civilian rule in the region.