A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Wale Adedayo, has stated that the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) is taking the proper steps regarding the constitutional crisis in Niger Republic.
ECOWAS had reeled out sanctions on Niger Republic after a military junta in the tiny West African nation ousted Mohamed Bazoum as president.
The regional body has also asked its troops to stand by, indicating that military action might be in the offing to force the coupists out of the presidential palace in Niamey.
While many Nigerians, including the country’s Senate, have rejected the move of ECOWAS, the leaders of the West African nations seem determined to come to the aid of their ousted colleague.
Bola Tinubu, Nigeria’s president, sits as chair of ECOWAS, making his decision dicey. At the moment, even his supporters are divided over the issue.
Adedayo, one of those supporting an invasion of Niamey, provided a timeline to justify if ECOWAS adopts a military strategy.
He wrote:
”2010: President Laurent Gbagbo loses election, refuses to step down until ECOWAS stepped in USING FORCE. NO WAR. Case settled
”2016: Yahaya Jammeh loses election, refuses to step down until ECOWAS steps in USING FORCE. NO WAR. Case settled.
”2023: Coup in Niger Republic, ECOWAS is stepping in to intervene, and there will be NO WAR.”
He added:
”The military intervention in Niger Republic becomes important as there is already resistance by some Nigeriens, which might lead to civil disorder.
”Nigeria, just like other West African countries, cannot watch while things go awful before they intervene. Do not make that mistake. ECOWAS is doing the right thing, and you do not need to be sentimental about it.”