The Federal Government has said the deployment of the Nigerian troops would be the last option in removing the military junta and restoring democratic rule in Niger Republic.
Naija News reports that the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ibrahim Lamuwa, made this known on Friday in a chat with the diplomatic corps on the political situation in Niger.
Lamuwa said the deployment of troops would be the last resort in restoring democracy in Niger if diplomatic engagements with the junta fail, adding that President Bola Tinubu will ensure that the ousted President, Mohamed Bazoum, is restored back to power.
He also asked the international community to continue to show solidarity with the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) in the plan to restore democratic rule in Niger.
The former Nigerian Ambassador to Senegal said there is concern that the success of the coup in Niger would significantly dampen ECOWAS’s reputation.
He said: “The authority welcomes the immediate condemnation, by the international community, of the coup in Niger and sees this as a huge testimony to the preference for democracy and constitutional rule, vis-a-vis any other form of governance.
“Consequently, Nigeria and, indeed, ECOWAS, call upon the international community to remain resolute on this stance and to continue to show solidarity to ECOWAS in affirming the superiority of democratic and constitutional rule over dictatorship.
“The recent developments in the neighbouring country, alongside Burkina Faso, Mali, and Guinea – all countries that have backed the coup in Niger have raised serious concerns about regional stability and democratic principles in West Africa.
“The region holds that President Bazoum remains the legitimate president and head of state of the Republic of Niger, recognised and supported by ECOWAS, the AU and the international community and therefore rejects any form of resignation that may purportedly come from him, perhaps under duress.
“A separate delegation led by Babagana Kingibe, a former secretary to the government of the federation, was mandated to engage with the leaders of Libya and Algeria on the matter.“
