Am Under Pressure To Deploy Force In Niger Republic – President Tinubu

Nigeria’s President Ahmed Bola Tinubu has revealed tha he is under intensed pressure as the ECOWAS chairman, to deploy military force in Niger Republic against the Niger Military Coup plotters

President Tinubu disclosed this on Thursday August 23rd 2023 while hosting the Islamic Clerics at the Presidential Villa Abuja.

Recall that some top Islamic clerics led by Sheikh Bala Lau had with the permission of President Tinubu visited the Niger Military Coup Leaders in Niamey where they also met the detained president of Niger Republic Bazoum.

Speaking to the Islamic clerics President Tinubu emphasized that his commitment as the ECOWAS chairman,is to use peaceful resolution to guides his approach to the matter.

“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 I will get back to you,” Tinubu 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.”

Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to the President, Ajuri Ngelale, said in a statement that Tinubu received a comprehensive briefing from the clerics on their visits to Niamey.

The Islamic leaders, according to Ngelale, informed the President that the coup leaders were open to deepening dialogue with ECOWAS in order to forestall armed conflict.