EXCITING NEWS: TNG WhatsApp Channel is LIVE…
Subscribe for FREE to get LIVE NEWS UPDATE. Click here to subscribe!
The junta-led government by Gen Abdourahmane Tchiani, in Niger Republic has asked for the restoration of electricity cut off by the Federal Government of Nigeria recently.
Recall that Nigeria cut off the power that it supplied to the neighbouring country after Gen Tchiani seized power from the democratically elected president, Mohamed Bazoum few weeks back.
Nigeria supplied about 70% of the electricity used in Niger but has now cut it off as one of the sanctions placed on the country due to the coup.
Tchiani, who made the request during their meeting with the Ulamas from Nigeria in Niamey on Saturday, said they were outraged that the regional bloc did not hear from them before slamming several embargoes on them, including the threat of military intervention to restore democracy.
But Tinubu, who is the ECOWAS chairman, told his visitors on Tuesday that any interference in democratic governance would not be accepted by the leadership of the regional body.
The President also praised the solidarity of the Economic Community of Central African States on the political impasse in the Republic of Niger, according to a statement released by the Presidential Spokesperson, Ajuri Ngelale.
The President said the special message of support and solidarity from President Bongo, who doubles as the Chairman of ECCAS, expressing the full support for ECOWAS resolutions on the unconstitutional takeover of government in Niger, proved once more that military interference in democratic governance was not acceptable anywhere, and certainly, no longer so on the African continent.
“I appreciate the solidarity and support of President Bongo on the situation in Niger. We are working not to compound the problem. We have well-meaning people who have intervened.
“I understand the fear of our people on any form of military action. We are working to keep the sanctions in place and we are following them to the letter.
“We are happy to know that ECCAS is with us on this. Interference in democratic governance is not acceptable to ECOWAS,” Tinubu stated.