Nigeria’s President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, is presiding over the emergency meeting of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Authority of Heads of State and Government at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, where he charged leaders of the summit to initiate resolutions that would hardly meted on the coup plotters that ousted President Mohammed Bozum.
Tinubu gave the charge while welcoming participants to the meeting in Abuja, including transitional President of Tchad, Gen Mahamat Kaka; President Umaro Mokhtar Sissoco of Guinea Bissau; Togo’s Faure Essozimna Gnassingbé Eyadéma; President Alassane Ouattara of Cote d’Ivoire and President Macky Sall of Senegal.
Other participants are President Patrice Talon of Benin Republic; President Nana Akofo-Ado of Ghana and President Adama Barrow of The Gambia.
Tinubu, who addressed the ECOWAS leaders, said it was not the time for issuing out warnings to coup plotters.
He noted that the resolutions of the summit will either make or mar the democratic credentials of the African continent.
According to President Tinubu: “it is a great honour to have you here because you accepted my invitation to be here at a very short notice.
“This extraordinary summit became necessary because of the emergency situation that we have in Niger Republic.
“To our authority and very devoted member of this Union, deep thanks to the African Union and other international observers.
“We can’t pretend that we didn’t have the knowledge of what has happened and what is currently happening. We have an hostage situation, an interruption to properly elected government of Niger Republic.
“Your presence here reflects your commitment to democracy. It is a very challenging time for us and it is at this time that we must demonstrate our commitment to a sustainable fact clearly open that without freedom and democracy, there can be no development, there can be no end to poverty.
“We will be discussing other details. But just let’s cast our minds back on these assaults. I have briefed some of you about the actions that I have taken and prepared to abide by all resolutions necessary to respond to this assault and to make sure that our colleague, President Bazoum is safe and that democracy is re-installed in Niger Republic.
“Whether we call it constructive dialogue or otherwise, whatever you and I resolve will make or mar our democratic credentials. I want us to be strong, forceful and resolute about the survival of Bazoum as well as the freedom and restoration of the constitutionally elected body in Niger Republic”.
