The Federal Government has denied allegations that Nigeria or the Economic Community of West African States, ECOWAS, backed the recent failed coup attempt in Niger Republic.
Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Sola Enikanolaiye, described the claims circulating on social media as false and an attempt to misinform the public and damage Nigeria’s image.
In a statement issued on Thursday, the minister said Nigeria remained committed to constitutional government and would not support any unconstitutional change of government.
“Nigeria will never support illegality or unconstitutional change of government anywhere, no matter who is involved or which country is concerned,” he said.
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Enikanolaiye said Nigeria’s position had already been made clear in an official statement issued on August 30, in which the government expressed concern over developments in Niger and called for a peaceful, inclusive and participatory return to stability and constitutional order.
He said Nigeria, as a close neighbour of Niger, was interested in peace, security, democracy and development in the country and across the Sahel.
According to him, any resort to force to resolve political differences was contrary to Nigeria’s foreign policy and its commitment to democratic governance.
The minister also rejected suggestions that Nigeria’s membership of ECOWAS amounted to an endorsement of military intervention in Niger.
“It is unfair, mischievous and entirely false to suggest that Nigeria endorses or condones the military coup,” he said.
He urged Nigerians at home and abroad to disregard videos and narratives circulating online which, he said, were intended to sow discord.
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Enikanolaiye reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to the ECOWAS Protocol on Democracy and Good Governance, as well as the African Union’s zero tolerance policy towards unconstitutional changes of government.
He said Nigeria would continue to work with ECOWAS, the AU and the international community to promote democracy, the rule of law, peace and stability in West Africa.
