The Federal Government of Nigeria has dismissed claims that the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) backed the recent failed coup attempt in Niger Republic, insisting that Nigeria remains opposed to military takeovers and other unconstitutional changes of government.
The Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Sola Enikanolaiye, described the claims circulating on social media as “baseless” and “irresponsible,” saying they were a deliberate attempt to misinform the public and damage Nigeria’s image.
Enikanolaiye, in a statement issued in Abuja on Thursday, said Nigeria had never endorsed the military coup in Niger and would not support any attempt to seize political power through unconstitutional means.
The minister said Nigeria remained a “peace-loving nation, a defender of constitutional order, and a pillar of democracy and stability” in West Africa, the Sahel and Africa.
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He said the Federal Government had already made its position clear in an earlier statement issued on August 30, expressing deep concern over developments in Niger and calling for a peaceful, inclusive and participatory return to stability and constitutional order.
“Any resort to force to settle political differences is contrary to this objective and to Nigeria’s long-standing foreign policy,” the minister said.
According to him, Nigeria’s position was particularly important given its historical, cultural and fraternal ties with Niger as a neighbouring country.
“Nigeria desires only peace, security, democracy and development for Niger, the sub-region and the Sahel,” he said.
The minister acknowledged Nigeria’s membership of ECOWAS but rejected suggestions that its participation in the regional bloc amounted to support for the Niger coup.
“While Nigeria is a proud and committed member of ECOWAS, it is unfair, mischievous and entirely false to suggest that Nigeria endorses or condones the military coup,” Enikanolaiye said.
He urged Nigerians at home and abroad to disregard videos and narratives circulating online which, he said, were intended to sow discord and create a false impression of Nigeria’s position on the Niger crisis.
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 African Union and the international community to defend democracy, uphold the rule of law, and promote peace and stability across the region.
