-
The Federal Government has rejected claims that Nigeria or ECOWAS backed the failed coup attempt in Niger Republic, dismissing the allegations as “baseless”, “irresponsible” and deliberately designed to mislead the public.
-
Foreign Affairs Minister Sola Enikanolaiye reaffirmed that Nigeria will not support military takeovers and remains committed to constitutional democracy and regional stability.
-
The FG urged Nigerians to disregard circulating videos and narratives portraying the country as supportive of unconstitutional rule.
September 03, (THEWILL) — The Federal Government has hit back at claims that Nigeria and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) supported the recent failed coup attempt in Niger Republic, dismissing the allegations as “baseless”, “irresponsible” and deliberately designed to mislead the public.
Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Sola Enikanolaiye, made the clarification in a statement issued in Abuja on Thursday, insisting that Nigeria has never endorsed the seizure of political power through unconstitutional means.
Enikanolaiye said Nigeria remained firmly opposed to military takeovers and would not support any attempt to settle political differences through force.
According to him, the allegations circulating on social media were not only false but also constituted an attempt to damage Nigeria’s image and create confusion over the country’s foreign policy position.
The minister described Nigeria as a “peace-loving nation, a defender of constitutional order, and a pillar of democracy and stability” in West Africa, the Sahel and Africa.
He said the Federal Government had already established its position on the Niger situation in an earlier statement issued on August 30, when it expressed deep concern over developments in the neighbouring country.
Calling for a peaceful, inclusive and participatory process to restore stability and constitutional order in Niger, Enikanolaiye said, “Any resort to force to settle political differences is contrary to this objective and to Nigeria’s long-standing foreign policy.”
READ ALSO:
FG Draws Line Against Military Rule
The minister stressed that Nigeria’s position was particularly significant because of its historical, cultural and fraternal ties with Niger.
The two countries share a long border and have extensive economic, social and security ties, making political instability in Niger a matter of direct concern to Nigeria.
Enikanolaiye said Abuja’s interest was not in supporting any faction in Niger’s political crisis but in ensuring peace, security, democracy and development in the country and the wider Sahel.
“Nigeria desires only peace, security, democracy and development for Niger, the sub-region and the Sahel”, he said.
The clarification also sought to separate Nigeria’s role within ECOWAS from any alleged endorsement of the military takeover.
Nigeria remains one of the bloc’s most prominent members and has historically played a major role in regional efforts to promote constitutional governance, democratic stability and collective security.
However, Enikanolaiye rejected any attempt to interpret Nigeria’s membership of the regional organisation as support for military rule.
“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”, he said.
The minister also warned Nigerians against accepting unverified videos and narratives being circulated online as credible representations of the Federal Government’s position.
He urged Nigerians at home and abroad to disregard such materials, saying they were intended to sow discord and create a false impression of Nigeria’s stance on the Niger crisis.
Enikanolaiye reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to the ECOWAS Protocol on Democracy and Good Governance and 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 West Africa.
Felix Ifijeh is a journalist with years of professional reporting experience. Known for his keen news sense, compelling storytelling and commitment to accurate, impactful reporting, he has built a reputation for turning leads into clear, engaging, and well-structured reports that resonate with readers. His work reflects deep newsroom experience and a commitment to accurate, impactful journalism.
