September 10, (THEWILL) – Nigeria’s Vice-President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo, has canvassed stricter measures be taken against nations where the military takes over government by force.
Osinbajo spoke on Wednesday during a virtual Extraordinary Session of the Authority of Heads of State and Government of ECOWAS member-states on the political developments in the Republics of Guinea and Mali.
Speaking on behalf of his representative, Muhammadu Buhari at the meeting, Prof Osinbajo said, one of such stricter measures that could be taken would be a suspension from the international community.
“Could we, for example, work out an understanding with the UN, AU, Commonwealth and possibly, even the development finance institutions we are a part of to act in unity to suspend a country where there has been a seizure of power from all these bodies simultaneously?”, he asked.
According to the Vice-President, such a measure will prevent subsequent coups d’etat in the sub-region and the continent.
The meeting, attended by 10 of the ECOWAS leaders, alongside others, including representatives from the United Nations, comes after Guinean President, Alpha Conde, was ousted by a coup d’etat on September 5.
The Vice-President, who stated Nigeria’s position on the unfortunate development in Guinea, joined other global leaders to condemn the unconstitutional change of government.
“What happened in Guinea is a brazen disregard for the provisions of ECOWAS Protocol on Democracy and Good Governance, which clearly states that every accession to power must be made through a free, fair and transparent election.
“The unconstitutional seizure of power in any shape or form is simply unacceptable; four coups within the last few months is a dangerous trend indeed.
“We are sliding back to the infamous 60s. Our zero-tolerance for coups is important but clearly insufficient. Are there further steps that we can take to prevent coups d’etat? he questioned”, Osinbajo said, in a statement issued by his media aide, Laolu Akande.
He stressed the need for countries in the sub-region to respect the provisions against unconstitutional accession to power and to apply it in all instances.
“The Authority (should) to immediately invoke the provisions of Article 45 of the ECOWAS Protocol on Democracy and Good Governance by suspending Guinea from all ECOWAS decision-making bodies and statutory meetings.
“We should also take any other necessary punitive measures that will ensure that the military junta does not overstay in power,” he proposed.
“We must forestall a repeat of military interventions and the instability it engenders in the West African sub-region. In this connection, Nigeria wishes to once again urge all to always respect the principles of democracy and the constitutions of your respective countries”, he added.
The Vice-President urged the ECOWAS to immediately appoint a mediator, who will facilitate genuine engagement with the military junta, all political actors, and civil society groups in Guinea towards finding a lasting solution that would return the country to democratic rule as soon as possible.
One of the other steps to be taken in finding a lasting solution to the unfortunate development in Guinea, according to him, is for the military junta not only to ensure the physical safety of President Conde and all those detained along with him, but also ensure his immediate and unconditional release.
“The safety of lives and property of the people of Guinea must also be guaranteed. The military must draw up a timetable for a civilian-led transition and commence the process of exiting the Guinean political stage and return the country to constitutional order and civilian rule”, he added.
Speaking on the update on the situation in Mali, he commended former President Goodluck Jonathan for his continued commitment and engagement with the various stakeholders in that country.
He said, “Let me reiterate the imperative for the Malian Transitional government to strictly respect the electoral timetable unveiled on 15th April 2021.
“I further call for the continued support and collaboration of all the major players in the country’s march towards a successful transition.
“Nigeria will continue to closely monitor the situations in Guinea and Mali, as well as work with the ECOWAS Commission, the African Union, and other member-states to facilitate the return of both countries to civil governance.”
