Defence HQ yet to receive order to restore democracy
By Jeph Ajobaju, Chief Copy Editor
Defence Headquarters (DHQ) in Abuja is yet to receive order to mobilise to oust coupists and restore democracy in Niger Republic, three days to the deadline given by President Bola Tinubu for the military in that country to quit power or face military action.
DHQ said the Armed Forces of Nigeria cannot proceed on any operation in any member-state of the Economic Community of West Africa States (ECOWAS) without mandate from the Authority of Heads of States and Government.
ECOWAS military chiefs have, however, explained military action against the coup that ousted President Mohammed Bazoum from power will be the last option if other measures fail to retore democracy in Niger Republic.
“The attention of the Armed Forces of Nigeria has been drawn to an online report stating that the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) is assembling its forces for military action in Republic of Niger,” DHQ Information Director, Tukur Gusau, a Brigadier General, said in a statement.
“The AFN is yet to receive any order from the appropriate authority to commence military action, against the military junta in Niger.
“It’s no longer news that some members of the Republic of Niger Armed Forces seized power from a democratically elected government through un-constitutional means.”
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Military intervention last option
“In reaction to this illegal take over of government the ECOWAS Heads of Government met and a series of options were reached on how to intervene in the crisis,” the statement explained, according to Vanguard reporting.
“Military option was the last option to be taken in case every other option fails to reverse the situation and return the government of Republic of Niger to constitutional order.
“ECOWAS Committee of Chiefs of Defence Staff is currently holding an extraordinary meeting in Abuja to discuss the political situation in Republic of Niger and submit their plans to the committee of Heads of States and Government of ECOWAS for consideration.
“In conclusion, the Armed Forces of Nigeria cannot proceed on any operation in any of the member states of ECOWAS without the mandate from the Authority of Heads of States and Government.”
