President Tinubu Expresses Concern Over Gabon Coup

President of Nigeria, Bola Ahmed Tinubu expressed concern over the coup in Gabon on Wednesday, noting that it is a "contagious autocracy" spreading across Africa.

Tinubu's spokesperson, Ajuri Ngelale shared a statement where he explained that the president believes that the country's power should be in the hands of Africa's great power rather than people holding loaded guns.

Ngelale noted that the president is watching the coup in Gabon closely with deep concern as the socio-political stability of the country depends on it, adding that "the seeming autocratic contention apparently spreading across different regions of our beloved continent," Punch reported.

He continued, "The President as a man who has made significant, personal sacrifices in his own life in the course of advancing and defending democracy is of the unwavering belief that power belongs in the hands of Africa's great people and not in the barrel of a loaded gun."

The spokesperson said that Tinubu "affirms that the rule of law and a faithful recourse to the constitutional resolutions and instruments of electoral dispute resolution must not at any time be allowed to perish from our great continent."

Nigerian President Tinubu, who also serves as ECOWAS (Economic Community of West African States) Chairman and working towards resolving similar issues in Niger, assured that he is already in touch with other African leaders in order to resolve the Gabon crisis.

Other countries including the United States also shared concern over events in Gabon. A spokesperson for the United States Department of State, Matthew Miller noted that the United States "strongly opposed to military seizures or unconstitutional transfers of power."

The statement further urged those responsible to "release and ensure the safety of members of government and their families and to preserve civilian rule."

Commonwealth's Secretary-General, Patricia Scotland also shared that the political association is closely monitoring the situation, adding that "member states must uphold the rule of law and the principles of democracy at all times."

United Nations, European Union, and France have raised concerns over the political development in the African country.

Gabon coup leader General Brice Oligui Nguema was declared president during the forceful transition while the President of Gabon, Ali Bongo Ondimba was taken under house arrest by the coup.

The forceful transition of power happened after President Bongo was declared the winner of a disputed election that took place on Aug. 26. He was serving as a president since 2009.