President Tinubu Says He Is ‘Holding Back’ ECOWAS, Others From Invading Niger

President of Nigeria, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who also serves as the Chairman of the ECOWAS (Economic Community of West African States), said that he is responsible for holding back ECOWAS and other groups from invading Niger.

Tinubu pointed out that Niger military junta - which has detained President Mohamed Bazoum and threatened to prosecute him - must be held accountable for the situation in Niger as the guns given to them were to protect the sovereignty of the country and not to turn against the Niger people.

During a meeting with Nigerian Islamic clerics on Thursday, the ECOWAS chairman noted that he is "managing a very serious situation," adding that if ECOWAS is removed from the picture, then other groups can invade Niger.

"If you take ECOWAS aside, other people will react, those who are outside of our control. I am the one holding those sides back. I am the one holding back ECOWAS," he said, Punch reported.

He went on to explain how countries with military forces are waiting to invade Niger adding that he will be meeting a delegation of Islamic scholars and then he will return back with a decision.

"Even at this morning, I have been inundated with phone calls on the readiness of countries with their military force and contributions," he said. "However, I told them to wait. I am meeting with the Ulamas and I will get back to you."

ECOWAS' chairman promised that he will make sure that ECOWAS will engage diplomatically with everyone and find a peaceful resolution. "I will draw a line in the sand and ask you to make arrangements to go back to Niger Republic," he added.

The Islamic scholars requested the federal government of Nigeria to monitor the distribution of palliatives to states, to which, the President responded saying that more palliatives will be provided to Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) nationwide.

"The people reside in the states. Even if I set up a panel, I will have to go through the governors and the local governments. We will continue to talk to the governors. Nigerians must hold them accountable," he said.

He concluded, "It's unheard of that in a constitutional democracy; a president will sit here and give orders to states. I can only appeal to them to implement. The people reside in the states, and if the governor is not doing well, the people must vote them out."

Nigeria's President Bola Ahmed Tinubu was elected as the chairman of ECOWAS last month. ECOWAS was founded in 1975 and it is a union of 15 countries in West Africa.

Considering the situation in Niger, a group of soldiers took over on July 26 and announced that they have evidence against President Bazoum. The junta group has closed airspace, which has made it difficult to bring humanitarian aid into Niger.

Due to the ongoing crisis, at least 4.3 million people in Niger are lacking basics like food and medicine.