The Federal Government has rejected claims that Nigeria and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) supported the recent failed coup attempt in Niger Republic, describing the allegations circulating on social media as false, mischievous and designed to tarnish Nigeria’s image.
Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Sola Enikanolaiye, said Nigeria had never supported, and would not support, any military coup or unconstitutional change of government in any country.
In a statement issued on Thursday, Enikanolaiye said Nigeria remained firmly committed to constitutional order, democracy and regional stability, stressing that the government would not endorse illegality “no matter who is involved or which country is concerned.”
The minister recalled the Foreign Affairs Ministry’s August 30 statement on developments in Niger, in which Nigeria expressed concern over the situation and called for a peaceful, inclusive and participatory process towards stability and the restoration of constitutional order.
He said Nigeria’s position against unconstitutional changes of government remained unequivocal, adding that the use of force to resolve political differences was inconsistent with the country’s longstanding foreign policy.
“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,” Enikanolaiye said.
He urged Nigerians at home and abroad to disregard videos and narratives circulating online which he said were deliberately intended to sow discord, mislead the public and undermine confidence in Nigeria’s foreign policy.
The minister reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to the ECOWAS Protocol on Democracy and Good Governance and the African Union’s zero-tolerance policy on unconstitutional changes of government.
He said Nigeria would continue to work with ECOWAS, the African Union and the wider international community to defend democratic governance, uphold the rule of law and promote peace and stability across West Africa, the Sahel and the African continent.
