Niger Republic: Buhari Says Coups Are Out Of Fashion

President of Nigeria, Muhammadu Buhari has condemned the coup attempt in Niger Republic, describing it as a naive attempt.

Buhari while condemning the attempt by some soldiers in the country to forcefully take over power, warned that the wish of the people must be respected and forceful take over of government resisted.

He also warned of the dangers posed by such happenings to the democratic growth and stability of Africa.

It will be recalled that Naija News previously reported that a military “coup attempt” took place on the night of Tuesday to Wednesday in Niger Republic, according to sources close to power, before the swearing-in of President-elect Mohamed Bazoum.

Heavy gunfire was heard around the presidency of the republic in the night around 3 am. The heavy weapon fire lasted about twenty minutes.

The attempt, which took place less than two days before the inauguration of President-elect Mohamed Bazoum, was thwarted by presidential guards.

Reacting to the incident, President Buhari who is currently in London for a medical check-up told the Niger Republic President, Mahamadou Issoufou in a telephone chat that “any illegal effort to depose a democratically elected government is not only despicable, but also unacceptable to democratic governments around the world.”

Presidential spokesperson, Garba Shehu quoted Buhari as stating further that “the international community is hostile to the change of government by violent and unconstitutional means.”

“It is utterly naive to attempt the removal of an elected government by force.

“Military political adventurers should respect the will of the people and respect constitutional order.

“I’m particularly concerned about the negative impact of coups on African stability, peace, and progress.

“Nigeria cannot be indifferent to these dangers to Africa. Coups are out of fashion and the involvement of the military in violent change of government is doing more harm than good to Africa.”

The Nigerian leader urged African leaders to “remain united against coups under whatever guise or form,” warning coup plotters to learn lesson from history on the consequences of instability caused by violent takeover of governments.

President Buhari also used the occasion to congratulate the President-elect, Mohamed Bazoum on his election victory and the outgoing President’s commitment to an orderly and peaceful transfer of power.

The Nigerian leader also applauded the Niger’s security forces for suppressing the onslaught against the democratically elected Government of the people of Niger Republic.

In another development, Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers State has maintained that he would not travel abroad for medical check-up.

He stated this on Wednesday when a delegation of the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria paid him a courtesy visit at the Government House, Port Harcourt.

Wike said everything he needs for medical examination was in the Government House Clinic built by his administration.