‘It Could Have Affected Nigeria’ – General Tchiani Reveals Why Coup Happened In Niger Republic

The leader of the military junta in Niger Repubic, General Abdourahmane Tchiani has justified the decision of soldiers in the country to remove President Mohammed Bazoum from office and take over power in the West African Nation.

According to the coup leader, their decision was taken in the best interest of the country.

General Tchiani added that if they had not moved when they did, the looming threat could have affected not only Niger, but Nigeria as well.

He was quoted to have made the revelation in a statement on Sunday made available to newsmen in Abuja by the leader of the Islamic clerics from Nigeria, Sheikh Abdullahi Bala Lau whose team over the weekend, engaged the coup leaders in a meeting aimed at resolving the political situation in Niger Republic.

“He said their doors were open to explore diplomacy and peace in resolving the matter.

“General Tchiani, however, said it was painful to the coup leaders that the ECOWAS leaders did not hear their side of the matter before issuing ultimatum to them to quit office.

“He claimed the coup was well intended, stating that they struck to stave off an imminent threat that would have affected not only Niger Republic but also Nigeria,” the statement read in part.