International Society of Diplomats (ISD) Special Emissary on Media to Nigeria, Victor Asije has called on political leaders in West Africa and other Africa countries to see the recent coup in Niger as wake up call.
In a statement, Asije said the coup was the height of disloyalty and flagrant disregard for the Economic Community of West Africa States (ECOWAS)2001 Protocol on Democracy and Good Governance.
Article 19 of the protocol states that, “The armed forces and police shall be non-partisan and shall remain loyal to the nation.”
The Article 19 also states that, “the role of the armed forces shall be to defend the territorial integrity of the state and its democratic institutions.
“So, if these men in uniform have decided to deliberately ignored this article, then it is my candid suggestion that other presidents must, every second, watch and scan movements and body language of those around them.
“There is really much for other presidents to learn from the recent coup in Niger. They should be prepared for the unexpected and uncertainties,” Asije said.
The Ambassador who enjoined presidents to personally assess causes of the coup, said ‘inordinate ambition’ to rule irrespective of profession and agreements reached, was an inherent human feature.
According to him, the coup was said to have been caused by problems of insecurity, poor economic growth, ethnicity and the legitimacy of the deposed President-elect Mohamed Bazoum.
“I really want presidents in West and across Africa to know that those we think are really with us can often work against us.
“So, they should be selfless, know about the people’s challenges and work at offering durable solutions to them.
“I have always believed that we all cannot be presidents, and that only one person can become a president. My passionate appeal therefore to presidents, is to always do the needful for their citizens and foreigners living in their countries,” he said.
The Special Emissary commended ECOWAS swift response to the current leadership tussle in Niger by sending a delegation composed of time-tested mediators, adding that it was a step in the right direction.
Asije, expressed optimism that the ongoing different levels of mediation would in the near future, may make ECOWAS reverse its current sanctions, the disconnection from Nigeria’s power supply and threat to use force on Niger.
According to him, ECOWAS has over the decades, despite its challenges, continued to be an arbiter in regional conflicts resolution.
“The United States, the European Union (EU) are already calling for the reinstatement of President-elect Mohamed Bazoum. And with the different delegation for mediation, the democratically elected Bazoum might be reinstated.
“So there would not be any use of force that might affect Nigeria and Niger long existing relations as well as with other neighbouring West Africa, Africa and other countries,” Asije said.
