Oba Abdurosheed Akanbi, the Oluwo of Iwo, has nudged President Bola Tinubu to take charge of rallying African military forces to suppress the Coup in Niger Republic, with the aim of strengthening democratic institutions in the region.
Through a statement made available to journalists by his media aide, Alli Ibraheem, the Monarch stressed on Thursday that the President’s capacity as ECOWAS Chairman should be harnessed to thwart the coup in the nation and facilitate a return to democratic governance.
It reads; ‘Democracy in Africa has to be strengthened through the promotion of a democratic system of government devoid of military incursion and interference. I’m calling on President Ahmed Tinubu of Nigeria to use his position as the Chairman of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to thwart the ongoing military taking over of the country’s affairs from the democratically elected President Mohamed Bazoum of Niger Republic.’
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‘The call becomes necessary on Tinubu on two premises- being the ECOWAS chairman and President of Nigeria adjudged to be the giant of Africa. No Coup must survive under your watch as ECOWAS chairman. External authorities and forces have to be mobilized to grow Africa democracy and ensure sanity.’
‘Defending democracy is the primary task of ECOWAS authority. I’m convinced Tinubu will lead the body constructively by fortifying the system in favour of democracy. Democracy will survive in Africa.’
‘President Tinubu should harmonize forces to win the war against democracy. He must show strength and prove himself beyond expectation in his new office as ECOWAS boss’.
With a focus on harmonizing African military forces, the Monarch highlighted the critical nature of this action in ensuring the Niger coup’s failure, leading to a reinforced democracy in Africa and the restoration of stability in civilian government across the continent.