President Bola Tinubu expressed his apprehension on Thursday regarding the potential copycat effect of the military junta in Niger Republic following the removal of President Ali Bongo in Gabon. The President made these remarks during a meeting with the Nigeria Supreme Council of Islamic Affairs, led by His Eminence, Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, at the State House in Abuja.
Tinubu emphasized that diplomatic avenues must be exhausted before considering military intervention and that any forceful overthrow of a democratically elected government is entirely unacceptable. Referring to the recent events in Gabon, he warned against the potential for similar actions to spread to other countries in the region.
He stated, “My fear has been confirmed in Gabon that copycats will start doing the same thing until it is stopped. We are neighbors with Niger Republic, and what has joined Nigerians together with their great people cannot be broken.”
Tinubu recalled Nigeria’s successful transition to democratic governance under General Abdulsalami Abubakar’s leadership in 1998 and suggested that Niger could follow a similar path if its military authorities are sincere.
He further underscored ongoing reforms in Nigeria aimed at improving the economy, healthcare, education, and infrastructure. Addressing concerns about the removal of fuel subsidies, the President assured that these reforms would ultimately benefit the majority of the population.
Tinubu also highlighted discussions between the Federal Government and State Governments to allocate land for animal husbandry and agro-allied production, which could contribute to job creation, revenue generation, and economic development. He expressed his commitment to addressing critical healthcare issues and improving the overall well-being of Nigerians.