The Coalition of Civil Liberty Organizations in Niger Republic (CODDAE) has urged President Bola Tinubu to address alleged plans of governmental interference in the judiciary, resulting in the removal of democratically-elected opposition governors of Kano, Plateau, and Zamfara States. This call comes in response to the recent decision by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to impose sanctions on the military junta in Niger, led by Gen. Abdourahamane Tchiani, for his refusal to reinstate President Bazoum Mohamed.
CODDAE voiced its concern over the collapsing democratic pillars in Nigeria and urged Mr. Tinubu to focus on preventing a descent into a one-party state before enforcing democracy in Niger. Leading a peaceful protest in Maradi at the Tribune Public Arena, the coalition’s leader, Abdu Dan Neito, emphasized that the sanctions imposed by ECOWAS were causing additional economic hardships for Niger’s citizens instead of resolving the leadership crisis.
Mr. Neito criticized Mr. Tinubu for focusing on the situation in Niger while neglecting neighboring African countries with military leaders. He further called for the United Nations and European Union to impose sanctions on Nigeria due to the alleged repression against opposition parties. Additionally, the coalition sought the support of the 19 Northern Nigerian States, highlighting the historical economic, social, and cultural ties, to urge ECOWAS to lift the sanctions.
The coalition concluded with a special prayer for divine intervention to address the crisis.
