Niger Coup: General Abdourahmane Tchiani Explains Why Delegates, Gen Abubakar And Sultan Of Sokoto Were Not Received

General Abdourahmane Tchiani, the leader of the military junta in Niger Republic, has shed light on the reasons behind their decision not to meet with the delegation sent by President Bola Tinubu following the recent military coup in the country.

President Tinubu, as the Chairman of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Authority of Heads of State and Government, had dispatched a team to Niger to address the ongoing political crisis.

This delegation was led by former Nigerian military Head of State, Gen Abdulsalam Abubakar, along with the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, and the President of the ECOWAS Commission, H.E. Omar Alieu Touray.

However, the military junta leaders declined to meet with the delegation, leading to their departure without achieving their intended mission.

Subsequently, after their own negotiations with the junta leaders, a Nigerian delegation of Islamic scholars led by Sheikh Abdullahi Bala Lau revealed General Tchiani’s perspective on the matter.

They shared that General Tchiani explained that hunger was a significant factor influencing their decision.

General Tchiani expressed his frustration over ECOWAS not taking the time to listen to their side of the story before imposing sanctions and issuing an ultimatum for their removal from power. He conveyed his apology to President Tinubu for their actions.

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.

He also apologized for not according the team sent by President Tinubu, led by former Head of State, General Abdulsalami Abubakar (rtd), the required attention because they were angry about the ECOWAS ultimatum…[CONTINUE READING HERE]>>