The Nigerian Senate has rejected President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s request for deployment of troops against the military junta that overthrew President Mohamed Bazoum of Niger in a coup led by his presidential guards on 26 July.
The military deployment was projected as part of an ECOWAS force to reinstate the Nigerien President after a 7-day ultimatum to the junta in Niamey to restore constitutional order or face military action lapsed.
The military action, intended to support ECOWAS sanctions on Niamey after Abuja cut off electricity and closed its borders with its landlocked neighbour, was taken at a meeting of ECOWAS leaders in Abuja last week.
Nigerian Senators today, however, rejected the declaration of war by ECOWAS, advocating instead for a negotiated settlement with the coup leaders, while condemning the overthrow in Niamey.