President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the chairman of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has warned coup plotters in neighbouring Republic of Niger of dire consequences for their action.

In a statement signed by him, Tinubu described the blockade of the presidential palace in Niamey by soldiers as ‘unpleasant developments’.

He said the ECOWAS leadership will not accept any action that impedes the smooth functioning of legitimate authority in Niger or any part of West Africa.

“I wish to say that we are closely monitoring the situation and developments in Niger and we will do everything within our powers to ensure democracy is firmly planted, nurtured, well rooted and thrives in our region.

“I am in close consultation with other leaders in our region, and we shall protect our hard-earned democracy in line with the universally acceptable principle of constitutionalism.

“As the Chairperson of ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government, I state without equivocation that Nigeria stands firmly with the elected government in Niger and equally conveys the absolute resolve of leaders in our sub-region that we shall not waiver or flinch on our stand to defend and preserve constitutional order”.