The Nigerian government has condemned the ouster of Egypt’s democratically elected president, Mohammed Morsi, by the country’s military, saying it viewed the development as well as the suspension of the constitution with grave concern.

It therefore called for the immediate restoration of constitutional rule in the country.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement Thursday the development is “a truncation of the aspirations of the Egyptian people to freely express themselves through the ballot box.”

The statement added, “This unfortunate development is a gross violation of the Constitutive Act of the African Union, which prohibits unconstitutional change of government. It constitutes a serious setback to the remarkable progress which Africa has made in fostering the culture of democratic governance in the continent.

“Nigeria calls for the immediate restoration of the democracy order in Egypt and urges the Egyptian Armed Forces to allow the democratic culture to thrive in the country.”

Meanwhile, a federal lawmaker has described the removal of Mr. Morsi and suspension of the country’s constitution as an aberration and a threat to democratic sustainability in Africa.

Segun Olulade, the Chairman, House Committee on Information, Strategy, Security and Publicity, Lagos State House of Assembly, said this while speaking with newsmen in Lagos on Thursday.

“The Egyptian military, led by Gen. Abdel Fattah Al Sisi, should not have indulged in a coup, but rather, should have called for regional interventions to persuade President Mohammed Morsi,’’ he said.

According to him, there could have been a demand for international sanctions when and where necessary.

The lawmaker said that democratic options had, over time, proved to be the best strategies in bringing lasting solution to problems in a democratic setting.

He said that military coups would only deepen the wounds and worsen the existing animosity among warring political factions.

Mr. Olulade recalled that Egypt was the first country in Africa to witness a military take-over of the reins of government in post-colonial Africa, as led by Gen. Abdel Nasser.

He said that African democrats and their military counterparts should apply caution in handling sensitive issues that were of paramount concern to the welfare of their people and well-being of their nations.

The lawmaker noted that the situation in Egypt was likely to result in a prolonged constitutional crisis, if the pro-Morsi forces were able to sustain their claim to power against the newly installed government.

Mr. Olulade appealed to all political factions in Egypt to embrace peace and dialogue as a panacea to finding a lasting solution to the situation in the country.

He said that the critical import of peaceful dialogue, conflict management, negotiation and mutual bargaining in resolving crises in any democratic society could never be over-emphasised.

Following Morsi’s ouster, Adly Mahmud Mansour, the top judge of Egypt’s Constitutional Court, , was on Thursday sworn in as interim leader.

ABU GEORGE: Who are the federal govt, make dem appear and tell egyptian army, foolish govt. Africa deserve better not backward.

Frank-C:
Too many kids running around the block. Nigerian government foreign policy has been very solid, consistent and more ideologically driven lately. Nigeria has had a very bitter experience of military rule. Most Nigerians (apart from few CPC/ACN people) believe that the worst civilian government is better than the best military government.

Nigeria is an acclaimed regional power. A power house that is fast translating her potentials to reality. African biggest democracy and home to more than 250 black african ethnic nationalities who coexist side by side amidst mind boggling contradictions. Home to strong but professional military and a fast maturing democracy.

You can quote me, no voice on the continent is stronger on this issue than Nigeria's. Only ACN/CPC touts and few illiterates will link this strategic foreign policy position to a terribly unlikely similar event in Nigeria or to local party politics, I will not be surprised if some of them even link it to Amaechi because that is all their little mind can see. Which normal human being will expect Nigerian government to remain silent on the happenings in Egypt (your strong ally during your difficult period of civil war), nor even expect the government to support military intervention in civilian politics. Morsi may represent something reprehensible, I personally don't like any political party that espouse religious ideology but he was chosen by majority of Egyptian people for a time limited tenure. Egyptians should learn to strenghten their democratic institutions to impeach the guy but not remove him by street protests and military intervention. Besides, no government fixes a country after one year in office. Rolling out tanks in the street of Egypt just betrays the weakness of Egyptian democratic institutions.

You will notice well reasoned foreign policy position from this government. Ranging from Mali to Libya and now Egypt. There seem to be robust debate in the 'war room' before a position is taken and we have never been proven wrong. Actually, South Africa lost her leadership role in Africa to Nigeria because of the way we have conducted our foreign policy. Not that I expect children to understand this, but I know that GEJ and Ashiru are doing something right.

na2day!:
One word - FEAR!

solomon111: what fear?
Nigeria can never go to the era of coup again,and GEJ is not power drunk.
The concern is for smaller african countries prone to coups.