*STATE HOUSE PRESS RELEASE*

*LET'S PUT IN PLACE NEW MEASURES TO PREVENT COUPS, SAYS OSINBAJO AT ECOWAS SUMMIT ON GUINEA*

_Proposes AU, UN, Commonwealth others simultaneously suspend nations where military seizes power_

_Nigeria wants West African countries to respect their own constitutions_

_Only free, fair, transparent elections welcome, VP adds_

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) must take proactive steps to prevent coups d'etat in the sub-region, and even on the continent, because the unconstitutional seizure of power in any shape or form is simply unacceptable and has no place in the 21st century, according to Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, SAN.

Prof. Osinbajo stated this while representing President Muhammadu Buhari yesterday at a virtual Extraordinary Session of the Authority of Heads of State and Government of ECOWAS member-states on the political developments in the Republics of Guinea and Mali.

The meeting, attended by 10 of the ECOWAS leaders, alongside others, including representatives from the United Nations, comes after Guinean President Alpha Conde was ousted by a coup d'etat in the West African country on September 5th. This culminated in his arrest and detention by the country's military junta, the dissolution of the Guinean Government, suspension of the Constitution, and a military takeover.

Stating Nigeria's position on the unfortunate development in Guinea, the Vice President said, "I join all well-meaning global leaders to express in the strongest terms the condemnation of the Government of Nigeria of this unconstitutional change of Government; a development that could seriously destabilize the Republic of Guinea."

"What happened in Guinea is a brazen disregard for the provisions of ECOWAS Protocol on Democracy and Good Governance, which clearly states that every accession to power must be made through free, fair and transparent election."

According to the VP, "the unconstitutional seizure of power in any shape or form is simply unacceptable," noting that "four coups within the last few months is a dangerous trend indeed," in the sub-region.

While expressing concern, Prof. Osinbajo went ahead to table an idea which the Chairman of ECOWAS and President of Ghana Nana Akufo-Addo later described as "a proposal of great weight."

According to the Nigerian VP, "we are sliding back to the infamous 60s. Our zero-tolerance for coups is important but clearly insufficient. Are there further steps that we can take to prevent coups d’etat?

"Could we, for example, work out an understanding with the UN, AU, Commonwealth and possibly, even the development finance institutions we are a part of to act in unity to suspend a country where there has been a seizure of power from all these bodies simultaneously?"

In the same vein, the Vice President noted that it was imperative that countries in the sub-region respect the provisions against unconstitutional accession to power, and to apply it in all instances.

He then called on "the Authority to immediately invoke the provisions of Article 45 of the ECOWAS Protocol on Democracy and Good Governance by suspending Guinea from all ECOWAS decision-making bodies and statutory meetings. We should also take any other necessary punitive measures that will ensure that the military junta does not overstay in power."

"We must forestall a repeat of military interventions and the instability it engenders in the West African sub-region. In this connection, Nigeria wishes to once again urge all to always respect the principles of democracy and the constitutions of your respective countries."

Furthermore, the VP urged the ECOWAS Commission "to immediately appoint a Mediator to lead the region’s genuine engagement with the military junta, all political actors, and civil society groups in Guinea towards finding a lasting solution that will return the country to democratic rule as soon as possible."

He added that "ECOWAS must use its regional mechanisms efficiently to engage the military junta and if necessary, provide support for them to return the country to normalcy and democratic rule."

Other steps to be taken in finding a lasting solution to the unfortunate development in Guinea, according to him, was for the military junta to not only ensure the physical safety of President Condé and all those detained along with him but also ensure his immediate and unconditional release.

"The safety of lives and property of the people of Guinea must also be guaranteed. The military must draw up a timetable for a civilian-led transition and commence the process of exiting the Guinean political stage and return the country to constitutional order and civilian rule," Prof. Osinbajo submitted.

In the same vein, speaking on the update on the situation in Mali, Vice President Osinbajo commended former President Goodluck Jonathan "for his continued commitment and engagement with the various stakeholders in Mali."

"Let me reiterate the imperative for the Malian Transitional government to strictly respect the electoral timetable unveiled on 15th April 2021. I further call for the continued support and collaboration of all the major players in the country’s march towards a successful transition."

The VP then emphasized that "Nigeria will continue to closely monitor the situations in Guinea and Mali as well as work with the ECOWAS Commission, the African Union, and other Member-States to facilitate the return of both countries to civil governance."

Prof. Osinbajo also commended the Chairman of the Authority for convening the virtual Extraordinary Summit.


Laolu Akande
Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media & Publicity
Office of the Vice President
9th September 2021

You guys are afraid of coup right?

Don't worry keep stealing people's money when the trumpet is blown, all you criminal politicians will answer your queries. If not from man, God will surely do it for us.

The children of the VP Osibanjo and president Buhari all school abroad but cultists can rape women in their hostels in Nigeria. Schools are being closed in the North.

What a shame of a country?

The more democracy and Democratic institutions are strengthened the more the possibility of Military coups are reduced

The African Union, and other Member-States need to facilitate the return of both countries to civil governance.

Mr osibanjo gone are the nzeogwus,Abachas ,okars there will be no coup in Nigeria,a military coup will do the country no good.


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I believe that democracy can't produce good results in Africa it will be better for us to adopt the system that will favor us as a continent.

Coup is never a good thing in a country. To avoid it, the Democratic government to strengthen core areas during its administration and show capability in handling affairs of the State.

Our present NA are compromised. They don't even have the gut to think, plan or successfully execute a coup on the President. Ordinary coup on Fulani Herdsmen and Bokoharam is science fiction for them let alone on Aso Rock.

I'm tired of this Country . I need 1K Odds to take Japa

Na only to deliver lectures this one sabi.

Ho

Guilt conscience

Evil men afraid of evil they do.

The monster you made will definitely hunt you all down.

On the other hand, Nigerians are tired of your motivational speech.

Good

This man actually have leadership qualities but unfortunately he gat no balls

More stiffer sanctions by ECOWAS and African Union is needed



.

Good and responsible governance

Una don dey fear?
Did the Mali and Guinea affair cause nightmares in the Rock?
Una never chee chuntin.

The only way to forestall coups and uprisings is to have strong systems, respect the rule of law and respect for the rights of citizens.

You can't play dirty and expect the rest to play by the rules. Sauce for the goose should be sauce for the gander.

If a government is loved by the people, the chances for coups, uprisings and mutiny will be non existent. The first coup in Nigeria was celebrated by all and sundry regardless of tribal leaning before history was twisted to make it a regional coup.

Most coups are an answer to the yearnings and aspirations of the masses. What happens after those coups is story for another day as we see that most times the good intentions of the boys in khaki is usually not enough to guarantee a conscientious government.

So you want coup to be far, like Nike, like Spike Lee, do the right thing.

**Lights my spliff in peace**

Buhari is a thief

SmartPolician:
Na only to deliver lectures this one Sabi.

VP motivational speaker

Tell your Oga pls. That's his problem not ours.

Hg

Hgb

Correct

Tinubuadvocate:
I believe that democracy can't produce good results in Africa it will be better for us to adopt the system that will favor us as a continent.

The Chinese system is a very great alternative...you have to work to earn position.

No unnecessary blood shed during every election.

SpecialAdviser:
You guys are afraid of coup right?

Don't worry keep stealing people's money when the trumpet is blown, all you criminal politicians will answer your queries. If not from man, God will surely do it for us.

The children of the VP Osibanjo and the president Buhari all school abroad but cultists can rape women in their hostels in Nigeria. Schools are being closed in the North.

What a shame of a country?

Perhaps if you put in the required work to develop your career, your children can afford to school anywhere in the world like Professor Osinbajo SAN or Major General Buhari GCFR


.

Coup is not the best thing.

Nevertheless, there is need for the various governmental institutions to be be properly strengthen to avoid reoccurrence.

The major problem is that Africa leaders and power drunk and to corrupt.

May God help this continent