President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Chairperson of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), held a crucial meeting on Sunday with the governors of states that share boundaries with the Niger Republic.
The meeting, which took place at the presidential villa, involved representatives from Sokoto, Kebbi, Yobe, Katsina, and Jigawa states.
Though the specific agenda of the meeting was not immediately disclosed, it was believed to be related to the ongoing political instability in Niger.
President Tinubu’s consultation with the bordering state governors comes in the wake of the recent coup in Niger, which resulted in the removal of President Mohamed Bazoum from office.
The military takeover has raised concerns among regional leaders, including ECOWAS, who have been closely monitoring the situation.
The timing of the meeting was also significant, coinciding with the deadline set by ECOWAS for the Nigerien military to reinstate President Bazoum.
As the leader of ECOWAS, President Tinubu had earlier warned that the organization would consider using force as a last resort if the coup leaders fail to meet the demands for the restoration of democracy within the specified timeframe.