President Bola Tinubu has instructed the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to implement further financial penalties against the Niger Republic.
This directive was shared by Ajuri Ngelale, the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, during an interactive session with State House Journalists on Tuesday. Addressing the President’s stance on the sanctions imposed by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), Ngelale clarified that these measures represent a regional decision and not a “Nigerian mandate and ultimatum.”
Ngelale revealed, “The President has instructed the acting Governor of the CBN to impose additional financial penalties on institutions, including individuals, engaging in business with the Niger Republic.”
While the nature of these sanctions wasn’t disclosed, Ngelale urged Nigerians not to perceive the ECOWAS sanctions solely through a Nigerian lens, emphasizing that they shouldn’t be interpreted with ethnic or religious connotations.
He stressed that the ultimatum given to the military Junta in Niger isn’t exclusive to Nigeria, clarifying that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, as the Chairman of ECOWAS, seeks to underscore this point. The ECOWAS position, Ngelale noted, is the consensus standpoint of member heads of state and isn’t personalized to any individual leader.
In recent days, President Tinubu has expanded consultations both internationally and domestically, including discussions with state governors in Nigeria, especially those governing states bordering Niger Republic. These consultations have covered various implications and outcomes resulting from the unfortunate situation unfolding in Niger Republic.
Ngelale emphasized that ECOWAS’ response to the military coup in Niger remains impartial, devoid of any ethnic or religious biases.
“The regional coalition encompasses all sub-regional ethnic groups, religious factions, and all forms of human diversity. Consequently, the ECOWAS response reflects the collective representation of these groups, rather than catering to any one group in isolation.
“While various avenues are being considered, we want to bring attention to the imminent ECOWAS extraordinary Summit scheduled for Thursday, August 10, in Abuja. Significant decisions regarding the regional coalition’s next course of action are anticipated to be made during this summit.”
“The President has instructed the acting Governor of the CBN to impose an additional set of sanctions on entities and individuals linked to the military junta in Niger Republic.
“This step is taken by the ECOWAS Chairman, who also happens to be the President of Nigeria. However, this action is grounded in the authority conferred by the consensus resolution of all ECOWAS member states and heads of state regarding the imposition of financial sanctions by ECOWAS Member States against the military junta in Niger Republic.
“We are operating based on a well-defined authority. It’s not a directive stemming from the Nigerian government’s authority; rather, it’s rooted in the resolution that was publicly passed earlier.”
