By Abiola Olawale
The Federal Government of Nigeria has issued a categorical denial of explosive social media allegations claiming that Abuja and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) secretly orchestrated or backed the recent failed military takeover in the Niger Republic.
​Branding the online narratives as malicious propaganda, authorities have urged citizens and the international community to completely disregard the viral videos.
​Speaking through the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Sola Enikanolaiye, the Nigerian government didn’t hold back, labeling the digital rumors as a deliberate, mischievous ploy designed to tarnish the nation’s democratic image.
The minister urged Nigerians at home and abroad to disregard videos and narratives circulating online which, he said, were designed to sow discord and mislead the public.
He reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to the ECOWAS Protocol on Democracy and Good Governance, as well as the African Union’s zero-tolerance policy towards unconstitutional changes of government.
Enikanolaiye added that Nigeria would continue to work with ECOWAS, the African Union and the international community to defend democracy, uphold the rule of law and promote peace and stability across the region.
​”Nigeria will never support illegality or unconstitutional change of government anywhere, no matter who is involved or which country is concerned,” Enikanolaiye stated.
“While Nigeria is a proud and committed member of ECOWAS, it is unfair, mischievous and entirely false to suggest that Nigeria endorses or condones the military coup.”
​The fake news wave follows the chaotic events of August 29, when mutinous factions launched sudden attacks on strategic government and military installations in Niamey, Niger’s capital, before the uprising was decisively crushed.
