By: Admin
ABUJA, NIGERIA – Following the recent coup in Niger Republic, a former Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress, (APC), Comrade Timi Frank, has alleged that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is orchestrating a plan to disrupt the ongoing Presidential Election Tribunal, (PET) and declare state of emergency.
Frank in a statement he released to Journalists on Saturday, August 5, 2023 in Abuja, claimed that Tinubu was seeking the Senate’s approval for Nigeria to go to war over the coup in Niger to enable him declare a state of emergency in Nigeria and suspend the sitting of PET.
He warned President Tinubu not to lead Nigeria into war with the neighbouring Niger, as this would plunge the fragile nation into long term economic, political and social devastation.
He said: “It is clear to discerning minds that Tinubu wants to find an alibi to declare war in Niger and under that declare a state of emergency in Nigeria which will invariably lead to suspension of the ongoing sitting of the Presidential Election tribunal.
“He is not out to restore democracy in Niger Republic. He is out to legitimise and gain recognition for his government from western allies. Let Nigeriens solve their problems. Nigeria has enough challenges of its own,” he declared.
Critically highlighting the lack of strong democratic practices in the region, Frank condemned the silence of ECOWAS Heads of States and Governments when presidents unlawfully seize electoral mandates and manipulate constitutional provisions to extend their tenures in office.
He expressed concern over ECOWAS leaders only reacting to situations when a fellow president has been overthrown, like the recent coup in Niger.
While he voiced support for efforts to restore democratic governance in Niger, Frank firmly rejected any attempts by Tinubu to exploit the situation in Niger to undermine the ongoing court process meant to determine the true winner of Nigeria’s February 25th, 2023 Presidential election.
The allegations made by Timi Frank have added fuel to the already tense political landscape in Nigeria. As the nation awaits further developments, these accusations may have significant implications for the credibility of the electoral process and democratic principles in the country.
Nigerians are closely watching how this situation unfolds in the coming days.