By Idris Ibrahim
Nigeria’s President Muhammadu Buhari has demanded that democracy be respected in Gabon where the military attempted a coup Monday. Though authorities said the takeover had been foiled, Buhari said the military must realize that the era of coups “is long gone”
Buhari’s position was made known in a statement in Abuja signed by Presidential Spokesman,Garba Shehu.The statement said: “Following reports of attempted military takeover in Gabon, President Muhammadu Buhari has called for respect for constitutional provisions in the oil-rich west-central African nation.
According to the Nigerian leader, “The military officers in Gabon should understand that the era of military coups and governments in Africa and indeed worldwide, is long gone. Democracy is supreme and the constitutional stipulations on the peaceful change of administration must be respected. That is the only way we can ensure peace and stability not only within the country but also in the region.”
President Buhari, who is also the ECOWAS Chairman, urges military officers with political ambitions to resign or face their constitutional role.
He also enjoined the people of Gabon to remain on the side of peace, security, stability and democracy in their country.
