Buhari expresses concern over ousted Niger President Bazoum

By Egena Sunday Ode

Former President Muhammadu Buhari has expressed concerns about Niger and the fate of President Mohamed Bazoum following the undemocratic change of power in Nigeria’s northern neighbour.

Buhari said, like others in Nigeria and the entire subregion, he was shocked about the turn of events in that country and concerned about the safety of Bazoum and his family.

Recall that on Wednesday July 26, 2023, some soldiers from the Presidential Guard had moved to depose President Mohamed Bazoum.

President Tinubu had quickly rejected the threat to democracy in that country, sending a strong delegation to talk with all the parties with a view to restoring constitutional order in Niger.

The former President, in a statement by his media aide, Garba Shehu, however, expressed optimism that President’s intervention would reverse the unwanted situation and ensure the safety of Bazoum.

“As to be expected, I, just like millions of other Nigerians, am shocked by the latest turn of events in Niger Republic, our neighbor to the North.

“Concerns have been raised about the fate of democracy as a system of government in the country and in the wider subregion, and equally so, about the safety of President Mohammed Bazoum and his family.

“I and my family are as much concerned about these as is everyone else.

“It is heartening to note that the ECOWAS, under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is already dealing effectively with the matter and our hope and prayers are that the unwanted situation will be completely reversed and the safety and wellbeing of President Bazoum and his family are ensured,” the former President said.