The Nigerian government has denied claims that it backed the recent failed coup attempt in neighbouring Niger, describing the allegations as false, baseless and a deliberate attempt to mislead the public.
The Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Sola Enikanolaiye, in a statement on Thursday, said the ministry’s attention had been drawn to “false and mischievous claims” suggesting that the failed coup had the support of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and, by implication, the endorsement of Nigeria.
The minister stressed that Nigeria remains committed to constitutional order and democratic governance across West Africa and would never support any unconstitutional change of government.
“Nigeria is a peace-loving nation, a defender of constitutional order, and a pillar of democracy and stability not only in West Africa but also in the Sahel and the continent of Africa,” he said.
“Nigeria will never support illegality or unconstitutional change of government anywhere, no matter who is involved or which country is concerned,” he added.
