‘It’s utterly naïve’ — Buhari speaks on attempted Niger Republic coup

President Muhammadu Buhari has condemned the attempted coup in Niger Republic, describing the action as “utterly naïve”.

There were reports of heavy gunfire near the presidential palace of Niger Republic on Wednesday, ahead of the inauguration of Mohammed Bazoum, the president-elect.

The incident was said to be an attempted coup, which began in the early hours of Wednesday, but the presidential guard reportedly repelled the attack on the palace.

In a statement issued later on Wednesday, Garba Shehu, presidential spokesman, said Buhari had a telephone conversation with President Mahamadou Issoufou of Niger Republic.

According to Shehu, the president said such illegal attempts to forcefully take over an elected government would be counterproductive.

“Any illegal effort to depose a democratically elected government is not only despicable, but also unacceptable to democratic governments around the world,” Buhari was quoted to have said.

“The international community is hostile to the change of government by violent and unconstitutional means.”

“It is utterly naive to attempt the removal of an elected government by force. Military political adventurers should respect the will of the people and respect constitutional order.

“I’m particularly concerned about the negative impact of coups on African stability, peace and progress. Nigeria cannot be indifferent to these dangers to Africa. Coups are out of fashion and the involvement of the military in violent change of government is doing more harm than good to Africa.”

Buhari urged African leaders to “remain united against coups under whatever guise or form”, and warned “coup plotters to learn lesson from history on the consequences of instability caused by violent takeover of governments”.

He, however, congratulated the incoming president on his victory, and commended Issoufou for the peaceful conduct of the election.