A former Director-General of the Labour Party (LP)/Peter Obi-Datti presidential campaign council, Doyin Okupe, has expressed his support for the President Bola Tinubu-led Economic Community of West African Countries’ proposed military intervention in the ongoing Niger coup.
Politics Nigeria recalls that Tinubu wrote to the senate seeking their support on the decision of ECOWAS, including military intervention to restore democracy in the neighbouring country.
Meanwhile, Okupe noted that regardless of who the president was, Nigerians and political leaders must unite to defend the country.
He maintained that Tinubu is fighting for the enthronement of democracy in West Africa, which is a commendable act.
His words:
“I did not ask that Nigeria should go to war. I condemn the military leadership in Niger.
“They disrespected the Nigerian president and demeaned our country by breaking diplomatic relationship with us, despite the fact that we initiated a peace move by sending a high-powered delegation consisting of a highly globally respected former Head of State.
“They had the audacity to rebuff our peace negotiators and went ahead to break diplomatic relations with Nigeria! Who are these unknown elements? I have no apology for this position.
I have always spoken my mind on all matters of national interest. And freedom of speech allows me so to do – Fact. I am too old to change that just to please people or friends
“That was why I stood out boldly to support Obi against the run of play and against all my friends and political associates in the southwest. Obi never solicited for my support, neither did he lobby me. I did not ask for a kobo, and I received none.
“I will always stand for and with Nigeria, no matter who the president is. You can only appreciate this with years of statesmanship and political maturity.”
He added that patriotism is not dependent on winning or losing elections/power, neither is it about who is in power at any given time, but an unyielding commitment to protecting the sovereignty and integrity of a nation.
