President Bola Tinubu has adopted a firm stance concerning the situation in Niger Republic, issuing a stern warning that there will be “grave consequences” if the military regime in the country allows the health of the detained ousted President Mohamed Bazoum to deteriorate further.

A representative from the European Union revealed on Friday that President Tinubu, who also serves as the Chairman of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), conveyed his concerns during a conversation with EU chief Charles Michel. In this conversation, President Tinubu vehemently expressed his opposition to the coup in Niger Republic, underscoring the ongoing deterioration of President Bazoum’s detention conditions.

The EU official, who initially attributed the “grave consequences” threat to Michel, correcting the error, stated: “The Nigerian president stressed the determination and political will of ECOWAS to act together. ECOWAS will maintain their sanctions despite the economic impact these have on some of the countries from the region.”

Michel was said to have “reiterated the EU’s full support and backing of ECOWAS’ decisions, as well as firm condemnation of the unacceptable coup de force in Niger.”

She was cited to have maintained: “The EU will not recognise the authorities resulting from the putsch in Niger. President Bazoum, democratically elected, remains the legitimate head of state of Niger.

“President Bazoum’s detention conditions are deteriorating. Any further deterioration to his well-being status will have grave consequences.”