In a recent development, it has been clarified by the presidential spokesman that the mandate and ultimatum issued by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) did not originate from President Tinubu's office.

President Bola Tinubu, who also serves as the Chairman of ECOWAS, has taken decisive action by imposing renewed and intensified financial sanctions on the Republic of Niger and neighboring countries that have been supporting the coup d'état within Niger. These sanctions come in the aftermath of the failed West African leaders' military intervention, which was aimed at resolving the crisis.

Despite diplomatic efforts made by the African Union, the United States, and the United Nations to engage with General Abdourahmane Tchiani, the leader of the military junta in Niger, these attempts have proven ineffective, as the ousted President Muhammed Bazoum remains detained within the presidential palace.

Addressing this matter on August 8, 2023, Ajuri Ngelale, the Special Adviser to President Tinubu on Media and Publicity, informed journalists that the President has taken further measures to impose sanctions on both individuals and entities providing support to the military junta in Niger. While specific details of these sanctions were not disclosed, Ngelale clarified that they were implemented through the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).

Ngelale stated, "I can also report that following the expiration of the ultimatum deadline and building upon the existing consensus on financial sanctions imposed by the ECOWAS Heads of State on the military junta in Niger Republic, President Bola Tinubu has directed the imposition of additional financial sanctions through the Central Bank of Nigeria on entities and individuals associated with or linked to the military junta in Niger Republic."

He went on to emphasize that the mandate and ultimatum issued by ECOWAS were not originated from President Tinubu's office.

He noted that President Tinubu conveyed ECOWAS's position as the Chairman of the sub-region, highlighting the distinction between his role as Chairman and the source of the mandate.

In summary, President Tinubu's administration has taken a proactive stance by intensifying financial sanctions on entities and individuals involved with the military junta in Niger Republic.

The assertion has been made that the ECOWAS mandate and ultimatum were conveyed by President Tinubu as the Chairman of the sub-region and not as originating from his office.