Former Kaduna Central Senator, Shehu Sani, has reacted to the coup plotted in Gabon, describing it as a result of “suffocated democracy”.
A group of senior Gabonese military officers had on Wednesday morning announced the seizure of power from President Ali Bongo.
The officers claimed to represent all of Gabon’s security and defence forces, asserting their authority over the nation.
During their televised address, they declared the cancellation of the election results, closed all borders until further notice, and dissolved state institutions.
Speaking on behalf of the Gabonese people, the officers expressed their determination to safeguard peace by bringing an end to the current regime, which would have seen Ali Bongo retain power for a third term.
Reacting to the development, Sani pointed out that Gabon has operated a dictatorial system of government for a long time.
He argued that five decades of one family ruling a country is not democracy.
The former lawmaker noted that the coup came as a result of suffocated democracy.
He wrote, “Gabon’s father to Son Dictatorship has been overthrown by military coupists. Five decades of one family rule is not a democracy. This is what happens when democracy is suffocated. It’s sad.”
