The Nigerian Government on Tuesday condemned the unconstitutional take-over of power in the Republic of Guinea, saying it would not recognize any undemocratic government.
Addressing a news conference in Abuja, the capital, the Minister of Information and Communications Dora Akunyili described the military take-over in Guinea as a clear violation of the African Union Constitutive Act, according to the News Agency of Nigeria.
She expressed Nigeria's condolence to the family of President Lansana Conte of Guinea, who died on Monday.
"We are, however, disturbed by reports of attempts to disrupt succession to the leadership of the country," Akunyili added.
According to her, any unconstitutional take-over is a clear violation and breach of the African Union Constitutive Act and the provisions of the ECOWAS Charter.
"President Umaru Yar'Adua, who is the Chairman of the Economic Community of West Africa States (ECOWAS), unequivocally condemns the unconstitutional take-over of power in Guinea," she said.
Any government that emerges through undemocratic means would not be recognized, she stressed.
"We demand that democratic order be restored in Guinea immediately and that succession, through the constitutional process, be allowed to evolve," she said.
"We are following developments in that country closely with a view to ensuring that the political situation does not deteriorate, " Akunyili said.