President Bola Tinubu says West African countries must unite so as to defeat the plague of terrorism, human trafficking, and poverty in the region.
The president spoke in Abuja on Thursday whilst hosting his counterpart from Senegal, President Bassirou Faye.
Tinubu implored leaders in the region to make the people the focal point of their governance, emphasizing that the essence of democracy is lost when the citizenry are not enjoying dividends.
He reiterated that democratic values and constitutional order are sacred and as such, must be protected.a
Tinubu added that critical institutions like the judiciary also must be respected and obeyed for democracy to be sustained.
“Constitutional democracy is what Senegal proved to the rest of the world and Africa. It is a joy to have you here and to meet the hope and aspiration of our youths. You fit in perfectly well,” Tinubu said.
“A critical time it is in the history of constitutional democracy, particularly in West Africa. What you have embarked upon, a struggle couched in freedom, is remarkable.”
Tinubu described Nigeria and Senegal as brotherly nations, reciting the two countries’ long history of cooperation.
“We are brothers. We have shared an interest in democracy. To make democracy sustainable in the interest of our people, we definitely must work hard,” he added.
“I am glad that you are a shining example of patience, perseverance, and commitment to democratic values.
“We must partner to make our people the focus of our democratic commitment. Your belief in the sovereignty of Africa is shared by all of us.
“But how can we work for our people and make them the focus of our democracy if we are violating the rule of law and promoting an unconstitutional takeover of government?
“As the chairman of ECOWAS, I am inviting you to collaborate and meet those other brothers. To persuade them to come back to the fold.
“We will continue to work together. We share good backgrounds, and we will continue to embrace and promote democratic governance.
“We must be able to partner and build the freedom we believe in – in economic growth, development, and other spheres of governance. It is left for us to provide assurance to our people and walk our talk.
“We must defeat human trafficking; we must defeat terrorism, banditry, and poverty in our society. That must be our focus and commitment.”
Speaking during the meeting, President Faye acknowledged Nigeria and Senegal’s shared values and challenges, stating that both countries have always had good relations since the 1960s.
“The good relations we have and the relations between our private sectors should be beneficial to our countries,” he said.
Faye then called for the reactivation of the Nigeria-Senegal joint commission to strengthen bilateral relations bordering on diplomacy, trade, and other domains.
Regarding ECOWAS, the Senegalese president pronounced that with Tinubu’s wisdom and experience, relations among member states can be strengthened for the advancement of the community.
“ECOWAS is the beacon of successful regional integration in Africa and globally. It is something we owe to the founding fathers of the community,” Faye said.
“I have no doubt that you want to continue this legacy of integration. The union is going through a rough patch, but not everything is lost.
“I know I can rely on your wisdom and experience, as the leader of this great African nation.
“Your wisdom and your democratic values should be an asset to that vision, and my youth and determination can also be an asset.
“If we come together, with all these assets and advantages, I am convinced we can open a window of opportunity to discuss.
“United, we are stronger. Faced with common challenges, such as human trafficking, migrant smuggling, and all other challenges, we need to show resolve to confront these challenges so that economically we can thrive and satisfy the wishes of our people.”