From Our Correspondent, Abuja
President Bola Tinubu, on Thursday, received President Bassirou Diomaye Faye of Senegal and called for an alignment of purpose and structure to effectively address challenges confronting the West Africa region.
Speaking during a meeting with the Senegalese President at the State House, Abuja, President Tinubu said West Africa must work together to defeat problems of terrorism, banditry, human trafficking and poverty.
He advised that leaders in the region must make the people the point of convergence in governance. He noted that the essence of democracy was lost when the people were not the focal point.
The President emphasized that democratic governance, democratic values and constitutional order are sacrosanct and must be protected.
He also said regional leaders must respect and observe critical institutions and precepts like the judiciary and the rule of law. This is important for the sustenance of democracy.
“Constitutional democracy is what Senegal proved to the rest of the world and Africa. It is a joy to have you here. To meet the hopes and aspirations of our youths, you fit in perfectly well.
“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,” President Tinubu said.
He described Nigeria and Senegal as brotherly nations, recounting both countries’ long history of cooperation.
“We are brothers. We have a shared interest in democracy. To make democracy sustainable in the interest of our people, we must work hard.
“We must partner to make our people the focus of our democratic commitment. All of us share your belief in the sovereignty of Africa.
“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 invite you to collaborate and meet those other brothers. To persuade them to come back to the fold.
“We will continue to work together and share good backgrounds. And, we will continue to embrace and promote democratic governance,” President Tinubu said.
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He added that the region must defeat human trafficking, terrorism, banditry and poverty in the society.
“That must be our focus and commitment,” the Nigerian leader said.
Responding, President Faye acknowledged Nigeria and Senegal’s shared values, ideals and challenges. He emphasized that both nations have always had good relations since the 1960s.
“The good relations we have and the relations between our private sectors should benefit our countries,” Faye said.
He called for reactivation of the Nigeria-Senegal joint commission to strengthen bilateral relations across diplomacy, trade and other spheres.
On ECOWAS, President Faye said that with President Tinubu’s wisdom and experience, relations among member states can be strengthened and bolstered 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.
“I don not doubt that you want to continue this legacy of integration. The union is going through a rough patch, but we have not lost everything.
“I know I can rely on your wisdom and experience, as the leader of this great African nation. Together, we can discuss with our brothers and convince them to come back into the fold.
“To come back and share our common democratic values and what we stand for.
“Your wisdom and 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 that we can open a window of opportunity to discuss,” the Senegalese President said.
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