ECOWAS Summit: President Tinubu urges West African leaders to prioritize good governance to prevent coups (Photos)
President Bola Tinubu, the current chairman of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government, urged his West African counterparts to prioritize good governance and collective prosperity as a means to prevent authoritarian takeovers of power and unconstitutional changes of government in the region during the 64th ordinary session of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government.
In his address to the high-powered regional gathering, Tinubu identified good governance as a fundamental commitment that can address the concerns of citizens, improve their quality of life, and create a stable environment conducive to sustainable development.
He added that by providing good governance that tackles poverty, inequality, and other issues, West African leaders would have succeeded in addressing some of the root causes of military interventions in civilian processes in the region.
Tinubu also highlighted decisions taken by West African leaders to further strengthen the region’s democratic achievements and uphold the right of the people to elect their leaders.
He emphasized that specific measures have been outlined to be taken against any member state opting for an unconstitutional change of government. While acknowledging that imposing punitive sanctions may pose challenges, Tinubu underscored that protecting the fundamental liberties of the Community’s citizens must be upheld and respected.
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The Nigerian president also commended Liberian President George Weah for conceding victory and congratulating his opponent during the last presidential election in Liberia.
He invited leaders at the summit and other participants to give a standing ovation to President Weah.
Tinubu also acknowledged former President Goodluck Jonathan’s commitment to democratic ideals after losing his re-election to the opposition candidate, Muhammadu Buhari, in 2015.
In response to the recent decision by some ECOWAS-member states under military rule to float a so-called ‘Alliance of Sahel States,’ Tinubu described it as distracting and emphasized the commitment to pursuing ECOWAS integration.
He stated that ECOWAS activities have always been people-oriented, with a future of raising living standards through qualitative service delivery and good governance.
Tinubu also addressed recent disturbances in Sierra Leone and Guinea Bissau, urging fellow leaders to stand strong and be highly committed to protecting democracy.
He reiterated ECOWAS’ zero tolerance for unconstitutional changes of government and emphasized that democracy would win if they fought for it.
The re-elected president of Sierra Leone was present at the summit, and Tinubu assured him that ECOWAS supported a democratically elected government.
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