President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has issued a call to action for the leaders of the West African sub-region to prioritize peace and defend democracy.
With the alarming rise in terrorism and military intervention in politics, Tinubu highlighted the pressing threat to peace in the sub-region.
He made these remarks at the 63rd Ordinary Session of the Authority of Heads of States/Governments of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), where he was unanimously elected as the Chair of the 16-nation organization.
The summit marked Tinubu’s first attendance as the Nigerian leader.
Tinubu disclosed his detailed socio-economic plans for the sub-region, emphasizing the importance of promoting trade and investment among member states.
In line with this vision, Nigeria plans to host a trade and investment summit in October, aiming to underscore the significance of private sector-led economic growth in the sub-region.
The meeting commenced with tribute paid by the immediate past ECOWAS Chairman and President of Guinea-Bissau, Umaro Mokhtar Sissoco Embalo, to the leaders for sustaining the organization’s vision despite economic challenges and regional conflicts.
Embalo highlighted Mali, Burkina Faso, and Guinea as countries where the constitutional order had been disrupted.
He commended Nigeria and Sierra Leone for upholding constitutional order through successful democratic processes and elections.
Leaders from the sub-region attended the meeting, which focused on strengthening the institutions of ECOWAS.
Tinubu stressed the need for the ongoing institutional reforms to be concluded, emphasizing the significance of community levies in funding the organization.
He called for the positive impact of ECOWAS programs and projects on citizens, aligning with the shift in the organization’s slogan from “ECOWAS of State” to “ECOWAS of People.”
Tinubu also emphasized the importance of increased private sector participation in driving economic development and social integration among member states.
He expressed the intention to promote trade, investment, and business cooperation, addressing barriers to intra-regional trade and creating a conducive business environment.
The goal is to unlock the economic potentials of the region and foster employment, sustainable development, and prosperity for its citizens.
However, amidst these aspirations, the Nigerian President issued a warning about the alarming level of threats to peace in the sub-region, including terrorism and the emerging trend of military takeovers.
Tinubu stressed the urgent need for concerted actions to address these challenges.
“We must stand firm on democracy. There is no governance, freedom and rule of law without Democracy. We will not accept coup after coup in West Africa again. Democracy is very difficult to manage but it is the best form of government.
“There is no one here among us who did not campaign to be a leader. We didn’t give our soldiers resources. We didn’t invest in them, in their boots, in their training to violate the freedom of the people.
“To turn their guns against civil authorities is a violation of the principles upon which they were hired which is to defend the sovereignty of their nations. We must not sit in ECOWAS as toothless bulldogs
The summit served as a platform to strategize and align efforts towards peace, socio-economic development, and inclusive growth within the West African sub-region.