‘We’re not your enemy’ — Tinubu  urges military-led nations to review stance over exit from ECOWAS

‘We’re not your enemy’ — Tinubu  urges military-led nations to review stance over exit from ECOWAS

Joel Oladele, Abuja

The Nigerian President and Chairman, Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Authority of Heads of State and Government, Sen. Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has appealed to the military junta in Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger, to reconsider their decisions to exit the economic bloc and return back to the fold. 

Tinubu made the appeal while declaring open the Extra Ordinary Summit of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of States and Government, in state house Abuja, also admonished the military junta, not to perceive ECOWAS as an enemy.

He noted that the recent decision by the Constitutional Council of Senegal to annul the postponement of the electoral process is a matter that demands ECOWAS attention. 

 “We will deliberate on the announced withdrawal from ECOWAS by the Republics of Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger.

“In the spirit of collective security and African solidarity, we realize that the stability of these nations is intricately linked to the overall peace and security of West Africa. As such, it is pertinent that we engage in constructive deliberations to examine the actions taken by these countries and ensure that the citizens are not denied the benefits derived from our regional integration initiatives.

“In our ensuing discussions, we must put the plight of people, the ordinary citizens at the centre of our decisions.

“I therefore urge them to re-consider the decision of the three of them to exit their home and not to perceive our organization as the enemy. I am confident that through our collective efforts and determination, we will navigate the challenges before us and chart a course towards a more peaceful, secure, and prosperous West Africa”.

The Nigerian President, also applauded President Macky Sall of Senegal for agreeing to abide by the Court’s decision to organize election as soon as possible and to step down in line with the rule of law. 

“We must all commend his courage and statesmanship as we wish him the very best in his future endeavours. Let me underscore that these challenges, though daunting, present an opportunity for ECOWAS to reaffirm its commitment to the vision of our founding fathers and the principles underpinning our commitment to peace, security, and regional integration. We must stand united in our resolve to promote economic integration, democracy, and human rights, with a view to fostering sustainable development across all our member states,” Tinubu said. 

The ECOWAS Chairman added that “Times like we currently face in our sub region demand that ECOWAS Heads of State take difficult but courageous decisions that put the plight of citizens at the centre of their deliberations.”

“Democracy is nothing more than the political framework and the path to addressing the basic needs and aspirations of the people. 

“This is why we must re-examine our current approach to the quest for constitutional order in four of our Member States,” he concluded.