Abuja, Dec. 10, 2023 – President Bola Tinubu, the Chairman of the Authority of ECOWAS, on Sunday called on leaders to improve on good governance and rule of law for sustenance of democracy in the sub-region.
Tinubu gave the advice in his opening address at the 64th Ordinary Session of the Authority of Heads of State and Government in Abuja.
He said that there was no place for military rule in Africa any longer, adding that the objective of the insistence on democracy by ECOWAS was to prioritise good governance in the region.
Tinubu reiterated that military rule is an aberration that subverts the popular will of the people, hence it no longer has a place in Africa.
“The message must go out loud and clear military rule has become an aberration that subverts the popular will of the people. It no longer has any place in Africa.
“Our people must be allowed to exercise their freedom of choice without let or hindrance. For democracy to endure in our sub-region, we must improve on good government and respect human rights and the rule of law.
“While the imposition of punitive sanctions may pose challenges, it is important to underscore that the struggle to protect the fundamental liberties of our Community Citizens must be upheld and respected.
“To this end, I would like to reiterate the imperative of re-engaging with the countries under military rule on the basis of realistic and short transition plans that can deliver democracy and good governance.
“On our part, we should be prepared to provide them with technical and material support to ensure the achievement of these strategic goals.
“We must pay attention to protect the institution and protect democracy I wish to underscore the fact that we stand against the unconstitutional change of government in our sub-region and we will continue to do so.”
Tinubu commended his Liberian counterpart, George Weah, for conceding defeat at the just-concluded presidential elections and laying the groundwork for a smooth transition of power.
“By conceding defeat and congratulating his opponent, President Weah has left a legacy to be emulated by politicians in our region and beyond.
“On behalf of Members of the Authority, I express gratitude for his significant contributions to the Organization and wish him the very best in all his future endeavours,” said the President.
He assured the Sierra Leonean President, Julius Bio and Guinea Bissau’s Umaro Embalo of the bloc’s support in preserving democracy.
“On the recent disturbances in Sierra Leone and Guinea Bissau, let me express my solidarity with the People and Government of Sierra Leone and Guinea Bissau.
“I wish also to underscore our unequivocal stance against any form of unconstitutional change of government in our sub-region.
“I therefore urge all of us to stand strong and united in solidarity with the People and Governments of Sierra Leone and Guinea Bissau in the face of these unfortunate incidents.”
Dr Omar Touray, the President of the ECOWAS Commission, expressed regret that while the Niger Junta continues to hold Bazoum and his family hostage, they are also interfering with the flow of humanitarian support to vulnerable populations.
“The military authorities have unfortunately shown little remorse as they hold onto their untenable positions, holding not only Mohamed Bazoum, his family and members of his government hostage, but also the people of Niger.
He also highlighted massive cash transfers by the junta in violation of the existing ECOWAS sanctions, saying, “Despite the successful application of the sanctions, we observed with concerns some breaches…including massive movement of physical cash by individuals across the borders.”
The meeting is the third since President Tinubu assumed the chairmanship of the authority of ECOWAS on June 9, 2023. (GBN)
