President Bola Tinubu has emphasised the need to prioritise the interest and welfare of citizens in the West African countries.
The President spoke on Wednesday in Abuja in the backdrop of the exit of
Mali, Niger Republic and Burkina Faso from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).
It was part of the Nigerian leader’s discussion with the visiting German President, Mr Frank–Walter Steinmeier at the State House.
The three West African countries exited ECOWAS shortly after their militaries toppled elected governments and instituted military rule in the countries.
The military rulers in the three countries had rebuffed attempts by the leadership of the ECOWAS to bring them back to the fold.
A statement by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, quoted Tinubu as saying that the regional body will continue to explore diplomatic means to bring them back to ECOWAS.
Tinubu, who is the chairman of ECOWAS, was further quoted to have told the German leader that the three countries have been reluctant to put in place a transition to civil rule programme with clear dates.
“Our relationship of mutual respect will continue as we reappraise the situation in the three countries. What I can assure is that we will not give tolerance to unconstitutional government.
“We will continue to lead by example. We have innocent citizens who are victims of the military. We will continue to explore diplomatic channels to navigate without punishing the innocent people.
“We will continue to allow free movement and trade. Though the transition programme is not sure or certain, we will not punish the innocent citizens; they are not in possession of power,’’ he was reported to have said.
The statement added that President Tinubu told the German leader that the ECOWAS would continue to leave its doors open for the return of democracy in the countries.
“This is what ECOWAS will stand for. Whatever is happening in the countries, we are mindful of the wellbeing of the citizens. I don’t want to personalize issues as ECOWAS Chairman. We will leave the door for collaboration,’’ the President added.
In his response, the German President was reported to have said the re-integration of the three countries will have significant impact on the economy and security of the West Coast.
“We will talk bilateral and regional issues. We just had a meeting with the President of ECOWAS Commission. We know how important it is to have regional cooperation. We are part of the European Union.
“For Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso, there are serious security and economic consequences for not carrying on together. We understand why ECOWAS security members are insisting on diplomacy.
“It is not easy but you will need to use your diplomacy to keep the commission and the region together.
“While you are using diplomatic means to bring Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso to rethink their position, you should have emergency plans in place for future economic cooperation,’’ the German was quoted as saying.
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Tinubu Hopeful Of Mali, Niger, Burkina Faso’s Return To ECOWAS is first published on The Whistler Newspaper