President Bola Tinubu has enjoined West African leaders to prioritise good governance and collective prosperity as an essential tool to prevent authoritarian takeovers of power and unconstitutional changes of government in the region.

Tinubu, who is the Chairman of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government, identified good governance as a key catalyst to secure popular support through the socio-economic transformation and development of West Africa.

The president said this while addressing the high-powered regional gathering at the 64th ordinary session of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government on Sunday, December 10, 2023.

He said: “The delivery of good governance is not just a fundamental commitment; it is also an avenue to address the concerns of our citizens, to improve their quality of life, and create a stable environment conducive to the achievement of sustainable development.

“By providing good governance that tackles the challenges of poverty, inequality and other concerns of the people, we would have succeeded in addressing some of the root causes of military interventions in civilian processes in our region.”

Recounting decisions taken by West African leaders to further strengthen the region’s democratic achievements and uphold the right of the people to elect the leaders of their choice, President Tinubu said the bloc has outlined specific measures to be taken against any member state opting for an unconstitutional change of government.

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“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’s 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 to the innocent populations in those countries.

“On our part, we should be prepared to provide them with technical and material support, to ensure the achievement of these strategic goals,” Tinubu was quoted as saying in a statement issued by his spokesman, Ajuri Ngelale.

President Tinubu also used the occasion to applaud President George Weah of Liberia for conceding victory and congratulating his opponent in the presidential election held recently in the country.

He also acknowledged the presence of former President Goodluck Jonathan of Nigeria, whom he said in 2015 displayed a similar commitment to democratic ideals after losing his re-election to the opposition candidate, Muhammadu Buhari.

On the recent disturbances in Sierra Leone and Guinea Bissau, the ECOWAS Chairman asked fellow leaders to pay attention to protecting democracy, reiterating ECOWAS’ zero tolerance to unconstitutional changes of government.

Tinubu said: “I urge all of us to stand strong and be highly committed in the face of any challenge in Sierra Leone and Guinea Bissau.

“The message must go down clearly that we support a democratically elected government, not an unconstitutional exercise.

“The re-elected president of Sierra Leone is present here. We are saying loud and clear that we are with you.

“Without let or hindrance, democracy will win, if we fight for it, and we will definitely fight for democracy.”

The Star