In an earlier report, we promised to bring you the details of the meeting between President Bola Tinubu and his Senegalese counterpart, Bassirou Faye.
It was on Thursday, May 16, that the Senegal President arrived in Nigeria.
Faye met with President Tinubu at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.
After their meeting, a statement was issued by the presidential spokesman, Ajuri Ngelale.
Ngelale quoted President Tinubu saying that countries in West Africa must unite to defeat the scourge of terrorism, human trafficking, and poverty in the region.
Democracy
Tinubu urged leaders in the region to make the people the focal point of governance.
To him, the essence of democracy is lost when citizens are not enjoying dividends.
The president emphasised that democratic values and constitutional order are sacrosanct and must be protected.
He added that critical institutions like the judiciary must be respected and obeyed for the sustenance of democracy.
He said: “Constitutional democracy is what Senegal proved to the rest of the world and Africa.
It is a joy to have you here and to meet the hope and aspirations of our youths. You fit in perfectly well.”
Brotherly Nations
“A critical time it is in the history of constitutional democracy, particularly in West Africa.
What you have embarked upon, a struggle couched in freedom, is remarkable.”
President Tinubu described Nigeria and Senegal as brotherly nations.
In fact, he recounted both countries’ long history of cooperation.
In his words: “We are brothers. We have shared an interest in democracy.
To make democracy sustainable in the interest of our people, we definitely must work hard.
“I am glad that you are a shining example of patience, perseverance, and commitment to democratic values.
Sovereignty Of Africa
“We must partner to make our people the focus of our democratic commitment.
Your belief in the sovereignty of Africa is shared by all of us.
“But how can we work for our people and make them the focus of our democracy if we are violating the rule of law and promoting an unconstitutional takeover of government?
“As the chairman of ECOWAS, I am inviting you to collaborate and meet those other brothers.
To persuade them to come back to the fold.
“We will continue to work together. Our countries share good backgrounds, and we will continue to embrace and promote democratic governance.
“We must be able to partner and build the freedom we believe in – in economic growth, development, and other spheres of governance.
It is left for us to provide assurance to our people and walk our talk.”
Bassirou Faye Speaks
“We must defeat human trafficking; we must defeat terrorism, banditry, and poverty in our society.
That must be our focus and commitment.”
Meanwhile Bassirou Faye spoke during the meeting.
Faye acknowledged Nigeria and Senegal’s shared values and challenges.
He noted that both nations have always had good relations since the 1960s.
He called for the reactivation of the Nigeria-Senegal joint commission.
This, to him will strengthen bilateral relations across the areas of diplomacy, trade, and other spheres.
Tinubu’s Wisdom
On ECOWAS, Faye said with Tinubu’s wisdom and experience, relations among member states can be strengthened for the advancement of the community.
He said: “The good relations we have and the relations between our private sectors should be beneficial to our countries.
“ECOWAS is the beacon of successful regional integration in Africa and globally. It is something we owe to the founding fathers of the community.
“I have no doubt that you want to continue this legacy of integration. The union is going through a rough patch, but not everything is lost.
“I know I can rely on your wisdom and experience, as the leader of this great African nation.
United We Stand
“Your wisdom and your democratic values should be an asset to that vision, and my youth and determination can also be an asset.
Also Read: Senegalese President, Bassirou Faye Visits Bola Tinubu In Aso Rock
“If we come together, with all these assets and advantages, I am convinced we can open a window of opportunity to discuss.
“United, we are stronger.
Faced with common challenges, such as human trafficking, migrant smuggling, and all other challenges.
We need to show resolve to confront these challenges so that economically we can thrive and satisfy the wishes of our people.”
