"We Will Not Allow Successive Coups" - President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's Address at the ECOWAS Summit

During the 63rd Ordinary Session of the Authority of Heads of State and Government held in Bissau, Guinea-Bissau, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu was unanimously endorsed as the new President of ECOWAS. Accepting the honor on behalf of Nigeria, President Tinubu made a solemn commitment to fulfill the responsibilities of the office and lead an inclusive administration within the regional organization, as stated in a press release by Dele Alake, the President's Special Adviser on Special Duties, Communications, and Strategy.

Addressing the prevailing wave of coup d'états in the region, President Tinubu asserted, "We must stand firm in upholding democracy. Governance, freedom, and the rule of law are inseparable from democracy. We will not tolerate a series of coups in West Africa anymore. Though democracy is challenging to manage, it remains the best form of government."

He further emphasized, "Among us, there is no one who did not campaign to become a leader. We did not provide our soldiers with resources or invest in their training and equipment to violate the people's freedom." President Tinubu condemned the violation of principles committed by armed forces turning against civil authorities, highlighting that they were initially hired to safeguard their nations' sovereignty. He warned against ECOWAS being a toothless entity, urging collective action and resolve.

Drawing attention to the alarming threat to regional peace, including terrorism and a growing pattern of military takeovers, President Tinubu emphasized the urgent need for concerted action. He expressed concerns over insecurity and the detrimental impact of terrorism on the region's progress and development.

President Tinubu called for united efforts from member states, promising to harmonize frameworks and translate the aspirations of ECOWAS into reality under his leadership. He stated, "The threat to peace and security has reached critical levels, necessitating immediate action to address these challenges. Without a peaceful environment, the region's progress and development will remain elusive. Hence, we must remain committed to utilizing all available regional frameworks to combat insecurity effectively."

The President highlighted ECOWAS' security architecture, which encompasses various kinetic and non-kinetic operations, including preventive diplomacy, the Regional Plan of Action on Fight against Terrorism 2020-2024, and the operationalization of the ECOWAS Standby Force on Fight Against Terrorism. He emphasized the need to harmonize these plans, mobilize resources, and demonstrate the political will to counter terrorism effectively.

Reflecting on his emergence as Chairman during his first participation in the summit, President Tinubu expressed humility and gratitude for the trust placed in him, vowing to serve the community's best interests. He emphasized his commitment to political stability, peace, and security, regional economic integration, and strengthening ECOWAS institutions, with democracy and good governance serving as the foundation for peace and sustainable development.

Under the pillar of political stability, he emphasized the importance of democracy and good governance as fundamental to the progress and development of societies. President Tinubu expressed his dedication to deepening democracy and good governance in the region, strengthening democratic institutions, respecting human rights, and upholding the rule of law. He also pledged to engage with countries in transition to facilitate their prompt return to democratic rule.

The new ECOWAS Chairman called for increased private sector participation to promote economic development and social integration among member states. He emphasized the need for collective efforts to achieve inclusive economic integration, driven by the private sector, to unlock the region's vast economic potential. President Tinubu stressed the importance of promoting trade, investment, and business cooperation by addressing barriers to intra-regional trade and fostering a conducive business environment. He highlighted the significance of economic partnerships in generating employment, sustainable development, and prosperity for the region's citizens.

In this regard, President Tinubu pledged to collaborate with regional economic facilitation platforms such as the Federation of West Africa Chamber of Commerce and Industry (FEWACCI) and the ECOWAS Trade Organization Network to achieve desired goals.

President Tinubu assured regional leaders of the immediate implementation of his vision, announcing Nigeria's plan to convene an ECOWAS Extraordinary Summit on Trade and Investment in October 2023. This summit aims to showcase member states' potentials and promote business cooperation among various organized private sectors within the region. He also emphasized the need to strengthen ECOWAS institutions and conclude ongoing institutional reforms, ensuring that citizens benefit from the organization's programs and projects.

Expressing gratitude to the Heads of State and citizens of the Community for their trust, President Tinubu concluded by highlighting the shared values of peace, democracy, and economic prosperity, which can shape a brighter future for the region.

In his welcome address, the outgoing ECOWAS Chairman and President of the Republic of Guinea-Bissau, Umaro Mokhtar Sissoco Embalo, commended fellow leaders for sustaining the organization's vision despite global economic challenges and turmoil within the region. He mentioned Mali, Burkina Faso, and the Republic of Guinea as countries where constitutional order had been disrupted while acknowledging Nigeria and Sierra Leone for maintaining constitutional order through successful democratic elections.




https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IZhc0MwwG00

ECOWAS need an active mobile force, first to protect it's borders and sovereignty, member nations must contribute equipments and men to this, we have dire security challenges in West Africa. I hope talk is marched by action.

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Hmmm . Inec election coup rigger talking about coup .wetin satan no go see for hell fire

Kenneth4u205:
Hmmm . Inec election coup rigger talking about coup .wetin satan no go see for hell fire

Hmmmm

Another western puppet in the making