President Bola Tinubu on Thursday received President Bassirou Diomaye Faye of Senegal and called for an alignment of purpose and structures in West Africa to effectively address the challenges facing the region.
During a meeting with the Senegalese President at the State House, President Tinubu said West Africa must work together to defeat the serious problems of terrorism, banditry, human trafficking and poverty.
He advised that the region’s leaders must make the people the focal point in governance, noting that the essence of democracy is lost when the people are not the focal point.
The president emphasized that democratic governance, democratic values and constitutional order are sacrosanct and must be protected.
He also stated that critical institutions and precepts, such as the judiciary and the rule of law, must be respected and observed for the sustenance of democracy.
President Bola Tinubu received President Bassirou Diomaye Faye of Senegal on Thursday
“Constitutional democracy is what Senegal demonstrated to the rest of the world and to Africa. It’s a joy to have you here; to satisfy the hope and aspiration of our young people. You fit perfectly well.
“We are at a critical moment in the history of constitutional democracy, particularly in West Africa. What they have undertaken, a struggle based on freedom, is extraordinary,” President Tinubu said.
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The president described Nigeria and Senegal as sister nations and recounted the long history of cooperation between both countries.
“We are brothers. We have a shared interest in democracy. For democracy to be sustainable in the interest of our people, we must definitely work hard.
“I am glad that he is a shining example of patience, perseverance and commitment to democratic values.
“We must partner to make our people the center of our democratic commitment. All of us share his belief in the sovereignty of Africa. But how can we work for our people and make them the center of our democracy if we are violating the rule of law and promoting an unconstitutional takeover of the government?
“As president of ECOWAS, I invite you to collaborate and get to know these other brothers. To persuade them to return to the fold.
“We will continue working together. We share a good track record and 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 up to us to provide security for our people and do what we preach.
“We must defeat human trafficking; We must defeat terrorism, banditry and poverty in our society. That must be our focus and commitment,” President Tinubu said.
In his remarks, President Faye acknowledged the shared values, ideals and challenges of Nigeria and Senegal, and emphasized that both nations have always had good relations since the 1960s.
“The good relations we have and the relations between our private sectors should be beneficial for our countries,” he said.
The Senegalese president, who took office recently after his election, called for the revival of the Nigeria-Senegal joint commission to strengthen bilateral relations in the areas of diplomacy, trade and other spheres.
Speaking on ECOWAS, President Faye said with the wisdom and experience of President Tinubu, relations between member states can be strengthened and reinforced for the advancement of the community.
“ECOWAS is the beacon of successful regional integration in Africa and globally. It is something we owe to the founding fathers of the community and I have no doubt that they want to continue this legacy of integration. The union is going through a rough patch, but all is not lost.
“I know I can trust your wisdom and experience, as the leader of this great African nation and most recent example of Senegal; so that together, hand in hand, we can grow together, and that we can argue with our brothers and convince them to return to the fold. Come back and share our common democratic values and what we stand for.
“Your wisdom and democratic values should be an asset to that vision, and my youth and determination can also be an asset. If we unite, with all these assets and advantages, I am convinced that we can open a window of opportunity to debate.
“United we are stronger. In the face of common challenges, such as human trafficking, migrant smuggling and all other challenges, we must show determination to confront them so that we can prosper economically and meet the wishes of our people,” said the Senegalese president.
Senegalese president receives honorary citizenship of Abuja
Meanwhile, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has conferred honorary citizenship of Abuja on President Faye.
Wike had earlier represented President Tinubu to welcome the Senegalese leader upon his arrival at the Presidential Wing of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja on Thursday.
The Minister honored President Faye with the title of honorary citizenship of Abuja, along with the symbolic key to the city.
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In conferring the title, Wike extended to the Senegalese president all the rights and privileges of a citizen, highlighting the long-standing friendship and cordial ties between Nigeria and Senegal.
President Faye was accompanied to the Presidential Villa by a government delegation.