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Good Governance Will Address Military Interventions In West Africa – Tinubu

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President Bola Tinubu, on Sunday, implored West African leaders to prioritize good governance and collective prosperity as an essential tool to prevent authoritarian takeovers of power and unconstitutional changes of government in the region.

The Nigerian leader, who is also the Chairman of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government, said this at the 64th ordinary session of the West African bloc at the State House, Abuja.

Addressing the high-powered regional gathering, the President identified good governance as a key catalyst to secure popular support through the socio-economic transformation and development of West Africa.

ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government held a meeting in Abuja on Sunday, December 10, 2023. Credit: The Presidency.

“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,” a statement from the Presidency quoted Tinubu to have said.

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, the President said the bloc has outlined specific measures to be taken against any member state opting for an unconstitutional change of government.

“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,” he said.

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

He invited leaders at the summit and other participants to give a standing ovation to President Weah. He also acknowledged the presence of former President Goodluck Jonathan of Nigeria, who in 2015, displayed a similar commitment to democratic ideals after losing his re-election to the opposition candidate, Muhammadu Buhari.

“I would also like to seize this opportunity to extend my heartfelt congratulations to the people of the Republic of Liberia for the successful conduct of the presidential election, widely adjudged to be free, fair, and credible.

“Let me also commend my brother and colleague, His Excellency George Weah, for his exemplary leadership and conduct throughout the electoral process.

“By accepting defeat and congratulating his opponent, President Weah has left a legacy to be emulated by politicians in our region and beyond,” he said.

President Tinubu also responded to the recent decision by some ECOWAS-member states, under military rule, to float a so-called ‘Alliance of Sahel States’, describing it as distracting and emphasizing the commitment to pursuing ECOWAS integration.

“The phantom pushback Alliance appears intended to divert our attention from our mutual belief in and commitment to democracy and good governance that will impact the lives of our people.

“We refuse to be distracted from pursuing the collective dreams, aspirations, and the noble path of ECOWAS integration as it is laid out in our institutional and legal frameworks.

“I take this opportunity to also emphasize that despite the numerous challenges faced in our region, ECOWAS has achieved significant milestones for the betterment of our community.

“ECOWAS activities have always been people-oriented, with a future of raising the living standard of our people. We have to do that through a relentless focus on qualitative service delivery and good governance,” he added.

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.

“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 President stated.

International

Nigeria’s Enang Presents Credentials to German President Steinmeier (Images)

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Senator Ambassador Ita Solomon Enang, LLD, OFR, has formally presented his Letters of Credence to the Federal President of Germany, His Excellency Frank-Walter Steinmeier, in Berlin.

The solemn ceremony, conducted in accordance with diplomatic tradition, included a welcome parade by the German military, the signing of the Accreditation Register at the Presidency, and the formal presentation of credentials. President Steinmeier subsequently received Ambassador Enang for bilateral discussions.

Ambassador Enang expressed deep gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for the honour of his appointment as Nigeria’s Ambassador to Germany.

During the talks, President Steinmeier commended the excellent relations between Nigeria and Germany. He recalled state visits and meetings on the sidelines of multilateral forums, and noted the swift processing of Germany’s incoming Ambassador to Nigeria.

Discussions focused on strengthening economic ties, particularly in the power sector, including off-grid technology and Siemens projects; agriculture and food security; citizen diplomacy; and migration and consular matters. Emphasis was placed on opportunities for skilled Nigerians in medicine, technology, IT, artificial intelligence and other fields under a proposed formal Nigeria-Germany migration agreement.

The two sides also addressed Nigeria’s leadership role in ECOWAS and the importance of engaging Sahelian states that have left the regional body for improved security coordination. Other topics included attracting German automobile assembly plants to Nigeria to promote local manufacturing, technology transfer and job creation, rather than continuing imports of fully assembled vehicles.

They reviewed Germany’s role as guarantor of the Green Tree Agreement following the International Court of Justice ruling on the Nigeria-Cameroon land and maritime boundary, including issues related to Bakassi and population displacements. Interest from German firms in capturing flared gas in the Niger Delta for electricity generation, as well as Nigerian oil’s place in the German economy, was also discussed.

Ambassador Enang conveyed the Federal Government of Nigeria’s appreciation for the humanitarian aid donation announced by German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul during a courtesy call on Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Ojukwu, on 22 July 2026.

Both sides noted the strong personal relations between President Tinubu and President Steinmeier and discussed the value of further high-level state visits. The audience was attended by designated federal ministers and named members of the German Federal Government.

The meeting concluded with an exchange of memorabilia involving officials of the German Federal Foreign Office, the Nigerian Mission in Berlin and the visiting delegation. Ambassador Enang was accompanied by Deputy Head of Mission Ambassador Bashir, Head of Chancery H.E. Dr (Mrs) Chioma Haidara, his wife H.E. Dr (Mrs) Rosemary Ita Enang, his son Mr Charles Ita Enang and his daughter Engr Dr Roses Ita Enang.

As the ceremony closed, a detachment of the German military rendered honours while the Nigerian flag was simultaneously hoisted at the Presidency of the Federal Republic of Germany.

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International

Trump threatens Iran bridges, power plant in latest Hormuz attacks

Trump told reporters that he was “not finished” with a war that has already cost Washington $37.5 billion.

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US President Donald Trump threatened on Wednesday to bomb Iranian bridge or power plant each time Theran attack ship in the Strait of Hormuz.

The latest round of escalation began on July 18.

Trump told reporters that he was “not finished” with a war that has already cost Washington $37.5 billion.

Fighting over the strait led to the collapse of a preliminary deal between the United States and Iran, and Tehran has reimposed its blockade on the strategic conduit for oil and gas shipments, firing on vessels that seek to transit.

The blockade has rattled markets and sent oil prices climbing, adding to the pressure on Trump to find an off-ramp to a conflict that has hit Americans’ pocketbooks heading into closely-fought midterm elections.

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International

Zelensky sacks Ukraine’s top army commander after days of protests

Syrskyi was replaced by Mykhailo Drapatyi, 43, who is a popular, battle-hardened general.

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•Zelensky

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has dismissed the country’s army commander-in-chief, Oleksandr Syrskyi.

It comes just days after the removal of popular Defence Minister Mykhailo Fedorov – a move that triggered street protests across the country.Initial rumours that the end of Fedorov’s tenure was related to a conflict between him and Syrskyi were soon confirmed.

Fedorov, 35, has been widely praised for energising the ministry and transforming the armed forces, as well as leading a drive against corruption.

Syrskyi, 60, is seen by many in Ukraine as a Soviet-school commander reluctant to implement radical changes in the army.

Syrskyi defended his record in a farewell address, writing on Telegram: “An army that was fighting a difficult defensive campaign two years ago is now on the offensive.””I am handing over to my successor an army that is not only holding the line but is advancing… I sincerely hope this offensive will continue.”

Syrskyi was replaced by Mykhailo Drapatyi, 43, who is a popular, battle-hardened general.

” I will work responsibly, with full focus, and with respect for the people who are defending our country today,” Drapatyi said on Facebook

BBC

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