President Bola Tinubu hosted Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye on Thursday.
Tinubu said an alignment of purpose and structure in West Africa would solve its problems during their brief interaction at the Presidential Villa.
Tinubu believes West Africa must unite to fight terrorism, banditry, human trafficking, and poverty.
He advised regional leaders to make the people the point of convergence in governance, saying democracy loses its essence when they are not.
The president stressed the importance of protecting democratic governance, values, and constitutional order.
He added that democracy depends on respecting critical institutions like the judiciary and the rule of law.
Senegal demonstrated constitutional democracy to the world and Africa. I’m glad to meet our youth’s hopes and aspirations with you. You fit perfectly.
A crucial time for constitutional democracy, especially in West Africa. Your freedom-based struggle is remarkable, President Tinubu said.
The president called Nigeria and Senegal brothers, citing their long cooperation.
President Tinubu: “We’re brothers. Democracy is our shared interest. We must work hard to sustain democracy for our people.
“Thank you for being a shining example of patience, perseverance, and democratic values.
“We must work together to prioritise our people in democracy. Your belief in African sovereignty is shared by all. How can we work for our people and make them the focus of our democracy if we break the law and promote an unconstitutional government takeover?
“As ECOWAS Chairman, I invite you to collaborate and meet those brothers. Encourage them to return.
Our collaboration will continue. We have a good background and will promote democracy. Partnering to build freedom in economic growth, development, and governance is essential. We must reassure our people and follow through.”
