President Muhammadu Buhari has said that peaceful transitions on the African continent are no longer negotiable, considering the heavy toll of political crises on the economy and ordinary citizens.
The President said this on Thursday during a ceremony to receive Letters of Credence at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, the nation’s capital.
He noted that political transitions on the continent must be properly managed to safeguard countries from slipping into crises that slow down economic growth and throw citizens into avoidable hardships.
“At this stage in ECOWAS, we are working on consolidating our relationships to ensure that we bequeath a safe and secure region to the next generation by ensuring peace transitions, President Buhari told the Ambassador of the Republic of Togo, Mr Lene Dimban.
He said the political challenges faced in some African countries like South Sudan usually spiral into neighbouring countries, leaving the entire continent more vulnerable and forcing governments to channel meagre resources into fighting internal crises.
In a statement signed by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity Mr Femi Adesina, the President vowed that his administration would work hard with other ECOWAS Heads of State to prevent political transitions from snowballing into crisis.
According to him, this is to enable citizens in the region to focus their energies and resources on developmental issues, rather than trying to survive political upheavals.
President Buhari also received Letters of Credence from the Ambassadors of the Republic of Vietnam, Mr Pham Anh Tuan, and the Republic of Burundi, Mr Emmanuel Mpfayokurera.
He assured the countries that Nigeria would continue to work hard to improve its diplomatic relationships and build more progressive partnerships.
President Buhari congratulated the ambassadors on their posting to Nigeria.
In his remark, Mr Dimban told the President that Nigeria and Togo played a major role in the formation of ECOWAS.
In his remark, Mr Dimban told the President that Nigeria and Togo played a major role in the formation of ECOWAS.
He also stressed the need for both countries to remain central in promoting peace and stability in the West African region.
“As a big brother, Nigeria has an important role to play in securing and stabilising the region, and we will always look up to you,” said Dimban.
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