ECOWAS summit: Tinubu visits Nigerian troops in Guinea-Bissau, reassures commitment to global peace
Nigerian President Bola Tinubu on Saturday, reassured his commitment to thriving peace in Nigeria.
Tinubu, while speaking during a visit to the Nigerian troops under the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) stabilisation force in Guinea-Bissau, in a statement released by Dele Alake, the president’s special adviser on communications and strategy, thanked the soldiers for their dedication and service to Nigeria and their host country.
He added that Nigeria would continue to support democracy in the West Africa sub-region and around the world.
Tinubu said, “Nigeria is a giant that has made its mark in Sierra Leone and Liberia and other places. We count on your support for the defence of constitutional order. I heard your allowances have been paid up to date. Nothing else should make you angry. We will continue to build a virile force.”
“We are proud of you. Proud of your loyalty. Nigeria depends on you. There will be peace and progress in our country.
“I am here to show solidarity with you. I want to assure you we are committed to supporting peace and democracy not only in West Africa but around the world.”
In his remarks, the commander of the troops, Al-Hassan Grema, thanked Tinubu for his commitment, while noting that he was the first president in Nigeria’s history to visit the soldiers outside the shore of the country.
The Informant247 reported that President Bola Ahmed Ahmed Tinubu will on Saturday, July 8, depart Nigeria for Guinea-Bissau to attend the 63rd ordinary session of the authority of heads of state and government of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) in Bissau.
In a statement issued by the special adviser to president on special duties, communications and strategy Dele Alake, on Friday, said the summit, which takes place on Sunday, July 9, is expected to address memoranda on pressing sub-regional issues, including the report of the 50th Ordinary Session of the Mediation and Security Council (MSC) covering security challenges faced by the member countries.
According to Alake, the report of the 90th Ordinary Session of the ECOWAS Council of Ministers on the financial situation of the body, the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), as well as the report of the transition in the republics of Mali, Burkina Faso, and Guinea, will also be considered.
Other items slated for discussion include memoranda on the ECOWAS single currency programme and the report on obstacles to the free movement of goods in the Abidjan-Lagos corridor.
The President will be accompanied by members of the Presidential Policy Advisory Council and other top government officials and he is expected to be back in the country at the end of the meeting.
The ECOWAS trip will mark the second time President Tinubu will represent Nigeria at an international forum after returning from France, where he attended a financial summit.
