President Bola Tinubu has said the interest and welfare of the citizens in Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger remain priorities for leaders of ECOWAS, assuring that wisdom and diplomacy will make the difference in reintegrating the countries into the commission.
He gave the assurance on Wednesday while receiving the President of Germany, Frank-Walter Steinmeier, in a state visit at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
President Tinubu, who is the Chairman of ECOWAS, noted that the leadership of the three countries had been reluctant to bring out transition programmes with clear dates.
“Our relationship of mutual respect will continue as we reappraise the situation in the three countries. What I can assure you is that we will not give tolerance to unconstitutional government.
“We will continue to lead by example. We have innocent citizens who are victims of the military. We will continue to explore diplomatic channels to navigate without punishing innocent people.
“We will continue to allow free movement and trade. Though the transition programme is not sure or certain, we will not punish the innocent citizens; they are not in possession of power,’’ he said.
President Tinubu told the German leader that the regional body would leave the door open for the return of democracy in the countries.
“This is what ECOWAS will stand for. Whatever is happening in the countries, we are mindful of the well-being of the citizens. I don’t want to personalise issues as ECOWAS Chairman. We will leave the door for collaboration,’’ the president added.
In his response, the German President said the re-integration of the three countries will have a significant impact on the economy and security of the West Coast.
“We will talk bilateral and regional issues. We just had a meeting with the President of the ECOWAS Commission. We know how important it is to have regional cooperation. We are part of the European Union.
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