Outgoing President of the ECOWAS Commission, Alieu Touray, has attributed the easing of political tensions and improving stability across West Africa to the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Nigeria.
Touray described President Tinubu as a dedicated statesman whose diplomatic leadership has contributed significantly to calming tensions and reinforcing stability across West Africa.
Speaking to State House Correspondents after a farewell meeting with the President in Abuja, Touray said Nigeria’s leadership had played a significant role in easing political and security tensions across West Africa.
“If today we are saying West Africa tension has gone down in West Africa, we should give credit to President Tinubu and to Nigeria,” Touray said.
He stressed that Nigeria’s strategic role within ECOWAS remained indispensable, noting that Tinubu’s administration consistently demonstrated leadership whenever the region required direction.
“Nigeria’s role in West Africa continues to be extremely important, and I am happy that the president appreciates this role and the leaders, including the Honourable Minister of Foreign Affairs, Honourable Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, and all cabinet members of Nigeria, they have played their role wherever they were called upon to lead the region,” he said.
Touray was at the Presidential Villa to formally bid farewell to President Tinubu as the tenure of the current ECOWAS Commission draws to a close at the end of August.
He said the meeting afforded him the opportunity to acknowledge President Tinubu’s contributions and sustained support for ECOWAS throughout his tenure.
“As you know, the mandate of the existing ECOWAS management ends at the end of this month, and I’ve had the opportunity to come and bid His Excellency President Tinubu farewell as we prepare to hand over and leave office, and that’s the purpose of my visit to the State House,” he said.
Describing President Tinubu as a pillar of regional cooperation, Touray said the Nigerian leader’s contributions had extended beyond the country’s borders to the entire African continent.
“President Tinubu has been a pillar in the region, and we couldn’t leave without thanking him for the role he has played, and he continues to play, not only for Nigeria but for the entire region and Africa.
“And he’s been gracious to give me this audience, and I will come to bid him farewell,” he said.
Reviewing his two years at the helm of the ECOWAS Commission, Touray described working with President Tinubu as a rewarding experience, highlighting his accessibility, support and dedication to advancing regional integration in West Africa.
“I have been humbled by the president’s generosity and openness. I served under him as President of the Commission for two years.
“As you know, President Tinubu served as Chair of the ECOWAS Authority for two terms, and he has demonstrated leadership. He has shown commitment to West Africa’s future, to West African integration.
“So I feel privileged to have this opportunity to work with him, listen to his counsel and his advice,” he added.
