By Cross Udo, Abuja
President Bola Tinubu on Wednesday said the interest and welfare of the citizens in Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger remained a priority for leaders of ECOWAS, assuring that wisdom and diplomacy will make the difference in reintegrating the countries into the commission.
Receiving the President of Germany, Frank–Walter Steinmeier, on a State Visit to the Presidential Villa in Abuja, President Tinubu, who is the Chairman of ECOWAS, noted that the leadership of the three countries had been reluctant to develop transition programmes with precise dates.
In a statement by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President quoted, “Our relationship of mutual respect will continue as we reappraise the situation in the three countries. I assure you that we will not tolerate 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, we will not punish the innocent citizens; they do not have power,” he said.
Tinubu told the German leader that the regional body would allow the return of democracy in the countries.
“This is what ECOWAS will stand for. Whatever happens in the countries, we are mindful of the wellbeing of the citizens. I don’t want to personalize issues as ECOWAS Chairman. We will leave the door for collaboration,” the President added.
In his response, the German President said the reintegration of the three countries would significantly impact the West Coast’s economy and security.
“We will talk about bilateral and regional issues. We just had a meeting with the President of the ECOWAS Commission. We know how crucial regional cooperation is. We are part of the European Union.
“For Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso, there are serious security and economic consequences for not carrying on together. We understand why ECOWAS security members are insisting on diplomacy.
“It is difficult, but you must use diplomacy to keep the commission and the region together.
“While you are using diplomatic means to bring Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso to rethink their position, you should have emergency plans in place for future economic cooperation,” the German leader said.
