Outgoing President of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), Dr Omar Alieu Touray, has commended Nigeria’s leadership role in fostering cordial political relations within the sub-region.
He gave the commendation on Thursday night when he paid a farewell visit to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.
Checks revealed that the tenure of the current ECOWAS Commission management will end in August.
Dr Touray said his visit was to thank President Tinubu for his leadership, particularly during the Nigerian President’s tenure as Chairman of the ECOWAS Authority.
He said: “If today we are saying tensions in West Africa have reduced, we should give credit to President Tinubu and to Nigeria.
“Nigeria’s role in West Africa continues to be extremely important, and I am happy that the President appreciates this role. The leaders, including the Honourable Minister of Foreign Affairs, the Honourable Minister of State for Foreign Affairs and all members of Nigeria’s cabinet, have played their roles whenever they were called upon to lead the region.
“As you know, the mandate of the existing ECOWAS Commission 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. That’s the purpose of my visit to the State House.
“President Tinubu has been a pillar in the region, and we couldn’t leave without thanking him for the role he has played, and continues to play, not only for Nigeria but for the entire region and Africa.
“And he has been gracious enough to grant me this audience, and I have come to bid him farewell.”
He disclosed that he had a good working relationship with President Tinubu and had benefited from his leadership qualities.
“I have been humbled by the President’s generosity and openness. I served under him as President of the ECOWAS Commission for two years.
“As you know, President Tinubu served as Chairman of the ECOWAS Authority for two terms, and he has demonstrated leadership. He has shown commitment to West Africa’s future and to West African integration.
“So I feel privileged to have had this opportunity to work with him and to benefit from his counsel and advice.”