ECOWAS Summit: President Tinubu Urges Nations To Prioritize Good Governance To Prevent Coups

President Bola Tinubu says good governance and collective prosperity can prevent military coups in the West African sub-region.

Tinubu's statement came at the 64th ordinary session of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Authority of Heads of State and Government held in Abuja on Sunday.

Tinubu, who also chairs the ECOWAS union, said delivering good governance is not just a fundamental commitment, but it also helps to address the concerns of the citizens and improve their quality of life while creating a stable environment conducive to sustainable development.

The Nigerian president noted that good governance is essential for a country to tackle various challenges, including poverty, inequality and other concerns of the people.

Apart from successfully addressing some of the "root causes of military interventions in civilian processes in the region," ECOWAS has also outlined specific measures to be taken against member states that encourage an unconstitutional change of government, the president said.

"While the imposition of punitive sanctions may pose challenges, it is important to underscore that the struggle to protect the fundamental liberties of our Community's Citizens must be upheld and respected," he added. "I would like to reiterate the imperative of re-engaging with the countries under military rule on the basis of realistic and short transition plans that can deliver democracy and good governance to the innocent populations in those countries."

The president urged all member states to be prepared to provide technical and material support to countries under military rule to ensure that these strategic goals are achieved.

Tinubu described the recent decision by some ECOWAS-member states, which are under military rule, to float a so-called "Alliance of Sahel States" as "distracting."

"The phantom pushback alliance appears intended to divert our attention from our mutual belief in and commitment to democracy and good governance that will impact the lives of our people," he added.

The ECOWAS chairman also asked fellow leaders to protect democracy in Sierra Leone and Guinea Bissau.

At the gathering, Tinubu praised George Weah, president of Liberia, for conceding victory and congratulating his opponent following the presidential election.

"By accepting defeat and congratulating his opponent, President Weah has left a legacy to be emulated by politicians in our region and beyond," he added.

"Without let or hindrance, democracy will win, if we fight for it, and we will definitely fight for democracy," the president said.

Tinubu was elected as the president of ECOWAS in July. The union, founded in 1975, currently has 15 members in West Africa.