By Oluwakemi Kindness
Outgoing President of the ECOWAS Commission, Omar Alieu-Touray, has credited President Bola Tinubu with helping to reduce tensions across West Africa, describing the Nigerian leader as a key figure in promoting regional stability and integration.
Touray made the remarks after a farewell meeting with President Tinubu at the State House, Abuja, ahead of the expiration of the current ECOWAS Commission leadership tenure at the end of August.
He said Nigeria’s leadership remains critical to peace and cooperation in the subregion, adding that recent progress in easing tensions should be attributed to Tinubu and the country’s regional role.
“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 praised the contributions of Nigeria’s foreign affairs officials and other government representatives, saying they had played important roles whenever the region required leadership.
The outgoing ECOWAS Commission President said he visited Tinubu to express appreciation for the support Nigeria provided to the regional bloc during his two-year tenure.
“President Tinubu has been a pillar in the region, and we couldn’t leave without thanking him for the role he has played, not only for Nigeria but for the entire region and Africa.”
Touray also reflected on his working relationship with Tinubu, describing the Nigerian leader as committed to West African integration and the future of the region.
“President Tinubu has demonstrated leadership. He has shown commitment to West Africa’s future and to West African integration.”
The ECOWAS Commission leadership transition is expected at the end of August as the current administration prepares to hand over to a new management team.
