President Bola Tinubu has asserted Nigeria’s unwavering support for the African Union (AU) and the Islamic world in their efforts to secure stability and prosperity for Africa.
According to a statement by Ajuri Ngelale, Special Adviser to the President (Media & Publicity), Tinubu made the remarks on Monday in New York during bilateral discussions with the President of the Union of Comoros and Chairperson of the AU, President Azali Assoumani, and the Secretary-General of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), Hissein Brahim Taha.
The president emphasised the importance of peace and constitutional order as prerequisites for sustainable development, and commended the AU for its efforts to bring about peace in the Sahel and Sudan.
“Peace in Sudan will be a great achievement,” Tinubu said. “I appreciate your effort in Burkina Faso and our effective cooperation on Niger.”
Tinubu also reiterated his commitment to collaborating with the OIC to promote peace and development in Africa and across the globe.
“The effort we are making in the Sahel is very important. We know we must double our efforts. We must tell our muslim brothers who are struggling to steal power that only Allah chooses leaders. We must respect the will of Allah,” he said.
The leaders of the AU and OIC praised Tinubu for his active role in bringing African states to a place of common understanding and his bold leadership on economic reform and geopolitical stability.
Azali Assoumani noted that the AU seeks to complete Nigeria’s effort in securing peace and prosperity in Africa, rather than competing with it.
“It is our responsibility to confront the extra-constitutional wrestling for power on the continent. We have told China and Russia that they have a responsibility to ensure that there is stability in these countries, as there will be no developmental partnership where there is a lack of stability in countries being impacted by coupists. We appreciate your stand on these matters,”
The leader of the OIC, a 57-nation body said: “We must gain consensus on the need for peace, especially amongst our member states. When you were elected as ECOWAS Chairman, it gave us confidence and hope that the situation in the Sahel region would improve because you are bringing people together. We were also happy about your election as President of Nigeria and we see the changes”.
The OIC Secretary-General extended an invitation to Tinubu to participate at the OIC Heads of State Summit, expected to hold in a few months.