On Thursday, President Bola Tinubu hosted Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye.

Tinubu stated that a purpose and structure alignment in West Africa would effectively address the challenges facing the region during their brief interactive session at the Presidential Villa.

Tinubu asserts that cooperation among West African nations is necessary to tackle the multifaceted issues of poverty, human trafficking, banditry, and terrorism.

He counselled the region’s leaders to make the people the centre of governance, pointing out that democracy loses its essence when the people are not the centre of attention.

The president underlined that constitutional order, democratic governance, and democratic values are inviolable and need to be preserved.

He added that for democracy to survive, important institutions and principles like the rule of law and the judiciary must be upheld.

Senegal demonstrated constitutional democracy to the rest of Africa and the world. Meeting you here and getting to know the aspirations and hopes of our youth is a pleasure. You are a perfect fit here.

In the history of constitutional democracy, especially in West Africa, this is a pivotal moment. It’s amazing what you have started, a battle grounded in freedom, said President Tinubu.

The president recalled the lengthy history of collaboration between Senegal and Nigeria and called both countries “brotherly.”

According to President Tinubu, “We are brothers.” Democracy is something that interests us both. We have to put in a lot of effort if we want democracy to be sustainable for the benefit of our people.

“I’m happy to see that you are a bright example of tolerance, tenacity, and dedication to democratic principles.

To make our people the centre of our democratic commitment, we must collaborate. We all share your belief in the sovereignty of Africa. But if we are upholding unlawful takeovers of power and breaking the law, how can we serve our people and make them the centre of our democracy?

“I’m extending an invitation to you to work with me and get to know those other brothers as the ECOWAS Chairman. to convince them to rejoin the group.

“We’re going to keep collaborating. We have similar upbringings, and we’ll keep supporting and advancing democratic government. In areas such as development, economic expansion, and other areas of governance, we must be able to work together to create the freedom we cherish. It is up to us to reassure our people and act accordingly.