Chief Emeka Anyaoku (right) Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar (middle) at the fifth annual lecture of the Association of Foreign Relations Professionals of Nigeria held in Abuja. Photo: Hamza Alkali/Radio Nigeria
State actors have urged African leaders in the ECOWAS sub-region to ensure restoration of democratic governance in Niger Republic following a coup de tat that ousted that country’s civilian president.
One of the stakeholders is a former Secretary General of the Commonwealth, Chief Emeka Anyaoku who was speaking at the fifth annual lecture of the Association of Foreign Relations Professionals of Nigeria held in Abuja, expressed concern that the situation in Niger would affect security and stability in Nigeria.
Chief Anyaoku urged African leaders to ensure that governance in the continent was inclusive.
On his part, a former President of South Africa, Thabo Mbeki said the re-emergence of military coups in Africa emphasised the importance of the implementation of preventative policies of the African Union, as well as interventions to help ensure the popular legitimacy of democratic systems.
Mr Mbeki emphasised that the process of conflict resolution must include getting to the roots of every conflict to ensure that such conflict does not recur.
The President of the Association of Foreign Relations Professionals of Nigeria, Ambassador Gani Lawan said the association would continue to contribute towards enhancing the nation’s Foreign service to consolidate its objectives.
In a goodwill message, the Sultan of Sokoto Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar called for constant engagement between retired and upcoming diplomats.
Reporting by Hamza Alkali; Editing by Oluwaseyi Ajibade and Annabel Nwachukwu