Nigerian President, Muhammadu Buhari has urged ECOWAS leaders to resist the temptation of elongating their tenure in office beyond constitutional limits.
He said this while presenting Nigeria’s General statement at the ongoing 57th ECOWAS Summit in Niamey, Republic of Niger.
Buhari’s call was made known in a statement by his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu, titled “President Buhari urges ECOWAS leaders to resist temptation of tenure elongation”.
According to the statement, Buhari said, “It is important that as leaders of our individual member-states of ECOWAS, we need to adhere to the constitutional provisions of our countries, particularly on term limits. This is one area that generates crisis and political tension in our sub-region.”
“As it is, the challenges facing the sub-region are enormous; from socio-economic matters to security issues, the ECOWAS sub-region cannot therefore afford another political crisis, in the guise of tenure elongation.
“I urge us all to resist the temptation of seeking to perpetuate ourselves in power beyond the constitutional provisions.
He also commended African leaders who have been able to resist the urge, calling them exceptional role models.
“I commend those in our midst that have resisted such temptations, for they will be deemed exceptional role models in their respective countries and the sub-region as a whole.
“Related to this call for restraint is the need to guarantee free, fair and credible elections. This must be the bedrock for democracy to be sustained in our sub-region, just as the need for adherence to the rule of law.”
The president on Monday left Nigeria for Niger to attend the 57th Ordinary Session, accompanied by ministers and other top government officials.