President Muhammadu Buhari, Tuesday, in Monrovia, Liberia, called on leaders in West Africa to do all within their powers to ensure that elections were conducted in their countries in an atmosphere of trust, freedom, and transparency, noting that this was the only way the sub-region could be insulated from the scourge of unconstitutional takeovers that raised heads in three countries recently.
According to a statement by his Senior Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu, on Tuesday, Buhari made this call in a goodwill message to the Government and people of Liberia as he joined other world leaders on the occasion of the 175th Independence Anniversary of the West African nation.
According to the President, democracy and good governance must take their roots in the African continent to sustain peace, stability and development while leaders must redouble their efforts to guarantee the irreversibility of democracy.
Buhari said that he would like to use the opportunity of the event to address an important issue affecting three countries in the Economic Community of West African States region; Liberia, Nigeria and Sierra Leone.
The statement further said that Buhari used the opportunity to note Nigeria’s leading roles that pulled the country back from its fratricidal insurrection in the 90s, adding that his presence at the celebrations underscores his strong belief in cementing existing bilateral ties.
He added that Nigeria’s contributions to the survival and safety of Liberia are well known.
The Nigerian leader commended his Liberian counterpart, Dr George Manneh Weah, for his demonstration of love for the country and the pursuance of peace, unity, and progress, as evidenced by people-oriented projects executed with the sole purpose of taking the country to greater heights within the limited resources available. While urging the Liberian leader to do more, he assured him of Nigeria’s continued support in this regard.
The President of Liberia, Dr George Weah, thanked President Buhari and other West African leaders for their attendance.
