Nigeria’s President Muhammadu Buhari has warned West African leaders against elongation of their tenures in Office, saying this was the cause of so many cases of Instability in the region.
President Buhari who spoke during a meeting between leaders of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) in Niger stated that the actions of power drunk leaders was becoming a source of trouble in West Africa.
The President’s speech was revealed in a statement released by his Senior Special Assistant on media and publicity, Shehu Garba on Twitter.
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He stated that African leaders need to stick to the constitutional provisions of their respective countries especially when it comes to leadership tenures.
President Buhari also urged African leaders to ensure that free and credible elections are held in their respective countries to aid the peaceful transition of power.
Excerpts from the statement read;
“President Buhari asks West African leaders to stop elongating their tenure in office, saying it is becoming a source of trouble.”
“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.” -President Buhari.”
“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.”-President Buhari.
President Buhari Buhari’s warning has come on the heels of the military coup in Mali which removed President Keita from Office.
He was removed by Mutinous Soldiers on August 19, after weeks of massive protest against his government led by opposition parties and civil society organisations in the country.