Dickson Urges Tinubu to Strengthen ECOWAS, Democratic Institutions After Receiving National Democracy Award

Former Governor of Bayelsa State and National Leader of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Senator Henry Seriake Dickson, has urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and other African leaders to strengthen democratic institutions, preserve the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), and ensure credible elections ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 general elections after receiving the Pillar of Nigeria Democracy Award at the 6th Anniversary Lecture, Dinner and Awards Ceremony organised by Diplomatic Digest Magazine in Abuja.

Speaking in his capacity as Vice Chairman of the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations, Senator Dickson expressed concern over constitutional disruptions and the resurgence of military coups across West Africa. He urged President Tinubu to sustain diplomatic engagement with the Alliance of Sahel States to promote reconciliation and restore unity within the ECOWAS sub-region.

Describing democracy as the only sustainable path to national development, Dickson said democratic governance requires patience, strong institutions and unwavering commitment to constitutional principles.

“Democracy is not a sprint; it is a marathon. It is the democratic path to development, but there are no shortcuts on that path. Democracy can only thrive where there is respect for the Constitution, the rule of law, an independent judiciary, a free press, and an electoral management body that enjoys the confidence of the people,” he said.

Looking ahead to the 2027 general elections, the former Bayelsa State governor called on all stakeholders to safeguard the independence of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the judiciary and security agencies, insisting that electoral outcomes must genuinely reflect the will of the Nigerian people.

He dedicated the award to leaders and members of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), as well as millions of Nigerians who have remained committed to defending constitutional democracy since the nation’s return to democratic rule in 1999.

The event attracted senior government officials, members of the diplomatic corps, academics, traditional rulers and other distinguished guests. It also featured a lecture titled “Chinese Diplomatic Tools and the Redefinition of the Global Governance System.”

Delivering the keynote lecture, Professor Sheriff Ghali Ibrahim, Head of Contemporary China–Africa Research in Nigeria and Provost of the Anti-Corruption Academy of Nigeria (ACAN), urged Nigeria and other African nations to pursue strategic and mutually beneficial partnerships with China.

According to him, stronger diplomatic engagement with Beijing should be leveraged to accelerate industrialisation, infrastructure development, technology transfer and human capital development while avoiding excessive dependency.

Also speaking at the event, the Spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, underscored the importance of proactive diplomacy in attracting foreign direct investment, expanding trade opportunities and strengthening national security.

He advocated closer collaboration among government institutions, the private sector, academia and the media to advance Nigeria’s foreign policy objectives and improve Nigeria’s global competitiveness.

Earlier in his welcome address, Publisher and Editor-in-Chief of Diplomatic Digest Magazine, Kennedy Peretei, commended the Honourable Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, for her leadership and appreciated members of the diplomatic community for their sustained support of the publication over the past six years.

Peretei also called on the diplomatic community, governments at all levels and other stakeholders to partner and collaborate with the Diplomatic Correspondents Association of Nigeria (DICAN), describing the association as a credible premium media organisation with international recognition.

He further praised the Chairman of DICAN, Frederick Idehai, the Executive Committee and members of the association for promoting developmental journalism through international conferences aimed at combating disinformation, misinformation, malinformation, fake news and deepfakes while contributing to a more informed and peaceful global society.

By Sophina Ovuike, Abuja 

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