President Bola Tinubu has assured the African Union (AU) of Nigeria’s relationship to secure consensus positions for the continent on economic and socio-political relations with the world.

Tinubu said this in a meeting with the President of the Union of Comoros and Chairperson of the AU, President Azali Assoumani, in New York, United States, on Monday, September 18, 2023.

He said: “There is nothing that can bring development and prosperity, outside of embracing freedom and constitutional order. It is a critical hallmark of sustainable development.

“We appreciate that the AU is working hard to bring about peace in the Sahel and is actively negotiating between the warring factions in Sudan. Peace in Sudan will be a great achievement. I appreciate your effort in Burkina Faso and our effective cooperation on Niger.

“You can call me at anytime and we will discuss the peace and stability of AU member states. We need stability and prosperity for the black race. This is our era.

“We must be peaceful in order to take maximum advantage of the developmental opportunities presented to Africa in this era. We must build a model of sustainable development. Nigeria will collaborate with you. But we must move beyond those whose vision of Africa is narrow and evil. We are not afraid of confrontation, but we prefer to be restrained for now, at this time.”

Speaking, President Assoumani noted that the African Union seeks to complete Nigeria’s effort in securing peace and prosperity in Africa, rather than competing with it.

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The presidential spokesman, Ajuri Ngelale, in a statement on Tuesday quoted Tinubu as saying: “It is our responsibility to confront the extra-constitutional wrestling for power on the continent.

“We have told China and Russia that they have a responsibility to ensure that there is stability in these countries, as there will be no developmental partnership where there is a lack of stability in countries being impacted by coupists. We appreciate your stand on these matters.”

The AU Chairperson stated that Comoros seeks to learn from Nigeria’s experience concerning the steady improvement in diversity management, electoral officiation and economic growth over many years.

“We want to turn our country into an emerging economy and we need the experience of Nigeria as we seek your cooperation to conduct an election that will win us the respect of the international community and allow us to develop at the right speed and quality,” the Comoros President added.

Meanwhile, President Tinubu has reiterated that the Islamic world has a strategic role to play in the sustenance of peace and development in Africa as well as across the globe.

Tinubu said this in a meeting with the Secretary-General of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), Hissein Brahim Taha, in New York on Monday.

He stated: “The effort we are making in the Sahel is very important. We know we must double our efforts. We must tell our muslim brothers who are struggling to steal power that only Allah chooses leaders.

“We must respect the will of Allah. I am ready to collaborate with you. Your efforts in supporting agricultural growth and food security through the provision of resources from Islamic banks has been most commendable and our region is appreciative. I am determined to work with you in uplifiting Nigerians and Africans.”

On his part, Taha praised President Tinubu for his effort in bringing African countries to “a place of common understanding”.

The OIC Secretary-General, therefore, invited Tinubu to participate at the OIC Heads of State Summit, expected to hold in a few months.

The Star