Senator Jimoh Ibrahim, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Inter-Parliamentary Affairs, has praised President Bola Tinubu for his unwavering commitment to national sovereignty, especially in the current complex international landscape. Ibrahim, speaking at the ongoing 150th Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, emphasized that Tinubu’s foreign policy is deeply rooted in respect for the sovereignty of Nigeria and other nations, particularly in light of recent tensions in the West African region.
The senator’s comments, made available to the public in a statement on Sunday, focused on how Tinubu’s leadership is driving Nigeria’s engagement with international bodies and influencing regional politics. He noted the president’s decisive leadership in the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) response to political instability in neighboring Niger as a key example of Nigeria’s diplomatic strategy.
According to Ibrahim, President Tinubu’s respect for sovereignty has been a cornerstone of Nigeria’s foreign policy, particularly in the face of recent political unrest in Niger. Following the military coup in Niger in 2023, ECOWAS, under Tinubu’s leadership, has been actively involved in diplomatic and economic measures aimed at restoring democratic order. Tinubu has maintained a delicate balance, urging respect for national sovereignty while also supporting regional stability and democratic governance.
“President Tinubu has shown through his actions that national sovereignty is crucial,” Ibrahim said. “At the same time, he understands the importance of regional cooperation and peaceful intervention when necessary. His leadership in ECOWAS during the Niger crisis reflects his deep commitment to protecting Nigeria’s interests while fostering democratic principles.”
The senator further explained that Tinubu’s approach to foreign policy aligns with his broader vision of promoting peace, cooperation, and democracy across Africa. By carefully navigating the delicate balance between respecting sovereignty and advocating for peaceful democratic transitions, President Tinubu is positioning Nigeria as a strong voice in West African politics and beyond.
While President Tinubu’s foreign policy has garnered attention, Senator Ibrahim also highlighted the domestic dimension of the president’s governance. He pointed out that Tinubu’s approach to governance within Nigeria emphasizes collaboration and mutual respect between the executive and legislative branches. This relationship, according to Ibrahim, has been instrumental in reducing internal conflicts and ensuring the smooth functioning of the government.
“There is no doubt that mutual respect between the executive and the legislature is vital for the progress of any nation,” Ibrahim explained. “In the Nigerian context, the collaboration between the two branches has helped reduce unnecessary conflicts and has contributed to better governance. President Tinubu has been effective in ensuring that both branches work together towards the common goal of advancing the nation.”
Ibrahim added that while the separation of powers in Nigerian governance, like in many democratic systems, is an important principle, it is equally essential for the branches to respect each other’s roles and responsibilities. He drew a comparison to the British system, where the separation of powers is less rigid, but mutual respect still remains a fundamental principle.
“While no nation can have complete control over every aspect of governance, mutual respect between the executive and legislative branches is essential for building a robust democracy,” Ibrahim said. “This respect helps foster cooperation, reduces conflicts, and ultimately benefits the people.”
At the heart of Tinubu’s administration is the Renewed Hope Agenda, a set of reforms aimed at addressing Nigeria’s critical challenges and promoting a more collaborative, efficient government. Ibrahim stressed that this agenda is designed to ensure that the three branches of government—executive, legislative, and judiciary—work together to deliver effective governance and improve the lives of Nigerians.
“The Renewed Hope Agenda is about building a government that works for the people,” Ibrahim said. “By fostering collaboration between the branches of government, we can eliminate unnecessary disagreements and focus on the issues that matter most to the Nigerian people, such as poverty reduction and job creation.”
Ibrahim highlighted that the Renewed Hope Agenda is a response to the challenges facing the nation, including the fight against corruption, the need for infrastructural development, and the ongoing efforts to improve security across Nigeria. By encouraging cooperation between the different arms of government, Tinubu aims to create a more harmonious and effective government that can address these issues head-on.
Senator Ibrahim also noted that President Tinubu’s foreign policy is not only focused on regional issues but also reflects a broader commitment to global diplomacy. He mentioned that Tinubu’s administration has been actively engaged in promoting Nigeria’s interests on the global stage, particularly in organizations such as the United Nations and the African Union. By prioritizing Nigeria’s sovereignty while engaging in diplomatic relations, Tinubu is positioning the country as a key player in global affairs.
“President Tinubu’s respect for sovereignty is not just about Nigeria; it is about ensuring that all nations, large and small, are treated with dignity and respect in the global community,” Ibrahim said. “Nigeria’s foreign policy under Tinubu is grounded in the principles of peace, cooperation, and respect for international law.”
In addition to his foreign policy efforts, Tinubu has been vocal about the need for Africa to take control of its own destiny. He has called for greater economic integration within the continent and has advocated for policies that will reduce dependence on foreign aid. Ibrahim pointed out that Tinubu’s leadership is focused on ensuring that Africa, and particularly Nigeria, is not left behind in the global race for economic development.
