Jonathan tasks ECOWAS Defence Chiefs on security

Abuja, Nigeria (PANA) - Nigeria's President Goodluck Jonathan, on Monday in Abuja urged the Chiefs of Defence Staff Committee of ECOWAS member nations to ensure the sustenance of peace and security in the sub region.

Addressing the Military Chiefs at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, the Nigerian capital, as part of the 30th Ordinary Meeting of the Committee, President Jonathan said “security is very vital to the integrity of nations.”

Commending them for their roles in ensuring the current relative stability in the sub region, President Jonathan enjoined them not to relent.

According to the President, “though there are challenges in some areas, the stability of countries in the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) sub-region is commendable. We have progressed significantly compared with what we had 20 years ago. We have to continue to ensure peace, security and stability.”

President Jonathan, who noted that the whole sub-region had embraced democratic governance, expressed appreciation to the military chiefs for joining hands with civilian authorities to address the challenges in Mali and Guinea Bissau, and urged participants to talk to their colleagues in those countries “to embrace democratic governance”.

The President expressed optimism that with the support and cooperation of the defence chiefs, “we would collectively resolve the issues in Guinea Bissau and Mali.”

The President pledged the continued support of the Nigerian Government to enable the military leaders to succeed, hoping that at the end of their meeting, they would have come up with resolutions that would further guarantee peace and stability in West Africa.
-0- PANA MON/VAO 14May2012