Dickson Bags Democracy Award, Urges Tinubu to Strengthen ECOWAS, Democratic Institutions.
By Owolola Adebola
Former Governor of Bayelsa State and National Leader of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Senator Henry Seriake Dickson, has called on 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.
Dickson made the appeal at the Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Centre, Abuja after receiving the Pillar of Nigerian Democracy Award at the 6th Anniversary Lecture, Dinner and Awards organised by Diplomatic Digest Magazine in collaboration with the Diplomatic Correspondents’ Association of Nigeria (DICAN).
The event brought together senior government officials, diplomats, academics, policymakers, traditional rulers, media practitioners and representatives of several foreign missions, including the Ghana High Commission, the Embassy of Burkina Faso and officials of the Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The anniversary lecture, themed “Chinese Diplomatic Tools and the Redefinition of the Global Governance System,” was delivered by Professor Sheriff Ghali Ibrahim, Provost of the Anti-Corruption Academy of Nigeria (ACAN) and Head of Contemporary China–Africa Research in Nigeria.
Professor Ghali argued that Nigeria and Africa should adopt a strategic approach to relations with China by using diplomacy to drive industrialisation, infrastructure development, technology transfer, investment, innovation and human capital development. He maintained that cooperation with China should be guided by mutual benefit, knowledge exchange and sustainable development rather than dependency.
Also speaking, the Spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, underscored the importance of diplomacy in advancing Nigeria’s national interests.
According to him, effective diplomacy remains essential for attracting foreign direct investment, expanding international trade, promoting peace and security, protecting Nigerians abroad and strengthening the country’s leadership role within Africa and the wider international community.
Ebienfa called for stronger collaboration among government institutions, the diplomatic corps, academia, the private sector and the media to project a positive image of Nigeria and support the country’s foreign policy objectives.
Receiving his award, Dickson described the honour as recognition of the sacrifices made by Nigerians committed to constitutional governance and democratic development.
He dedicated the award to members of the Nigeria Democratic Congress and millions of Nigerians who have continued to defend democracy since the country’s return to civilian rule in 1999.
“Democracy is not a sprint; it is a marathon. It is the democratic path to development, but there are no shortcuts on that path,” he said.
The senator stressed that democracy can only flourish where there is respect for the Constitution, the rule of law, judicial independence, a free press and an electoral management body trusted by the people. He cautioned against weakening democratic institutions, warning that no government or political party should place itself above the Constitution.
Expressing concern over democratic setbacks in West Africa, Dickson lamented the resurgence of military coups and constitutional disruptions within the ECOWAS sub-region. As Vice Chairman of the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations, he urged President Tinubu to sustain diplomatic engagement with the Alliance of Sahel States while working to restore ECOWAS as a stronger and more united regional bloc.
He warned that any weakening of ECOWAS would diminish Nigeria’s regional influence and leadership position on the African continent.
Looking ahead to the 2027 elections, Dickson called on the Federal Government, political parties and other stakeholders to safeguard the independence of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the judiciary and security agencies to ensure that election outcomes truly reflect the will of the Nigerian people.
He reaffirmed the NDC’s commitment to constitutional governance, accountability, inclusive leadership and quality service delivery.
In his welcome address, the Publisher and Editor-in-Chief of Diplomatic Digest, Kennedy Peretei, commended the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, for what he described as her exemplary leadership. He also appreciated members of the diplomatic community for their support over the past six years and pledged to sustain the magazine’s high professional standards.
The anniversary lecture and award ceremony concluded with renewed calls for stronger democratic institutions, strategic international partnerships and enhanced regional cooperation as vital pillars for Nigeria’s future development.
