From Juliana Taiwo-Obalonye, Abuja
President Bola Tinubu has commended President Macky Sall of Senegal for not pursuing a third term in office upon the completion of his tenure. Special Adviser on Special Duties, Communications and Strategy, Dele Alake, in a statement noted that there had been protests in Senegal in the past few weeks following speculations about a third-term ambition of President Sall, who is moving towards the end of his second term in office.
Sall is due to complete his second term of office in 2024. President Sall on Monday told the people of Senegal, a country considered as one of the most stable democratic governments in Africa, that he would not offer himself as a candidate for the February 25, 2024, presidential election in his country.
President Tinubu noted that with the decision, President Sall has put the interest of his country, the peace, and stability of the West African region above his personal interest.
While applauding the decision of his Senegalese counterpart, Tinubu said history would be kind to President Sall. “It has brought great joy and relief. As a democrat, I must commend my brother for his statesmanship. With this singular decision, President Sall chose the stability, security, and economic well-being of his people over and above narrow personal interest.
“The impact of this important decision will be felt beyond the shores and borders of Senegal and across our West African sub-region.
“President Sall has demonstrated that leadership is about serving the people honorably and quitting the stage when the constitutionally-stipulated time is up. “By his example, democracy and respect for people power will take stronger roots in Africa and will continue to flourish.”