By Faith Anisiobi, The Sight News
Former Bayelsa State Governor and National Leader of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Senator Henry Seriake Dickson, has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and 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 call while receiving the Pillar of Nigeria Democracy Award at the 6th Anniversary Lecture, Dinner and Awards organized by Diplomatic Digest Magazine in collaboration with the Diplomatic Correspondents Chapel in Abuja.
The event attracted senior government officials, members of the diplomatic corps, policymakers, academics, media practitioners, traditional rulers and representatives of several foreign missions, including the Ghana High Commission and the Embassy of Burkina Faso, as well as officials of the Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Delivering the anniversary lecture themed “Chinese Diplomatic Tools and the Redefinition of the Global Governance System,” Provost of the Anti-Corruption Academy of Nigeria (ACAN), Professor Sheriff Ghali Ibrahim, urged Nigeria and other African countries to adopt a strategic approach in their engagement with China.
He said Africa should leverage its diplomatic ties with China to drive industrialization, infrastructure development, technology transfer, investment, innovation and human capital development, stressing that such partnerships must be guided by mutual benefits, shared prosperity and long-term development rather than dependency.
Also speaking at the event, the Spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, underscored the importance of diplomacy in advancing Nigeria’s foreign policy objectives.
Ebienfa said effective diplomacy remains critical to attracting foreign direct investment, expanding international trade, promoting peace and security, protecting Nigerians abroad and reinforcing Nigeria’s leadership role in Africa and globally. He called for stronger collaboration among government institutions, diplomats, the private sector, academia and the media to project a positive image of Nigeria.
Receiving his award, Dickson described the recognition as a tribute to Nigerians who have remained committed to constitutional governance since the country’s return to democratic rule in 1999.
He dedicated the award to members of the Nigeria Democratic Congress and millions of Nigerians who have defended democracy over the years.
“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 former governor stressed that democracy can only flourish where there is respect for the Constitution, the rule of law, an independent judiciary, a free press and an electoral management body that enjoys public confidence.
He warned against actions capable of weakening democratic institutions, insisting that no government or political party should place itself above the Constitution or institutions established to safeguard Nigeria’s democracy.
Expressing concern over the resurgence of military coups and constitutional disruptions in West Africa, Dickson urged President Tinubu to sustain diplomatic engagement with the Alliance of Sahel States while intensifying efforts to rebuild ECOWAS into a stronger and more united regional bloc.
As Vice Chairman of the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations, he maintained that Nigeria’s leadership remains indispensable to ECOWAS, warning that any weakening of the regional body would diminish Nigeria’s influence and strategic relevance on the African continent.
Looking ahead to the 2027 general elections, Dickson called on the Federal Government, political parties and other stakeholders to protect the independence of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the judiciary and security agencies to ensure free, fair and credible elections that reflect the will of the people.
He reaffirmed the commitment of the Nigeria Democratic Congress to promoting constitutional governance, accountability, inclusive leadership and improved service delivery.
In his welcome address, Publisher and Editor-in-Chief of Diplomatic Digest, Kennedy Peretei, commended the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, for her leadership and support.
He also appreciated members of the diplomatic community for their continued support over the past six years and pledged that the magazine would continue to uphold high professional standards.
The anniversary lecture also featured discussions on diplomacy, democratic governance and international cooperation, with participants advocating stronger institutions, strategic foreign partnerships and sustained regional collaboration to advance Nigeria’s development aspirations.
