By Deborah Coker
Sen. Ned Nwoko (PDP-Delta) has thrown his weight behind Gambian Foreign Minister, Mamadou Tangara. for the position of the Commonwealth Secretary-General.
Nwoko is the Chairman, Senate Committee on Reparation & Repatriation.
In a statement on Tuesday in Abuja, he said that Tangara had the experience it takes to head the secretariat of the Commonwealth.
The next Secretary-General is expected to be elected at the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) to be held at Apia, Samoa between Oct. 21 and 26.
Nwoko said the Gambian stood out as one of the most experienced and accomplished contenders for the role.
According to him, with an impressive tenure as one of the longest-serving African Foreign Ministers, his expertise in diplomacy, politics and developmental issues is unparalleled.
‘’His deep understanding of global challenges, coupled with his unwavering commitment to Africa’s progress, makes him an ideal leader to guide the Commonwealth in this pivotal era’’, he said.
The lawmaker said during a recent bilateral meeting in Abuja Tangara shared with him, his vision for Africa and the Commonwealth.
“Tangara emphasised the importance of addressing reparative justice for Africa, mitigating global issues of peace and security, and promoting human rights, climate action, and digital inclusion across our community of nations.
“These pressing matters align closely with my advocacy for reparative justice for Africa, and I am convinced that under Tangara’s leadership, the Commonwealth can play a transformative role in addressing them,’’ he said.
Nwoko also said he was particularly moved by Tangara’s speech at Chatham House in London.
During the event, the Gambian passionately expressed support for reparative justice and called for the Commonwealth to use its influence to facilitate meaningful dialogue on the crucial issue.
‘’His commitment to such causes is clear, and I believe his leadership would be instrumental in ensuring that the Commonwealth takes a more active role in advocating for these initiatives’ .
‘’Reparative justice for Africa should be a top priority for the Commonwealth in the coming years.
“I firmly believe that Tangara’s candidacy presents an extraordinary opportunity for the Commonwealth to embrace this mission under the leadership of an African Secretary-General,’’ Nwoko said.
The lawmaker, therefore, called for the political backing of the Heads of Government to give Tangara the support and authority to make meaningful progress on these vital issues.
The leadership vote will take place at the Commonwealth Heads of Government (CHOGM) Meeting in Samoa between Oct. 21 and 26.
NAN