Senator Ned Nwoko Backs Gambian Foreign Minister for Commonwealth Secretary-General
ABUJA/Nigeria: Chairman of the Senate Committee on Reparation & Repatriation, Senator Ned Nwoko, has endorsed Gambian Foreign Minister Mamadou Tangara for the position of Commonwealth Secretary-General.
Nwoko, representing Delta North Senatorial District in the Nigerian Senate, expressed his support in a statement issued in Abuja on Tuesday, praising Tangara’s vast experience and leadership qualities.
Nwoko highlighted Tangara’s distinguished career as one of Africa’s longest-serving foreign ministers, noting his expertise in diplomacy, politics, and development. “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,” Nwoko said.
The senator recounted a recent bilateral meeting with Tangara in Abuja, where the Gambian diplomat outlined his vision for Africa and the Commonwealth. Tangara emphasized key global issues, including reparative justice for Africa, peace and security, human rights, climate action, and digital inclusion.
He remarked that Tangara’s goals closely align with his own advocacy for reparative justice, expressing confidence in the Gambian’s ability to lead the Commonwealth in addressing these critical issues.
Nwoko was particularly impressed by Tangara’s speech at Chatham House in London, where the Gambian foreign minister called for the Commonwealth to leverage its influence in fostering meaningful dialogue on reparative justice for Africa.
“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,” Nwoko added.
The Nigerian senator urged heads of government within the Commonwealth to rally behind Tangara’s candidacy, noting that political support would be essential for Tangara to make meaningful progress on these vital issues. “I firmly believe Tangara’s candidacy presents an extraordinary opportunity for the Commonwealth to embrace the mission of reparative justice under the leadership of an African Secretary-General,” Nwoko stated.
The election for the next Commonwealth Secretary-General will take place during the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM), scheduled for October 21-26, 2024, in Apia, Samoa.
Nwoko expressed optimism that Tangara’s leadership would mark a transformative era for the Commonwealth, particularly in addressing the pressing concerns of Africa and the broader global community.
