President Muhammadu says non-adherent to constitutional provisions, particularly on term limits, by African leaders was a major area that generates crisis and political tension in the West African sub-region.
Buhari said this, among several issues in his speech at the general debate of the 76th session of the United Nations general assembly in New York, on Friday.
He said “unconstitutional takeover of power” is eroding the democratic gains of the sub-region.
“The recent trend of unconstitutional takeover of power, sometimes in reaction to unilateral changes of constitutions by some leaders, must not be tolerated by the international community,” he said.
“Nigeria fully supports the efforts by ECOWAS to address this growing challenge and appreciates the support of both the African Union and the United Nations.
“In this regard, I would like to reiterate that as leaders of our individual member states we need to adhere to the constitutional provisions of our countries, particularly on term limits. This is one area that generates crisis and political tension in our sub-region.”
Buhari also called for a worldwide application of the arms trade treaty to “codify accountability in conventional arms trade”.
He said illicit arms trade is resulting in “devastating humanitarian and socio-economic consequences” in Africa.
“Nigeria remains deeply concerned over the illicit trade, transfer, and circulation of small arms and light weapons,” he said.
“Their excessive accumulation and uncontrolled spread in many regions of the world are having devastating humanitarian and socio-economic consequences, especially on the continent of Africa.
“It is on this note that my delegation calls for the worldwide application of the Arms Trade Treaty to codify accountability in conventional arms trade, which is critical to the security of nations.
“This is in recognition of the need for a broad-based global partnership in the on-going battle against trans-border crimes, including terrorism and piracy.”
