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President Yar'Adua of Nigeria
questions commitment of African leaders to AU
Accra, July 3, Ghanadot/GNA - For Nigerian President Umaru
Musa Yar’Adua the question of the degree of commitment
of African leaders to the continental body concept - the
African Union- and the essence of their “Africanness” are
issues critical in the grand debate for an African
Government.
Addressing the Heads of States
at the AU meeting in Accra, President Yar’Adua said whilst
his country supported the move for one government for the
Continent, the critical issue was whether to fast-track the
process or to pursue the objective through a gradualist
approach.
On the other hand, he questioned
the commitment of his fellow leaders.
He said “To the extent that we continue to subscribe more
allegiance to extra-continental bodies to the neglect of the
AU, our steps towards functional integration will remain
faltering”, he said.
And continued with “We must stay focused on forging common
standards of political and economic governance, and create
enabling factors that will connect our peoples, enhancing
the free movement of our people, goods and services within
and among our nations.”
This perspective, he said, is informed by the critical need
for the nations of Africa to focus more on the strengthening
and consolidation of internal governance and growth
structures, and on more robust regional integration.
“We however, must not loose sight of the crucial fact that
the desire is for the union of the peoples of Africa and not
the union of States and Governments”, he said.
President Yar’Adua stated that the social, economic and
political inequalities within and among states, should be
bridged, otherwise it would pose daunting obstacles to the
continent’s quest for a viable political and economic union.
Conversely, these issues, along with the challenges of
conflict, disease and poverty, drive the imperative to
present a united and common front in the global arena, he
said.
He expressed optimism that the Accra meeting would chart a
“definitive” roadmap in the continent’s quest for secured,
strong, progressive and prosperous United States of Africa.
GNA
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