- Experts Advocate Stronger China–Nigeria Ties
National Leader of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), and Former Governor of Bayelsa State, 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 guarantee credible elections as Nigeria prepares for the 2027 general elections.
A statement by the Publisher/Editor -in-Chief of Diplomatic Digest, Mr Kennedy Peretei, said Dickson made the call after receiving the Pillar of Nigeria Democracy Award at the 6th Anniversary Lecture, Dinner and Awards of Diplomatic Digest Magazine, organised 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 other distinguished guests, including representatives of Ghana High Commission, Embassy of Burkina Faso High and officials of the Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The anniversary lecture, themed “Chinese Diplomatic Tools and the Redefinition of the Global Governance System,” was delivered by Professor Sheriff Ghali Ibrahim, Provost of the Anti-Corruption Academy of Nigeria (ACAN) and Head of Contemporary China–Africa Research in Nigeria.
Professor Ghali examined the changing global diplomatic landscape and the increasing role of China in shaping international governance. He said Africa, particularly Nigeria, must adopt a strategic approach to its engagement with China by leveraging diplomatic relations to accelerate industrialisation, infrastructure development, technology transfer, investment, innovation and human capital development.
According to him, Nigeria should pursue mutually beneficial partnerships that advance national interests while creating sustainable economic opportunities, adding that Africa’s relationship with China should be driven by shared prosperity, knowledge exchange and long-term development rather than dependency.
The Spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, highlighted the indispensable role of diplomacy in promoting Nigeria’s national interests and foreign policy objectives.
Ebienfa noted that effective diplomacy remains central to attracting foreign direct investment, expanding international trade, promoting peace and security, protecting Nigerians abroad and strengthening Nigeria’s leadership within Africa and the global community.
He also called for closer collaboration among government institutions, the diplomatic community, the private sector, academia and the media in projecting a positive image of Nigeria and supporting the country’s foreign policy objectives through constructive international engagement.
Receiving the award, Senator Dickson expressed appreciation to the organisers for the honour, describing it as recognition of the collective sacrifices of Nigerians committed to constitutional governance and democratic development.
He dedicated the award to members and leaders of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, as well as millions of Nigerians who have remained steadfast in defending democracy since the country’s return to civilian rule in 1999.
“Democracy is not a sprint; it is a marathon. It is the democratic path to development, but there are no shortcuts on that path,” Dickson said.
He maintained that democracy can only thrive where there is respect for the Constitution, the rule of law, an independent judiciary, a free press and an electoral management body that enjoys the confidence of the people.
The former Bayelsa governor warned against undermining democratic institutions, stressing that no government or political party should place itself above the Constitution or the institutions established to safeguard Nigeria’s democracy.
Expressing concern over the shrinking democratic space across West Africa, Dickson lamented the resurgence of military coups and constitutional disruptions within the ECOWAS sub-region.
As Vice Chairman of the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations, he urged President Tinubu to sustain diplomatic engagement with the Alliance of Sahel States and intensify efforts to restore ECOWAS as a stronger and more united regional bloc.
According to him, Nigeria’s leadership remains indispensable to ECOWAS, warning that any weakening of the regional organisation ultimately diminishes Nigeria’s influence, strategic relevance and leadership role on the African continent.
Looking ahead to the 2027 general elections, Dickson called on the Federal Government, political parties and all relevant stakeholders to protect the independence of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the judiciary and security agencies to ensure that electoral outcomes genuinely reflect the will of the Nigerian people.
He reaffirmed the NDC’s commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s multi-party democracy, describing the party as a credible platform committed to constitutional governance, accountability, inclusive leadership and improved service delivery.
The 6th Anniversary Lecture and Awards also provided a platform for robust discussions on diplomacy, democratic governance and international cooperation, with participants emphasising the need for stronger institutions, strategic foreign partnerships and sustained regional collaboration to advance Nigeria’s development aspirations.
In his welcome address, Publisher/Editor-in-Chief of Diplomatic Digest, Kennedy Peretei appreciated the Honourable Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu for her incredible leadership qualities and being a mother -figure. He also thanked members of the Diplomatic Community for their continued support in the last six years, assuring all of maintaining the high standards expected of the magazine.
