There can be no doubt that leaders of the countries in West Africa recognize Nigeria as Big Brother. It does not matter whether Nigeria is politically or economically depressed. The Gambian President, Adama Barrow, for instance, can write a book on depth of gratitude his country owes Nigeria.
President Barrow has confirmed that President Muhammadu Buhari’s statement and body language during the closed-door meeting in Mali was the joker that forced former President Yahyah Jammeh to hurriedly relinquish power in 2017.
Fielding questions from State House correspondents during a joint conference after a meeting with President Buhari, at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, President Barrow said: “When we met in Mali, President Buhari took a decision as the ECOWAS leader. He made one statement that changed everything. He warned that if the ex-Gambian President wants to challenge the sub-region, he is welcome.
President Barrow said such a leadership role was very important not just for The Gambia but for Africa, because the problem was an African problem that needed an African solution.” President Buhari’s statement made a big difference in the discussions.
Mr. Barrow said his visit to the Presidential Villa, Abuja, last week, was therefore to express his appreciation to President Buhari and Nigeria in general for the show of brotherliness.
According to the Gambian helmsman, “We have always wanted to say thank you when Nigeria gave us all the support during and after the impasse. Nigeria has been supporting The Gambia for a long time in different areas like technical assistance, especially in education and judiciary. We are very grateful and that is why we came to say thank you.’’
