Buhari Elected as New ECOWAS Chairman

Buhari Elected as New  ECOWAS Chairman

Zainab Tanimu

Kaduna, North-West, NIGERIA

President Muhammadu Buhari on Tuesday was elected Chairman of Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS)

The announcement was made at the just concluded Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) ECOWAS Summit held in Lome Togo.
His media aide Bashir Ahmad made this known on his Twitter handle he said “President Muhammadu Buhari has been elected the new Chairman of Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) at the just concluded ECOWAS Summit in Lome, Togo”.

The Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity Malam Garba Shehu in a statement also said that President Buhari’s election was one of the highpoints of the 53rd Session of the Authority of Heads of State and Government of ECOWAS which was held in the Togolese capital. The statement further said the President in his acceptance remarks, had assured his colleague Head of States in government of doing his best.

While commending his colleagues for his election, noted that he did not offer himself for the post, “but you refused to take my no for an answer.” “I am truly humbled by this honor and confidence bestowed on my people and myself. In accepting to serve, l pledge to do my very best and to work with all of you as a team to deliver for our beloved region of West Africa particularly in the areas of peace, security, good governance as well as economic, social and cultural development. Indeed, l would surely rely on your support, understanding and advice to move forward”.

President Buhari also commended his immediate predecessor and President of Togo, Faure Gnassingbe for successfully hosting two important meetings of the Joint Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS) and ECOWAS as well as the 53rd Ordinary Session of the Authority of Heads of State and Government of ECOWAS.” He further stated that President Buhari had earlier been presented with the Emblem of ECOWAS by the outgoing Chairman.

The 53 point communiqué touched on issues one of such which is, the proposed common currency for ECOWAS. It commended the task force on the progress made so far on the issue. as well as looked into major issues facing member states individually and collectively as a body. To realize this dream, the submit however directed the Nigerian central bank, the central bank of West African States and the West African Monitoring Agency to meet and address the major challenges  of the implementation of the ECOWAS monitory cooperation programs and the establishment of a monitory union for the region before the next submit.

The next meeting of the organization will take place in Abuja on December 21, 2018.