Nigeria ‘s President Asiwaju Tinubu Emerges ECOWAS Chairman
Zainab Tanimu
Kaduna, Northwest Nigeria
President Bola Tinubu has emerged the new Chairman of Authority of the Heads of State and Government of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).
The announcement was made during the 63rd ordinary session of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government in Guinea-Bissau.
The Nigerian President, Ahmed Bola Tinubu who appreciated the decision of fellow African leaders to jointly appoint him as their leader promised to do his best.
Tinubu has described the honour as a surprise and pledged to uphold the confidence reposed in him.
Democracy though tough as it may, there is the need to commit to it for the growth of the region. He said.
“Democracy is very tough to manage, but it is the best form of government, and we all ascribe to it. “We should make a pledge here that in furtherance of our region’s economy and growth, we will commit to democracy, and promote democracy, and rule of law.
“We must bounce back. We can’t sit like toothless bulldogs in ECOWAS. “For the confidence reposed in me, I pledge to you Your Excellencies, distinguished ladies and gentleman, that I would do my best. “I’m just new. This is my first; I’m given a surprise package, We would work collectively to pursue inclusive economic integration of West Africa region.
“We should serve a warning to exploiters that our people have suffered enough.”
The new Chairman also emphasized on the need to keeping the West Africa sub-region a peaceful entity.
“We will not allow coup after coup in West Africa sub-region. “We will take this up seriously, with African Union (AU), and extended [sic] to the European Union (EU), and Britain, and America. “Take it up. Yes, it’s a challenge.
The president took over the Chairmanship of the regional body from the outgoing leader of the sub-regional political and economic body, President Umaro Sissoco Embaló of Guinea-Bissau.
