President Bola Tinubu, the esteemed Nigerian leader, has emerged as the distinguished Chairman of the Authority of Heads of State and Government of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). This momentous appointment was made during the 63rd Ordinary Session of the regional bloc, which took place in the vibrant capital of Guinea-Bissau, Bissau.
Following a democratic process, Tinubu was elected as the chairman, assuming the crucial responsibilities associated with this esteemed position. In a significant handover ceremony, Tinubu received the symbolic handover documents from the outgoing chairman, President Umaro Embaló of Guinea-Bissau.
Reflecting on the importance of democracy, President Tinubu expressed his commitment to upholding its values and principles during his tenure. He acknowledged that democracy can be challenging, yet emphasized that it is the most essential and resilient form of government. With this in mind, he pledged to prioritize and champion the cause of democracy within the ECOWAS region.
It is important to note that the ECOWAS Chairmanship is a prestigious role, rotated among the heads of state or government of the member countries on an annual basis. President Tinubu’s selection for this leadership position demonstrates the recognition and confidence bestowed upon him by his counterparts within the ECOWAS community.
As Chairman, President Tinubu assumes a pivotal role in guiding the collective decision-making process, fostering regional cooperation, and advancing the development and progress of the member countries. This appointment presents a unique opportunity for him to influence and shape the regional agenda, addressing the critical issues and challenges faced by the West African nations.
President Tinubu’s ascendancy to the ECOWAS Chairmanship represents a significant milestone in his illustrious political career, further elevating his profile as a respected and influential leader within the international community. It is a testament to his leadership qualities, vision, and dedication to advancing the interests and well-being of the West African region as a whole.
Former President Buhari had served as the occupant of this esteemed position for a significant period spanning from 2018 to 2019. While the Chairman’s role does not encompass executive powers, it holds immense significance in various key areas such as conflict resolution, advocacy, and fostering cooperation. Additionally, the Chairman serves as a crucial liaison between the regional body and the President of the ECOWAS Commission, who is responsible for the effective management and execution of ECOWAS policies and decisions on a day-to-day basis. As more information becomes available, further details regarding this matter will be provided shortly.
President Tinubu assured the regional leaders that his vision for the body would be promptly implemented, highlighting plans to convene an ECOWAS Extraordinary Summit on Trade and Investment in October 2023. This summit aims to showcase the potentials of member states and foster business cooperation among various private sectors in the region. Furthermore, he stressed the importance of strengthening ECOWAS institutions, particularly through the ongoing institutional reforms.
Recognizing the significance of the Community Levy as the primary source of funds for running the organization, President Tinubu emphasized the need for citizens to witness positive impacts from the taxation they endure. This approach aligns with the shift in ECOWAS’s focus from being an “ECOWAS of States” to becoming an “ECOWAS of People.” The president underscored the importance of ensuring that the programs and projects of ECOWAS directly benefit the citizens.
Expressing gratitude for the trust placed in him to lead the West African body, President Tinubu expressed his deep appreciation to the Authority of Heads of States and the citizens of the Community. He reiterated the potential for shaping a brighter future based on shared values of peace, democracy, and economic prosperity.
In his welcome address, the outgoing ECOWAS Chairman and President of the Republic of Guinea-Bissau, Umaro Mokhtar Sissoco Embalo, commended fellow leaders for maintaining the organization’s vision despite global economic challenges and trouble spots within the region. He specifically mentioned Mali, Burkina Faso, and the Republic of Guinea as countries where the constitutional order had been disrupted, while congratulating Nigeria and Sierra Leone for successfully upholding constitutional order through democratic processes in their recent elections.
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