By Nudoiba Ojen
President Bola Tinubu has been re-elected as the Chairman of the Authority of ECOWAS Heads of State and Government.
The President’s mandate was extended at the 65th Ordinary Session of the Authority of ECOWAS Heads of State and Government on Sunday in Abuja, following the decision of the leaders to ensure continuity and consistency in meeting targets on security, reconciliation, and development.
President Tinubu was first elected to the position in Guinea-Bissau on July 9, 2023.
In his acceptance speech, Tinubu said, “I have accepted to continue the service to the great members and the great minds that are committed to democratic values and our journey in the region.
“I will continue to serve our interest and build on democratic values and the structure that we inherited. Thank you very much,’’ the President said.
He said, “I have appointed the President of Senegal, Bassirou Diomaye Faye, to please become our Special Envoy to Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger Republic, along with the President of Togo, Faure Gnassingbé, to do around the clock work with our brothers in Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger Republic, and to coordinate with me and the ECOWAS Commission, where necessary”.
Why Tinubu was reelected ECOWAS chair – Abiodun
Meanwhile, Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, said the re-election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as Chairman of ECOWAS by his colleagues is an attestation of his sterling leadership qualities as the chairman of the bloc.
Prince Abiodun, in a congratulatory message to the President on Sunday, said his re-election reflects the unwavering trust and confidence reposed in his leadership by the sub-region.
According to him, since his first election two years ago, President Tinubu has laid a solid framework for the future integration of the sub-region and as well fostered security among the people.
The Governor eulogised the President for demonstrating spirit of statesmanship by the way that he handled the violent change of government by three member states-Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger-while noting that this had averted the crisis that could have engulfed the sub-region.
Abiodun said, “Under President Tinubu’s guidance, ECOWAS has made remarkable giant strides in fostering economic integration, promoting regional peace and security, and enhancing cooperation among member states.
“His dedication to advancing the interests of the West African region has been evident throughout his first tenure, and we are confident that his re-appointment will further accelerate the progress achieved thus far.
“President Tinubu’s visionary leadership and strategic approach have been instrumental in addressing the challenges facing the region, including threat to democracy, occasioned by coup in Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso and insecurity. His commitment to dialogue averted what could have amounted to war, which would have had dire consequences for the entire region,” he said.
Abiodun, therefore, called on member states to join hands with the president in advancing the objectives and values of ECOWAS.
