President Bola Tinubu has been elected as the Chairman of the Authority of Heads of State and Government of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). The election took place during the 63rd Ordinary Session of the regional bloc held in Bissau, the capital of Guinea-Bissau.
President Tinubu received his handover documents from the outgoing chairman, President Umaro Embaló of Guinea-Bissau. Expressing his commitment to democracy, Tinubu emphasized the challenges it poses but acknowledged it as the preferred form of government. Vanguard reported.
The ECOWAS chairmanship position is rotated among the member countries’ heads of state or government, with each serving a one-year tenure. Former President Muhammadu Buhari held the position from 2018 to 2019.
As the ECOWAS chairman, Tinubu will play a crucial role in conflict resolution, advocacy, and coordination with the President of the ECOWAS Commission, the executive responsible for implementing regional policies and decisions.
President Tinubu’s election as chairman was announced during the 63rd Ordinary Session of the Authority of Heads of State and Government of ECOWAS in Guinea-Bissau. Tinubu had traveled to Guinea-Bissau for the summit, accompanied by his media aide, Bayo Onanuga, who had previously disclosed the forthcoming election.
