Buhari Emerges New ECOWAS Chairman

Omololu Ogunmade in Abuja

President Muhammadu Buhari yesterday in Lome, the Togolese capital, emerged the new Chairman of the Authority of Heads of State and Government of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).

Buhari who took over from the President of Togo, Faure Gnassingbe, was elected at the end of the 53rd session of the Authority of Heads of State and Government of ECOWAS.

In a statement last night, the President’s Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Malam Garba Shehu, said Buhari’s election was one of the highpoints of the 53rd Session of ECOWAS heads of states and government in Lome.

The statement said Buhari in his acceptance remarks, commended his colleagues for his election, saying he did not offer himself for the office but his colleagues “refused to take my no for an answer.”

It added that notwithstanding, Buhari said he was humbled by the election, and promised to serve and work with them in the overall pursuit of peace, security, good governance and development of the sub-region.

The statement added: “He, however, told his fellow leaders that, ‘I am truly humbled and pledge to serve and work with all of you to deliver on peace, security, good governance and socio-economic development’ of the sub-region, and ‘take our organisation to greater heights.’

“President Buhari also commended his immediate predecessor and 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.”

“The new chairman had earlier been presented with the Emblem of ECOWAS by the outgoing Chairman, while the next meeting of the organisation will take place in Abuja on December 21, 2018.”