Tinubu Emerges ECOWAS Chairman

* Stresses need to preserve democracy in the region

Deji Elumoye in Abuja 

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).

President Tinubu, who attended the forum of West African leaders participating in the 63rd Ordinary Session for the first time, was announced as Chairman on Sunday in Bissau, the capital of Guinea-Bissau.

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.

As chairman, he will play a crucial role in leading the ECOWAS member states towards economic development, political stability, and cooperation.

As newly appointed chairman, President Tinubu will collaborate closely with member states, regional institutions and international partners to implement initiatives aimed at promoting economic growth, regional trade integration and social development. 

In his speech at the meeting, President Tinubu emphasised the need to protect the democratic culture in the subregion, saying: “We will take democracy seriously. Democracy is very tough but it is the best form of government.”