Tinubu Elected ECOWAS Chairman 41 Days after Swearing in as President

*Moves against coups, terrorism, says threat to regional peace at alarming proportions

*Seeks private sector-led economic growth in sub-region
*Buhari, NACCIMA greet president as new chair of union

Deji Elumoye in Abuja

President Bola Tinubu, yesterday, emerged the new chairman of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), exactly 41 days after his inauguration as President of Nigeria.
Tinubu, also warned that the threat to peace in the West African sub-region had reached alarming proportions, with terrorism and an emerging pattern of military takeover as major contributors. The president said this at the 63rd Ordinary Session of the Authority of Heads of State and Government of ECOWAS held in Bissau, Guinea-Bissau.

Tinubu, following his emergence as the new chairman of ECOWAS, said the situation demanded urgent and concerted action.
The Nigerian leader maintained that insecurity and creeping terrorism were stunting the progress and development of the sub-region. He sought private sector-led economic growth, and called for collective action from member-states, pledging that under his leadership, frameworks would be harmonised to actualise the dream of ECOWAS.

Former President Muhammadu Buhari and the Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA) congratulated Tinubu on his emergence as ECOWAS chairman.
Addressing the West African leaders, Tinubu said, “On peace and security, the threat has reached an alarming level, and needs urgent actions in addressing the challenges. Indeed, without a peaceful environment, progress and development in the region will continue to remain elusive.

“In this regard, we must remain committed to the utilisation of all regional frameworks at our disposal to address the menace of insecurity.”
He noted that ECOWAS had developed a security architecture, which he noted, “covers a wide range of areas that involved kinetic and non-kinetic operations, including preventive diplomacy. There is also the Regional Plan of Action on Fight against Terrorism 2020-2024 as well as the operationalisation of the ECOWAS Standby Force on Fight Against Terrorism.

“I will ensure that we immediately harmonise these plans and mobilise resources as well as the political will towards the actualisation of the initiatives. As terrorists do not respect boundaries, we must work collectively to have an effective regional counterterrorism measure.”
On his emergence as ECOWAS Chairman in his first participation at the summit, Tinubu stated that he was humbled and honoured by the trust to assume the leadership of the regional body, and pledged his commitment to serve the interest of the community.

The president said, “Indeed, I’m humbled and honoured by this trust, and want to assure you of my unalloyed commitment to provide the necessary leadership with dedication to serve the interest of the community.”
To underscore his commitment towards regional integration, the Nigerian president declared that he would prioritise political stability, peace and security, regional economic integration and strengthening of the ECOWAS institutions, declaring that democracy and good governance remain the abiding cornerstone of peace and sustainable development.

While decrying the emerging pattern of coup d’etat in West Africa, where soldiers toppled the popular mandate of the people through the barrel of the gun, Tinubu charged ECOWAS to stand firm in defence of democracy.
He stated, “We must stand firm on democracy. There is no governance, freedom and rule of law without democracy. We will not accept coup after coup in West Africa again. Democracy is very difficult to manage but it is the best form of government.

“There is no one here among us who did not campaign to be a leader. We didn’t give our soldiers resources, we didn’t invest in them, in their boots, in their training to violate the freedom of the people.
“To turn their guns against civil authorities is a violation of the principles upon which they were hired, which is to defend the sovereignty of their nations. We must not sit in ECOWAS as toothless bulldogs.”

The president added, “You will all agree with me that democracy and good governance are the cornerstones of peace and sustainable development of every society. I’m fully committed to deepening democracy and good governance in the region.
“We must strengthen our democratic institutions and ensure the respect for human rights and the rule of law. I will enhance engagements with the countries in transition to ensure their quick return to democratic rule.”
The new ECOWAS chairman called for improved private sector participation in the effort towards the economic development of member states as well as their social integration.

He stated, “We would work collectively to pursue an inclusive economic integration, which will be significantly private sector driven, in order to unlock the vast economic potentials of our region. We would actively promote trade, investment, and business cooperation among member states by addressing the barriers impeding intra-regional trade, as well as creating a conducive business environment.
“We must encourage economic partnerships to raise the level of trade and investments in our region, hence facilitating employment creation and sustainable development and prosperity for our citizens.

“To this end, we must look inward and work with our regional economic facilitation platforms, such as the Federation of West Africa Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FEWACCI) as well as ECOWAS Trade Organisation Network to attain our desired goals.”
Tinubu assured the regional leaders of the immediate implementation of his vision for the body, declaring, “In furtherance of my vision for our region’s economic recovery and growth, Nigeria intends to convene an ECOWAS Extra Ordinary Summit on Trade and Investment in October 2023.

“The event will provide opportunity for Member States to showcase their potentials and encourage match-making, in order to evolve business cooperation among the various organised private sector within the region.”
He called for strengthening of the ECOWAS institutions, stressing, “In the area of strengthening our organisation’s institutions and ensuring effective performance, we underscore the need for the conclusion of the on-going institutional reforms of the organisation.

“Given that community levy remained the biggest source of generating funds to run our organisation, we must ensure that our citizens being taxed must be positively impacted by the programmes and projects of ECOWAS. This is in line with the shift of ECOWAS slogan from ‘ECOWAS of State’ to ‘ECOWAS of People.’”
Tinubu appreciated the Authority of Heads of State and Government and citizens of the Community for trusting him to lead the West African body.
He said, “Your Excellencies, let me conclude by once again deeply appreciating the Authority of Heads of State and the citizens of the Community for your trust in me. Together, we can shape a brighter future of shared values of peace, democracy, and economic prosperity of our region.”

In his welcome address, the outgone ECOWAS chairman and President of Republic of Guinea-Bissau, Umaro Mokhtar Sissoco Embalo, saluted his fellow leaders for sustaining the vision of the organisation despite the global economic headwinds and trouble spots within the region.
Embalo cited Mali, Burkina Faso, and Republic of Guinea as countries, where the constitutional order had been distorted. He congratulated Nigeria and Sierra Leone for sustaining constitutional order through democratic process with the recent successful elections.

Buhari, NACCIMA Felicitate Tinubu as New ECOWAS Chair

Ex-President Muhammadu Buhari congratulated President Bola Tinubu on his emergence as Chairman of the Authority of Heads of State and Government of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).

In a statement issued by his erstwhile spokesperson, Mallam Garba Shehu, Buhari said he was elated to hear that Tinubu was elected ECOWAS chairman at the 63rd Ordinary Session of the regional bloc held on Sunday in Bissau, capital of Guinea-Bissau.
The former president stated, “West Africans have entrusted our new leader with an enormous responsibility, and it will be our task as citizens to support him to not let them down.

“I pray the Almighty will make his tenure as Chairman of the Authority of Heads of State and Government see to the restoration of ECOWAS as the bastion of democracy, good governance and a leader in fighting terrorism and climate change on the continent.”
On his part, NACCIMA, in a statement by its president, Dele Kelvin Oye, said regarding Tinubu’s new position, “Your appointment is coming at a time when ECOWAS region is positioning its Member States ready to be well integrated into African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

“Nigeria is expected to play a vital role in the region (ECOWAS) as well as in the continent, being the largest economy in Africa. The country’s leadership role in both economic integrations is very vital. A lot is expected from Nigeria now more than ever in the history of the country among its peers in Africa.
“We are aware of your credentials as a seasoned politician and astute administrator, with an enviable track record in governance and leadership. We are fully confident that you will bring your wealth of experience and expertise to bear on the challenges currently facing the region.”