President Bola Tinubu has emerged as the new Chairman of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) at the 63rd Ordinary Session of the Authority of Heads of State and Government on Sunday in Bissau, Guinea-Bissau.
Endorsed unanimously by his counterparts, President Tinubu, who is the latest entrant into the exclusive club of Heads of State in West Africa, enthusiastically accepted the honor with a pledge to run an inclusive administration of the regional organization.
The President however warned that the threat to peace in the sub-region had reached an alarming proportion with terrorism and emerging pattern of military takeover that were now demanding urgent and concerted actions.
He warned that without a peaceful environment, progress and development in the region would continue to remain elusive, and called for sincere commitment to the utilization of all regional frameworks to address the menace of insecurity.
President Tinubu said he would ensure the immediate harmonization of the plans of action against terrorism and other forms of criminality, and mobilize resources as well as the political will towards the actualization of the initiatives.
On his emergence as Chairman of the regional body, the President pledged his commitment to serve the interest of the community.
He declared that he would prioritize political stability, peace and security, regional economic integration, and the strengthening of ECOWAS institutions.
On military takeover of government, President Tinubu stressed that countries did not invest in them to violate the freedom of the people by turning their guns against civil authorities, emphasizing that they were only engaged to defend the sovereignty of their nations.
He called on member states to strengthen their democratic institutions and ensure respect for human rights and the rule of law, pledging that he 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.
The President advised member states to look inward and work with regional economic facilitation platforms such as the Federation of West Africa Chamber of Commerce and Industry (FEWACCI) as well as the ECOWAS Trade Organisation Network to attain the desired goals.
He said Nigeria had the intention to convene an ECOWAS Extraordinary Summit on Trade and Investment in October, this year, which will provide the opportunity for member states to showcase their potential and encourage match-making to evolve business cooperation among the various organized private sector within the region.
The President also called on member states to ensure that citizens being taxed must be positively impacted by the programs and projects of ECOWAS.
The outgoing ECOWAS Chairman and President of the Republic of Guinea-Bissau, Umaro Sissoco Embalo saluted his fellow leaders for sustaining the vision of the organization, despite the global economic headwinds and trouble spots within the region.
He cited Mali, Burkina Faso, and the Republic of Guinea as countries where the constitutional order had been distorted while congratulating Nigeria and Sierra Leone for sustaining constitutional order through the democratic process with the recent successful elections.
Bello Wakili
