Tomilola Taiwo
Encomium has continued to pour in for Nigeria’s President Bola Tinubu as he has recently been elected chairman of the Authority of Heads of State and Government of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) at the 63rd Ordinary Session of the regional bloc held in Bissau, capital of Guinea-Bissau.
Former Nigeria president, Muhammadu Buhari, joined other well wishers and supporters to congratulate his successor, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, on his emergence as the new chairman of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).
Buhari in a statement by his spokesman, Garba Shehu, said he was elated to hear the news that Tinubu was elected as ECOWAS chairman.
“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,” Buhari said.
“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.”
Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, congratulated him, stating that the confidence reposed in President Tinubu by his colleagues to lead the important coalition would manifest in the effective collaboration and practical solutions to the myriad of challenges of economic growth, sustainable development and issues of trans-border security.
Sanwo-Olu in a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary (CPS), Mr. Gboyega Akosile, said, “On behalf of the people of Lagos State, I want to congratulate our leader, mentor, and pathfinder, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, on this remarkable achievement as the Chairman of the Authority of Heads of State and Government of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).
“We have absolute confidence that you would perform exceptionally well in your new role as the head of the very important regional organization, and we are happy to be associated with you,” the governor said.
Also, Biodun Oyebanji, Ekiti State Governor congratulated him stating that the unanimous endorsement of President Tinubu as chairman of the sub-regional body was a testament to the level of confidence reposed in him by leaders of member States of ECOWAS.
The governor in a statement signed by his Special Adviser on Media, Olayinka Oyebode, noted that President Tinubu’s emergence was not a coincidence as the President has consistently expressed his commitment to repositioning Nigeria to its pride of place on the African continent and across the globe.
He expressed confidence in the President’s ability to lead the West African region to an era of economic prosperity, democratic stability and peace in member States.
“I am not surprised that Mr President was unanimously elected to lead ECOWAS. He has constantly expressed the readiness of his administration to ensure that Nigeria takes its pride of place in the comity of nations. There is no doubt that ECOWAS under President Tinubu’s chairmanship will ensure economic prosperity, deepen democratic stability and enhance trade cooperation among member States”.
Former Ogun State governor and Senator representing Ogun East in the Senate, Gbenga Daniel, in his congratulatory message said he is certain that Tinubu’s “leadership will usher in a robust economic turnaround for the bloc and foster deeper unity, trade and security among the West African States in the ECOWAS region.”
In a congratulatory message by the National Director-General of All Progressives Congress (APC) Professionals Council, Seyi Bamigbade, the council said the President’s emergence was a clear testimony that Nigeria was getting the deserved recognition among the regional blocs and across the continent of Africa.
“This is the beginning of fresh focus and a renewed direction for ECOWAS,” expressing hope that the Nigerian President will galvanize the strength of the regional body to pursue a common agenda that will enhance its security and economic prosperity.
“We are hopeful that as a democrat, His Excellency, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, will lead this great body to harness its numerous potentials that will undoubtedly be for the good of individual member-countries and the region as a whole”, Bamigbade stated.
Also, Senator Sharafadeen Alli (APC- Oyo South) hailed President Tinubu’s emergence as ECOWAS chairman, expressing confidence in his ability and capability to lead the region to greater heights.
He said that with Tinubu’s administrative acumen, experience and exposure, he would lead ECOWAS to economic development as well as political stability.
The lawmaker expressed optimism that Tinubu’s leadership skills would help a lot in addressing the various challenges bedevilling the West African region and Africa as a whole.
“I have no doubt that President Bola Tinubu will perform excellently as ECOWAS chair. I am confident that the region will witness economic growth, sustainable development and security.
