Former Nigeria president, Muhammadu Buhari, has 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).
President Tinubu on Sunday succeeded Umaro Embalo of Guinea Bissau as the Chairman of the Authority of Heads of State and Government of 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 at the 63rd Ordinary Session of the regional bloc in Bissau, Guinea-Bissau.
“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.”
Also, Lagos State governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has also congratulated President Tinubu on his highly revered position as the new Chairman of ECOWAS.
“His powerful speech proclaiming Nigeria’s comeback and our role in regional economic growth and development was inspiring. This is a significant affirmation of Nigeria’s leadership in the sub-region and Africa,” Sanwo-Olu said.
“As a state, we are committed to supporting His Excellency’s vision and the plans that will be implemented to ensure this region takes a leadership role in the continent.”
Tinubu who is the latest entrant into the exclusive club of Heads of State in West Africa, enthusiastically accepted the honour, on behalf of Nigeria.
He pledged to bear the responsibility of the office and run an inclusive administration of the regional organisation.
The Nigerian leader was elected in a unanimous endorsement that signals the trust and confidence reposed in him by his counterparts in the West African sub-region.
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.”
