Tinubu returns after attending ECOWAS meeting in Guinea-Bissau
By Emma Ogbuehi
President Bola Tinubu returned to Abuja on Monday evening after a two-day official visit to Bissau, the capital of Guinea-Bissau for the 63rd Ordinary Session of the Authority of Heads of State and Government of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).
The President arrived at the Presidential Wing of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, around 6:30 pm aboard the NAF 001 Boeing 737 jet.
TheNiche had earlier reported that while in Bissau, Tinubu was unanimously named the new Chairman of the Authority of Heads of State and Government of ECOWAS at a session of the regional bloc held on Sunday afternoon.
After accepting the role of Chairman of the Authority, he pledged to bear the responsibility of the office and run an inclusive administration of the regional organisation.
He warned that terrorism and the persistent pattern of coup d’etat in the region had reached alarming levels, demanding urgent and concerted action.
He argued that insecurity and creeping terrorism were stunting the progress and development of the sub-region, necessitating collective actions from member-states.
“We will take democracy seriously. Democracy is very tough but it is the best form of government,” the Nigerian leader said after he received handover documents from the outgoing chairman who is Guinea-Bissau’s President, Umaro Embaló.
The ECOWAS Chairmanship is a position held by one of the heads of state or government of the member countries, chosen on a rotating basis for a one-year tenure.
Former President Buhari had occupied the position from 2018 to 2019.
Though the role does not confer executive powers, the Chairman plays a strategic role in conflict resolution, advocacy and liaises with the President of the ECOWAS Commission, the executive responsible for the day-to-day management and implementation of ECOWAS policies and decisions.
Media aide to the president, Bayo Onanuga had earlier disclosed that President Tinubu would be elected chairman on Sunday.
Tinubu, had departed Nigeria on Saturday for the 63rd Ordinary Session of the Authority of Heads of State and Government of ECOWAS in Guinea-Bissau.
Onanuga stated, “Nigeria’s President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will become the new ECOWAS chairman today, succeeding President Umaro Embalo of Guinea Bissau, who became chairman 4 July 2022, at the 61st summit in Accra.
“Tinubu’s leadership will be announced in Bissau today at the 63rd Ordinary Session of the Authority of Heads of State and Government of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).”