The Federal Executive Council (FEC) on Wednesday congratulated President Bola Tinubu on his re-election as the Chairman of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Authority of Heads of State and Government.
In its regular meeting presided over by the president inside the Aso Chambers of the Presidential Villa, Abuja, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), George Akume, who spoke on behalf of the members of the council, said the West African regional leaders have seen in President Tinubu a committed leader who is working for the growth and development of the country and Africa.
He pointed out that this informed their decision to re-elect him to another one-year tenure after the expiration of his last term.
“Africa has seen a committed leader and once again saw the need to re-appoint the president as their leader.
“Cabinet members congratulate you, Mr. President, and we believe that you will continue to do your best. You have our support and loyalty 100 percent,” the SGF stated.
In July 2023, the Nigerian leader had been unanimously endorsed as chairman at the 63rd Ordinary Session of the Authority in Bissau, Guinea-Bissau.
Since then, the Nigerian leader has dealt with challenges, particularly military coups in member states.
The president initially took a strong stance against unconstitutional changes of government in Niger Republic, Burkina Faso, Mali, and Guinea, overseeing the imposition of sanctions on them.
However, the sanctions were later lifted as the sub-regional body opted for a more peaceful approach to resolve the issues.
The president played a critical role in ensuring the success of the 2024 Senegalese election by facilitating dialogue between stakeholders.
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He demonstrated a strong commitment to promoting democracy in the sub-region during the year.
President Tinubu now joins the ranks of a few other West African leaders who have served more than one term as the chairman of the Authority.
They include Gnassingbé Eyadéma (Togo) who served in 1977–1978 and again in 1980–1981; Dawda Jawara (The Gambia) who served in 1989–1990 and again in 1991–1992; Muhammadu Buhari (Nigeria) who served in 1985 and again from 2018-2019, and Blaise Compaoré (Burkina Faso) who served in 1990–1991 and again in 2007–2008.
President Tinubu was re-elected during the 65th Ordinary Session of the Authority, held at the Presidential Villa, Abuja on Sunday.
In his acceptance speech, President Tinubu said he will continue to work with other elements within the community to sustain the democratic values and structures of the region.
“Thank you very much. There’s no need for long speeches anymore now that I’ve accepted to continue in service with great members and great minds that are committed to democratic values and our journey in the region.
“I’ll continue my utmost best to serve our interests and build on the democratic values and the structure that we inherited,” he said.
