Africa – July 10 (Mediaage NG) – Nigeria’s President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, at the 63rd Ordinary Session of West African regional bloc, Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), was named its new Chairman, despite facing a legal battle over his legitimacy as the Nigerian President.
Tinubu succeeds Guinea Bissau’s President, Umaro Sissoco Embaló and he is expected to lead the group for the next year.
This was his first engagement within the African continent since he assumed office in May.
President Tinubu pledged to bear the responsibility of the office and run the regional organisation as an inclusive administration.
“We will take democracy seriously. Democracy is very tough but it is the best form of government”, he said.
Tinubu also said the West African region was threatened with insecurity, following activities of Islamist extremists groups, as well as political crisis, following military coups in some countries.
“The threat has reached an alarming level, and needs urgent actions in addressing the challenges. Indeed, without a peaceful environment, progress and development in the region will continue to remain elusive,” he said.
“In this regard, we must remain committed to the utilisation of all regional frameworks at our disposal to address the menace of insecurity”, he stated.