President Muhammadu Buhari has been named the new Chairman of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS)
The Nigerian President was elected Chairman on Tuesday at the ongoing Summit in Lome, Togo, after a closed session of Heads of State of the Commission.
Buhari who tried to turn down the request to lead the Commission was pleaded with to accept it, which he did. He will now take over from Togolese President and the last Chairman of the Commission, Faure Gnassingbé.
President Buhari after his new appointment thanked the Commission and pledged to serve and work with fellow Heads of State to deliver on peace, security, good governance and socio-economic development in the region.
He said:
“Truly humbled by my election today as the new Chairman of the Authority of Heads of State and Government of ECOWAS. I pledge to serve and work with my fellow Heads of State to deliver on peace, security, good governance and socio-economic development in the region.
I thank my colleagues for the Honour; they refused to take my ‘No’ for an answer. I would like to specially thank my predecessor, President of Togo, Faure Gnassingbe, for his excellent stewardship of ECOWAS. And I look forward to hosting the next Meeting in Abuja in December.”