Tinubu pledges to defend democracy of West African countries after emergence as ECOWAS chairman

By Emmy Joe

President Bola Tinubu has vowed to take the democracy of West African nations seriously after he emerged as the new chairman of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) on Sunday.

“We will take democracy seriously, Democracy is very tough but it is the best form of government,” he said

Tinubu takes over as ECOWAS chair from Guinea-Bissau President Umaro Embalo.

Tinubu’s election was announced at the 63rd Ordinary Session of the Authority of Heads of State and Government of ECOWAS.

Since taking office on May 29, 2023, the President’s first engagement on the African continent was the summit of the 63rd Ordinary Session.

The newest member of West Africa’s elite club of heads of state, Tinubu promised to uphold the office’s duties and oversee an inclusive leadership of the regional body.

Though the sub-regional threat to peace had grown alarmingly serious due to terrorism and an emerging pattern of military takeover, the Nigerian leader issued a dire warning that urgent and coordinated action was now required.

He lamented that escalating terrorism and insecurity were impeding the region’s growth and development.

“On peace and security, 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. In this regard, we must remain committed to the utilisation of all regional frameworks at our disposal to address the menace of insecurity,” Tinubu in a statement by Dele Alake said.

“I will ensure that we immediately harmonize these plans and mobilize resources as well as the political will towards the actualisation of the initiatives. As terrorists do not respect boundaries, we must work collectively to have an effective regional counterterrorism measure,” he further stated.