By Osaro Matthew
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu who traveled on July 8, 2023 for the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) summit slated for July 9, 2023 in Bissau, the capital of Guinea Bissau, saw him emerge the newly elected chairman.
The summit which is the 63rd ordinary session of the Authority of Heads of State and Government of ECOWAS addressed some pressing issues. Some of which includes, the report of the transition in the republics of Mali, Burkina Faso and Guinea, the single currency programme, report on obstacles to the free movement of goods in the Abidjan-Lagos corridor et al.
President of the federal republic of Nigeria was then elected chairman of ECOWAS. The position, which is chosen on a rotating basis for a one year tenure, does not confer executive powers on the chairman but he plays a strategic role in conflict resolutions and advocacy. The position was also held by former president Buhari from 2018 to 2019.
The elated Tinubu pledged to take democracy seriously, though tough, it is still the best form of government.