ECOWAS Appointment: How African Leaders Kicked Against Buhari’s Will

The Nigeria’s President Muhammadu Buhari may have been reluctant to become the next chairman of the Authorities of the Heads of State and Government of the Economic Community of Africa States (ECOWAS).

At the current summit holding at the neighboring country, Togo, the various African leaders voted the Nigerian President to succeed his Togolese counterpart, Faure Gnassingbe.

President Buhari, in his acceptance comment, revealed how he once resisted being saddled with the responsibilities but was quickly countered by other present leaders of the West African countries.

“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”, he said.

He, however vowed to ensure peace and good governance throughout the entire region with his new portfolio.

“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”, Buhari added.

The tenure of chairmanship is one year.