* Speech fell short of expectation, says Yoruba Ronu
* Encourage Tinubu to succeed, Benue gov urges Nigerians
* Regional body made wise choice, say Radda, Akinwale
Nigerians, yesterday, expressed satisfaction with the emergence of President Bola Tinubu as Chairman of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), but not all.
Tinubu took over from President Umaro Sissoco Embalo of Guinea-Bissau on Sunday, during the 63rd Ordinary Session of Heads of State and Government of ECOWAS.
While Benue State governor, Hyacinth Alia; his Katsina State counterpart, Dikko Radda, and others applauded the news, Yoruba Ronu Leadership Forum (YRLF), a Southwest group, was cautious.
YRLF President, Akin Malaolu, declared: “The era of building castles in the air is over, if we desire a flourishing society and democratic governance.”
In a statement, he said: “Following the not-too-good performance of President Tinubu at the well-attended 63rd Ordinary Session of the Authority of Heads of State and Government of ECOWAS, we must caution Nigerians and indeed the West African community that when leaders pour out platitudinous speeches and draw ovations, then we are willing to accept just any promises or gesticulations as products of good thinking.”
He explained that the Forum “evaluated the speech delivered by the newly elected chairman of ECOWAS, in the person of President Tinubu, and we must confess that it fell short of our expectations. And from our accumulated experience, through observations over the years, the chairman was only punching the air.”
He added: “We are, therefore, going to ask the newly elected chairman to embrace ‘charity begins at home’ and do the following: fight corruption, reduce the allowances and salaries of political office holders as well as promote human-faced economic policies. He should also convoke a sociological enquiry on insecurity, and name and prosecute sponsors of terrorism in Nigeria.”
But Governor Alia described Tinubu as a vastly experienced leader who would positively impact the West African sub-region, urging Nigerians to give the President moral support to succeed in the task.
Also, Katsina governor, Radda, “believes Tinubu’s selection as ECOWAS chairman is not only perfect but also timely, given his wealth of experience and leadership acumen.”
Radda, in a statement issued by his spokesperson, Ibrahim Mohammed, yesterday, described Tinubu as an “exceptional servant leader who has dedicated his life to the service of others, leaving an indelible impact throughout his extensive career in politics and public service.”
According to him, Tinubu’s “expertise will undoubtedly contribute significantly to fostering unity and progress within the West African region.”
Similarly, Oyo State Labour Party (LP) governorship candidate in the 2023 election, Tawfiq Tayo Akinwale, congratulated Tinubu.
In a statement, Akinwale expressed confidence in Tinubu’s ability to excel in the role, stressing he would contribute significantly to development and stability of the West African region.
According to him, the announcement of Tinubu as chairman was a moment of great pride and honour for Nigeria. He acknowledged Tinubu’s leadership qualities, visionary approach and commitment to the well-being of Nigeria and West African, even as he highlighted track record of governance and dedication to regional cooperation and integration.
On his part, a former lawmaker in the defunct 8th National Assembly and civil rights activist, Shehu Sani, said the appointment of Tinubu might influence reopening of Nigeria’s closed borders.
On his Twitter handle, Sani said: “Nigeria’s President is ECOWAS Chairman and ECOWAS Protocol demands that we should open our borders for free movement of people and goods. We shall see what the chairman will do with Nigeria’s closed land borders.”
