Former President Muhammadu Buhari
By DAVID IORJA, Abuja-
Former President Muhammadu Buhari has explained the reason behind his absence from the 50th anniversary of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) held in Lagos on Wednesday.
In a statement, Buhari revealed that he was unable to attend the event due to a scheduled medical check-up in the United Kingdom.
In a letter addressed to President Bola Tinubu, Buhari congratulated the regional bloc on the occasion of its 50th anniversary, while expressing regret over his inability to attend the historic celebration.
“Regrettably, as Your Excellency is aware, I am currently in the United Kingdom undergoing routine medical check-ups and therefore, unable to attend this historic event,” Buhari wrote.
He lauded the achievements of ECOWAS over the past five decades, acknowledging the regional body’s resilience in the face of daunting challenges.
“I congratulate Your Excellency and other Heads of State and Government on the attainment of this Golden Jubilee by ECOWAS,” he stated.
Buhari also paid tribute to retired Gen. Yakubu Gowon, Nigeria’s former Head of State, the only surviving founding father of ECOWAS, commending his pivotal role in the creation of the regional bloc in 1975.
