The gory activities of the Islamic extremists group, Boko Haram on Sunday stopped President Goodluck Jonathan from clinching chairmanship position of African Union (AU).

Against expectations that the Nigerian president will emerge Chairman of the Africa's largest body, President of the Republic of Benin, Boni Yayi has been elected the new chairman of the African Union for the period of 12 Months.

Leadership gathered that news of insecurity and the mass protests both home and abroad that trailed the removal of fuel subsidy played major roles in turning down the choice of Jonathan as AU Chairman.

The newly elected chairman who is himself an economist in his acceptance speech, however, promised support for jonathan and Nigeria in tackling the terrorism problem which the country currently faces.

"I want to congratulate the new chairman of the African Union,  Boni Yayi," said Obiang, the outgoing chairman, speaking after the official announcement at the AU summit meeting in the Ethiopian capital.

"I have no doubt that with your great leadership ,  you will conduct the work of our Union towards our agenda of peace and prosperity. I wish you all success in your efforts," Obiang added.

Yayi, an economist who took office six years ago of the small West African nation, said he accepted the post with humility for the "high responsibility."

"I wish to express my gratitude with respect and appreciation to the heads of state we have here for the confidence they have in my regard," Yayi said after the vote.

"We shall continue to work hand in glove to ensure that we consolidate all that we have achieved so far," he added.

Obiang, summing up his year in office, accused "external powers that wish to perpetuate their influence" of manipulating Africa.

"Africa should not remain indifferent to external interference. Africa should not be questioned with regards to democracy, human rights, governance and transparency in public administration," he declared.

gokuu:

Good. That monster should not be allowed an inch outside Nigeria! At least, Africa will be spared from his venomous stench.

chelseabmw:

hehehehehehehe. . . .foolish president. . . .

ceejayluv:

GEJ embarrasses me once again

High_Chief:

Am not even sure he contested, it has not been confirmed he contested apart from those rumor mongers Sahara Reporters

hbrednic:

GEJ is one of the African leaders that voted in favour of NATO's destruction of libya
and the subsquent killing of a fellow african head of state,others will regard him as a sell-out.
GEJ should have known better