Goodluck Jonathan May Emerge AU Chairman as Summit Begins in Ethiopia

President Goodluck Jonathan who flew out of Nigeria Friday to attend African Union’s 12th Session in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia appears set to emerge Chairman of the AU, a position already zoned to West Africa.

Feelers from Addis Ababa indicate that other members of the Economic Community of West African States where Jonathan is already its head are routing for him to emerge the next Chairman of the union in an election that will form part of the major highlight of the Summit.

Jonathan who left Nigeria Friday morning arrived Addis Ababa around 3.30pm and was received by representatives of the Nigerian community in the country as well as other Nigerian officials before proceeding to the Nigerian embassy with members of his delegation.

Apart from participating in electing the next Chairman of the union, Jonathan is expected to present a paper at the New Partnership for African Development (NEPAD) before making another presentation on the main theme of the summit, "Boosting Intra-African Trade."

He is billed to witness the inauguration of the AU conference office complex before attending a banquet to be hosted by Ato Meles Zenawi, the Ethiopian Prime Minister.