The recent withdrawal of three member-states from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) under the leadership of President Bola Tinubu has been labeled a national disgrace by former deputy national publicity secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Comrade Timi Frank.
According to Frank, Tinubu’s inability to peacefully resolve issues leading to the exit of Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso reflects poorly on his leadership. Frank expressed disappointment that under Tinubu’s tenure, the unity and peace that predecessors maintained in the subregion fell apart in less than seven months.
The military regimes in Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger announced their immediate breakaway from ECOWAS, forming an “Alliance of Sahel States” due to fractured ties stemming from coups and struggles with jihadist violence and poverty.
Frank squarely placed the blame on President Tinubu, stating that he failed to use his position to foster peace through effective dialogue. Frank accused Tinubu of maintaining a hardline stance, including an unsuccessful attempt to use arms to restore democracy in Niger.
Critiquing Tinubu’s leadership, Frank mentioned economic challenges, insecurity, and the overall decline of the region. He criticized Tinubu for introducing regionalism into Nigeria’s governance and expressed concern over his move to relocate key government agencies, including the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), to Lagos, signaling injustice and potential disunity.
Frank called on President Tinubu to reevaluate his policies and decisions both as the chairman of ECOWAS and the President of Nigeria. He urged Tinubu to seek advice from former Nigerian Presidents who chaired ECOWAS on effective leadership for Nigeria and the subregion.
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