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A former deputy national publicity secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Comrade Timi Frank, has criticized the recent withdrawal of three member-states from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) under the leadership of President Bola Tinubu, labeling it a national disgrace and shame for Nigeria.
Frank expressed concern over Tinubu‘s failure to peacefully resolve the issues leading to the exit of Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso from the regional body.
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He emphasized that this development does not reflect well on Tinubu’s leadership, especially considering the historical unity maintained by his predecessors in the subregion.
“Whether Tinubu acknowledges it or not, he inherited a stable 15-member regional group established almost 49 years ago when he assumed the chairmanship in July 2023.
However, history will note that the unity unraveled during his ineffective and neglectful leadership in less than seven months,” Frank declared.
The military regimes in Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger had announced their immediate breakaway from ECOWAS and formed an “Alliance of Sahel States” last Sunday. Their strained relations with ECOWAS stemmed from recent coups and challenges with jihadist violence and poverty.
Frank placed responsibility for the withdrawal squarely on President Tinubu, the current chairman, accusing him of failing to use his position to promote peace through effective dialogue. He criticized Tinubu’s hardline stance, including a failed attempt to use force to restore democracy in Niger.
Frank argued that Bola’s lack of nuanced understanding of regional politics and empathy for the citizens has led to the ongoing disintegration of ECOWAS and hardships for Nigerians.
He pointed to economic challenges, rising insecurity, and Bola’s controversial policy decisions, such as the removal of fuel subsidies, as contributing factors.
Furthermore, Frank urged Bola to reconsider his regionalist approach to governance, citing the President’s proposal to move the nation’s capital back to Lagos.
He called on Tinubu to seek advice from former Nigerian Presidents who previously served as chairmen of ECOWAS, emphasizing the need for effective leadership to prevent further social, political, and economic challenges.
In conclusion, Frank urged President Tinubu to retrace his steps, address toxic economic policies, and ensure that the powers entrusted to him do not harm Nigeria and the subregion socially, politically, and economically. He criticized Bola’s perceived insensitivity and called for immediate action, including a possible resignation as ECOWAS chairman.
