Legal Expert Attributes Mali, Burkina Faso, Niger’s ECOWAS Exit To President Tinubu’s Handling Of Regional Issues

In the aftermath of Niger, Burkina Faso, and Mali’s withdrawal from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), legal luminary Justice Osai Ahiakwo points the blame at Nigerian President Bola Tinubu, citing his immediate response to the overthrow of Niger’s elected President Mohammed Bazoun as a triggering factor.

Justice Ahiakwo, in a statement released from Calabar, expressed disappointment in President Tinubu’s leadership, both within Nigeria and as the head of ECOWAS. He argued that Tinubu failed to set a positive example in addressing the economic challenges faced by Nigeria and neighboring nations, contributing to the exit of the three countries from the regional organization.

Highlighting Tinubu’s response to the political upheaval in Niger, Ahiakwo asserted that the failure to engage in serious dialogue with the military juntas behind the coup played a significant role in the subsequent withdrawal of the three nations.

The legal expert stressed that the departure of Niger, Burkina Faso, and Mali from ECOWAS was not unexpected, emphasizing the need for a diplomatic approach to address issues of bad governance, corruption, insecurity, poverty, and unemployment plaguing the region.

Ahiakwo suggested that President Tinubu needs to address the root causes of military coups and engage in sincere efforts to combat corruption within Nigeria’s government before effectively managing the wealth of ECOWAS.

While acknowledging that ECOWAS leadership shares some blame for the exit, Ahiakwo emphasized the necessity for the organization to embody the principles of good governance to strengthen democratically elected governments in the region.

However, the lawyer maintained his stance that the military juntas in the three nations are not legitimate governments, urging a commitment to democratic principles for the true benefit of the regionT