ABUJA/Nigeria: In a scathing critique of President Bola Tinubu’s leadership, former Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Comrade Timi Frank, has labeled the recent withdrawal of Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) as a national disgrace and a stain on Nigeria’s reputation.
Frank pointedly asserted that Tinubu’s failure to diplomatically address the lingering issues leading to the departure of the three member states reflects poorly on the legacy of his predecessors, who played crucial roles in maintaining regional unity and peace. He emphasized the intact nature of the 15-member regional group upon Tinubu assuming the chairmanship in July 2023, contrasting it with the present disintegration within seven months under his leadership.
The military regimes in Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger declared their breakaway from ECOWAS last Sunday, forming an “Alliance of Sahel States.” Fractured ties between the regimes and ECOWAS, stemming from coups in the respective countries and grappling with jihadist violence and poverty, had been evident since last July.
Frank squarely placed the responsibility on President Tinubu, criticizing his ineffective stewardship, neglectful approach, and a misguided attempt to use force to restore democracy in Niger. He lamented Tinubu’s apparent lack of nuanced understanding of regional politics and empathy for the suffering populace, citing the worsening economic conditions, increased insecurity, and a decline in investor confidence.
The former APC official accused Tinubu of introducing regionalism into Nigerian governance, highlighted by his alleged efforts to relocate key government agencies, including the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), to Lagos. Frank argued that such actions breed discontent and disunity, calling on Tinubu to reconsider his policies both as ECOWAS chairman and Nigerian President.
In a stern admonition, Frank urged Tinubu to seek advice from former Nigerian Presidents who previously chaired ECOWAS, emphasizing the need for competent leadership to avert further social, political, and economic turmoil in the country and the subregion.
