ABUJA/Nigeria: In a bold and resounding call to action, the former Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Comrade Timi Frank, has called on the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to remove President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as its chairman. Frank made this plea in a statement released in Abuja, where he asserted that President Tinubu’s legitimacy as the President of Nigeria is in question following revelations of a forged Chicago State University (CSU) certificate submitted to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for the 2023 Presidential election.
Frank argued, “If ECOWAS must remain relevant and retain its credibility and respect among member states, especially in dealing with military junta now spreading fast like a pandemic across the sub-Region, it must act swiftly to protect its integrity.”
Frank also implored past and present presidents of ECOWAS member states to intervene, urging the sub-regional body to appoint an interim chairman pending ratification during the next Ordinary Session of the Authority of Heads of State and Government of ECOWAS. He cautioned that failing to take prompt action would render all decisions made during Tinubu’s tenure null and void.
Additionally, Frank called upon the leadership of the military junta in Burkina Faso, Guinea, Mali, and Niger Republic to refrain from engaging with the ECOWAS led by Tinubu until he is removed as chairman.
Frank expressed skepticism about the recent appointment of broadcast journalist and Channels Television reporter, Mrs. Linda Nwabuwa Akhigbe, as Communications Advisor to the ECOWAS Commission President, H.E. Dr. Omar Alieu Touray, in Abuja, cautioning, “This is a Greek gift; therefore, the commission should beware.”
He further pointed out that Tinubu’s administration had taken a dual approach, persecuting the media through regulatory actions while offering them generous appointments and paid advertisements, as highlighted by former Governor Nyesom Wike, the Minister of FCT.
Frank called upon the National Assembly to defend the nation’s constitution, democracy, and rule of law by promptly initiating impeachment proceedings against Tinubu for gross violations of the constitution. He stressed that the National Assembly could not afford to remain silent while the nation faced illegalities and breaches of the constitution committed by Tinubu.
He stated, “A breach of the Constitution by a sitting President is an impeachable offense,” emphasizing the need for the National Assembly to uphold the law and constitution of the land for the sake of sustaining democracy and ensuring peace, security, and development.
Frank continued, “This is not all about party membership. It’s all about sustaining our democracy and ensuring peace, security, and development of the country.”
Furthermore, he warned that the legitimacy crisis surrounding Tinubu was causing difficulties for Nigerians abroad who were seeking jobs, as their certificates were now being subjected to thorough scrutiny to ensure their authenticity.
Finally, Frank called on the Supreme Court to handle the Presidential election petition appeal with a sense of responsibility and national interest to safeguard the nation’s democracy. He urged the judiciary to uphold the principles of true justice in addressing the case of perjury or lying under oath by Tinubu.
