THE IMPLICATIONS OF WITHDRAWAL OF MEMBERSHIP FROM ECOWAS BY THREE REGIONAL BODIES.

Primarily, the formation of ECOWAS was/is to forster Regional cooperation, progress, growth, development and security for the general welfare of their citizens and to promote International best practices in politics,economy and security.

ECOWAS was/is able to promote these International obligations among its Member Nations and also it was/is able to foster regional security and reduction in trans-border illegal activities such as:

i- Serious border clashes among Member States.

ii- Reduction in illegal movement of light arms and its proliferation.

iii- Reduction in the growth of unauthorized movement of immigrants.

iv- Promotion of trade and commercial activities without any hindrance by Member States.

v- Regional enhancement in cultural activities.

Indeed the advantages attached to this Regional obligations cannot be emphasized. It is therefore better to continue to be together than to tear themselves apart. No Nation can exist perfectly well without leaning on one another.

The sudden withdrawal of Membership from ECOWAS by Niger Republic, Mali Republic and Burkina Faso Republic would do more harm to themselves than good.

I use this opportunity to advice these Nations not to rely upon their former Colonial Masters (Francophone Masters) as they are never permanent friends but only rely on permanent economic interests. They will escort them go but will not escort them back.

Therefore, I appeal to the Heads of State of these three Nations to sort out the little differences with the rest Members of ECOWAS and settle their little differences which I believe was/is on the recently change of governments in their countries from democracy to mìlitary system.

These three Nations are all landlocked and they require the cooperation of their close neighbours who are mostly ECOWAS members for much of their needs.

I hope the President of Federal Republic of Nigeria, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as the current Chairman of ECOWAS to speak to their senses to put the overall interest of their Nationals above their personal interest. They should not mind their former Colonial Masters who might be pushing them to act so.

If these three Independent Nations should allow themselves to be tailored any how this period in time, it means they are about to be recolonised again into modern slavery.

A word is enough for the wise.

May we be guided.

Lakpene Yusuf Bida,Esq
29th–1–2024.