Gowon was to address the current state of affairs at ECOWAS, with regards to the threat posed by the withdrawal of the three sahel nations
By Kehinde Okeowo
Nigeria’s former Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon (retd) has turned down an invitation to wade into the crisis currently rocking the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).
The federal government thought the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in partnership with ECOWAS Commission, had invited journalists to a “’press conference” at ECOWAS Commission Headquarters, Abuja, where Gen Gowon, who is one of the founding fathers of the regional body was invited to speak.
He was expected to address the current state of affairs at ECOWAS, with regards to coups and subsequent threat posed by the withdrawal of Republic of Niger, Mali and Burkina Faso from the organisation and perhaps, proffer lasting solutions to the challenge.
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Three military juntas in the West African nations on January 28, announced their intention to exit ECOWAS over allegation of the regional body becoming a threat to its members, being “under the influence of foreign powers and of betraying its founding principles.”
They equally accused ECOWAS of failing to support them in their fight against terrorism and insecurity, while imposing illegal, inhumane and irresponsible sanctions against them, following coups.
However, a day after, the leadership of the regional body expressed concern over the countries’ decision, stating that the unelected leaders were engaging in a public posturing to deny their people the sovereign right to make fundamental choices.
Since then, ECOWAS has been calling on the three countries to return to civilian rule by imposing sanctions and denying them plans for lengthy democratic transitions.