Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) is in jeopardy owing to incompetent leadership, distrust amongst leaders, and inadequate institutions, according to Senator Bala Mohammed, governor of Bauchi State.
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At a ceremony marking the 50th anniversary of ECOWAS, which will take place on May 9, 2025, at Christ Church College, University of Oxford, Governor Bala lamented the everyday impact of a “crisis of governance” on the lives of the people living in the region.
In front of an intimate gathering of academics, diplomats, and politicians, he made the bold statement, “The West African Community is failing due to poor governance, a trust deficit among leaders, and weak institutional accountability.” He emphasized that these setbacks have a tangible and daily effect on people’s lives.
As evidence that good governance is achievable when leaders are open and responsible, Mohammed cited the reforms in Bauchi State, particularly in the areas of education, healthcare, infrastructure, and economic empowerment.
The statements made by the governor were in line with those of former President Olusegun Obasanjo, who warned that ECOWAS is in danger owing to a lack of trust and cooperation among its leaders in his keynote address.
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The recently established Alliance of Sahel States (AES) by military-led nations that have openly separated themselves from ECOWAS—Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso—was another matter that Obasanjo voiced worries over.
Democracy, security, and development were the topics of discussion at the Oxford event, which was attended by diplomats, intellectuals, and political figures.
The governor’s involvement, according to his media assistant Mukhtar Gidado’s statement, is an indication of his increasing regional prominence and dedication to the unity and advancement of West Africa.
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