Nigeria’s former Head of State in Nigeria and one of the founders of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), General Yakubu Gowon, is alleged to have declined an invitation to intervene in the ongoing crises within the regional body.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in collaboration with the ECOWAS Commission, had organized a press conference at the ECOWAS Commission Headquarters in Abuja, scheduled for 12 noon today, where Gowon was expected to address the current state of affairs in the region.
The elder statesman and former military leader was supposed to discuss the menace of coups and the subsequent threat by the Republic of Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso to withdraw from the organization.
On January 28, the military juntas in Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger announced their intention to leave ECOWAS citing allegations of the regional body being influenced by foreign powers and betraying its founding principles.
They also accused ECOWAS of failing to provide support in their fight against terrorism and insecurity, while imposing illegal, inhumane, and irresponsible sanctions following the coups.
The regional body’s leadership voiced apprehension the day after, expressing worry that unelected leaders were using public posturing to prevent their people from exercising their sovereign right to make important decisions.
ECOWAS has urged the three countries to restore civilian rule through sanctions and rejecting proposals for extended democratic transitions.
During a recent meeting in Abuja, Nigeria, the Mediation and Security Council, MSC, at the ministerial level, encouraged the concerned nations to focus on dialogue and reconciliation.
However, according to Vanguard, Gowon has rejected the invite to speak on the happenings.