Bauchi State Governor, Senator Bala Mohammed, has warned
that the Economic Community of West African States, ECOWAS, is in danger due to
poor leadership, lack of trust among leaders, and weak institutions.
Speaking at Christ Church College, University of Oxford,
during ECOWAS’ 50th anniversary on May 9, 2025, Governor Bala said the region
is suffering from a “crisis of governance” that is affecting people’s lives
daily.
“The West African Community is failing due to poor
governance, a trust deficit among leaders, and weak institutional
accountability,” he declared before a packed audience of scholars, diplomats,
and policymakers. “These failures are not abstract; they impact people’s lives
every day,” he said.
Mohammed pointed to reforms in Bauchi State, especially in
education, health, infrastructure, and economic empowerment, as proof that good
governance is possible when leaders are transparent and accountable.
The governor’s remarks aligned with former President
Olusegun Obasanjo’s keynote speech, where the elder statesman said ECOWAS is at
risk due to mistrust and poor cooperation among leaders.
Obasanjo also raised concerns about the newly formed
Alliance of Sahel States (AES) by Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso, military-led
nations that have openly distanced themselves from ECOWAS.
The Oxford event brought together leaders, diplomats, and
scholars to discuss democracy, security, and development in the region.
In a statement by his media aide, Mukhtar Gidado, the
governor’s participation was described as part of his growing regional
influence and commitment to West Africa’s unity and progress.
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