The President of United States Africa Command, Ghana (AFRICOM), Mr. Abednego Orstin Rawlings, says the selection of West African leaders as chairpersons of the Economic Community of West Africa States (ECOWAS) is not a strategic move.
He has advised ECOWAS that end of the term of office of His Excellency Bola Tinubu Ahmed, the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria the practise should end.
He proposed that the position of Ecowas chairman should be given to other noble professionals who have excelled in their various endeavors. Mr Orstin Rawkings said the position should also be rotated.
“The Chairman or Chairperson must be any West African who should be elected as Chairman or chair-person to lead the affairs of the Economic Community of West African States,” he said; According to him, the body can become well recognized and properly managed when the Chairman or Chairperson is not a president.
According to Mr. ORSTIN, West Africa is replete with individuals who have the potential to become leaders or chiefs of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).
To restore sanity and scrutiny to these presidents, or to enable them to serve their noble people with integrity, such scrutiny should be conducted.
“Despite West Africa’s abundance of natural resources, it has been devastated by self-centeredness and poor leadership,” he said.
“Despite Her Excellency Madam Sirleaf Johnson being the inaugural female President of West Africa and possessing divine wisdom, knowledge, and understanding, these male presidents did not appoint her as ECOWAS Chair.” Why?” Mr. Orstin quizzed.
He likened the leadership of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to a pyramid: the further down the presidency, the more powerful one becomes; this progression has resulted in numerous coups within the sub-region. However, at this time, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) no longer requires a President to be chairman.
He categorically stated that the current architecture of ECOWAS won’t allow for a female president to chair it describing it as discrimination.
“Henceforth, successful business executives or career diplomats from West Africa must serve as Chairman or Chairperson of ECOWAS, rather than presidents. Look at how the United Nations, European Union, and other World bodies nominate their Chairmen or Chairpersons” he said.
Numerous eminent former military generals and qualified women from West Africa possess the qualifications necessary to serve as Chairman or Chairperson of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to ensure the region’s prosperity and security.
According to Mr. Orstin, in order for the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to function effectively, every position must be accompanied by a vice or deputy, and vice or deputy positions must be filled by women serving as monitors or checkers.
This will undoubtedly increase the efficacy of the organization among Africans and demonstrate to West African presidents that their positions are temporary opportunities to govern good people and not their personal fortunes; thus, coup d’état will cease without a doubt.