‘Why Military Interventions Persist in West African Sub-regions’

Hammed Shittu in Ilorin

Former Permanent Representative of Nigeria to the United Nations (UN),  Prof. Tijani Muhammadu  Bande, yesterday disclosed that the quest for change of leadership in the West African countries by military forces was due to poor leadership.

Prof. Bande made this disclosure  in Ilorin, the Kwara State capital  yesterday during the Commonwealth Scholarship and Fellows Alumni Association of Nigeria(COSFAN) event to mark the 80th birthday of former Chief of Staff(CoS)  to former  President Muhammadu Buhari, Prof. Ibrahim Agboola Gambari.

The event was also used to unveil the book written by the COSFAN titled: ‘Readings In Diplomacy, Democracy, Peace and Development’, in honour of  the celebrant, Prof. Gambari.

Prof. Bande, who as the book reviewer at the event, stated that: “Most changes to constitutions in West Africa  countries are about more powers to the president yet there is little to show that concentrated power meant improvement in the lives of citizens, and Togo and Guinea are cases in point.

“In other places, violence followed the weak transparency of governments. So, Coup D’etats happened in Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger Republic.

“Justifications of these acts are mainly from security to poverty, to loss of sovereignty to erstwhile colonial powers.

“Certainly, frustration with flawed elections and a sense that elections hardly remove bad leaders have given a veneer of support to some for this dangerous direction.

“For example in Mali, the failure to secure people for a decade played into the hands of the coupists, as the death toll reached 2,000 people. One and half million became refugees. Street protests against President Boubacar Keita was taken advantage of by the military.”

Prof. Bande also made strong case for ethics in governance and social relations, saying that the development would help the country in her challenges and also make progress.

He stated that: “Because of the multiple diversities characterising Nigeria, values and norms are not uniform. Furthermore, technology, migration and urbanisation and the erosion of traditional values among other things have impacted behaviour and norms.

“Dysfunctional and corruption behaviour must be removed in Nigeria otherwise the incessant search for material wealth at all costs will continue to fuel inefficiency, inequality, inferior standards and even violence.”

He noted further that: “Agencies for dealing with these ills such as ICPC, EFCC, NOA, NDLEA, have made their contributions but the problem has continued unabated.

“There appears to be no deterrent effect on the behaviour of both leaders and followers.

“There is much that agents of socialisation can do to continue the old tradition of separating right from wrong. Without this, development would be near impossible.”

Prof Bande who described the celebrant, Prof Gambari, as a committed Nigerian and internationalist, said that his exposures have touched peace and development globally and regionally.

The National President of COSFAN, Dr. Ekundayo Samuel, in his welcome speech, said that: “We are here to honour a diplomat, a scholar, a true luminary, and a cherished Patron of COSFAN as he marks his 80th birthday.

“This occasion is made even more special as we present a festschrift titled: ‘Reading  in Diplomacy, Democracy, Peace and Development’, a tribute that encapsulates a lifetime of dedication, intellect, and service to humanity.

“This book is not just a collection of essays or research outputs; it is a testament to the influence our honouree has had on countless lives, shaping the minds of future leaders and inspiring a generation of scholars, thinkers, and doers.”

He added that: “At 80, Prof Ibrahim Agboola Gambari is a testament to the power of lifelong learning and the relentless pursuit of knowledge.

“He has shown us that age is not a barrier but a gateway to deeper understanding and greater impact.”

In his remarks at the occasion, Kwara State Governor and Chairman Nigeria’s Governors Forum(NGF), Alhaji AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, stated that: “We are always proud that the mention of Prof. Ibrahim Gambari instantly commands respect and honour across all spectrums owing to his contributions to scholarship, international diplomacy and world peace, as well as national unity and development at various times.”

Represented at the event by his Deputy, Mr. Kayode Alabi, Governor AbdulRazaq said that: “This gathering is another testament to the standing of this global statesman.

“Written in honour of Prof. Gambari, ‘Readings in Diplomacy, Democracy, Peace and Development’ is a book I want all of us to read as our world evolves and grapples with emerging challenges of the new media and unfettered freedom, the rise of non-state actors with differing perspectives on the concept of diplomacy, democracy, peace and development, and the shifting nature of the international system and power dynamics.

“While many of these issues may defy textbook prescriptions, I believe firmly that scholarly research and insights on such topics are always useful in our search for practical and sustainable solutions.

“I, therefore, thank the Commonwealth Scholars and Fellows Alumni Association, organisers of this programme, for their love for our own Prof Gambari and their passion for knowledge, understanding of the world as it is, and national development.

“On behalf of the people and government of our state, I congratulate His Excellency Prof. Ibrahim Gambari, CFR, on his 80th birthday and I wish him many more years of happiness and contributions to national and global peace as an international statesman.”

In his remarks, the celebrant, Gambari said that his journey in life was full of successes.

Gambari stated that the development has gone a long way of helping him in his professional careers which hitherto had taken him into a greater places during his life time.

While thanking Almighty Allah for this gestures in life, Prof. Gambari thanked the people of Ilorin, especially classmates, friends, and well-wishers for making the occasion a memorable outing.

He, however, assured the people that he would continue to support the course that would promote peace and development so as to move the nation forward.

Goodwill messages were made at the event, especially from Ooni of Ife, His Royal Majesty, Oba Enitan Ogunwusi, Vice chancellor of University of Ilorin, Prof. Wahab Olasupo Egbewole (SAN), among others.