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Social Conflicts Threatening ECOWAS’ Integration Objectives, Says Buhari
By Derrick Bangura
President Muhammadu Buhari has said the persisting social conflicts in most countries of West Africa are negatively affecting the sub-region’s capacity to achieve integration which he said was the major goal of forming the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).
The president who was represented by the Vice President, Prof Yemi Osinbajo at the fourth Plenary Assembly of Reunion of Episcopal Conference of West Africa (RECOWA) holding at the ECOWAS Secretariat in Abuja, said the spate of conflicts and violence around the countries’ borders put considerable pressure on the ability of the affected countries to drive their political and economic activities.
He said: “All our efforts to integrate our Community have been thwarted not just by external forces, and I am concerned about the sovereignty of our countries and they have also resulted in a situation where social conflicts in our nation and around our borders have critically affected our capacity to truly integrate things the way that we wish.
“Internal crisis and social conflicts around borders have created a situation where today in our region we will say is passing a season of considerable political, economic and social turmoil.
“Terrorism and violent conflicts, banditry affect many of our nations, especially the Sahel region.”
The Vice President said in the aftermath of the outbreak of COVID-19, many of the economies of the West African countries have been weakened while unemployment escalated with the attendant poverty.
He also stated that, “peace cannot reign in our region if it does not first reign in countries and communities.
“Since 2017, there have been 12 military coups in Africa. And half of them have occurred since 2020. Historical, in times like this, parochial prejudices are heightened and the fabric of cohesion in the society becomes frayed as people retreat into ethnic, religious and other nativist camps.
“And those who do not speak our language or subscribe to our faith come under great suspicion and soon they become scapegoats for all our challenges and ethnic, religious and separatist conflicts arise. In all of these, the ideal of an integrated, peaceful and prosperous sub-region remains almost impossible,” he said.
Osinbajo said the concept behind the theme of the conference, “Fratelli Tutti: Path to Build Brotherhood and Sustainable Peace in West Africa,” for which Pope Francis had written about, is a concept of the brotherhood of all humanity.
He said the federal government was committed to collaborating with the Church and all well-meaning actors in promoting peace and security.
President Bola Tinubu, on Tuesday arrived in Katsina to receive the remains of the former President Muhammadu Buhari, who passed away in London on Sunday at the age of 82.
Just hours before the burial of former President Muhammadu Buhari, heartfelt tributes have continued to pour in from beneficiaries of his many charitable deeds, with many describing him as a man who never turned his back on the needy.
Speaking to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday, Aminu Daura, a respected community elder, recalled how Buhari consistently provided foodstuffs during Ramadan for families, friends, widows, and orphans in his hometown.
“He never made noise about it, but many homes had food on their tables during fasting period because of him,” Daura said.
Abdullahi Sani, a physically-challenged man who received a tricycle from the Buhari Foundation in 2021, was overcome with emotion while speaking to NAN.
“I can move around and feed my family today because of Baba Buhari. I pray to Allah to reward him for giving hope to people like me,” he said, in tears.
Hajiya Fatima Yahaya, another resident, remembered Buhari’s acts of kindness during festive seasons.
“Even after he left office, his aides ensured that the usual support still reached us every year. He always remember his people,” she said, referring to his distribution of Sallah rams and food items to indigent families during Eid celebrations.
Other residents of Daura also shared memories of how the late former president quietly paid school fees and medical bills for struggling families, actions rarely publicized.
“Some of us benefited from his silent interventions. He was a true father and a great figure in the society,” said Ali Saidu.
On Monday night, Imams across various mosques in Daura held special Qur’anic recitations, praying for the forgiveness of Buhari’s sins and his eternal peace.
The Chief Imam of Daura Central Mosque, Sheikh Musa Kofar Barau, described Buhari as a humble leader whose legacy of service and compassion would remain alive in the hearts of the people.
Buhari is scheduled to be buried later on Tuesday in his hometown of Daura, Katsina State, in line with Islamic rites. The community is bracing to welcome thousands of mourners from across Nigeria and beyond.
His Majesty King Mohammed VI of Morocco has extended heartfelt condolences to President Bola Tinubu, the family of the late former President Muhammadu Buhari, and the entire Nigerian people following Buhari’s death.
In a message of sympathy, the Moroccan monarch described the passing of the former Nigerian leader as a “sad occurrence,” expressing deep sorrow over the loss.
King Mohammed VI hailed Buhari as “an illustrious leader who worked untiringly to serve his country’s best interests and lead his people toward further progress and prosperity.”
He added: “Our thoughts and prayers are with you and the bereaved. I share your grief and want you to know how much I appreciated the working sessions I had with the deceased.”
Reflecting on their bilateral engagements, the king noted that his collaboration with Buhari led to the launch of promising development projects, “ushering a new era grounded in friendship and close cooperation between our two sister nations.”
Tinubu arrives Katsina to receive Buhari’s body for burial
“He Never Turned His Back on the Needy” — Tributes Pour In Ahead of Buhari’s Burial
King Mohammed VI Mourns Buhari, Praises Legacy of Nigeria’s Former Leader
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