A security expert, on Wednesday, lauded Nigeria’s action to stop a spread of coups in the West Africa region.
Speaking on Hard Facts with Mary-Ann Duke-Okon, Dr. Paul Ejime, a former spokesperson for the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), said that emergency action was needed to protect the country and its neighbours.
Dr. Ejime said Nigeria is a regional power and must show leadership. He said the constitution allows sending troops abroad in an emergency, and that the National Assembly can approve the move within 24 to 48 hours.
Dr. Ejime also spoke on the recent aircraft issue. He explained that the landing in “AES space” was a technical stop, urging patience before judging the incident.
Dr. Ejime also pointed out that ECOWAS is weaker after some members left, and that the group must work with neighbours to keep borders safe.
On domestic issues, Dr. Ejime criticised political leaders for weakening opposition and concentrating power. He said this creates space for the military to step in, leading to the various coups witnessed in the region.
He urged politicians to drop party fights and unite against terrorism and insurgency.
He then praised Nigeria’s armed forces for success in past foreign missions, and pointed out that fighting insurgency at home is harder because of politics and vested interests.
