The
Association of Retired Career Ambassadors of Nigeria (ARCAN) yesterday called
on the Nigerian government to resist any attempt by other member countries of
Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to admit Morocco into the regional
body.
Noting that
Morocco, by reason of its geographical location, does not qualify to be
admitted into the regional organization, the association, through its founding
chairman and former Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Ignatius C. Olisemeka,
however warned that Morocco’s motive was political and aimed at whittling down
the strength of Nigeria for her role in the admission of Western Sahara into
the then Organization of African Unity (OAU).
The
association however wondered why the Federal Government has so far, not engaged
in a vigorous campaign against Morocco’s move, stressing that the government
owes Nigerians an explanation.
According to
ARCAN, the admission of Morocco in principle, if true, would have been one of
the most humiliating and lowest points in Nigeria’s foreign policy since
independence.
“We say so
because ECOWAS as a sub-regional economic association of only West African
states was the brainchild of Nigeria under the government of General Yakubu
Gowon and the government of Togo under President Gnassingbe Eyadema
“Morocco is
coming to whittle down the power of Nigeria, not only in ECOWAS, African Union
but also in the United Nations. Morocco has a political agenda and that agenda
is that Nigeria spearheaded the admission of Western Sahara into the
Organization of African Unity (OAU) then.‘’
“Morocco
took offense and left the OAU. So, right from the word go, it will look as if
Morocco does not care about the feelings of other people. It is only its own
interest and nothing else.
“If Morocco
comes into ECOWAS, it is not only going to destabilize the organization, it
will work very hard to get them not to continue with their support for the
Western Sahara”, ARCAN stated.
The
association however expressed fear that Anglophone West African countries would
be easily swayed by whatever argument Morocco will make since they are less
than the Francophone countries.
With Nigeria
paying over 60 per cent of ECOWAS annual budget, ARCAN flayed Nigerian
government for watching at a move to ruin its investment in the Commission.The
association further argued that admitting Morocco into the regional body would
mark the end of ECOWAS, as a new name would be introduced to accommodate
countries beyond the border of West Africa.
Rather than
seek to destabilize ECOWAS, ARCAN has called on Morocco to go back to the
regional organization it originally belonged and reconcile its difference with
its brother nations.
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