Falana SAN Urges ECOWAS Leaders To Limit Presidential Tenure To Two Terms For Stability Amidst Niger Political Crisis
*Criticizes Disregard for Court Orders
Renowned legal practitioner and Human Rights Activist Femi Falana SAN has issued a comprehensive statement highlighting critical issues contributing to the rise of unconstitutional changes in government within the West African region. In his address, Falana identified four key factors requiring immediate attention to foster stability and democracy across the region.
Falana stressed the urgent need for West African nations to limit the tenure of elected presidents to two terms, a move that would curtail power manipulations and strengthen democratic governance. He tasked President Bola Tinubu of Nigeria, the newly appointed Chairman of ECOWAS, to ensure the successful passage of the proposed amendment restricting presidential terms to two mandates.
In a statement , he wrote, “It is common knowledge that the immediate and remote cause of unconstitutional change of governments is the manipulation of constitutions and referenda by elected governments to extend the tenure of Presidents. In 2015, the leaders of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) proposed to restrict West African presidents to two terms in office to stop unconstitutional changes of governments in West Africa. The proposal was shelved as it was opposed by Togo and The Gambia, both with presidents who had been in power for more than two terms in office.
But following the coup in Mali, Burkina Faso and Guinea, Ecowas leaders under the immediate past Chairman, President Nana Akufo-Addo of Ghana proposed to amend of the Protocol on Democracy and Good Governance to limit the tenure of Presidents to a maximum period of two terms in office. The amendment was not passed due to the objection of President Allason Quatara of Cote divoire, Mall of Senegal, and Faure Eyadama of Togo. Presidents Quatara and Eyadama are currently spending more than two terms in office while President Mall is scheming for a third term.”
He continued, “The new Chairman of Ecowas, President Bola Tinubu of Nigeria, should ensure that the amendment is passed forthwith while sanctions are imposed on democratically elected presidents who engage in amendment of the national constitutions to extend their tenure beyond two terms.”
Resource exploitation emerged as another central concern in the statement, with Falana denouncing the reckless plundering of natural resources by foreign forces and former colonial powers. Falana urged ECOWAS leaders to reclaim control over national economies, thereby enabling wealth to benefit the citizens and not just a privileged few.
Addressing the issue of judicial compliance, Falana criticized African leaders’ disregard for rule of law and human rights, pointing out instances where court orders were ignored without repercussions. He called on all member states to adhere to the judgments of the ECOWAS Court and African Court on Human and Peoples Rights, urging those in non-compliance to promptly recognize the authority of these institutions.
The final point focused on recent political crises, particularly the coup in Niger Republic. Falana SAN noted the resolution of the security committee to prioritize diplomatic efforts and dialogue in resolving the crisis. He called on ECOWAS to endorse this approach, refrain from military intervention, and instead implement sanctions while addressing the exploitation of uranium resources in Niger.
He said, “Since the call for diplomatic initiative by the security chiefs reflects the wishes of the people of West Africa, the Authority of the Heads of State and Government should jettison the military option and impose more sanctions with a view to isolating the military junta in Niger. The demand for the restoration of constitutional order in Niger must address the exploitation of uranium by France and the United States. It is unacceptable for Niger, the fourth largest producer of uranium to remain one of the poorest countries in the world.”
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