The President of the Economic Community of West African States, Dr Mohamed Ibn Chambas, has attributed Africa’s political instability to external influences originating from former colonial powers.
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Chambas made this statement during the 13th Zik Annual Lecture Series held at Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, the capital of Anambra State, on Saturday.
The annual Zik lecture series, held in honour of the late Dr Nnamdi Azikiwe, serves as a platform for robust intellectual discussions led by prominent leaders, aimed at addressing challenges faced by Africa and the global community.
During the lecture, Chambas urged African nations to prioritise unity in the areas of security and socio-economic development, stressing that such collaboration could help curb escalating restiveness and social protests across the continent.
He noted that without unity, Africa would remain vulnerable to political instability and external interference, perpetuating underdevelopment.
He stated that African youths had lost confidence in leadership due to the numerous challenges plaguing the continent.
He said, “The great Zik of Africa, while alive, made it clear that without unity, Africa would be vulnerable to political instability and external intervention.
“The erosion of trust in African leadership is fuelling widespread agitations across the continent and has led to civil unrest.
“We must advocate for a collective security approach to guard against foreign influence. Today’s political instability remains the greatest challenge for Africa.
“If Zik were alive today, he would echo the sentiments of the agitated youths facing challenges such as poverty, unemployment, corruption, and insecurity.
“Africa must free itself from external interventions stemming from its colonial past so that stability can return. Once political stability is achieved, underdevelopment will become a thing of the past.”
The Chairman of the occasion and Enugu State Governor, Dr Peter Mbah, emphasised that joint efforts among African leaders in fostering bilateral relationships would help address the continent’s challenges.
Mbah urged African leaders to unite member countries to reduce over-dependence on foreign influences.
The Anambra State Deputy Governor, Dr Onyekachukwu Ibezim, representing Governor Charles Soludo, remarked that the late Dr Nnamdi Azikiwe’s governance ideology was being replicated in the state.
The wife of the late Dr Nnamdi Azikiwe, Prof. Uche Azikiwe, commended the organisers of the event, noting that such intellectual exercises showed her husband’s legacy remained alive. She also called on the university to produce a compendium of all past lectures dedicated to him.
The Vice-Chancellor of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Prof. Benard Odoh, described the lecture series as a significant initiative contributing to the socio-political and economic development of Africa.
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