Nigeria’s “big
brother” role in Africa could be meaningful in Cote d’Ivoire if other
countries in the West Africa sub region agree to jointly contribute
soldiers who will use legitimate force to edge out defeated president,
Laurent Gbagbo, than fighting the political logjam in that country
alone.
This is the
position of former military administrator of Edo and Delta States,
Bassey Asuquo, who added that for Nigeria to champion peace and
democracy in the country, she should be supported by other
international bodies.
“This initiative
must be supported by the African Union, (AU), the United Nations, and
all the countries in West Africa,” Mr. Asuquo said.
He explained that
peace could still be pursued in spite of the tough stance of Mr.
Gbagbo, as using legitimate force could have a ripple effect on the
country in the sub region.
“I do not believe
all avenues for peace have been exhausted. I want President Goodluck
Jonathan to study the situation carefully so that military intervention
is the last option where dialogue and sanctions fail,” he added.
He expressed doubt
on whether the decision to employ force in removing Mr. Gbagbo has been
taken by ECOWAS leaders, “based on reports that some countries in the
West African sub-region are already reluctant to support it. If Ghana,
Gambia, and others are saying ‘no’, then there is a problem with
military option.”
He advised the
country against taking such burden on its shoulders, as was the case in
Liberia some years ago, adding “dispatching troops to Cote d’Ivoire
should not rest on Nigeria alone. Let every other country spell out
clearly their commitment. This problem is not Nigeria’s, but the
world’s challenge.”
The Cote d’Ivoire
imbroglio has continued unabated as the insistence of President Laurent
Gbagbo to remain in power in spite of series of plea to step down on
account of losing the last presidential polls has continued to prevent
lasting peace in the country.
Mr. Gbagbo was asked to step down for Alasane Ouattara, the
acclaimed winner of November, 2010 presidential elections in the West
African country.
