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By Lawrence Agbo
Dr. Victor Okhai, a global affairs analyst, has warned that the Nigerian government’s leadership position in West Africa is at risk if it does not respect and uphold the rulings of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Court of Justice.
Okhai made the plea during an appearance on Arise News on Thursday, emphasizing that Nigeria, the most powerful member and one of ECOWAS’s main financiers, must set an example for respecting regional court rulings.
“Nigeria, as ECOWAS’s most influential member and major funder, should lead by example by enforcing rulings domestically so others can follow,” he stated.
He maintained that governments must abide by the ECOWAS Court’s decisions regardless of political concerns when citizens are unable to obtain justice in their home courts and turn to the court, whose procedures are obligatory on all member nations.
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According to him, disregarding judgments of the regional court weakens the rule of law framework not only in Nigeria but across the sub-region. Nigeria has a greater obligation to show commitment to established legal instruments and institutional structures because of its standing within ECOWAS, he said.
Okhai insisted that upholding the decisions of the ECOWAS Court at home would improve accountability, bolster democratic government, and bolster Nigeria’s moral influence in West Africa. Consistent adherence, he continued, would also inspire other member states to recognize the court’s jurisdiction.
The expert also cautioned that public trust in international organizations that are meant to uphold justice and safeguard human rights across national borders may be weakened by selective compliance with regional judgments.
“If citizens fail to obtain justice locally and turn to a higher regional court whose protocol binds all member states, governments must respect and enforce its judgments, regardless of political discomfort.”
He came to the conclusion that Nigeria’s reputation as a continental leader would eventually depend on its dedication to the rule of law at the regional level.
