Sovereignty Versus Supranationality: The ECOWAS Conundrum

The formation of any regional (supranational), body requires the surrender of a measure of sovereignty for the purpose of making the body sturdy and effective. ECOWAS member States have since its inception, demonstrated a noted reluctance to become fully committed to the tenets of the ECOWAS. They are still hanging on in a prehensile manner to their respective national laws, regulations and practices, leaving ECOWAS without any real grip on the organisation. This has left ECOWAS weak, (almost comatose), and unable to deliver on the great promises it made during its inauguration. These are the issues that this paper incisively analyses

Economic Integration In ECOWAS: 40 Years After

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) was launched in Lagos on 28 May, 1975, amidst fanfare and big dreams of economic nirvana: economic integration, development and prosperity. The template for the institutional mechanisms and infrastructure for the realization of the dreams were encapsulated in the Treaty itself and the relevant Protocols. The legal and institutional framework presented a picture perfect structure which only needed concerted and focused action, to realize ECOWAS’ lofty goals and objectives. 37 years after, this still remains a mirage. This paper examines the cause for this untoward status-quo and proffers ideas as to how the drive towards the actualization of the ECOWAS as a viable, virile, economic bloc can be attained

The United Nations sanctions against insurgents in Nigeria: An appraisal

On 22nd May, 2014, the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), at the request of Nigeria, imposed sanctions on Boko Haram, an insurgent group operating in Nigeria. This was in response to a spate of attacks, bombings, killings and kidnappings perpetrated by the group. The United Nations is endowed with tools to deal with violations such as these, including a referral to an international criminal tribunal. The sanctions have sent a strong message to armed groups that the international community will no longer tolerate impunity in Nigeria. It is, therefore, a clarion call to insurgents and their sponsors to lay down their weapons and embrace peace. Nigerians should be spared the violence and trauma they are going through, and unless their perpetrators have a change of heart, they will sooner than later be held accountable before an international tribunal.Keywords: United Nations, Sanctions, Insurgents, Nigeria, La