By Suzan Edeh, Bauchi
In a visionary proposal that challenges the current political landscape, a Nigerian author and Pan-African advocate, Edeh Benjamin has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to lead the formation of a United African Republic (UAR), a new federated nation that make up of all ECOWAS member states.
Mr Benjamin who made the call via a press statement and made available to Journalists in Bauchi, noted that Nigeria’s worsening security challenges cannot be resolved through traditional political platforms like the African Democratic Congress (ADC) or piecemeal constitutional reforms. rather through a continental shift which is the unification of West African countries into one sovereign entity — the United African Republic.
“The real solution is unity ,the United African Republic, made up of all current ECOWAS countries, would function as a single nation. This will allow us to operate with one government, one defense force, and one economy” he said
Benjamin who is the author of “The Broken Wings of an Eagle” and a rising voice in the Pan-African movement, submitted a formal report urging the presidency to take bold action, stressing that fragmented borders and national divisions in West Africa are colonial legacies that now enable insecurity, terrorism, and underdevelopment.
He noted that as the current Chairman of ECOWAS, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is uniquely positioned to initiate a historic movement that would integrate the 15 ECOWAS countries, including Nigeria, Ghana, Senegal, Côte d’Ivoire, and others, into a unified country under the name United African Republic.
“This is not just a political dream, It is a survival strategy. Insecurity is a regional disease. We need a regional cure — and that cure is unity.Let history remember you not just as a president of Nigeria, but as a founding father of a new African supernation — the United African Republic”
“The proposed UAR would have a unified military and intelligence network, a central government representing all West African states, Shared citizenship, currency, and infrastructure and a single constitution binding all member countries as one nation” he added
Benjamin recommended the establishment of a transitional committee within ECOWAS to begin drafting a federal constitution and roadmap for political unification even as he also advocated for immediate continental consultations, youth mobilization, and educational campaigns across West Africa to promote the idea of unity.
He called on President Tinubu to act decisively and leave a lasting legacy.
The idea, though ambitious, has sparked interest across Pan-African circles, youth-led forums, and social platforms, where many are expressing support for a more united and stronger Africa.