That royal reception for President Buhari in Morocco.

My dear President, please enjoy the royal treatment, but please don’t be carried away. Morocco is scheming to join ECOWAS. As the most powerful President in the West African sub-region sir, you must rally other West African states to reject Morocco’s bid.

There are enough reasons you must do so. Morocco’s behind-the-scene moves on the African continent is becoming notorious.

First, it pulled out of OAU in protest over the African body’s principled stand on the status of Saharawi Arab Democratic Republic.

Morocco never wanted that tiny state to assume the status of a full state, having occupied, controlled and administered its territory which it (Morocco) called Southern Province of Morocco. Of course, the then OAU rejected it, hence Morocco pulled out.

After pulling out of OAU, Morocco applied to join Europe but was turned down. OAU has moved on to become the AU and Morocco has now applied to rejoin – a move which AU applauds.

But Morocco is not stopping there. It has also applied to join the ECOWAS, promising heaven and earth.

Morocco is looking for trade and investment outlets and the target is West Africa’s CET and the free movement of goods and persons. With its financial muscle, Morocco’s full membership of ECOWAS will diminish Nigeria’s status.

It is enough that Asians are now in the commanding heights of Nigeria’s industry and commerce, thus, relegating Nigerians to the background. South Africa is at one corner also flexing its muscle on Nigeria. To have a Morocco doing same will be one African marginalization to much.

While the trade and investment motive is not bad in itself, as there would be mutual benefits, I am however of the view that Morocco does not have to join ECOWAS to invest in the sub-region.

So, my dear President, I see beyond this lavish royal party the King of Morocco is throwing at you. Hidden therein is a bribe. Please enjoy the party, but don’t accept the bribe. You must not allow ECOWAS to admit Morocco into its fold.

Thank you, Mr. President,