Former World Bank Vice President for Africa, Dr. Oby Ezekwesili, has raised concerns over the unaccountability of weapon manufacturers whose arms are used by terrorists in Nigeria and other African countries. Speaking at an African conference organized by the School of Politics, Policy, and Governance (SPPG) in Abuja on Thursday, Ezekwesili questioned why those responsible for making and supplying these weapons have not been held responsible.
She remarked, “The weapons used by terrorists do not appear out of thin air; they are traceable. Every weapon on this planet can be tracked to its source. So, the question is, Why aren’t we holding the manufacturers accountable while addressing violent extremism?”
Ezekwesili also stressed the need for policies that strengthen democracy across the continent, noting that good governance is key to tackling Africa’s socio-economic challenges. According to her, transparency in electoral processes and leadership competence are critical to ensuring a thriving democracy.
Additionally, she highlighted the role of the SPPG in preparing a new generation of young African leaders from 20 countries, aimed at transforming the political landscape. “Our focus is not only on creating politicians who govern for the collective good but also on increasing political literacy among citizens so they can demand higher standards of governance,” she added.
