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Strengthening ECOWAS Support: President Tinubu Applauds ECCAS Solidarity For Niger Republic
In a remarkable display of unity and support, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has commended the solidarity shown by the Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS) in addressing the political impasse within the Republic of Niger.
President Tinubu’s words of appreciation were articulated during a significant encounter with President Ali Bongo Ondimba’s Special Envoy and Mr. Hermann Immongault, the Foreign Affairs Minister of Gabon.
The rendezvous took place at the prestigious State House in Abuja on a Tuesday.
The message relayed by President Bongo, who concurrently holds the position of ECCAS Chairman, resonates deeply.
It underscores the unwavering commitment of ECOWAS (Economic Community of West African States) to its resolutions regarding the unconstitutional seizure of governmental power in Niger.
This incident underscores the resolute stance against military intervention in democratic governance, particularly in Africa.
Reflecting on President Bongo’s support, President Tinubu lauded the solidarity demonstrated and echoed the sentiment that the intervention by well-meaning stakeholders is instrumental in resolving the situation.
He empathetically acknowledges the concerns of the people regarding potential military action and reassures that deliberate efforts are underway to uphold the established sanctions meticulously.
The alignment of ECCAS with ECOWAS principles is reaffirming and reinforces the unacceptability of meddling in democratic governance.
As the Chairman of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government, President Tinubu is committed to collaborating with President Bongo and ECCAS to restore the constitutional order within Niger.
The unity showcased within the regional body translates into a collective determination not to yield to any form of coercion or harassment perpetrated by the military junta against President Mohamed Bazoum.
The unyielding commitment of President Tinubu and ECOWAS was iterated to President Bongo by the Special Envoy.
The actions taken thus far to reinstate democratic practices in Niger have garnered commendation.
The solidarity between ECOWAS and ECCAS, alongside the leadership of President Tinubu, receives unequivocal support.
The Special Envoy’s words convey the depth of concern and collective responsibility within the region.
The unequivocal condemnation of the coup in Niger by President Bongo and ECCAS resonates deeply.
The endorsement of ECOWAS and President Tinubu’s leadership in steering the course toward democratic governance’s restoration showcases the unity within the West African region.
The interconnectedness between West and Central Africa is vividly highlighted.
With challenges like Boko Haram’s activity in Cameroon, piracy plaguing the Gulf of Guinea, and the refugee crisis in Chad, the repercussions extend across borders.
President Bongo’s commitment to collaborate and synergize efforts with ECOWAS signifies a shared aspiration to resolve the ECOWAS crisis comprehensively.
The Special Envoy intends to bridge the gap between ECCAS and the military authorities in Niger.
This rapport-building exercise aims to convey the firm resolve and unity between the two regional bodies.
As the days unfold, the intention is to instill confidence and drive cohesive action towards democratic restoration.
Ajuri Ngelale, the Special Adviser to President Tinubu (Media & Publicity), echoes the sentiments expressed during this momentous encounter.
The date, August 15, 2023, stands as a testament to the unwavering resolve of President Tinubu and the collective strength of ECOWAS and ECCAS in fostering democratic governance across the region.
Lere Olayinka, the Senior Special Assistant on New Media and Public Communications to Nyesom Wike, the former Governor of Rivers State and current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), has responded to the recent appointment of Bashir Ojulari as the new Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd.).
Olayinka took to X (formerly Twitter) to address discussions surrounding this leadership transition. His post aimed to clarify that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu did not dismiss Mele Kyari, a northerner, to replace him with a southerner, as some speculated. Instead, Olayinka pointed out that Ojulari, like Kyari, hails from the northern region of Nigeria.
According to Olayinka’s post on his official X account, he emphasised that Bashir Ojulari is from Kwara State, located in North Central Nigeria. Additionally, the new Board Chairman, Ahmadu Musa Kida, originates from Borno State in the North East.
His post stated: “Bashir Ojulari, the new NNPCL CEO, is a northerner from Kwara State, North Central Nigeria. The new Board Chairman, Ahmadu Musa Kida, is also a northerner, from Borno State, North East Nigeria.”
Olayinka’s statement came in response to narratives suggesting that the appointment was politically motivated to favour one region over another.
By Israel Bulus, Kaduna
The Middle Belt Forum (MBF) has strongly condemned the extrajudicial killing of 16 travelers in Uromi, Edo State, while warning against retaliatory violence targeting Southerners in Northern Nigeria.
In a press statement released on Tuesday, MBF Spokesman Luka Binniyat denounced inflammatory threats from individuals claiming to represent Northern interests in response to the killings.
Recalled that the victims, were allegedly armed hunters, traveling from Port Harcourt to Kano when they were attacked by a mob that accused them of being kidnappers.
“The MBF strongly condemns the unlawful killing of any Nigerian citizen, including those who lost their lives in Uromi,” the statement read. “However, we categorically reject any attempt to use this tragic incident as a pretext to unleash violence against Southerners residing in Northern Nigeria.”
The forum assured that the Middle Belt would not become a battleground for reprisals, emphasizing that it remains a safe haven for all law-abiding Nigerians. It urged community leaders and youths to remain vigilant and prevent any attempts to instigate violence, calling for anyone with such intentions to be handed over to authorities.
The MBF also reaffirmed its commitment to justice for all victims of violence across Nigeria. The statement highlighted the ongoing security challenges facing Middle Belt communities, citing persistent attacks by armed herdsmen with little government intervention.
” We hope that the swift response to the Uromi killings would serve as a precedent for broader action against criminal elements terrorizing the region.
“Thousands of our people remain in captivity, and vast portions of our land are still under the control of violent outlaws—primarily Fulani militants,” the statement noted.
“Justice must be served across the board.”
The MBF concluded by reiterating its support for the ongoing investigation into the Uromi incident and calling for a fair and decisive crackdown on all forms of criminality across the country.
BY ANKELI EMMANUEL, Sokoto
The Deputy Speaker, Sokoto State House of Assembly, Kabir Ibrahim kware, has commended governor Ahmed Aliyu for executing numerous developmental projects without taking loan from any financial institution.
Ibrahim Kware whp gave the commendation when he led other members of the State Assembly on Sallah homage to governor Aliyu, added that, the governor is very prudent in managing resources to achieve results.
“There was never a time you approached us with a request for permission to borrow money from any financial institutions whether at home or abroad,”he affirmed.
This , according to him, is worthy of commendation considering the myriad people- oriented projects the governor is executing across the state.
Speaking on behalf of the State’s Judiciary, Sokoto State Chief Judge, Justice Muhammad Sa’idu Sifawa, commended the governor for the construction of additional Court rooms at the State High Court.
Justice Sifawa also expressed delight over the way and manner the governor responds to issues affecting the Judiciary, which he said, is a clear testimony of the good working relationship existing between the three arms of government in the state.
Responding to the commendations, governor Ahmed Aliyu appealed for more synergy among the three tiers of government in the overall development of the state.
A statement by Abubakar Bawa, the Press Secretary to governor Alhmed Aliyu reaffirmed his principal’s unwavering commitment of the executive arm to providing the direly needed dividends of democracy to the people of the state,in line with his campaign promises.
The governor also urged lawmakers to present all the needs of their constituencies for prompt and diligent implementation.
“”I want to assure you that my doors are always open for you at any given time, to listen to the demands of your people.”
He reminded them on the need to put politics aside and work together with the executive arm for the progress and even development of the people they represent.
Turning to the members of the State Judiciary, the governor appealed to Judges and Khadis to ensure the quick dispensation of justice, so as to decongest the correctional centres.
“It is worrisome to see how inmates are languishing in correctional centres for minor offences in the name of awaiting trial.
“We recently appointed seven additional Judges and 7 Khadis, which is the first in the history of Sokoto State.
“The idea is to enhance the manpower in our Judiciary so as to speed up the dispensation of justice,” he added.
The governor further assured the members of the Judiciary of his administration’s readiness to ensure their welfare at all times.