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Avoid Force, Rights Violations In Restoring Peace In Niger -Group Urges ECOWAS
A civil society organisation, the African Indigenous Foundation for Energy and Sustainable Development (AIFES), has appealed to the leadership of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), to aviid the use of force and violation of human rights in its efforts to restore peace in Niger Republic.
AIFES, in a statement issued in Port Harcourt yesterday by its executive director, Legborsi Saro-Pyagbara, said it is aware of the inexcusable consequences, particularly in the area of human rights violations and avoidable mass deaths of innocent civilians, especially women and children, in the event of deployment of armed forces to West African country.
The statement said although it condemn the undemocratic cessation of power by the military leaders in that country, it disagrees with the use of force or adoption of any approach that would lead to violation of rights of the citizens and corporate organizations there.
It reads in part: “Aware of the inexcusable consequences, particularly in the area of human rights violations and avoidable mass deaths of innocent civilians, especially women and children, in the event of deployment of armed forces to Niger, AIFES joins in the calls by great minds of justice and conscience in the African sub region and beyond to appeal to the leadership of the Economic Community of West African States, ECOWAS, not to consider the option of war or application of any form of force in its efforts in restoring normalcy in Niger.
“While we, no doubt, condemn the undemocratic cessation of power in Niger by the military leaders in the country, we however, disagree with the use of force or adoption of any approach that would lead to violation of rights of the citizens and corporate organizations there. Diplomatic options should be explored to the fullest.
“We also appeal to the military junta in Niger not to foot-drag its steps in returning governance to the elected officials that were undemocratically deposed.
“We believe there are legitimate means of changing any leadership that no longer enjoy the acceptability of the citizens, and this constitutional process should be followed if the people feel alienated, abused and misruled by the heads of government in that country, without engaging in acts of illegality.
“We commend the known and unsung efforts by individuals, corporate bodies and the international communities, including Nigerian Government, ECOWAS, AU and others, to restore peace and legitimate leadership in Niger since the elected government was unseated.
“We welcome steps taken so far, which include, sanctions by foreign Governments and Institutions, as well as the latest suspension of Niger by African Union in their quest to make the Military Junta let go their grip of power in the country.
“We call for total protection of citizens’ rights and provision of humanitarian aids and services to the people of Niger to avert escalated hunger, deceases and deaths of innocent citizens.”
A Nigerian good governance advocacy group, Countryfirst Movement, has announced plans to form a coalition to defeat President Bola Tinubu and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2027 general elections, aiming to make Tinubu a one-term president.
In a statement on Friday, the group’s convener, Prof. Chris Mustapha Nwaokobia Jnr, described the APC as “rudderless” and accused Tinubu’s administration of “outperforming” former President Muhammadu Buhari’s “colossal failure.”
Nwaokobia expressed confidence that there is sufficient time to build a coalition capable of defeating the APC, despite recent high-profile defections, including that of Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori and his team from the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) to the APC.
“Compatriots, those defending the egocentric and self-seeking defection of the Delta State Governor and his team are smart by half,” Nwaokobia said, dismissing concerns over the defections’ impact.
“There is enough time to perfect and pull through with the needed coalition to defeat the underperforming APC in 2027.”
Nwaokobia pointed to the 2023 elections, where the Labour Party, led by Peter Obi, secured significant support in Delta State without controlling a single state government.
He noted that the “Obidient Movement,” a grassroots political force backing Obi, defeated the PDP’s machinery in the presidential polls in Delta, despite Oborevwori’s eventual gubernatorial victory.
“Delta State in 2027 offers a beautiful turf for the replay of the contest between the people’s power and the power of the men in power,” he said, predicting a “ballot-based people’s revolution” deeper than in 2023.
The activist also called on Nigerians to remain vigilant and hold public officials accountable, urging citizens to reject “the poisoned chalice of deceit, falsehood, and debauchery” propagated by self-serving politicians.
Tinubu, declared the winner of the 2023 presidential election by Nigeria’s Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), has faced criticism for economic challenges and governance issues.
Nwaokobia argued that the president’s failure to secure a majority of total votes in 2023, combined with ongoing defections, will deepen public rejection of his leadership.
Call Mgbeke Comedian
North Central Women on Friday criticized Prof Mgbeke, dismissing her recent remarks about the representative of Kogi Central, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, as mad imaginings, deception and fantasy.
They also described the remarks of the All Progressives Congress (APC) South-South Organizing Secretary, Mr. Blessing Agbomhere, as banal and irrelevant.
“It is amazing that male politicians in Nigeria are resorting to dishonest tactics to fight women.”
The women in a statement in Abuja criticized the leadership of the Senate for placing Nigeria in a dilemma.
“The six-month suspension is raised in almost all the news media in the world.’’
They urged the senate leadership to save Nigeria from ignominy.
Specifically, the women praised Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan for not allowing anyone to make her an emotional client in the country.
They also applauded her for playing a major role in the national history of Nigeria.
The statement issued by the Chairperson of North Central Women Front (NCWF), Mrs. Mary Adamu emphasized Akpoti-Uduaghan’s unflagging commitment to improvement of Kogi Central Senatorial District.
The women scolded the spokesperson of Executive Watch Dog, Mr. Fidelis Ella for advertising his ignorance.
The women of repute and experience branded Dr Sandra Duru (Mgbeke), Ella and Agbomhere parrots and bootlickers of anti-democratic forces.
“Unstable people can destroy anybody for a political appointment, contract and petty cash.”
The women further dismissed allegations of malicious agenda, dirty game of propaganda and destruction.
They described the plot to dismantle Yoruba Government, destabilize the national structure and halt the country from moving forward as a foolish talk.
“Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan is guided by patriotic commitment.’’
The women urged sympathizers of the Senate President and a former ministerial nominee not to lead Nigeria to confusion.
The statement denounced intolerance, lies, perversion of truth and crazy ideas.
The Lagos state high court sitting at the Tafawa Balewa Square has sentenced Andrew Nice Ominikoron, a driver of Lagos bus rapid transit (BRT), to death by hanging for killing Bamise Ayanwola, a 22-year-old fashion designer.
Sherifat Sonaike, the trial judge, gave the verdict on Friday.
More to follow…