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Mali, Niger, Burkina Faso Withdraw From ECOWAS
Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso, three Sahel nations plagued by jihadist violence and poverty, have made a significant announcement, withdrawing from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).
The military regimes of these countries have decided to withdraw from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). In a joint statement released on Sunday, the leaders of Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso stated that their decision to leave ECOWAS is a “sovereign decision” and will be implemented promptly.
This move comes as no surprise, considering the strained relations between these countries and ECOWAS following the series of coups that occurred in the region. Last July, Niger experienced a coup, followed by Burkina Faso in 2022 and Mali in 2020. These political upheavals have further exacerbated the already existing challenges of jihadist violence and poverty in the region.
In response to the coups, ECOWAS had suspended all three countries, imposing heavy sanctions on Niger and Mali. This suspension and the subsequent sanctions have only deepened the rift between the Sahel nations and the regional bloc. The military regimes in Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso have expressed their dissatisfaction with ECOWAS’ approach, arguing that it hinders their ability to address the pressing issues they face.
The decision to withdraw from ECOWAS is seen as a bold and independent move by the Sahel nations. By asserting their sovereignty, Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso aim to take control of their own destinies and tackle the challenges they face in a manner that aligns with their unique circumstances. However, this decision also carries significant implications for the region’s political landscape and its relationship with ECOWAS.
One potential consequence of this withdrawal is the disruption of regional cooperation and integration efforts. ECOWAS plays a crucial role in promoting economic cooperation, regional security, and political stability among its member states. The departure of Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso could undermine these efforts and lead to a fragmentation of regional initiatives.
Furthermore, the withdrawal of these countries from ECOWAS raises questions about the effectiveness of the regional bloc in addressing the complex issues faced by its member states. The Sahel region has been grappling with persistent jihadist violence, which has claimed countless lives and displaced numerous people. The absence of a unified regional approach could hamper efforts to combat this grave security threat.
Additionally, the withdrawal of Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso from ECOWAS may have implications for their international standing and partnerships. ECOWAS provides a platform for its member states to engage with regional and international actors, fostering diplomatic relations and attracting foreign investment. The exit of these countries from the regional bloc could potentially limit their access to these opportunities and hinder their efforts to address economic challenges and attract much-needed investment.
It is worth noting that this decision by the Sahel nations to withdraw from ECOWAS has garnered significant attention and sparked debates within the international community. Experts and analysts are closely monitoring the situation, assessing the potential ramifications on regional stability, security, and development.
The withdrawal of Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso from ECOWAS signifies a turning point in the region’s political dynamics. It reflects the frustration of these countries with the current approach taken by the regional bloc and their desire to assert their sovereignty. However, the consequences of this decision remain uncertain, and its impact on regional cooperation, security, and development will undoubtedly be closely scrutinized in the coming months.
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.
BY ANKELI EMMANUEL, Sokoto
The Sultan of Sokoto and President General, Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) Muahammad Sa’ad Abubakar 111 has commended the developmental strides of Sokoto state governor, Ahmed Aliyu, just as he assured of the support of traditional institutions in the state.
Sultan who admonished other governor’s to also borrow a leaf from governor Ahmed Aliyu who ensures that resident communities enjoys equal benefit from everybody, added that, Nigerians should project what unites us moe than that which divides us.
“In Sokoto, we appreciate what the Governor is doing and we’d like to assure him of the support of the traditional institution so that he can continue the good work he’s doing of transforming our State.
“The Governor and our security agencies are doing their best and this has made the state to record tremendous improvement in the fight against banditry,” the Sultan averred.
While adding that governor Ahmed Aliyu deserves special commendation for the massive distribution of food items during the just-concluded Ramadan fast, Sultan urged Nigerians to always be law-abiding and desist from any act that may jeopardise the long lasting peace the country is enjoying.
Registering his displeasure over how the social media is been used negatively to promote and sow seed o discord, the Sultan said, some unpatriotic citizens use social media to spread falsehood, misinformation and provocative statements that can destroy the peaceful atmosphere the country is enjoying.
He, therefore, called on the security agencies in the country to be watchful of the unpatriotic citizens trying to create chaos in the land.
Speaking during his
Sallah homage on governor Ahmed Aliyu at the Banquet Hall, Presidential Lodge, Sokoto, Sultan
said, “”In Sokoto all Nigerians are treated as indigenes, an act that gives Nigerians residing in the State a sense of belonging.
Sultan equally stressed the need for for state governors to give much emphasis in protecting the lives and property of their subjects, describing security as the basis upon which all societies could progress.
Responding, governor Ahmed Aliyu reassured his administration’s determination to do everything humanly possible to make the state safe and secured.
He blamed unemployment especially among the youths as responsible for the insecurity being recorded in many parts of the country.
According to Aliyu, many youths have joined informants’ groups so as to be getting stipends to make ends meet.
“This administration has so far trained and graduated thousands of youths and women in different trades so as to make them productive members in the society.
” I want to assure you that we would soon embark on another massive skills acquisition programme to engage more unemployed youths in our modest attempt to reduce restiveness among our youths,” he vowed
Gov. Aliyu further reassured the people of the state that his administration would continue to prioritize Islamic affairs, adding that more Mosques and Islamiyya schools would continue to receive the desired attention from the state government.
He thanked the people of the state for their fervent prayers and support to his administration and called for it’s sustainance.
Sterling Bank has made a groundbreaking move by eliminating transfer charges on local transactions, aiming to create a more equitable banking experience for Nigerians. The question now arises: will other financial institutions follow this lead?
On April 1, Sterling Bank announced the removal of transfer fees for all local digital transactions, positioning itself as the first major bank in Nigeria to implement such a policy. Initially, the announcement faced skepticism, with many believing it to be an April Fools’ Day joke. However, Sterling has since reaffirmed the policy’s legitimacy and immediate implementation, signaling a significant evolution in the industry’s customer service approach.
Obinna Ukachukwu, the Growth Executive overseeing the Consumer and Business Banking Directorate, stated, “We believe that accessing your own funds should not incur a penalty. This decision transcends financial implications; it reflects our core values.”
With this new policy, Sterling customers can now make free transfers for all local transactions via the bank’s mobile app. This initiative is anticipated to yield considerable savings for individuals and small business owners who frequently engage in transfers.
“We may not be the largest bank in Nigeria, but we are certainly the most audacious,” Ukachukwu declared. “Sterling Bank is committed to the future of Nigeria, and we are backing our fellow citizens with more than just words.”
Sterling Bank has a history of prioritizing customer welfare, having previously offered financial assistance to healthcare workers during the COVID-19 pandemic. This latest initiative has garnered widespread public support, igniting conversations on social media and prompting calls for other banks to adopt similar practices.
“We take pride in leading this transformative change,” Ukachukwu concluded. “We hope to inspire others to rethink what customers truly require from their banks, not only in terms of services but also in values.”