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Niger coup: ECOWAS seeks int’l community support as deadline expires Sunday
Niger coup: ECOWAS seeks int’l community support as deadline expires Sunday
The seven-day deadline given to the coup plotters in Niger Republic by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to restore democratic rule will expire tomorrow (Sunday).
ECOWAS led by the Nigerian government is seeking the support of the international community to resolve the crisis in the country should the junta remain adamant.
Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ibrahim Lamuwa, spoke on the support while briefing the diplomatic corps on the political situation in Niger on Friday.
He said there are concerns over the safety of President Mohamed Bazoum still being held by the military junta.
Last Sunday, in a meeting presided over by President Bola Tinubu, ECOWAS chairperson, the bloc issued sanctions against Niger including the suspension of all commercial and financial transactions between member states and the country.
ECOWAS said it would take all necessary measures, including the use of force, if Bazoum was not reinstated within a week of the meeting.
Tinubu had written the National Assembly for backing on military intervention in Niger.
Lamuwa said the deployment of troops would be the last option in restoring democratic rule in Niger if diplomatic engagements with the junta fail, and asked the international community to continue to show solidarity with the bloc.
“The authority welcomes the immediate condemnation, by the international community, of the coup in Niger and sees this as a huge testimony to the preference for democracy and constitutional rule, vis-a-vis any other form of governance,” the former ambassador to Senegal said.
“Consequently, Nigeria and indeed, ECOWAS, call upon the international community to remain resolute on this stance and to continue to show solidarity to ECOWAS in affirming the superiority of democratic and constitutional rule over dictatorship.”
The diplomat said the recent developments in the neighbouring country, alongside Burkina Faso, Mali, and Guinea – all countries that have backed the coup in Niger – have raised serious concerns about regional stability and democratic principles in West Africa.
Lamuwa said there was concern that the success of the coup in Niger would significantly dampen ECOWAS’s reputation, but added that Tinubu remained committed to ensuring an amicable resolution of the situation was reached.
“The region holds that President Bazoum remains the legitimate president and head of state of the Republic of Niger, recognised and supported by ECOWAS, the AU and the international community and therefore rejects any form of resignation that may purportedly come from him, perhaps under duress,” he said.
Lamuwa added that a separate delegation led by Babagana Kingibe, a former secretary to the government of the federation, was mandated to engage with the leaders of Libya and Algeria on the matter.
News
Tinubu jets out to France on three-day visit
Tinubu jets out to France on three-day visit
President Bola Tinubu will travel to France today (Wednesday) for a three-day state visit at the instance of the French president.
A statement issued by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, confirmed this.
It said, “The Nigerian leader’s three-day visit, which will focus on strengthening political, economic, and cultural relations and establishing more opportunities for partnership, particularly in agriculture, security, education, health, youth engagement and employment, innovation, and energy transition, promises significant benefits for Nigeria.”
Onanuga said Tinubu and Macron would harmonise positions on stimulating more interest in exchange programmes that focus on skill development for youths and improving their competencies in automation, entrepreneurship, innovation, and leadership.
“Both leaders will participate in political and diplomatic meetings highlighting shared values on finance, solid minerals, trade and investments, and communication,” he added.
“They will also witness a session by the France-Nigeria Business Council, which oversees private sector participation in economic development.”
The presidential adviser stated that the Nigerian first lady and her French counterpart would discuss solutions for empowering women, children, and the most vulnerable through the Renewed Hope initiative.
News
Yahaya Bello reports to EFCC office with lawyers
Yahaya Bello reports to EFCC office with lawyers
A former Governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello, on Tuesday visited the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to honour another invitation extended to him over alleged misappropriation of funds.
Bello went to the anti-graft office with his lawyers in the morning.
The ex-Kogi governor reportedly drove himself to the EFCC’s office in a black Toyota Hilux van with some lawyers.
He was said to have been taken by some operatives of the agency and are currently being grilled.
This is coming after the Supreme Court judgment which dismissed a suit brought by some state governments challenging the constitutionality of the agency.
The EFCC at the last hearing on November 14, sought the adjournment till November 27 in the fresh case it instituted against Bello.
It stated that the 30-day window was still running for the summons earlier issued.
News
Just in: Ebonyi governor suspends two commissioners, Perm Sec for misconduct
Just in: Ebonyi governor suspends two commissioners, Perm Sec for misconduct
Ebonyi State Governor Francis Nwifuru has announced the immediate suspension of two commissioners with a permanent secretary among others for gross misconduct.
Those suspended are the Commissioner for Housing and Urban Development Francis Ori, and the Commissioner for Health, Moses Ekuma, with the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Health.
The suspension followed an incident on Saturday night, when the governor reportedly visited the Ministry of Health’s premises and was said to have found six officials diverting government materials.
Others suspended for three months are the Executive Secretaries of the State Primary Healthcare Development Agency and the Ebonyi State Health Insurance Agency
The suspension order was announced by the state Commissioner for Information, Jude Okpor, who cited alleged misconduct and dereliction of duties as the reasons for the disciplinary actions.
Okpor made the disclosure on Tuesday during a press briefing on the outcomes of the State Executive Council meeting held on Monday at the New Government House in Abakaliki, the state capital.
“Following cases of gross misconduct and dereliction of duties by some government officials and matters related thereto, the Chairman of Council directed the indefinite suspension of the Honourable Commissioner for Housing and Urban Development and three months suspension of the Honourable Commissioner for Health, respectively
“In view of the development, the Special Assistant to the Governor on Primary Health was directed to take charge of the ministry in the absence of the suspended commissioner.
Governor Nwifuru directed the suspended government officials to hand over all government properties in their possession including vehicles to the Secretary to the State Government.
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