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ECOWAS Facing Financial Challenges, Must Not Be Overburdened- Justice Asante
ECOWAS Facing Financial Challenges, Must Not Be Overburdened- Justice Asante
By: Michael Mike
The President of Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Court of Justice, Justice Edward Amoako Asante has lamented that the regional bloc is presently facing financial challenges and must not be overburdened by its institutions.
Some of ECOWAS institutions include ECOWAS Commission, ECOWAS Bank for Investment and Development (EBID), Community Court of Justice, Community Parliament, West African Health Organisation (WAHO) and Inter-Governmental Action Group against Money Laundering and Terrorism Financing in West Africa (GIABA).
Speaking at the opening of the 16th
Administrative and Budget retreat of ECOWAS Court in Nasarawa State, near Abuja, Asante said with the financial challenges facing the community, it is imperative that it resources should not be overburdened.
He said: “We must all know that the Community is now financially weak and therefore we do not have to overburden the Community itself.”
He however said despite these constraints, the Court remain committed to its mandate, stating, “We still have to do our programmes to let people know that the Court is also performing its function.”
He acknowledged the essential role that budgetary allocations play in the functioning of the ECOWAS Court, stressing that: “We know budgetary issues are very important for every institution since that is the mainstay.”
He highlighted the comprehensive effort made to collate inputs from all departments and units, ensuring that the proposed budget reflects the diverse needs and priorities of the entire court.
However, the President underscored the financial challenges facing the community, cautioning against overburdening its resources.
“We must all know that the Community is now financially weak and therefore we do not have to overburden the Community itself,” he noted.
Addressing the high administrative and operational costs that constitute a significant portion of the Court’s budget, the President pointed out that approximately 80 percent of the budget is dedicated to these expenses, leaving limited funds for planned activities.
In a call for collective wisdom and strategic planning, Justice Asante urged all participants to contribute thoughtfully to the budget discussions. “We have to be able to judge all and put our heads together to come up with the best budget which when presented to the Administration and Finance Committee (AFC) and to the Council of Ministers, they will look at it as a very good budget and approve it for us,” he said.
He expressed the Court’s intention to advocate for the preservation of its budget, highlighting its reliance on community funding.
Asante while declaring the Administrative and Budget retreat opened, invited participants to engage in productive dialogue and decision-making.
He said: “Without taking much of our time, I will declare the budget, and administration retreat open”.
The retreat is expected to foster thoughtful discussions, open dialogues, and constructive debates, leveraging the collective wisdom, diverse perspectives, and shared experiences of the attendees.
On his part, the Director of Administration and Finance, Dr. William Towah expressed full confidence that the retreat will pave the way for innovative solutions, inspire new ideas, and renew the sense of purpose within the Community Court of Justice.
Presenting the objectives and the expectations of the retreat, Towah emphasized the retreat’s significance as a platform to assess the Court’s progress and strategize for the future.
He commended the collective dedication and diligence of the Court’s members, which have propelled the institution to new heights, upholding the rule of law. “Our collective efforts have earned the respect and trust of our stakeholders, creating a positive impact on the lives of those we serve”, he stated.
Acknowledging the challenges that persist, he highlighted the importance of continuous improvement. He called for a critical assessment of the Court’s shortcoming and the identification of areas for enhancement.
He said: “By embracing these challenges, we can further strengthen our foundation and ensure that the Court remains a beacon of justice and fairness.”
The annual Administrative and Budget retreat was attended by the Honorable Vice President, judges, directors including and relevant staff of the Court.
ECOWAS Facing Financial Challenges, Must Not Be Overburdened- Justice Asante
Zulum hails Nasarawa Governor, Engr Abdullahi at 65
By: Our Reporter
Borno State Governor, Babagana Umara Zulum, felicitates the governor of Nasarawa State, Engr Abdullahi Sule, as he celebrates his 65th birthday.
Zulum, in a statement released by his spokesperson, Dauda Iliya, on Friday, extolled the leadership of Governor Abdullahi Sule, describing it as exemplary.
Zulum was quoted as saying, “On behalf of the people and government of Borno State, I extend my heartfelt congratulations to you on your birthday. Your leadership in Nasarawa State has been an inspiration and your commitment to progress and development is commendable.”
He added, “As you celebrate this special day, may it be filled with joy, good health and continued success in your endeavours. Let us work towards a brighter future for our states and nation.”
Governor Zulum expresses gratitude to Allah (SWT) for Governor Sule’s good health and strength while urging him to remain steadfast in his values and services to the good people of Nasarawa State.
Zulum hails Nasarawa Governor, Engr Abdullahi at 65
Zulum mourns death of Jigawa Gov’s mother, son
By: Our Reporter
Borno State Governor, Babagana Umara Zulum, has expressed heartfelt condolences to the Governor of Jigawa State, Alhaji Umar Namadi, over the tragic loss of his mother, Hajiya Maryam Umar Namadi, and his eldest son, Abdulwahab Namadi.
Governor Zulum, who is also the Chairman of the North East Governors’ Forum, described the loss of two beloved family members within 24 hours as devastating and acknowledged it as the will of Almighty Allah.
“On behalf of the people of Borno State and the entire North East region, I wish to extend my deepest condolences to Your Excellency and the people of Jigawa State over the tragic loss of your beloved mother and son,” Governor Zulum stated.
He described as painful, losing both a mother and a son in such a short period and called for faith and resilience in the face of such trials.
“As Muslims, we believe that everything that happens, whether positive or otherwise, is destined by the Almighty,” Zulum said.
Governor Zulum prayed Allah to grant the departed Aljannatul Firdaus.
He also prayed for strength and fortitude for Governor Namadi, his family, and the people of Jigawa State to bear the irreparable loss.
Borno Widows, Orphans Laud Gov Zulum Over Christmas Gifts
By Francis Okoye
Widows and orphans including less privileged in Maiduguri have lauded Borno State Governor, Babagana Umara Zulum for donating gift of N50,000 to over 250 of them for Christmas celebration.
The widows and orphans who were assembled on Tuesday, 24 December , at the pompomari area of Maiduguri, said the Governor’s benevolence has raised their hope of celebrating the festive period amid the economic crunch bedeveiling the citizens due to high cost of living.
Speaking, Maram Saleh who lost her husband four years ago, said she was thinking how she can even get some cups of rice and condiments for the Christmas before the Governor’s gesture came their way.
She therefore, lauded Governor Zulum for making the celebration a reality for so many of her kinds who are feeding from hand to mouth due to the loss of their bread winners, saying that she can now go home and celebrate the Christmas with her children with joy.
In the same sentiment, Patience Bitrus, a mother of five children who lost her husband at the pick of the Boko Haram insurgency, said her hope of celebrating the Christmas with members of her family was rekindled by the Governor’s benevolence.
” We are really grateful to Governor Zulum for coming to the aid of the widows and orphans especially, at this year’s Christmas when there is high cost of living and economic hardship. We will continue to pray for the Governor for more wisdom, good health and courage to continue to deliver dividends of democracy to the citizens as he has been doing,” she said.
Also speaking, trio of Eunice Onwuchekwe , Sarah Hakila and Elizabeth Ani, expressed their joy over the Governor’s gesture describing it as one of the best gifts coming their way.
The Coordinator/ Zonal Chairman Ohanaeze All Progressives Congress ( APC ) , Chief Ugochukwu Egwidike, commended Governor Zulum for coming to the aid of the widows, orphans and less with the Christmas gifts.
He noted that the Governor had been celebrating Christmas for the widows and orphans since 2020 to date with cash gifts, adding that 250 beneficiaries were targeted from benefiting from the gesture, but due to the harsh economic reality facing people of the country , more people turned up to benefit from the gesture. End
The Secretary of the Ohanaeze APC Support Group, Asiwaju Alabi , expressed gratitude to Governor Zulum for providing free transport scheme to 710 non indigenes in the State to travel to their various States for the celebration of Christmas and new year with their loved ones, as well as the cash gifts to the widows and orphans in the State.
Borno Widows, Orphans Laud Gov Zulum Over Christmas Gifts
Zulum hails Nasarawa Governor, Engr Abdullahi at 65
ECOWAS Insists Niger’s Allegation of Terrorism Against Nigeria, Others Unfounded
Zulum mourns death of Jigawa Gov’s mother, son
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