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Jonathan Says StruggleJonathan Says Struggle for Power Remains Mai. cause of Conflicts in Africa
Jonathan Says StruggleJonathan Says Struggle for Power Remains Mai. cause of Conflicts in Africa
By: Michael Mike
Former Nigeria’s President, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan has pointed out that the struggle for power remains the major cause of conflicts on the African continent.
Jonathan gave the remark on Tuesday at a a programme organized by the Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution (IPCR) and partners in commemoration of the International Day of Peace in Abuja, where he was also as a Fellow of the Institute.
He became the second individual to be so honour after Gen. Yakubu Gowon (Rtd), Nigeria Head of State who oversee the reintegration of Nigeria after the Civil War, was given the same award last year
Speaking at the event, Jonathan said: “Actually, 10 top countries are in conflict globally. Three of them are in sub-Saharan Africa. And quite a number of countries around us, including us, are in one form of conflict or the other.
“And when you look at what causes conflict in Africa, most cases is struggle for leadership, contestation for power. And that is the main cause of conflict.
“Sometimes when you go through a society, and you can tell all kinds of stories. But by the time you do proper analysis, and dig deep, you know that most causes of conflict is leadership struggle. That is why I’m only worried about my country Nigeria.”
The former president, who chaired the programme, noted that the notion that politics is dirty is wrong, stressing that the players were responsible for the dirty state of politics in Nigeria and Africa in general.
He said: “People say politics is a dirty game. The way we play our politics is the way we want to play it.
“Remember (Olusegun) Obasanjo, the former president, recently made a statement that politics is not dirty but the people that play the politics, come to play politics with their dirty minds and dirty hearts. And dirty character.
“And that is why people say politics is dirty. And in that case, we must all begin to think differently. We must cultivate the culture of peace,” he added.
He said Nigerians and Africans in general must start developing a culture of peace, noting that peace should be part of their everyday life.
“Until we get to that level where we develop the culture of peace, in this country, we will always have political conflicts in our election.
“And without us strengthening that effort, without us developing that culture of testing a nation peacefully, we will always be in conflict in Africa and in Nigeria.”
The former president, who remains the only Nigerian president to hand over to opposition party after he was defeated at the polls, cited the recently conducted governorship election in Edo State, noting that there were more tension after the election than it was before the poll due to the feelings that some things were not done rightly.
He noted that technology would not solve the problem in Nigeria’s electoral process, decrying that technologies would be manipulated if the human mind is corrupt.
“Here in Nigeria, we talk about technology. Without the human mind ready to do what is right, if we bring the technology, they will manipulate it,” he said.
While delivering his lecture, Dr Samuel Iroye, the Head of Department of Peace and Conflict Studies at the National Open University of Nigeria, said all Nigerians need to play a part in the promotion of the culture of peace in the country.
Iroye, while stating that peace was not an ideology but a practical experience that could be felt called for the engagement of youths in developmental initiatives.
He said to achieve peace, there must be a level playing ground for everyone through education, stressing that the education curriculum in Nigeria doesn’t promote the culture of peace.
“To ensure a culture of peace, we must ensure that we have peace within ourselves”, he said, adding that no one could give what he doesn’t have.
Earlier, the Director General of (IPCR), Dr Joseph Ochogwu, said peace is an orphan, adding that people like to enjoy it but don’t want to invest in it.
While decrying the level of violence across the world, he charged Nigerians to start investing in the development of the culture of peace.
On why President Jonathan was picked for the award, Ochogwu said it was because of his ideology which promote peace above personal considerations, recalling the former President’s statement that nobody’s life is worth sacrificing for any personal political interest.
Ends for Power Remains Mai. cause of Conflicts in Africa
By: Michael Mike
Former Nigeria’s President, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan has pointed out that the struggle for power remains the major cause of conflicts on the African continent.
Jonathan gave the remark on Tuesday at a a programme organized by the Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution (IPCR) and partners in commemoration of the International Day of Peace in Abuja, where he was also as a Fellow of the Institute.
He became the second individual to be so honour after Gen. Yakubu Gowon (Rtd), Nigeria Head of State who oversee the reintegration of Nigeria after the Civil War, was given the same award last year
Speaking at the event, Jonathan said: “Actually, 10 top countries are in conflict globally. Three of them are in sub-Saharan Africa. And quite a number of countries around us, including us, are in one form of conflict or the other.
“And when you look at what causes conflict in Africa, most cases is struggle for leadership, contestation for power. And that is the main cause of conflict.
“Sometimes when you go through a society, and you can tell all kinds of stories. But by the time you do proper analysis, and dig deep, you know that most causes of conflict is leadership struggle. That is why I’m only worried about my country Nigeria.”
The former president, who chaired the programme, noted that the notion that politics is dirty is wrong, stressing that the players were responsible for the dirty state of politics in Nigeria and Africa in general.
He said: “People say politics is a dirty game. The way we play our politics is the way we want to play it.
“Remember (Olusegun) Obasanjo, the former president, recently made a statement that politics is not dirty but the people that play the politics, come to play politics with their dirty minds and dirty hearts. And dirty character.
“And that is why people say politics is dirty. And in that case, we must all begin to think differently. We must cultivate the culture of peace,” he added.
He said Nigerians and Africans in general must start developing a culture of peace, noting that peace should be part of their everyday life.
“Until we get to that level where we develop the culture of peace, in this country, we will always have political conflicts in our election.
“And without us strengthening that effort, without us developing that culture of testing a nation peacefully, we will always be in conflict in Africa and in Nigeria.”
The former president, who remains the only Nigerian president to hand over to opposition party after he was defeated at the polls, cited the recently conducted governorship election in Edo State, noting that there were more tension after the election than it was before the poll due to the feelings that some things were not done rightly.
He noted that technology would not solve the problem in Nigeria’s electoral process, decrying that technologies would be manipulated if the human mind is corrupt.
“Here in Nigeria, we talk about technology. Without the human mind ready to do what is right, if we bring the technology, they will manipulate it,” he said.
While delivering his lecture, Dr Samuel Iroye, the Head of Department of Peace and Conflict Studies at the National Open University of Nigeria, said all Nigerians need to play a part in the promotion of the culture of peace in the country.
Iroye, while stating that peace was not an ideology but a practical experience that could be felt called for the engagement of youths in developmental initiatives.
He said to achieve peace, there must be a level playing ground for everyone through education, stressing that the education curriculum in Nigeria doesn’t promote the culture of peace.
“To ensure a culture of peace, we must ensure that we have peace within ourselves”, he said, adding that no one could give what he doesn’t have.
Earlier, the Director General of (IPCR), Dr Joseph Ochogwu, said peace is an orphan, adding that people like to enjoy it but don’t want to invest in it.
While decrying the level of violence across the world, he charged Nigerians to start investing in the development of the culture of peace.
On why President Jonathan was picked for the award, Ochogwu said it was because of his ideology which promote peace above personal considerations, recalling the former President’s statement that nobody’s life is worth sacrificing for any personal political interest.
Jonathan Says StruggleJonathan Says Struggle for Power Remains Mai. cause of Conflicts in Africa
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ECOWAS Sounds Alarm Over Gulf Escalation, Warns of Economic Shockwaves for West Africa
ECOWAS Sounds Alarm Over Gulf Escalation, Warns of Economic Shockwaves for West Africa
By: Michael Mike
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has raised fresh concerns over the escalating hostilities in the Gulf region, cautioning that a prolonged conflict could unleash severe economic and security repercussions far beyond the Middle East, with Africa among the hardest hit.
In a statement issued under the chairmanship of Julius Maada Bio, President of Sierra Leone, the 12-member regional bloc aligned itself with the position earlier expressed by the African Union Commission, which has voiced deep unease over the intensifying military exchanges.
The warning comes at a time when global energy markets are already on edge. The Gulf region remains central to international oil and gas supplies, accounting for a significant share of global crude exports. For West African economies — many of which are net importers of refined petroleum products despite being crude producers — volatility in oil prices translates quickly into domestic inflation, currency pressures and rising transport and food costs.
ECOWAS noted that beyond energy, the Gulf serves as a strategic artery for global trade. Key maritime routes, including those connected to the Strait of Hormuz, facilitate the movement of energy supplies and commercial goods between Asia, Europe and Africa. Any disruption risks compounding supply chain fragilities that have persisted since the COVID-19 pandemic and the Russia-Ukraine conflict.
For food-import-dependent nations across West Africa, the stakes are particularly high. Many countries in the region rely heavily on imported wheat, fertiliser and other agricultural inputs sourced through global supply chains sensitive to geopolitical shocks. Previous international crises have demonstrated how quickly distant conflicts can drive up bread prices and deepen food insecurity in African cities.
In its statement, ECOWAS urged all parties to exercise maximum restraint and adhere strictly to international law and the principles of the United Nations Charter, including respect for sovereignty, territorial integrity and the peaceful settlement of disputes. It stressed that civilian lives and critical infrastructure must be protected at all times.
The bloc also called for renewed diplomatic engagement within established international and regional frameworks, arguing that dialogue remains the only sustainable path to de-escalation. West African leaders have historically positioned the region as a strong advocate for multilateralism, often promoting negotiated settlements in conflicts both within and outside the continent.
Analysts observe that ECOWAS’ swift alignment with the African Union reflects a broader concern about the cumulative impact of global instability on African economies already grappling with debt burdens, currency depreciation and climate-related pressures. Rising energy prices could strain public finances, while shipping disruptions could intensify shortages of essential commodities.
The statement underscores a growing recognition among African policymakers that geopolitical flashpoints thousands of miles away can have immediate and tangible consequences at home. As tensions mount in the Gulf, ECOWAS has signalled that West Africa is watching closely — and urging diplomacy over escalation in the interest of global and regional stability.
ECOWAS Sounds Alarm Over Gulf Escalation, Warns of Economic Shockwaves for West Africa
Army troops foils ISWAP attack on picketing troops in Konduga, Borno
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Joint Task Force Operation HADIN KAI under the 21 Special Armoured Brigade have successfully repelled an attack by suspected Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorists on picketing personnel in the North East, of Konduga Borno state.
According to sources at about 1215 hours on February 26, picketing troops at checkpoint came under attack by elements of Boko Haram terrorists.
The soldiers responded aggressively while the Quick Reaction Force (QRF), led by the Sunray team, swiftly mobilised to the contact point where fire was exchanged with the terrorists. The attackers reportedly fled into the Yale Forest following the encounter.
In the aftermath, troops conducted exploitation along the terrorists’ withdrawal route and recovered one PKT believed to belong to the attackers.
The sources confirmed that the operation did not result in any casualties or injuries among the JTF personnel, and no equipment was lost.
The JTF added that monitoring of the area continues, and the morale and fighting efficiency of the troops remain satisfactory.
The sources said that the latest operation demonstrates the continued vigilance and readiness of the JTF in the North East to protect civilians and deny terrorists freedom of movement.
End
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Zulum Declares 2026 Year of Consolidation, Intensifies Security and Reconstruction Drive in Borno State
Zulum Declares 2026 Year of Consolidation, Intensifies Security and Reconstruction Drive in Borno State
By: Michael Mike
Borno State Governor, Prof. Babagana Zulum has declared that his administration will intensify efforts to eliminate residual security threats and fast-track the completion of critical infrastructure projects across Borno State in 2026, describing the year as decisive for consolidating hard-won gains.
The governor made the commitment on Thursday during the first State Executive Council meeting of the year at the Government House in Maiduguri, where he addressed commissioners and senior government officials on the administration’s priorities.
Zulum said although relative stability has returned to many parts of the state after years of insurgency, the government would not relent until every community is safe.
“We have made measurable progress in restoring peace, but our task is not finished. Security remains the foundation upon which every other intervention stands. We will continue to support security agencies and ensure that no part of Borno is left vulnerable,” he stated.
A central pillar of the 2026 agenda, according to the governor, is the resettlement of internally displaced persons (IDPs), with emphasis on durable, long-term solutions rather than temporary relief.
He explained that the state government would deepen investments in housing, healthcare, education and livelihood programmes to ensure that returning families can rebuild their lives sustainably.
“Our goal is not just to return people to their communities, but to restore dignity, economic stability and hope. Resettlement must translate into real recovery,” Zulum said.
The governor also announced plans to strengthen social protection systems to shield vulnerable populations from economic shocks and the lingering effects of conflict. He described social protection as a strategic tool for stabilisation and inclusive growth.
“Social protection remains central to our rebuilding process. As we provide infrastructure and social amenities, we must also strengthen support systems for widows, orphans, and the most vulnerable in our society,” he added.
Zulum directed members of the executive council to ensure the timely completion of all ongoing projects across the state’s three senatorial districts. These projects cut across road construction, healthcare facilities, schools, water supply schemes and agricultural development initiatives.
He warned against delays and cost overruns, stressing the need for accountability, transparency and rigorous supervision.
“Every project must reflect value for money and must be delivered within schedule. Our people deserve visible and measurable progress,” he said.
The meeting was attended by the Secretary to the State Government, Bukar Tijani; Acting Chief of Staff, Dr. Babagana Mallumbe; and other top officials.
With the renewed focus on security consolidation and accelerated development, the Borno government signalled its determination to shift from emergency response to structured recovery, anchoring the state’s future on stability, infrastructure expansion and strengthened social systems.
Zulum Declares 2026 Year of Consolidation, Intensifies Security and Reconstruction Drive in Borno State
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