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Akufo-Addo Calls on Politicians to Work Assiduously for Democracy to Checkmate Coup De’tat
Akufo-Addo Calls on Politicians to Work Assiduously for Democracy to Checkmate Coup De’tat
By Michael Mike
Ghana’s President, Nana Akufo-Addo has called on politicians in the West African subregion to work assiduously towards entrenching democratic principles of accountability, noting that until this is ensured democracy may continued to be under attack.
Akufo-Addo stated this on Friday at a high-level parliamentary seminar on the ‘Role of the ECOWAS Parliament: Relating the Challenges of Unconstitutional Regime Change and Presidential Term Limits in West Africa”, organised by the ECOWAS Parliament in Winneba, Ghana.
The Ghanaian President while declaring open the seminar, lamented that “our region is confronted with a difficult economic, political, social insecurity situation.”
He said despite the considerable progress made by the community in the areas of democracy, good governance and the rule of law since the 1990s, “we are at the moment witnessing a significant decline in our democratic relations.”
He said: “This observation is bitter and implacable, today four member ECOWAS States are led by military government as a result of coup d’etat, this has unfortunately created a stare palpable anxiety and tension in every corner of the region, raising the spectra of region instability which we thought had been banished for ever. Equally apart is the culture of violence and disputes that characterise the period of electing some of our leaders.
He decried that the regional democracy is currently facing three serious threats, which include attempted confiscation of democracy by elites who impose legal instruments in the manipulation of democracy and the subjugation of the institutions of the republic with the sole aim of remaining in power; secondly the emerging remilitarization of governance with the return once again of the military unto the political scene who have neither consulted or received any mandate from the people on whose behalf they purport to act; the wanton desire to destroy democracy by terrorist groups and armed criminal gangs which promote lawlessness and violation of freedom in the region.
He said: “I want to reaffirm that in the contemporary world, the only legitimacy for any leader is through a mandate that is freely give by the people in a fair, peaceful and transparent election. This is the most tangible and objective way to know and recognize the commonwealth which is the wealth of the people.
He noted that The election of Mohammed Bazoum in Niger was in line with all the tenets of democracy and that was why the coup in Niger is particularly tragic for the consolidation of democracy in our region.
He cautioned that: “It is also important to remind us that democracy is not a western concept as some believe but rather a universal concept of general application. The history of the world, including that of Africa testifies that the process of electing and installing leaders in democratic circumstances provides the best form of government.
“Modern history has taught us that tyranny, oppression and totalitarian government do not last long. No matter how a people reject democracy and civil liberty circumstances will always force them back to embrace them”.
He therefore urged Parliamentarians to speak against the extension of presidential tenures by some leaders to strengthen their grip and power.
These actions according to President Akufo-Addo, tend to result in discontent among the populace to create fertile grounds for which military intervention feed.
He said: “There should be no backsliding in support for democratic values anchored on the promotion of the rule of law and respect for human rights.
“It is important for all of us in the adherence of democracy to remember not to underestimate the importance of parliament, the consequently not to undermine it’s worth. We cannot emphasize enough the role of Parliament in exercising the checks and balances needed on the executive, we cannot emphasize enough the role of Parliament as the voice of the people and we cannot emphasize enough the role of Parliament in setting the tone for public discuss in our respective countries. It is for the good of our nations that our parliaments development the capacity to insist on accountability in all aspect of our land and no institution is better suited for this than the one who houses the representatives of the people”.
The seminar is expected to brainstorm on the major challenges facing the region and profer solutions, the Ghanaian president assures that the authority of Heads of States are expectant of the resolutions.
He said: “Brainstorming on all this major challenges which I have just outlined in the search for solutions to the political and security challenges facing our region is the imperative mission of this seminar, one of the expected outcomes is to help us understand even better the root causes of democratic regression and political instability in the region, it all will be better to address. This seminar over the next few days must propose measures to ensure the anchoring of democracy and republican values both at the level of political elites and citizens of the community. This will help towards preserving the peace and stability of the region.
“I can assure you that the authority of Heads of states of ECOWAS will be receptive to all your proposals and await them with great interest. Our expectations is that the conclusions and recommendations from this seminar will contribute to the deepening and strengthening of democracy, good governance, peace and stability in our region.
In his remarks, the Speaker of ECOWAS Parliament, Hon. Sidie MohammedTunis, explained that the high-level seminar was put together as part of the performance of parliaments obligations under the Treaty, to determine what causes military takeovers, democratic regression, and political instability in the sub-region.
He said this is in spite of the existence of Community Acts and Protocols intended to consolidate democracy and promote political stability.
Tunis reiterated that their responsibility as legislators is not only to create laws and policies but also to rigorously monitor their implementation.
According to him, to ensure that ECOWAS performs maximally to the expectation of the people, as parliamentarians, they must facilitate robust and continuous
discourse on the broad issues, aimed at formulating effective and sustainable solutions to the tremendous crisis confronting our peoples and
humanity in general.
“During this Seminar, we also intend to look at the causes of various attempts by democratically elected leaders in the sub-
region to extend their term limits despite crystal-clear constitutional provisions outlining these terms, as well as the potential role the ECOWAS Parliament can play in preventing such anti-democratic actions.
“We note that the role of the Parliament in upholding regional stability, laying the groundwork for democracy, economic growth, and the rule of law, as well as acting as the voice of hope for all our peoples, is invaluable and should never be diminished. Parliamentarians need to step up to the plate and demonstrate the extraordinary leadership that is expected of us.”
Akufo-Addo Calls on Politicians to Work Assiduously for Democracy to Checkmate Coup De’tat
Zulum Bags NUJ’s 2024 Good Governance Award on Education
By: Michael Mike
Borno State Governor, Babagana Zulum has won the Nigerian Union of Journalists’ Good Governance Award 2024 on education.
At the event, which was tagged “NUJ Press Freedom and Governance Award”, 18 journalists and public servants who have distinguished themselves in their careers were honoured.
Presenting the award to Zulum, at an event held at Barcelona Hotel, Abuja, on Saturday, the National President of NUJ, Chief Chris Isiguzo, noted that the award was in recognition of Governor Zulum’s laudable achievements in the development of the educational sector and good governance he has provided for the people of Borno.
According to the NUJ President, Zulum has over the years, embarked on innovative intervention and aggressive investment in the education sector of Borno State
The statement said Zulum has since 2019 executed 124 projects in the education sector, including the construction of over 30 new mega schools and the rehabilitation of 1,087 classrooms in several schools across the state.
Zulum has recruited over 4,000 new teachers, deployed strategies to reduce out-of-school children from 2 million children to 800,000 in 2024 and has approved over N4 billion as scholarship for local and foreign education to Borno indigenes.
Responding after receiving the award, Zulum, who was represented by the Commissioner of Information and Internal Security, Prof Usman Tar, expressed appreciation to the organisers for finding him worthy of the award.
He said: ” It is amazing to be rewarded for managing a crisis and rebuilding a state like Borno State, which is coming out of a decade-long violent insurgency. The Borno restoration project focuses on bold and sustained investment in all sectors of society.
“Press Freedom constitutes an important booster of the Building Borno Back and Better initiative. In Borno State, journalists are granted free space and access to information to carry out their duties and write stories that will enlighten society and influence public policy,” Zulum said.
The event was attended by the Governor of Benue State, Rev Hyacinth Alia, the Speaker of Federal House of Representatives, Rt Hon Tajudeen Abbas was represented by Chairman House Committee on Information and Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris
Also present are Deputy High Commissioner, British High Commission Abuja, Ms Gill Lever, DG VON; Mr Bernabas Gemade and Major Gen Lawrence Onoja.
Zulum Bags NUJ’s 2024 Good Governance Award on Education
Gaza: 155,000 Pregnant Women Struggling to Survive- Says Palestine Envoy
By: Michael Mike
Ambassador of Palestine to Nigeria, Abdullah Shawesh has drawn global attention to emerging humanitarian crisis in war torn Gaza, stating that around 155,000 pregnant women and new mothers are struggling to survive.
He said: “They are suffering from hunger and the diseases that stalk it, amid life-threatening shortages of food, water and medical care …. Only three maternity hospitals remain in the Gaza Strip, and they are overwhelmed with patients.
“Doctors and midwives … are struggling to provide adequate care to newborns.”
Addressing a press conference at the weekend on the situation in Gaza, Shawesh lamented that mass graves continued to be discovered on Gaza Strip, with the war currently leaving an estimated 37 million tons of debris and unexploded ordnance.
He decried that as it stands, the war is projected could take 14 years to clear the unexploded ordnance and rubble.
Shawesh said: “As of May 1, the number of Palestinian martyrs has reached 34,535, with 77,704 wounded, in addition to thousands of others who are still missing under the rubble or subjected to enforced disappearance in Israeli occupation detention centers.”
He alleged that “Palestinian detainees are subjected to harsh measures, receiving minimal sustenance such as a single slice of bread and a small amount of food to merely sustain their lives and prevent death, resulting in substantial weight loss and serious health consequences.”
“Around 155,000 pregnant women and new mothers are struggling to survive. They are suffering from hunger and the diseases that stalk it, amid life-threatening shortages of food, water and medical care …. Only three maternity hospitals remain in the Gaza Strip, and they are overwhelmed with patients.
He noted that: “The Palestinian Minister of Transport, Tariq Zourub, declared that the losses of the transportation sector in the Gaza Strip exceeded 3 billion dollars. The occupation destroyed about 945 km of roads and 55,000 vehicles, which is equivalent to 65% of the road network and 60% of the vehicles licensed in the strip.
Day after day, Israeli crimes in Gaza are revealed, and every day we witness a new chapter of genocidal crimes.”
He added that: “Recently, many mass graves were discovered in the Al-Shifa Medical Complex and the Nasser Medical Complex in the Gaza Strip, which contain hundreds of dead bodies.”
Gaza: 155,000 Pregnant Women Struggling to Survive- Says Palestine Envoy
Senator Lawan commends Tinubu on the salary increase for workers
By: Yahaya Wakili
President of the 9th Senate, Senator Ahmad Ibrahim Lawan, Ph.D., GCON, Sardaunan Bade, commends President Ahmed Bola Tinubu for giving his approval to a salary increase of between 25 and 35 percent for civil servants on the six consolidated salary structures.
Senator Lawan disclosed this in a press statement signed by Dr. Ezrel Tabiowo, FAI, FIMC, FCP, and Fsca Media Adviser to Senator Ahmad Ibrahim Lawan, which was shared with newsmen in Damaturu.
Senator Ahmed Ibrahim Lawan, in a statement to celebrate International Workers Day, also tasks the federal government with upholding the rights and dignity of workers.
The lawmaker who represents Yobe North Senatorial District further underscores the need for the government to work in solidarity with workers and prioritize their demands for fair treatment and equal opportunities.
The statement by the former Senate President reads, I join the millions of our workers in celebrating this year’s International Workers Day. This day is dedicated to honoring the contributions and achievements of working people everywhere and reflecting on the ongoing struggle for worker rights and justice.
The president of the 9th Senate revealed that, in the face of the prevalent economic challenges, it is more important than ever to stand in solidarity with our workers and support their demands for fair treatment and equal opportunities.
“On this International Workers Day, let us reaffirm our commitment to upholding the dignity and rights of our workers and continue to work towards a future where they can thrive and succeed.
“Let me also seize the occasion to commend President Ahmed Bola Tinubu for his approval of a salary increase for civil servants. By approving a pay raise, the president has shown how passionate he is about improving the well-being and livelihoods of our workers.
I applaud President Tinubu for recognizing the importance of fair compensation for civil servants and for taking proactive steps to address this issue. I believe that this decision will help to boost morale, motivation, and productivity amongst our workers, ultimately leading to better service delivery for the benefit of all citizens.
Senator Lawan commends Tinubu on the salary increase for workers
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