News
ECOWAS Court Dismisses Discrimination Claim in Recruitment Case
ECOWAS Court Dismisses Discrimination Claim in Recruitment Case
By: Michael Mike
The ECOWAS Court of Justice on 13 May 2025 delivered its judgment in the matter of Mariame Kone-Toure v. ECOWAS Commission (Application No. ECW/CCJ/APP/32/24 ruling against the Applicant, who had challenged the fairness of the recruitment process for the position of Head of Administration and Human Resources Division (P5) at the Court. The Court dismissed the applicant’s claims of discrimination in a recruitment process as unsubstantiated.
Case Background
The Applicant, Mariame Kone-Toure, a staff member of the ECOWAS Court of Justice, challenged the recruitment process for the position of Head of Administration and Human Resources Division (P5) at the Court. Having served in an acting capacity since February 2023, she applied for the post when it was advertised in May 2023. Following the interview conducted in January 2024, Ms. Amie Savage was appointed to the position in October 2024.
Ms. Kone-Toure alleged that the selection process violated principles of fairness and non-discrimination as outlined in the ECOWAS Staff Regulations. She argued that although she was one of the top candidates, the Management Succession Committee only recommended one candidate—Ms. Savage—unlike similar recruitments in other ECOWAS institutions, where multiple top candidates were recommended.
Court Findings
On jurisdiction, the Court affirmed its competence to hear the matter under Article 9(1)(f) of the 2005 Amended Protocol. On admissibility, the Court held that the Applicant had exhausted available internal remedies by appealing to the President of the ECOWAS Commission.
On the merits, the Court examined allegations of discrimination under Article 4(1) and the principle of equitable geographical distribution under Article 9(2)(f) of the ECOWAS Staff Regulations. It found that the Applicant failed to provide sufficient, verifiable evidence of differential treatment in similar circumstances. The Court noted that while she referenced practices in other institutions, she did not present the names or scores of the candidates allegedly favored, preventing a meaningful comparative analysis.
On the claim regarding geographical distribution, the Court ruled that the principle applies only among equally qualified candidates and does not override the requirement of merit-based selection.
The Court accepted the Respondent’s argument that Ms. Savage was deemed the most qualified candidate for the position.
Court Decision
The Court dismissed all claims made by the Applicant, concluding that:
The recruitment process complied with the ECOWAS Staff Regulations.
No evidence of discrimination or procedural irregularity was established.
The Applicant’s non-selection was not a violation of her rights.
Judicial Panel
The judgment was rendered by a panel comprising:
Hon. Justice Sengu Mohamed Koroma (Presiding Judge)
Hon. Justice Dupe Atoki(Judge Rapporteur)
Hon. Justice Gberi-Bè Ouattara (Member)
End
Gombe: Jos DisCo condoles families of victims of electrocution
The Management of Jos Electricity Distribution Company Plc, has commiserated with the families of those who died on Saturday from electrocution.
The commiseration is contained in a statement signed by Saratu Aliyu Dauda, the Ag. Head, Corporate Communications, JED and issued to journalists on Saturday.
The statement partly read: “the Management of Jos Electricity Distribution Plc is deeply saddened by the unfortunate incident that occurred at approximately 00:45 hours today, affecting customers connected to the Tudun Wada Pantami Distribution Transformer 2 in the Riyel community, Gombe.
“Preliminary investigations indicate that the incident was caused by a high-tension line snapping and making contact with low-tension lines, leading to a voltage supply outside permissible limits.
“We are closely monitoring the situation, particularly in light of the palpable tension within the affected community, and will continue to provide accurate updates as more facts emerge.”
Dauda stated that the company was already carrying out a thorough evaluation to determine the root causes of the incident, and subsequently ensure appropriate corrective and preventive measures would be implemented to avoid a recurrence.
“We extend our deepest sympathies to the families impacted by this tragic event. Our thoughts and prayers are with them during this difficult time.
“We also wish to express our sincere gratitude to the Traditional and Community Leaders in Riyel for their invaluable support in helping manage the aftermath of the incident.”
Gombe: Jos DisCo condoles families of victims of electrocution
North East APC Forum Endorses Tinubu/Kashim Ticket for 2027
By: Michael Mike
The North East chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has officially endorsed President Bola Tinubu/ Vice President Kashim Shettima ticket for the 2027 presidential election.
The endorsement was made on Sunday during the North East All Progressives Congress Consultative Meeting in Gombe, the Gombe State capital.
Governor Babagana Zulum of Borno, Mai-Mala Buni of Yobe, Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe and other top APC officials in the northeast were among thousands of party members that attended the meeting.
The forum noted that President Bola Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima have transformed Nigeria in their short terms of leadership with their renewed hope agenda.
They call on all Nigerians to rally behind a ticket that promises unity, progress and hope for the country.
While delivering his speech, the governor of Borno State, Professor Babagana Zulum, noted that in the last two years, the Tinubu/Shettima-led government has done a lot in the areas of health, education, youth and women empowerment, revenue generation, and improving the lives of citizens.
Other prominent personalities present at the meeting include the National Chairman of APC, Dr Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, Deputy National Chairman, Dr Ali Bukar Dalori, and other members of the APC.
End
Thirteen suspects including notorious kidnappers, escape from police cell in Nasarawa
By: Zagazola Makama
Thirteen suspects escaped from police detention after breaking through the wall of their cell at the Area Command in Nasarawa State, a Police sources confirmed to Zagazola Makama on Sunday.
The incident occurred on June 14, 2025, at about 06:30 hours when suspects held by the OC Anti-Kidnapping and OC Anti-Cultism broke out of their cell from the rear wall, sources at the command said.
The suspects, now at large, include Jamilu Abdulsalam chain theft and kidnapping, Abdullahi Yahaya (chain theft, kidnapping and culpable homicide), Usman Yerima (chain theft, kidnapping and culpable homicide), Abba Musa (chain theft, kidnapping and culpable homicide), Idris Hussaini (chain theft, kidnapping and culpable homicide), Abu Amu (chain theft and kidnapping), Usman Hassan (chain theft, intimidation and attempted kidnapping), Hussaini Sani (chain theft and kidnapping), Ibrahim Shuaibu (chain theft, kidnapping and culpable homicide), Hamza Abubakar (chain theft, kidnapping and culpable homicide), Usman Ibrahim, a.k.a Tecno (chain theft, causing grievous hurt, belonging to unlawful society and culpable homicide), and Abdullahi Muhammed (on court order).
The police say efforts were ongoing to arrest the suspects and bring them back into custody.
Meanwhile, the Cell Record Officer, incident duty officer, cell guard, and visiting-round officer have been queried and held accountable for their respective roles in the incident.
Thirteen suspects including notorious kidnappers, escape from police cell in Nasarawa
Gombe: Jos DisCo condoles families of victims of electrocution
Kashim Shettima: The endorsement, the interpretations, and the strategic nuances ahead of 2027.
North East APC Forum Endorses Tinubu/Kashim Ticket for 2027
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