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ECOWAS Court Orders Côte d’Ivoire to Pay CFA50 million for Violation of Citizens Rights
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ECOWAS Court Orders Côte d’Ivoire to Pay CFA50 million for Violation of Citizens Rights
By: Michael Mike
The ECOWAS Court of justice on 30th of November, 2023, declared the State of Côte d’Ivoire liable for violation of rights of Adou Kouamé and nine other Ivorians, and ordered the Ivorian government to pay 50 million CFA Francs to each of them as compensation.
In its judgement delivered by Hon Justice Ricardo Claúdio Monteiro Gonçalves, Judge Rapporteur, the Court declared that the Respondent – State of Côte d’Ivoire violated the right to healthy environment and health, right to private and family life, right to adequate standard of living and food, right to freedom of religion and right of minorities to have their own culture.
However, the Court dismissed the Applicants – Adou Kouame and Others’ claim that their right to property was violated, for lack of sufficient evidence of ownership. The Court also declared the second, thirteenth and fourteenth Applicants in the suit as improper parties before the Court, stating that they did not present evidence showing their relationship with the parents they claimed to be representing respectively. The Applicants request for collective compensation was dismissed by the Court too.
In the case with suit number ECW/CCJ/APP/08/21, the Applicants – Adou Kouame, village head of Similimi and 14 other residents, claimed that the State of Côte d’Ivoire’s failure to protect them from the negative effects of the mining activities in their community violated their right to healthy and sustainable environment, and health, right to religious and cultural freedom, right to private and family life, right to adequate standard of living and food, and right to property guaranteed under international laws cited in the application.
The Applicants’ lead counsels, Mr Rashidi Ibitowa, Ms Geneviève Aïssata Diallo and Mr Jonathan Kaufman argued that the Ivorian government did not “take measures to give effect to human rights protected by international law,” adding that the mining operations have had adverse effects on plantations, forests, rivers and places of worship causing them health hazards from polluted water, polluted air, explosions, noise pollution and ground tremors. And that their ancestral places of worship were destroyed by the mining activities including altars for sacrifices and they are of the opinion their ancestors are angry with them because their prayers and invocations were no longer answered.
They also asked the Court to hold the State liable for failure to validate the impact assessment results of 2010 that would have resettled them, adding that the Ministry of Mining and Geology renewed the mining licence of the company in 2018 despite the fact that the environmental damage persisted, and the company had not fulfilled its obligations.
They demanded 12 billion CFA francs as compensation for the estimated 600 residents of Similimi, and another 3 billion CFA francs for the Applicants for the prejudice suffered, and an order for their resettlement, among other reliefs.
The Respondent – State of Côte d’Ivoire said that following the exploitation of the mines, and the residents’ demand for compensation from the mining company as well as complaint of adverse effect on water and human health, the Minister of Environment engaged its agencies – Ivorian Anti-Pollution Centre (CIAPOL) and the National Environment Agency (ANDE) and that their reports led to the suspension of the activities of the mining company by an Order of 11 November 2015.
However, the company was allowed to resume activities in 2016 while implementing corrective measures, adding that periodic meetings between all parties continued until 2020 and that a general meeting was also held in 2021.
The Respondent asked the Court to declare the case inadmissible arguing that the matter was within the jurisdiction of national courts and that the claims of the Applicants were ill-founded and should be dismissed.
In the judgment, the Court which held that the matter was within its jurisdiction, also asked the State of Côte d’Ivoire to ensure the residents of Similimi community located in Bondoukou district in Côte d’Ivoire were resettled in compliance with relevant laws, ensure a healthy environment is restored rapidly, end the ongoing environmental degradation, and hold the perpetrators responsible for the environmental degradation.
The State of Côte d’Ivoire was ordered to bear the cost of litigation, and submit to the Court within three months, measures taken to implement this judgment.
Also on the bench were Justices Edward Amoako Asante (presiding) and Dupe Atoki (Member).
ECOWAS Court Orders Côte d’Ivoire to Pay CFA50 million for Violation of Citizens Rights
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Karai-Karai, Ngizimawa tribes unit to support APC in Yobe
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Karai-Karai, Ngizimawa tribes unit to support APC in Yobe
By: Yahaya Wakili
The meeting of unity between the Karai-karai and Ngizimawa tribes of Mamudo constituents (alias Yanki Shida) ended with a promise to continue supporting the APC present administration in the state under the able leadership of Governor Mai Mala Buni CON, Chiroman Gujba.
The meeting was held under the leadership of Alhaji Adamu Abdu Chillariye, a leader, stakeholder, and adviser on governmental affairs to Governor Mai Mala Buni CON, Chiroman Gujba, at his residence in Potiskum.
Alhaji Adamu Abdu Chillariye calls on the people to shun what is happening in the past and solicit their support and cooperation for Governor Buni’s administration in the state. Adding that, in the past, we know Karai-karai and Ngizim are brothers and sisters; we are moving together; we are doing everything together, but recently some people come and divide us.
“Let us build a solid concrete foundation for our children and our grandchildren, and as we are suffering now, don’t allow our children and our grandchildren to suffer; let us unite ourselves and develop our area.” Chillariye added.
Also speaking, Hon. Saidu Arjale said in the past we know Karai-karai and Ngizimawa are one thing; nobody will separate them; they are doing everything together; they are moving together, but some people, because of their selfish interest, come and divide us.
He calls on the members to be straightforward; don’t be afraid, put fear aside, face the reality, unite ourselves, and live a good legacy for our children and our grandchildren in the future.
Also contributing, Mallam Ibrahim Bogocho said we are claiming that we are good politicians, but from us some people will come and use us to achieve their political aim, noting that since we wake up from sleeping, let us unite ourselves because without unity, nothing will go normal.
In his own contribution, the former chairman of the Nangere local government area, Alhaji Adamu Yahaya (alias Adamu Alabura), revealed that today I am very happy as I saw Karai-karai and Ngizimawa meeting to unite themselves and move together in politics.
He said you can’t differentiate between Karai-karai and Ngizim; they are one entity, and politics is a game of choice. Let us forget about being afraid since we come out with these good initiatives. Now that we have a credible leader who can lead us, please let us give him maximum support to achieve our goal.
Earlier speaking at the meeting, the state chairman of Mayina Kara, Alhaji Sha’aibu Shamshi, said, Since we got crises among us, but now we are ready to resolve it by the grace of God.
“My message to Karai-karai and Ngizimawa people is to unite ourselves and support the government; let us always be loyal to the government and support our leader, Alhaji Adamu Abdu Chillariye. I know him for quite a long time; he is a straightforward person; he doesn’t want to lie.
Karai-Karai, Ngizimawa tribes unit to support APC in Yobe
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Transforming Agriculture and Food Security in Nigeria: President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Vision
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Transforming Agriculture and Food Security in Nigeria: President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Vision
By: Amb. Musa Tsoken
It could be recalled that on the 13th of March, 2023, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR had raised concerns regarding the devastating hunger that had bedeviled Nigeria and the world at large. However, it was a global threat that needed to be tackled to leverage the negative trend to save humanity.
The vision and mission of Senator Abubakar Kyari in his political sojourn was that of humanity first, which tallies with the agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR.
No wonder Kyari, who sees his ministry as a savior and a place of succor to Nigeria, did not relent in putting up his best to ensure that the declaration of a state of emergency on food security yields positive results as a major critical area of concern for the nation’s development in terms of providing efficient and essential food for local consumption and generating substantial revenue for both individuals and government.
Agricultural growth is definitely a channel of countering insecurity by providing job opportunities as well as increasing the GDP of Nigeria.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration has made significant strides in reforming the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, with the Honourable Minister Senator Abubakar Kyari at the helm. This publication highlights the government’s efforts to address food security challenges, as emphasized by the President and reinforced by the Vice President, Kashim Shettima.
In response to the growing concerns about food insecurity, President Tinubu declared a state of emergency, underscoring the need for urgent action. This declaration has been reinforced by the circular issued by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Sen. Dr. George Akume, which emphasizes the importance of focusing on critical areas of the economy, including agriculture.
Under the leadership of Hon. Minister Senator Abubakar Kyari, the ministry has embarked on several reform initiatives, including:
Increasing funding and inputs for farmers to enhance productivity and ensure food security.
Revitalizing Agriculture: Implement policies to increase agricultural production, reduce insecurity, and promote sustainable development.
Food Security as a National Priority: Recognizing food security as an integral component of national security, the administration is working tirelessly to ensure every Nigerian has access to nutritious food.
The government is committed to collaborating with local and international partners to achieve its food security goals. This includes working with the private sector, development organizations, and other stakeholders to leverage expertise, resources, and funding.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration is committed to transforming the agricultural sector and ensuring food security for all Nigerians. With the Honourable Minister Senator Abubakar Kyari at the helm, the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security is driving reforms and initiatives that will have a lasting impact on the country’s food security landscape. Kudos to Sen. Kyari for his tireless effort to ensure transformation, innovation, and advanced technology in agricultural development in Nigeria.
Transforming Agriculture and Food Security in Nigeria: President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Vision.
News
Armed Bandits Attack Niger Villages, Kill One, Kidnap Several Others
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Armed Bandits Attack Niger Villages, Kill One, Kidnap Several Others
By: Zagazola Makama
Armed bandits have attacked several villages in Shiroro and Munya Local Government Areas of Niger State, killing one person, kidnapping several others, and rustling an unconfirmed number of cattle.
Intelligence sources told Zagazola Makama that the attack in Shiroro LGA occurred at about 2:15 p.m. on Feb. 22, when bandits on motorcycles invaded Kutako Makera and Galadiman-Kogo villages.
The assailants shot dead a 75-year-old resident, Bansi Kutako, before abducting multiple villagers and stealing cattle.
In a separate incident, bandits stormed Hayin-Dogo village in Munya LGA around 3:50 a.m. on Feb. 23, kidnapping five residents, including two women.
The victims have been identified as: Adamu Danfulani, Umar Sanda, Murtala Tailor, Aisha Rabiu, and Ramatu Murtala, 26
Joint security forces, including the military, police, vigilantes, and DSS special hunters, have been deployed to track the criminals, rescue the abducted persons, and recover stolen livestock.
The command urged residents to remain vigilant and report any suspicious movements to security agencies.
Armed Bandits Attack Niger Villages, Kill One, Kidnap Several Others
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