National News
ECOWAS Court President Advocates Citizen Sensitization on their Rights
ECOWAS Court President Advocates Citizen Sensitization on their Rights
By: Michael Mike
Hon Justice Edward Amoako Asante, President of the ECOWAS Court of Justice has emphasised the need for sensitisation of citizens on their (fundamental) rights.
He made the assertion during a courtesy visit of some Members of Parliament from Kenya National Assembly to the Seat of the Court.
The delegation led by Hon Peter Orero and made up of members of the Committee on Regional Integration of the 13th Parliament of the Kenya National Assembly said that the visit to the Court formed part of their weeklong study visit on the mode of operation of ECOWAS Institutions including the Court of Justice, and various departments in the ECOWAS Commission.
Hon Orero added that the committee embarked on a study visit of different economic blocks including the West African block – ECOWAS, and that they were at the Court to gain insight on its operations, judicial activities and programmes.
In his remarks, Justice Asante commended the delegation for the initiative while noting the importance of such discussions and experience sharing.
Justice Asante gave an overview of the Court from inception and stressed the success recorded by the Court with the expansion of the jurisdiction of the Court in 2005 with the amendment of the 1991 Protocol on the Court.
He explained that the 2005 Protocol allowed individuals to access the Court and empowered the Court to examine certain cases of human rights violation occurring in the region.
In addition, President Asante indicated that the Court has jurisdiction to rule on disputes relating to the free movement of goods and persons, and the right of establishment. Referring to an instance in Ghana when there was an alleged breach of freedom of establishment, he lamented that such matter was not brought before the Court.
“The Court only examines cases brought before it for determination. Whereas citizens and organisations have not approached the Court to enforce their rights in relation to regional integration laws, due to lack of awareness of the existence of the laws and their rights.”
He attributed the situation to lack of knowledge of the laws and their application, adding that “there is need for education of citizens on ECOWAS Laws and their rights.”
He also elaborated on various ECOWAS Laws aimed at strengthening regional integration including Immigration laws and Customs laws.
He said that the Court carries out media programmes and sensitisation missions in Member States aimed at creating awareness about the Court, its activities and how to access it.
Regarding judicial activities, Justice Asante stated that to examine cases brought before the Court, he ensures that they are translated into the three official languages of the Community which are English, French and Portuguese in order to allow each judge to work in his or her own language. He added that judges do everything possible to conclude cases as quickly as possible.
On the issue of funding, he said ECOWAS institutions including the Court are funded from the Community levy contributed by Member States and that the Court is independent in its judicial functions.
Similarly, Hon Justice Gberi-Be Ouattara, Vice President of the Court added that the Court is committed to removing all obstacles to economic integration in the West African Region, particularly in matters of human rights protection. He gave an instance with a case law on slavery and women’s right to inheritance in which the Court ruled that slavery is prohibited and women have right to inheritance. He added that any of the 15 countries or institutions can approach the Court.
Other Judges present were Justices Sengu Mohamed Koroma and Ricardo Claúdio Monteiro Gonçalves.
The meeting ended with exchange of gifts on both sides and a photo session. The delegation also visited the courtroom.
The Kenya delegation led by Hon Peter Orero comprised Hon Rael Kosiwai, Hon Peter Salasya, and Hon Jimale Mohammed.
Also in attendance were Ms Rose Chemas and Mr James Nyongesa from the Kenya High Commission in Abuja, and Mr Anthony Ogunjimi from ECOWAS Commission.
ECOWAS Court President Advocates Citizen Sensitization on their Rights
National News
NIS Sets to Replace Emergency Travel Certificate with Single Travel Emergency Passport
NIS Sets to Replace Emergency Travel Certificate with Single Travel Emergency Passport
By: Michael Mike
The Nigeria Immigration Service is set to introduce a Single Travel Emergency Passport (STEP) to replace the existing Emergency Travel Certificate (ETC).
The announcement was made by the Comptroller-General of Immigration, Kemi Nandap, during the Joint Thematic Meeting of the Khartoum, Rabat and Niamey Processes, organized and co-hosted by Nigeria in collaboration with Government of France.
Nandap, while making the announcement at the meeting, disclosed that the initiative forms part of the Service’s ongoing reforms aimed at strengthening Identity Management and Border Governance frameworks in line with global best practices.
A statement on Wednesday by the spokesman of NIS, Akinsola Akinlabi said the high-level meeting convened critical stakeholders in migration management in Nigeria and abroad including National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internal Displaced Persons (NCFRMI), National Agency for Prohibition of Traffic in Persons and other Related Matters (NAPTIP), Representatives from ECOWAS, AU, EU, African and European countries.
He disclosed that the meeting seeks to reinforce coordinated prevention, protection, and prosecution responses to Migrant Smuggling and Trafficking in Persons across African and European migration routes among participating Migration Agencies, and serving as a platform for sharing best practices, aligning legal frameworks, and fostering inter-agency cooperation, the forum underscored the importance of collective and sustained action in addressing the root causes of irregular migration, dismantling transnational criminal networks, with emphasis on the protection of rights of objects migrants smuggling and victims of human trafficking
Delivering her keynote address titled “Insights on Prevention and Protection as Strategic Pillars to Effective Law Enforcement and Prosecution Responses” the Nigeria Immigration Service Perspective, the Comptroller-General highlighted part of the Service’s comprehensive reform agenda which also focuses on combating Smuggling of Migrants and Trafficking in Persons through enhanced Border Governance, improved Migration Management systems, capacity building, and strengthened international collaboration.
Building on this framework, the CGI explained that the forthcoming Single Travel Emergency Passport (STEP) will serve as a temporary travel document for Nigerians abroad whose passports are expired, lost, or stolen, enabling them to return home in a secure and verifiable manner. She noted that the travel document will be issued at designated Nigerian embassies and consulates abroad and valid only for single entry, reinforcing the Service’s commitment to efficient service delivery and robust identity protection.
The Comptroller-General reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to regional and global migration dialogues, emphasizing that the Nigeria Immigration Service will continue to align its policies and operations with international standards to ensure safe, orderly, and regular migration across borders.
NIS Sets to Replace Emergency Travel Certificate with Single Travel Emergency Passport
Zulum shares 63 patrol vehicles to combat criminality in Maiduguri
By: Michael Mike
Borno State Governor, Prof. Babagana Zulum has handed over 63 patrol vehicles to security agencies and the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) operating in Maiduguri and its environs.
Out of the 63 vehicles, 30 were given to the 10 different sectors of CJTF, 16 to Rapid Response and Anti-Social Vices, 10 to paramilitary organisations, 6 to hunters and one to the National Agency for Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP).
According to a statement on Tuesday by the governor’s spokesman, Dauda Iliya, the distribution aims to enhance the mobility and response capacity of the police, other security outfits, and the civilian joint task force in tackling security threats such as armed gangs and other forms of criminality within the state capital and its surrounding areas.
He noted that this latest donation is one of the numerous vehicle distributions by the Zulum administration since 2019 all of which are targeted at strengthening the security architecture and safeguarding the lives and property of citizens.
Zulum, while presenting the vehicles, reiterated his government’s commitment to providing continuous logistical support to security forces. He emphasised that security is part of the cardinal priorities of his administration.
He said: “We are here in continuation of our efforts to support the security apparatus in Borno State with equipment and logistics needed for them to function effectively.”
“I want to assure you that the government of Borno under my leadership will continue to support you with a view to achieving the noble objectives in ensuring the state is rid of insurgency.”
He also commended President Bola Tinubu and the security forces for their efforts to restore normalcy in Borno.
He stated: “Let me also use this opportunity to extend my profound appreciation to the president and Commander-in-Chief of the Nigerian armed forces, President Bola Ahmed Tunibu, the services chiefs, theatre commander, sector commanders and all officers and men of the Nigerian armed forces that are in operation hadin Kai, and indeed all paramilitary organisations in Borno State for the great works that they’ve been doing in the state.”
The event was attended by the Deputy Governor of Borno State, Dr Umar Usman Kadafur, Secretary to Borno State Government, Bukar Tijani, the Commissioner of Police, Borno State Command, Naziru Abdulmajid, the State Director of the State Security Service, Adamu Umar and the Commandant of Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Abdulrazaq Haroon.
Also in attendance are the Head of Service, Dr Muhammad Ghuluze, commissioners, special advisers and other top government officials.
Zulum shares 63 patrol vehicles to combat criminality in Maiduguri
National News
Electoral officer rescued as one killed, others injured in Kontagora election violence
Electoral officer rescued as one killed, others injured in Kontagora election violence
By: Zagazola Makama
One person was killed while several others, including security personnel, sustained injuries during a violent attack by thugs at a polling unit in Kontagora Local Government Area of Niger State on Saturday.
Zagazola Makama report that the incident occurred at Central Ward, Bashari Polling Unit, during the local government council elections.
According to the sources , the Electoral Officer (EO) for Kontagora LGA, Mr. Umar Abdulkadir, was held hostage and threatened by thugs before being rescued by a patrol team that responded to a distress call.
The rescue operation, however, turned violent as the thugs engaged in a serious fracas, resulting in the death of one Abdullahi Bala, 60, who was stabbed during the attack, while one Shehu Habibu sustained injuries to his right hand.
The security operatives attached to the electoral office were also attacked and injured, and one patrol vehicle was vandalised during the incident.
The deceased and the injured victims were taken to the General Hospital, Kontagora, for autopsy and medical treatment.
The command said investigation is ongoing to identify and arrest all the perpetrators involved in the election-day violence.
Electoral officer rescued as one killed, others injured in Kontagora election violence
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