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ECOWAS Court Waits on Council of Head of States for Enforcement of Court’s Judgments

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ECOWAS Court Waits on Council of Head of States for Enforcement of Court’s Judgments

By: Michael Mike

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Court said it is waiting on the Commission’s Council of Head of States to put in place sanctions that would ensure members of the sub regional bloc enforce the judgments of the court.

Many who believe the court has taken giant strides in taking informed decisions on cases brought before it especially in area of violation of human rights in member countries, however lamented that the non-enforcement of the decisions have been the major challenges.

Answering questions from journalists on the sidelines of the Annual Judges Retreat of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Court on Thursday in Suleja, Niger State, the Chief Registrar of the Court, Chief Registrar of ECOWAS Court, Dr.Yaouza Ouro-Sama said: “Supplementary Act of 2012 have defined legal regime of sanctions for member states that have not been complying with court decisions but as you know within the legal framework of ECOWAS, it is only the council of head of states that takes decisions especially sanctions against member states and we just got an opportunity to present the status of enforcement before council of ministers and we are yet to do a second presentation, in December I believe the council of ministers would take it up to the council of head of states and would take a decision to ensure member states enforce our decisions.”

He argued that the court has been effectively as notable decisions have been made and that the forced.

He said: “Some of the judgments of the court are enforced by the community institutions. It is one thing to pronounce a judgment and another thing to get it enforced.

“We are making a lot of efforts to sensitize member states and community institutions so that the rate of enforcement of court decisions will increase, but I can tell you that within the last two years we have noticed significant increase of the rate of judgments of the court. We believe by continuing in that trend of engaging member states and community institutions we would get most of our decisions enforced.”

The President of the Court, Ricardo Cláudio Monteiro Gonçalves who declared open the Retreat while acknowledging that this is the first Judges’s retreat, after the judicial one organized by the new Management since its election, said the objectives of the retreat is to consider and validate a number of draft texts that are essential to the smooth operation of the Court.

He said: The Honourable Judges will discuss and validate the draft strategy on arbitration, amendment proposals on the Protocols of the Court, the draft Instructions to the Chief Registrar and Practice direction, and finally proposed Policies on contract and Library.”

He called on all participants for an active participation in order to ensure that the sessions are interactive, and asked for the setting up of a Committee saddled with the responsibility of following up on the implementation of recommendations from the Judges’ retreats and subsequent brief the Management periodically.”

ECOWAS Court Waits on Council of Head of States for Enforcement of Court’s Judgments

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Borno troops repel Boko Haram attack in Hawul, one killed

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Borno troops repel Boko Haram attack in Hawul, one killed

By: Zagazola Makama

Troops of Operation Hadin Kai have successfully repelled simultaneous attacks by ISWAP terrorists on Jihuhi and Harang villages in Hawul Local Government Area of Borno State, leaving one person dead.

Sources told Zagazola Makama that on Jan. 27 at about 1630 hours, the terrorists invaded the villages, firing indiscriminately and setting several houses ablaze.

The attack fatally injured Adamu Inusa, also known as Daddy, 35, a member of the Hunters Group in Hawul.

He was evacuated to General Hospital Hawul, where he was confirmed dead on arrival. His corpse has been deposited at the hospital mortuary and will be released to his family for Islamic burial after clearance operations in the affected communities.

A combined team of troops of Operation HADIN KAI, police tactical units, and local Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF)/Hunters groups responded promptly, engaging the terrorists and successfully repelling the attack.

The area remains under close monitoring as security forces continue clearance and patrol operations.

Borno troops repel Boko Haram attack in Hawul, one killed

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Security forces in Gombe arrest suspected cattle rustler, recover 50 sheep

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Security forces in Gombe arrest suspected cattle rustler, recover 50 sheep

By: Zagazola Makama

Gombe State Police Command has arrested a suspected cattle rustler and recovered 50 sheep following a distress call in Amada.

The report revealed that on Jan. 28 at about 8:22 p.m., a mob apprehended one Sani Jamilu, 25, of Sabon Kaura LGA, Katsina State, who was reportedly seen with a flock of sheep around Dolli and Shilto communities.

The second suspect, identified only as Lawali, escaped.

The injured suspect was rescued by police and taken to Amada Primary Health Clinic for medical attention.

Sources say Police have launched an investigation into the incident and efforts are ongoing to apprehend the fleeing suspect.

Security forces in Gombe arrest suspected cattle rustler, recover 50 sheep

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How We Turned from Foes to Friends — Franco-German Envoys Share Lessons with Nigeria

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How We Turned from Foes to Friends — Franco-German Envoys Share Lessons with Nigeria

By: Michael Mike

The Ambassadors of Germany and France to Nigeria have urged the country to draw lessons from decades of Franco-German cooperation, stressing that reconciliation, friendship, and shared responsibility are critical drivers of growth, stability, and regional integration.

German Ambassador Annett Günther and French Ambassador Marc Fonbaustier made the call on Wednesday in Abuja during events marking the 63rd anniversary of German-French Day, which commemorates the signing of the Élysée Treaty on January 22, 1963.

Speaking jointly, the envoys reflected on how France and Germany overcame centuries of rivalry and conflict to become close partners and allies after the Second World War.

They noted that the experience demonstrates that even the most hostile relationships can be transformed through sustained dialogue and political commitment.

“The history of reconciliation and European unification shows that no matter how dark the past may seem, a different future is possible,” the ambassadors said, adding that this message is particularly relevant for Nigeria and its partners. “We are stronger together — and stronger as friends.”

They explained that Franco-German cooperation is anchored in formal treaties that mandate continuous consultation between both countries at all levels, including heads of state, foreign ministers, and senior officials. This coordination, they said, now extends beyond Europe to global and African issues.

Fielding questions from journalists, the ambassadors pointed to Nigeria’s strategic role within West Africa, saying the country could apply similar principles to strengthen the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).

Fonbaustier said stronger countries within a regional bloc have a responsibility to drive integration while supporting weaker members to ensure collective progress. “A union only succeeds when all its members move forward together,” he said, noting that unity should be based on shared development rather than narrow national interests.

He described Nigeria as the leading power within ECOWAS and encouraged it to continue playing a central role in promoting regional security, economic integration, and people-to-people exchange.

Günther also echoed these views, highlighting what she described as a “Franco-German reflex” of constant consultation and coordination. She said this habit of cooperation enables both countries to respond jointly to emerging challenges and align their diplomatic efforts, including in Africa.

They both stressed that the Franco-German journey from hostility to partnership offers valuable lessons for Nigeria and the African continent, particularly in fostering regional unity, managing diversity, and building long-term peace through cooperation.

How We Turned from Foes to Friends — Franco-German Envoys Share Lessons with Nigeria

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