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ECOWAS Facing Financial Challenges, Must Not Be Overburdened- Justice Asante
ECOWAS Facing Financial Challenges, Must Not Be Overburdened- Justice Asante
By: Michael Mike
The President of Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Court of Justice, Justice Edward Amoako Asante has lamented that the regional bloc is presently facing financial challenges and must not be overburdened by its institutions.
Some of ECOWAS institutions include ECOWAS Commission, ECOWAS Bank for Investment and Development (EBID), Community Court of Justice, Community Parliament, West African Health Organisation (WAHO) and Inter-Governmental Action Group against Money Laundering and Terrorism Financing in West Africa (GIABA).
Speaking at the opening of the 16th
Administrative and Budget retreat of ECOWAS Court in Nasarawa State, near Abuja, Asante said with the financial challenges facing the community, it is imperative that it resources should not be overburdened.
He said: “We must all know that the Community is now financially weak and therefore we do not have to overburden the Community itself.”
He however said despite these constraints, the Court remain committed to its mandate, stating, “We still have to do our programmes to let people know that the Court is also performing its function.”
He acknowledged the essential role that budgetary allocations play in the functioning of the ECOWAS Court, stressing that: “We know budgetary issues are very important for every institution since that is the mainstay.”
He highlighted the comprehensive effort made to collate inputs from all departments and units, ensuring that the proposed budget reflects the diverse needs and priorities of the entire court.
However, the President underscored the financial challenges facing the community, cautioning against overburdening its resources.
“We must all know that the Community is now financially weak and therefore we do not have to overburden the Community itself,” he noted.
Addressing the high administrative and operational costs that constitute a significant portion of the Court’s budget, the President pointed out that approximately 80 percent of the budget is dedicated to these expenses, leaving limited funds for planned activities.
In a call for collective wisdom and strategic planning, Justice Asante urged all participants to contribute thoughtfully to the budget discussions. “We have to be able to judge all and put our heads together to come up with the best budget which when presented to the Administration and Finance Committee (AFC) and to the Council of Ministers, they will look at it as a very good budget and approve it for us,” he said.
He expressed the Court’s intention to advocate for the preservation of its budget, highlighting its reliance on community funding.
Asante while declaring the Administrative and Budget retreat opened, invited participants to engage in productive dialogue and decision-making.
He said: “Without taking much of our time, I will declare the budget, and administration retreat open”.
The retreat is expected to foster thoughtful discussions, open dialogues, and constructive debates, leveraging the collective wisdom, diverse perspectives, and shared experiences of the attendees.
On his part, the Director of Administration and Finance, Dr. William Towah expressed full confidence that the retreat will pave the way for innovative solutions, inspire new ideas, and renew the sense of purpose within the Community Court of Justice.
Presenting the objectives and the expectations of the retreat, Towah emphasized the retreat’s significance as a platform to assess the Court’s progress and strategize for the future.
He commended the collective dedication and diligence of the Court’s members, which have propelled the institution to new heights, upholding the rule of law. “Our collective efforts have earned the respect and trust of our stakeholders, creating a positive impact on the lives of those we serve”, he stated.
Acknowledging the challenges that persist, he highlighted the importance of continuous improvement. He called for a critical assessment of the Court’s shortcoming and the identification of areas for enhancement.
He said: “By embracing these challenges, we can further strengthen our foundation and ensure that the Court remains a beacon of justice and fairness.”
The annual Administrative and Budget retreat was attended by the Honorable Vice President, judges, directors including and relevant staff of the Court.
ECOWAS Facing Financial Challenges, Must Not Be Overburdened- Justice Asante
KARAN Appeals for Support for the ministry of Livestock Development
By: Michael Mike
The Kulen Allah Cattle Rearers Association of Nigeria (KACRAN) has appealed to President Bola Tinubu to urgently support the Ministry of Livestock Development in getting its office ready.
The association decried that nearly eight months after the establishment of this crucial ministry, the renovation of the permanent office allocated to it for its operations is yet to be started, noting that this delay has impeded the
implementation of essential policies and programmes aimed at promoting the livestock sector and its value chains across Nigeria.
KACRAN, in a statement on Saturday, signed by its National President, Hon. Khalil Bello said: “When the Ministry was established on July 9, 2024, we, Nigeria’s pastoralists, viewed it as a long-awaited answer to our prayers and a significant step towards addressing over 50 years of
neglect in the livestock sector.
“However, the lack of progress since then has been disheartening, preventing the Ministry from fulfilling its critical role in ensuring food security and contributing to
the national economy.
“Currently, the Ministry functions more as a Directorate of Animal Husbandry Services, lacking the resources and infrastructure necessary for it to operate independently and effectively.
“Despite the critical nature of its mission, the allocated office space/building remains unrenovated and a timeline for starting the renovation or completion has not been provided. This situation severely hampers the ability of the Honorable Minister, Permanent Secretary, Directors and staff to coordinate effectively and execute
their responsibilities.
“Moreover, the financial resources allocated to the Ministry for the 2025 fiscal year are
insufficient for the Ministry to achieve its objectives.
“KACRAN is deeply concerned that without immediate attention to these challenges, the foundational goals of the Ministry will remain unattainable. As the political landscape evolves, it is vital that the focus remains on policy timely implementation rather than allowing the future of this very important Ministry to be muddling through uncertainties.
“We urge President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to prioritize the renovation and operation of the Ministry’s office so that the Honourable Minister and staff can effectively promote and develop the livestock sector.
Additionally, we implore the President to invest significantly in the livestock
sector, for enabling the Ministry to actively engage in ensuring food security, enhancing the nation’s GDP, and reducing heavy reliance on imported milk and food products, which costs Nigeria billions of
dollars annually.
“Finally, KACRAN expresses gratitude to President Tinubu for appointing Professor Muhammadu Attahiru Jega as an Advisor on Presidential Livestock Reform Programmes. We hope that under his
guidance, the Ministry can achieve its goals and bring tangible benefits to Nigeria’s pastoralists and the wider population.”
KARAN Appeals for Support for the ministry of Livestock Development
Armed Robbers Kill Watchman, Injure Another in Katsina School Attack
By: Zagazola Makama
Armed robbers attacked Government Secondary School Yashe in Kusada Local Government Area of Katsina State, killing one night watchman and injuring another before escaping with a solar inverter.
Intelligence sources told Zagazola Makama that the attack occurred at about 5:00 a.m. when the hoodlums stormed the school and assaulted the security guards with machetes.
One of the watchmen, Abdullahi Sanusi, 50, died on the spot, while his colleague, Aliyu Ahmed, 65, sustained serious injuries and was rushed to Kankia General Hospital for treatment.
Armed Robbers Kill Watchman, Injure Another in Katsina School Attack
Police, Security Operatives Foil Kidnap Attempt in Kaduna EX LGA Chairmans home
By: Zagazola Makama
Security operatives in Kaduna have rescued a former Executive Chairman of Kaura Local Government Area, Seimon Matthias, from a kidnap attempt at his Kagoro residence.
Intelligence sources told Zagazola Makama that the attack occurred on February 14 at about 11:00 p.m. when an unspecified number of kidnappers stormed Matthias’ residence, shooting sporadically in an attempt to abduct him.
However, the sound of gunfire attracted the attention of police officers and other security operatives stationed nearby, leading to a fierce exchange of fire.
The assailants, overwhelmed by superior firepower, abandoned their victim and fled to the mountains.
Police said the victim was rescued unhurt, and a joint operation involving the Army and Kaduna Vigilante Service (KadVS) was ongoing to flush out the criminals from the surrounding bush areas.
Police, Security Operatives Foil Kidnap Attempt in Kaduna EX LGA Chairmans home
KARAN Appeals for Support for the ministry of Livestock Development
Armed Robbers Kill Watchman, Injure Another in Katsina School Attack
Police, Security Operatives Foil Kidnap Attempt in Kaduna EX LGA Chairmans home
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