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ECOWAS/ Niger, Mali, Burkina Faso Conflict: Gowon calls for lifting of sanction, withdrawal of exit notice

ECOWAS/ Niger, Mali, Burkina Faso Conflict: Gowon calls for lifting of sanction, withdrawal of exit notice
By: Michael Mike
Former Nigeria Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon has called on Heads of States and government of Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to immediately withdraw the sanctions place on aggrieved member states who withdrew membership from the subregional economic bloc.
Gowon, in a letter presented on Wednesday to the President of the ECOWAS Commission, Dr. Omar Alieu Touray at the ECOWAS headquarters in Abuja pleaded with the top echelon of f ECOWAS and the three aggrieved countries, Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger Republic to put aside their differences for the sake of peace and unity and prosperity of the region.
He asked that ECOWAS should lift its sanctions on the three countries, and equally urged the three countries to withdrawal their notice to leave the Community.
Gowon, who is also one of the founding father of ECOWAS stated this in an open letter he delivered to the President of the ECOWAS Commission, for onward transmission to the 15 heads of member States.
He called for a dialogue among heads of States to include the three aggrieved countries to fashion out a way out.
The former Nigeria Head of State said this is imperative for unity and stability of the region in line with the dreams of the founding fathers.
Gowon, who expressed his sadness over the development in the sub-region, also said he was prepared to engage with leaders of member state to ensure that the countries rescind their decisions.
The open letter read: “I have noted with deep concern and sadness, the past and recent developments unfolding in the West African sub-region, particularly the pronouncement by Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger of their intention to exit from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).
“As one of the founders of our regional economic community, it is incumbent upon
me to speak on behalf of the 14 Heads of State and Government who joined me in
Lagos, on 27th May 1975, to establish ECOWAS. Since its inception, the regional
bloc has made a number of major accomplishments, including trade liberalisation, right of West Africans to live legitimately in any country within the Community, as well as successful peacekeeping operations in Liberia and Sierra Leone. ECOWAS, despite its shortcomings, has become an example of regional integration for the
wider continent.
“Having achieved all of the above, it saddens me to learn that ECOWAS is
threatened with disunity following the announcement by Burkina Faso, Mali and
Niger, 3 important Member States, of their intention to leave the Community. The
impact of such a decision will have far-reaching implications for the ordinary
citizens who have been the major beneficiaries of regional integration.
“Therefore, on behalf of all the founding fathers of the Community and myself, I
urge the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government, including the
leaders of Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger, to put aside their differences and reunite
for the peace, stability and prosperity of our sub-region. I call on all West African
leaders to immediately consider the implementation of the following:
“lifting of all sanctions that have been imposed on Burkina Faso, Guinea, Mali
and Niger;
” withdrawal by Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger of their notices to leave
ECOWAS; and 3. participation of all 15 ECOWAS Heads of State in a Summit to discuss the future of the community, regional security and stability, as well as the role of the international community given the current geopolitical context.
“I wish to once more reiterate to regional leaders that ECOWAS is more than a
coalition of States, it is a community established for the good of our peoples,
based on shared history, culture and tradition. Neither my generation, nor present or future generations will understand or forgive the breakup of our Community.
“I thank you all for giving due consideration to this appeal, which has been made with sincerity and a deep sense of moral responsibility. I urge all other elders in the sub-region to join me in this campaign to immediately restore unity and shared purpose within ECOWAS.
“Let me assure all parties that I am ready for further engagements to ensure that our Community remains united.”
Touray promised to deliver the letter to the Council of Head of States, noting that he believes that top consideration would be given to it during their emergency on Saturday, this week.
ECOWAS/ Niger, Mali, Burkina Faso Conflict: Gowon calls for lifting of sanction, withdrawal of exit notice
News
Fresh Babcock graduate found dead in hostel, police begin investigation

Fresh Babcock graduate found dead in hostel, police begin investigation
By: Zagazola Makama
The Ogun State Police Command has commenced investigation into the sudden death of a 20-year-old fresh graduate of Information Technology from Babcock University, Ilisan Remo.
Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the deceased, identified as Akawa Boluwatife Samuel, was brought to the Babcock University Teaching Hospital by his roommates on Wednesday and was confirmed dead by the medical doctor on duty.
Police detectives who visited the scene said one of the deceased’s roommates, Adili Leonard Chimdindu, disclosed that Boluwatife had complained of cold and difficulty in breathing on July 27, and was advised to visit the University Medical Centre.
According to him, they were on campus to complete their clearance process ahead of graduation, and the deceased had planned to return home soon.
He further stated that the deceased was in good spirits the previous night and played games on his laptop until around 11:00 p.m. He was, however, found unresponsive by morning.
Photographs of the deceased were taken, and the statement of his elder brother, Akawa Toluwanimi John, was recorded.
The body has been deposited at the university morgue for autopsy and preservation, while investigations are ongoing to determine the cause of death.
Fresh Babcock graduate found dead in hostel, police begin investigation
News
Community leader decries terrorists’ occupation of 7 Plateau communities

Community leader decries terrorists’ occupation of 7 Plateau communities
By: Michael Mike
The Waziri Mushere and community leader in Plateau, Chief Yohana Margif has raised alarm over terrorists’ current occupation of seven villages in Mushere community after displacing the inhabitants from their ancestral homes.
Margif in a statement issued on Friday, expressed his shock over the new development, and listed the occupied villages as Hokk, Kaban, Kadim, Nawula, Dulu, Mbor and Margif.
According to him, the seven communities, which are all in Mushere Chiefdom of Bokkos Local Government Area of Plateau state were recently attacked and ravaged by the terrorists, who killed many of the inhabitants and displaced thousands.
He said that for over three months now, the beleaguered communities had been under relentless terrorist attacks and siege, forcing them to flee their incestral homes to take shelter at Internally Displaced Persons’ (IDP) camps.
Margif said that the Fulani invaders, who have taken over their villages, are shockingly building their tents with their cattle gracing on their farms with impunity.
He noted that this was in spite of the state government’s claim that no part of the state was under terrorists’ occupation.
He said: “Am still in a state of shock by the governor’s claim that no part of Plateau State is under the control of bandit terrorists.
“My people have been forced to live in the wilderness at this critical period of the year when they are supposed to be in their farms.
“The terrorists who were previously called unknown gunmen are now known, as they have now set up tents in our lands on which their cattle are grazing, which is visible for everybody to see,” he said.
The Labour Party chieftain and gubernatorial hopeful, who lost his bid for the Plateau State governorship seat in the 2023 elections, stressed that terrorists who have built tents and are openly carrying guns around can no longer be regarded as unknown.
He said that the reality on ground contradicted the governor’s assertion as these communities have been practically and brazenly taken over by terrorists, who have usurped their lands and livestock.
“Enough is enough of this, government has abdicated its responsibility of protecting its citizens for too long.
“Now that the terrorists’ identity is known, let the relevant authorities direct the security agencies to go after them, so that our people can return to their ancestral homes.
“The Plateau State government must take immediate and decisive actions to restore peace and security of the communities because the people deserve protection, justice and the right to live in their ancestral homes without fear,” he emphasised.
Margif suggested that government should immediately direct security agencies to flush out the terrorists from the seven affected communities and smoke them out of their well-known sanctuaries in surrounding hills.
He also urged relevant authorities to take decisive steps to address the humanitarian challenges by providing relief to the distraught inhabitants who are currently taking shelter at lDP camps.
Community leader decries terrorists’ occupation of 7 Plateau communities
News
Gombe Gov. urges corps members to support state devt

Gombe Gov. urges corps members to support state devt
Gov. Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe State on Friday urged corps members deployed to the state to contribute meaningfully to its development during their service year.
He made the call while declaring open the 2025 Batch ‘B’ Stream I Orientation Course at the temporary NYSC orientation camp in Akko Local Government Area.
The governor represented by the Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Mr Inuwa Ibrahim, described corps members as critical stakeholders in nation-building.
Yahaya noted that the immediate past set of corps members had contributed significantly through community development projects, youth mentorship, and empowerment programmes.
“As you serve in Gombe State, I encourage you to be part of our developmental process, contributing to the transformation of our state and the empowerment of our youth.
“Your predecessors did well in nation-building, and it’s our collective responsibility to continue on this positive path,” he said.
He assured the corps members of a safe and conducive environment to enable them serve effectively and impact their host communities positively.
“Gombe State is a safe haven, and we guarantee a conducive working environment for your activities and programmes during your service year,” Yahaya added.
In her remarks, Mrs Chinwe Nwachuku, the NYSC State Coordinator in Gombe, urged the 940 corps members to participate actively in all camp activities as a foundation for their service year.
She encouraged them to adhere to camp rules, shun negative behaviour, and uphold the core values of the NYSC.
Nwachuku also appreciated the Gombe State Government, stakeholders, and residents for their continued support and commitment to the success of the NYSC scheme in the state.
Gombe Gov. urges corps members to support state devt
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