News
ECOWAS on B.Faso, Mali, Niger, Advocates Deployment of Dialogue and Reconciliation
ECOWAS on B.Faso, Mali, Niger, Advocates Deployment of Dialogue and Reconciliation
By: Michael Mike
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has called on Niger, Mali and Burkina Faso who recently announced their withdrawal from the subregional bloc to have a rethink and follow the path of dialogue and reconciliation.
The Chairman of the Mediation and Security Council at the Ministerial Level and Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar while insisting that the choice of the three countries would only hurt the people, when responding to questions at the end of the sub-region extra ordinary session of the Council.
Tuggar regretted that the decision of the three Sahelian countries under military rule would only add to increase hardship to their citizens, insisting that the path of
diplomacy and dialogue remains the only route out of the quagmire.
He said: “ECOWAS is for the citizens, that is why it is called the economic community. So there’s emphasis on community. And for that reason, ECOWAS maintains the path, the avenue of dialogue, of conciliation of diplomacy and that is what has further been reaffirmed here.
” And for us, is quite cognizant of the fact that this intention of the three countries namely Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger to exit ECOWAS would bring more hardship and will do more harm to the common citizens of those three countries.
“That is not good, and that is why we continue to urge those three countries to remain and follow the path of dialogue and reconciliation. And ECOWAS is going to redouble its efforts towards diplomacy towards dialogue towards reconciliation”
Tuggar on the implication of the decisions of the three countries to the integration process, said it was just a hiccup to the integration process of the continent, stressing that: “It’s not enough to just think that because of this development, that’s it. It means integration has been derailed, far from it.
“This is just a minor hiccup. And we’re talking about 54 countries and even with this hiccup the integration has already started and ECOWAS gone further than a lot of other parts of Africa in terms of integration. So the number of citizens from the three countries living in the rest of ECOWAS (countries), even in this building (ECOWAS headquarters) the number of people from those countries that work in ECOWAS not to talk of the continuous movement of people. The seasonal migration which takes place across the region, these are all things that you cannot just undo overnight, so you know, it takes more than pronouncements.”
He added that: “ECOWAS continues to emphasise good governance, strengthening institutions, and one of the decisions taken here was on the issue of the ECOWAS standby force to combat terrorism, the need to put it, activated as quickly as possible. As you know, the issue of terrorism presents an existential threat to all the countries in the community, including Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger. And it’s important to also bear in mind that ECOWAS in spite of the sanctions, has continued, during the course of this period, to render support in different forms to these countries when it comes to the issue of fighting terrorism.”
On his part, President of ECOWAS Commission, Omar Touray while responding to the allegation that
ECOWAS has deviated from.the tenets of its founding fathers,said: “We have moved to ECOWAS of the people and people are asking for accountable governments, democratic governance. ECOWAS needs to reflect the aspirations of the people.
“ECOWAS is alive to the demands of the population. And I think we all agree, each and every one of us aspire to have accountable government, governments chosen by people.
“And this is why ECOWAS has revised its various instruments to reflect those demands and reflected the aspiration of the people.
” I don’t think it is the will of the people of ECOWAS to move away from democratic principles, to move away from transparency, to move away from popular participation in governance. This is what ECOWAS stands for. And we will continue to work with each and every member state of ECOWAS to promote those ideas.”
ECOWAS on B.Faso, Mali, Niger, Advocates Deployment of Dialogue and Reconciliation
Zulum: Borno, FG Review Strategy to Tackle Resurgence of Attacks
… Urges Citizens to Observe Voluntary Fast on Monday
By: Our Reporter
Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, has announced that the state government is working on a comprehensive strategy in collaboration with the federal government to strengthen security architecture, enhance intelligence sharing, and equip security agents with necessary tools to confront the recent security threats.
Governor Zulum made the announcement on Saturday during a statewide broadcast.
He pledged to strengthen the volunteer forces, improve intelligence gathering at the community level and early warning systems as part of commitment to address the menace.
“In recent months, I have held extensive consultations with our federal partners and the leadership of various security agencies. I am pleased to inform you that the collaboration between Borno State and the Federal Government is stronger than ever. Together, we are working on comprehensive strategies to strengthen our security architecture, enhance intelligence sharing, and equip our security agents with the necessary tools to confront the threats before us,” Zulum stated.
The governor restated that the President has given an assurance to tackle the surge in the security challenges head-on.
“Indeed the Federal Republic of Nigeria, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and all the Service Chiefs have given us assurances that they will do everything possible within their reach to bring to an end the current insecurity that we are facing in the state,”.
“we shall also strengthen our volunteer forces, comprising the CJTF, hunters, and vigilantes, and bolster our community intelligence gathering and early warning systems as part of our commitment to supporting the security agencies. Let me warn against colluding with these armed groups, either individually or as a community, as they are our collective enemy,” he assured.
The governor expressed commitment to address the water scarcity being experienced in parts of Maiduguri metropolis which was caused by the 10th September catastrophic flood disaster.
“Fellow citizens, I am aware of the ongoing water scarcity affecting parts of Maiduguri, Jere, and surrounding areas. This situation is a direct consequence of the destruction of major pipelines during the catastrophic floods of last year. Let me reassure you that my administration has been working tirelessly to restore the affected infrastructure. I appeal for your patience and understanding as we finalise efforts to fully re-establish the water supply system,” he assured.
“We are fully aware that the road to lasting peace is not an easy one. But with unity, perseverance and faith, we shall all overcome it insha Allah. I call upon all stakeholders, our traditional rulers, religious and community leaders, and indeed every citizen to join hands with us. Together, we can secure our communities, restore normalcy, and ensure that Borno thrives once again.
On the disturbing rise in criminal activities within the metropolis, the governor announced the reconstitution of the Anti-Social Vices Committee, tasked with tackling all forms of violent crime. “We will not allow criminal elements to destabilise the progress we are making, insha Allah”.
Zulum Urges Citizens to Fast on Monday
Governor Babagana Umara Zulum has called on citizens of the state to observe a voluntary fast on Monday for peace to reign in the state and country at large.
Zulum in a statewide broadcast noted that the spiritual act of seeking devine intervention would strengthen the unity and renew the resilience of the people.
“In light of our current security challenges, I am calling on all residents of Borno State to unite in a collective act of faith and solidarity. This Monday, I am inviting you to join me in a voluntary day of fasting and prayer for peace to reign in Borno State, the Northeast and indeed the entire country. Let us come together to seek divine guidance, healing, and peace for our state,” Zulum remarked.
“Fasting is more than a personal spiritual act; it is a communal expression of our shared hope. Through prayer and reflection, we can strengthen our unity, renew our resilience, and restore our collective purpose”.
“I encourage each of you to participate fully in this day of fasting. Let us pray for the safety of our families, the progress of our communities, and the lasting peace in our state and the country at large,” he concluded.
The governor commiserated with members of the Nigerian Armed Forces who lost their lives in the course of discharging their duties and prayed for their families to bear the irreparable loss.
Zulum: Borno, FG Review Strategy to Tackle Resurgence of Attacks
Boko Haram terrorists kill 3 Civilian JTF members in adamawa village
By: Zagazola Makama
Suspected Boko Haram terrorists have attacked Kulda community in Hong Local Government Area of Adamawa State, killing three members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) and setting several homes ablaze.
Intelligence sources told Zagazola Makama that the assault occurred at about 6:25 p.m. on Friday, May 16.
The terrorists stormed the village located on the fringe of the Sambisa Forest and bordering Borno State catching the local security volunteers during a routine patrol.
Security forces visited the scene. Upon arrival, they recovered the bodies of three slain CJTF operatives.
Boko Haram terrorists kill 3 Civilian JTF members in adamawa village
Borno police recover AK-47 rifle during operation to retrieve rustled sheep in Konduga
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation Hadin Kai have recovered an AK-47 rifle following a joint operation to retrieve rustled domestic animals in Konduga.
Zagazola Makama, gathered that the teams comprising Army, police tactical units, Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), and local hunters recovered the rifle from the bush during efforts to recover stolen sheep.
This development follows earlier reports on acts of terrorism, theft of domestic animals, culpable homicide, and causing grievous hurt in the area.
Borno police recover AK-47 rifle during operation to retrieve rustled sheep in Konduga
RE: SDP ‘now Nigeria’s new bride’?
Zulum: Borno, FG Review Strategy to Tackle Resurgence of Attacks
Boko Haram terrorists kill 3 Civilian JTF members in adamawa village
Roger Federer’s Shock as DNA Results Reveal Myla and Charlene Are Not His Biological Children
THE PLIGHT OF FARIDA
POLICE CHARGE ROOMS, A MINTING PRESS
-
News1 year agoRoger Federer’s Shock as DNA Results Reveal Myla and Charlene Are Not His Biological Children
-
Opinions3 years ago
THE PLIGHT OF FARIDA
-
Opinions3 years ago
POLICE CHARGE ROOMS, A MINTING PRESS
-
News1 year agoEYN: Rev. Billi, Distortion of History, and The Living Tamarind Tree
-
Columns1 year agoArmy University Biu: There is certain interest, but certainly not from Borno.
-
ACADEMICS1 year agoA History of Biu” (2015) and The Lingering Bura-Pabir Question (1)
-
Opinions1 year agoTinubu,Shettima: The epidemic of economic, insecurity in Nigeria
-
Politics9 months agoKashim Shettima: Of Sentiments, Their Opinions, and the 21 billion Naira VP’s Official Resident
