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ECOWAS Parliamentarians Express Concern Over Handling of Religious Matters in West Africa
ECOWAS Parliamentarians Express Concern Over Handling of Religious Matters in West Africa
By: Michael Mike
Members of Economic Community of West African State (ECOWAS) Parliament have expressed deep concern regarding the unequal treatment of religious matters in political decisions by government of various countries in West Africa.
The Parliament therefore called on political and religious leaders from member states to ensure equity in the treatment of different religions existing within the community, as part of the efforts at addressing religious intolerance in the sub-region.
Besides, the parliamentarians also called for the establishment of the ECOWAS Communication charter on religious tolerance.
This came against the backdrop of religious crisis in the sub-region in recent times, which has led to killings and wanton destruction of properties, and gradually turning the Sahel into a theatre of war with the activities of various religious terrorist groups.
The concern was raised at the end of ECOWAS Parliament delocalised meeting of joint committees on Education, Science and Culture; Health ;Telecommunications and Information Technology , in Praia, Capital of Cape Verde, with the theme, “Religious Tolerance and Harmony: Essential factors for development, peace and stability in ECOWAS region”.
The draft report of the meeting which had many presentations from scholars and religious leaders was read by the meeting co-Chairman, Hon. Aime Assine, from Senegal.
The meeting noted that the challenges raised with regards to religious tolerance and harmony in the community space and therefore insisted on the need for them (Parliamentarians) to become more involved in the national education policy programmes of their states.
The meeting harped on the need for deliberate actions and funding for programmes and activities that would promote religious tolerance among the people in the community.
The meeting also stressed the need for ECOWAS parliamentarians to undertake sensitization, education and information activities for the benefit of the populations, particularly in rural areas.
The meeting further called on the parliamentarians to make legislative proposals or vote on bills which intend to promote a legislative framework relating to religious tolerance and harmony.
Other m recommendations put forward by the meeting include the promotion of structures that will ensure enforcement of laws and political will for religious tolerance amongst other far fetching recommendations put forward at the end of the meeting.
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Member states were also charged to “Include in their curricular in schools, from primary to universities religious tolerance teachings in order to foster the culture of religious tolerance.
“Create a legal and formative framework that favours liberties to ensure religious tolerance culture in ECOWAS
“Allocate massive government budget on religious General Education in ECOWAS centred on cultural and religious diversity for tolerance culture.
“Promote an ECOWAS-wide campaign sensitization for the promotion of tolerance culture.”
In his vote of thanks, a member of the joint Committee, Hon. Usman Idi Ango, from Niger Republic expressed gratitude to the Speaker of the National Assembly of Cape Verde, Rt. Hon Ausrelino Tavares and the Cape Verdeans Delegation for the successful hosting of the event.
He also appreciated the Speaker of the ECOWAS Commission, Dr. Sidie Mohamed Tunis for his efficiency and commitment in executing his Mandate, support to the regional integration and his immense contribution to peace, democracy and solidarity in the ECOWAS region
ECOWAS Parliamentarians Express Concern Over Handling of Religious Matters in West Africa
FG Declares Public Holiday on June 12 to Mark Democracy Day
By: Michael Mike
The Federal Government has declared Thursday, 12th June, 2025 as Public Holiday to commemorate this year’s democracy day celebration.
The Minister of Interior, Hon. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, who made the declaration on behalf of the Federal Government in a statement signed by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Interior, Dr. Magdalene Ajani, congratulated Nigerians on this occasion of 26 years of an uninterrupted civil rule.
He said: “June 12 represents our historic journey to building a nation where truth and justice reign and peace is sustained and our future assured.
“The last 26 years tells the story of our resilience, strength and courage and a hope Renewed than ever.”
The Minister while noting that Democracy is sustained with open doors for further improvement, reiterated the commitment of the Renewed Hope government of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu (GCFR) to the universal value of democracy that is based on freely-expressed will of the people in determining Nigeria’s political, economic, social and cultural systems.
FG Declares Public Holiday on June 12 to Mark Democracy Day
Chieftaincy dispute causes chaos in Muye village in Niger
By: Zagazola Makama
A renewed chieftaincy tussle in Muye village, Lapai Local Government Area of Niger State, has sparked violent confrontations between rival supporters, prompting swift intervention by security operatives.
Zagazola Makama gathered that the crisis began around 6:20 p.m. on Thursday when the deposed village head, Alhaji Mohammed Abdulkadir Maigari II, forcefully returned to Muye and broke into the palace.
The incident provoked tension among residents, especially after supporters of the current Dakachi confronted the deposed monarch. The situation was immediately brought under control by a team of security personnel from Lapai.
However, Zagazola learnt that the situation escalated on Friday morning when supporters of both camps clashed again, leading to a free-for-all fight that disrupted public peace in the community.
Security sources were swiftly deployed to Muye to restore normalcy.
“The combined security teams have brought the situation under control. Monitoring and surveillance operations are ongoing to prevent further breakdown of law and order,” the source said.
No casualties or arrests have been officially confirmed as of the time of filing this report.
Chieftaincy dispute causes chaos in Muye village in Niger
Eid-el-Kabir: IPCR Calls on Nigerians to Peace, Harmony
By: Michael Mike
Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution (IPCR) has called on Nigerians to promote peace and harmony in their communities, recognizing that peace is essential to national development and progress.
The advice was given by the Director General of the Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution (IPCR), Dr. Joseph Ochogwu, in his message on Eid-el-Kabir.
The Institute, while extending warm greetings to Nigerians, wished them a joyous and peaceful celebration, marked by love, compassion, and unity.
The Institute while noting that Sallah is a significant occasion in the Islamic calendar, symbolizing the values of sacrifice, gratitude, and community, emphasized that the spirit of Sallah should guide Nigerians in their interactions with one another, fostering a culture of peace, tolerance, and understanding.
The IPCR urged Nigerians to promote peace and harmony in their communities, recognizing that peace is essential to national development and progress, while
encouraging individuals to embrace the values of Sallah, including forgiveness, empathy, and kindness, in their daily lives.
According to IPCR, peace is critical to promoting national stability and cohesion.
The Institute also urged Nigerians to use this period of Sallah celebration to address conflicts and promote dialogue, which could help to build trust and understanding among Nigerians and also contribute to a more peaceful society.
It recognized that the country’s many ethnic and religious groups can work together to build a more harmonious society, celebrating their differences and promoting a culture of tolerance.
End
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