National News

Lawmakers at ECOWAS Parliament Still in Fight Over Employment of Staff

Published

4 years ago

October 9, 2022

Ochuwa Ibrahim

Lawmakers at ECOWAS Parliament Still in Fight Over Employment of Staff

By Michael Mike

The controversy surrounding the recent employment by the Economic Committee of West African States (ECOWAS) is not over yet as lawmakers at it’s parliament have rejected a motion to present the outcome of the Ad-hoc committee setup to review allegations of nepotism in the exercise.

The lawmakers registered their protestation against the committee headed by Nigerian Senator Ali Ndume, at the plenary session of the 2nd Ordinary Session of the ECOWAS Parliament, in Lome, Togo while alleging that the Speaker of Parliament, Sidie Mohamed Tunis constituted the review committee without recourse to parliament.

The lawmakers noted that it was against the rules of parliament for the recruitment exercise to have gone ahead after it was voted to be suspended in the last parliamentary session when allegations of favouritism were raised.

Hon Awaji-Inombek Abiante who moved a point of order said that the report of the Ad-hoc Committee as set up by the Bureau was given the mandate to work without recourse to its adoption by the Plenary as such was illegal in its entirety.

This position was supported by Nigeria’s Senator Smart Adeyemi, who drew the Speaker’s attention to the adverse implication of the exercise.

Adeyemi said, “when actions are taken that are not in conformity with the spirit and the content of the documents that are supposed to guide us I think Mr. Speaker let us accept that something was done wrong. We should be courageous to say that, but for you to say that you prefer the decision that was not in conformity with the law, as an infringement to the modalities of the Parliament, in fact, the contrary is the case, if we go ahead to accept what is not properly done then the integrity of Parliament itself will be questioned.

“It means that as we are here, somebody can take a decision on our behalf without consulting us. Mr. Speaker with due respect to your position, I personally like you, I respect you, but this decision is not in intent and spirit of the document before us.”

Another lawmaker, Hon. Samson Ahi from Ghana argued that the formation of the Ad-hoc Committee was against the rules of parliament.

He said. “I just want to find out from you Mr. Speaker, are you saying that with the consultation of the Bureau you constituted an Ad-hoc Committee and after that, you gave them a mandate to work without the approval of the entire house, is that what you are saying?

“My understanding is that you can constitute the committee, alright, but it is subject to the approval by the entire members before they can legally work. If you and your Bureau can constitute a committee and they start working without recourse to members before you present your report, then I think there is something wrong with what you have done.”

Also, Nigeria’s Hon. Abdullahi Kamba noted that the Bureau has no right or powers to take the decision and that they should have reverted back to Plenary to form an Ad-hoc committee.

He said: “Not them as the Bureau forming the Committee, it is wrong, and for that matter, I hope that whatever report the Ad-hoc committee has should not be read here, we should form the committee today so that they can start work.”

Responding to the backlash, the Chairman of the Ad-hoc Committee, Senator, Ali Ndume said “I am standing here because of the Ad-hoc committee that was formed and vested with powers to investigate on the matters raised by our high Commissioner from Nigeria and also the First Deputy Speaker on the purported irregularities in recruitment which was suspended.

“Our mandate as at that time and now did not lift the ban for the suspension that was the decision that was taken at the Plenary.

“On behalf of the other colleagues that undertook this Ad-hoc job, we didn’t look for the job. In fact in my own case I was in my local government because we were on recess and I was mourning my father; then the Speaker called me to say that there is an issue that came up that is eating the system which was true as at that time and that he needed some members as a committee to immediately look into the matter and report. “

He added that: “We have a mission but now I am embarrassed by the observation of abnormalities. I am not looking for this job and I am sure our other colleagues are not looking for this job. I am also sure that even if a new committee has to be formed it has to be members of this ECOWAS, and I don’t think they are looking for the job either and I don’t think any of us cannot do this job.

“I was thinking that members will hear me out or hear the committee or even adopt if there is abnormality because I know the situations where normally if the head of the institution takes a decision that decision is not questioned, but it looked into with the view of ratifying it.”

Ndume said: “Distinguish colleagues, I don’t want it to put my personal interest but because of the interest of the workers, if not I will not present the report, I will not continue with illegality, you have to decide.”

The Speaker of Parliament, Tunis moved that the recruitment process be suspended indefinitely, a decision which seems to have infuriated Senator Edwin Snowe from Liberia who walked out of the plenary in protest of the deferment.

Shortly after the session, at a press conference, the Speaker of ECOWAS parliament accused lawmakers in the parliament of mischief and a deliberate misrepresentation of facts in order to garner the sympathy of constituents.

He said: “You will recall that in the last session in Abuja, Honourable Members raised the issue of recruitment in the ECOWAS Parliament, in fact the impression at that time was that there were a lot of malpractices regarding the recruitment exercises.

“When I got the information, I decided to set up an independent Ad-hoc Committee, headed by a very senior senator from Nigeria, Ali Ndume, to look at the whole situation and to determine whether in fact Nigerians were marginalized, and whether the process was transparent in line with our Supplementary Act in the staff regulations, and any other issues that may arise from their investigations.”

“They submitted their report to me and I called a Bureau meeting. We looked at the report, we adopted it by law and based on the fact that the committee found out that there was nothing wrong in the recruitment exercises, we decided to go ahead to discuss it, to now consider the Advisory Committee Report. The Advisory Committee is provided for in our Staff Regulations, their responsibility is more or less to look at shortlisting and interviews for staff members. The composition of that particular committee is clearly indicated in our Staff Regulations and how to determine who will be a member is already stated in the Staff Regulations. So it’s just a question of looking at the positions, like if they said the Director of Finance is a member, you look at the Parliament who is the Director of Administration you put the person there. It’s all clear in the Staff Regulations.

“By law and in line with the Supplementary Act we have done our part, but of course because the issue of recruitment initially came up from the Plenary I decided that the Chairman should also report to the Plenary for information purposes only, because the Law does not in any way require Plenary to deal with recruitment issues.

“If you look at the recruitment issues, a reference is made to the head of the institution, which is me, I am the Speaker. I am wearing two hats, one as the Head of Institution and the other as Speaker. So as Head of Institutions I can take decisions with regards to that, but then, I can say because colleagues in the Plenary actually raised the issue I needed to be very clear in my mind and to the public, that in fact the process was transparent and it was all done in line with the Law.

“What I am about to tell you especially for our Colleagues in Nigeria, because this is were there was a huge publicity about malpractices in the ECOWAS Parliament, I want the public to know that the Senator Ali Ndume report which will be given to you clearly exonerated the Parliament that from G to P4 Recruitment as ongoing at the ECOWAS Parliament is transparent and in line with the Staff Regulations and the Supplementary Act, that is very important I want the public especially our Nigerian Public to know, that there we no malpractices. Number two, that Nigerians were not marginalized at all in the whole process.

“As a matter of fact, out of ten positions from the report now that has been submitted to us by the Advisory Committee, 5 of them went to Nigeria, 1 to Sierra Leone, 1 to Senegal, 1 to Guinea Bissau, 1 to Niger and 1 to Ghana, and it also important and very important to inform the general public that 70% of this new recruitment came from the internal staff, that means people who have already been serving the ECOWAS Parliament,” the Speaker explained.

The speaker equally alleged that another reason for the row in parliament was because lawmakers are protesting a new administrative rule that takes away the prerogative to buy air tickets from lawmakers themselves and vested it in administration.

He noted that: “When I came to Parliament in 2018, we used to buy our own tickets then the Parliament would refund. They gave us a threshold for a return ticket, then in 2019, that is before I took over as Speaker, that changed completely because of an audit report which I don’t know the details of because by then I was not the Speaker.

“From then, tickets for MPs were not going to be bought by the MPs. When I took over in 2020 that’s what I inherited, but then in the last two years I have been Speaker there has always been agitations from Honourable Members that we should go back to what was obtained in 2018, or before I joined Parliament that MPs should be buying their own tickets.

“I have been resisting it for some time and resisting because I am one person that always believes in what the rule says.

“The reason why I had decided to encourage the idea of MPs buying their own tickets is because I looked at the budget circular, but then from the figures I saw the Parliament was spending more on tickets for MPs, and we were talking about cutting down cost.

“It will only be proper for me to toe the line of MPs for me to say let us try again this idea of buying our own tickets and see what will come out of it. But I must make it very clear, these are not just proposals, the law as it stands right now, is that Parliament was supposed to buy it.

Lawmakers at ECOWAS Parliament Still in Fight Over Employment of Staff

National News

Ekiti Poll: NSCDC Deploys 10,000 Personnel

Published

10 hours ago

June 17, 2026

Ochuwa Ibrahim

Ekiti Poll: NSCDC Deploys 10,000 Personnel

By: Michael Mike

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has deployed 10,000 personnel, including elite tactical squads and K9 units, to Ekiti State ahead of the forthcoming governorship election, in a major security operation aimed at ensuring a peaceful and credible poll.

The deployment, announced on Wednesday by the NSCDC National Headquarters in Abuja, is part of the Corps’ efforts to guarantee a violence-free atmosphere and protect the integrity of the electoral process.

According to the NSCDC, personnel have been mobilised from several neighbouring states, including Ondo, Osun, Oyo, Lagos, Kwara, Edo, Ogun and Kogi, alongside operational reinforcements from Zones 11 and 6.

The Corps said its specialised units, including the Commandant General’s Special Intelligence Squad (SIS), Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) unit, Specialized Female Squad, Mining Marshals, Special Force and Crack Squad, as well as the K9 Unit, have been placed on high alert to detect and neutralise any security threats before, during and after the election.

To coordinate the operation, the Commandant General, Ahmed Audi has designated the Deputy Commandant General in charge of Operations, Ayuba Phillips, to personally lead the security exercise on the ground in Ekiti State.

Reaffirming the Corps’ readiness, the Commandant General said the security operation was designed to protect voters, election officials and other stakeholders and to prevent any form of electoral violence.

“Our mission in Ekiti State is definitive: to protect the integrity of the democratic process and guarantee the safety of every voter, election official, and citizen. We will tolerate no form of electoral violence, thuggery, or disruption. Our specialized squads and tactical forces are fully briefed and strategically positioned to maintain absolute law and order,” he said.

The NSCDC also disclosed that it is working closely with other security agencies to provide comprehensive security coverage throughout the election period, stressing that all personnel have been directed to maintain professionalism, neutrality and civility in line with the provisions of the Electoral Act.

The deployment comes amid heightened preparations for the governorship election, with security agencies under pressure to prevent voter intimidation, electoral violence and other disruptions that have occasionally marred elections in parts of the country.

The Corps urged residents of Ekiti State to conduct themselves peacefully, turn out to exercise their civic rights without fear and promptly report suspicious activities to security personnel.

Ekiti Poll: NSCDC Deploys 10,000 Personnel

National News

Nigeria, UN Rally Global Support for Peace as IGP Honours Fallen Peacekeepers

Published

10 hours ago

June 17, 2026

Ochuwa Ibrahim

Nigeria, UN Rally Global Support for Peace as IGP Honours Fallen Peacekeepers

By: Michael Mike

Nigeria has renewed its commitment to global peacekeeping and multilateral cooperation, with the United Nations and the Nigeria Police Force calling for greater investment in peacebuilding as the world confronts rising conflicts, insecurity and humanitarian crises.

The call was made on Wednesday during the commemoration of the 2026 International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers in Abuja, where the United Nations Resident Coordinator in Nigeria, Mohammed Fall and the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Olatunji Disu, paid tribute to peacekeepers who have served and died in missions across the world.

Held under the theme “Invest in Peace,” the event brought together government officials, diplomats, security agencies, development partners and serving peacekeepers to celebrate the sacrifices and achievements of men and women deployed under the United Nations flag.

The United Nations described peacekeeping as one of the most enduring symbols of international solidarity, stressing that peace remains the foundation of sustainable development and human progress.

Speaking at the ceremony, the UN Resident Coordinator said peace was built not only through security interventions but also through investments in education, justice, social cohesion, youth empowerment and inclusive development.

“Every investment in peace is an investment in humanity,” the UN official said, citing the position of UN Secretary-General, António Guterres, that peace remains the foundation upon which sustainable development is built.

The UN noted that more than two million people have served in peacekeeping operations since 1948, while over 87,000 military, police and civilian personnel are currently deployed in missions around the world.

The world body also highlighted Nigeria’s impressive peacekeeping record, revealing that the country has contributed more than 200,000 military and police personnel to 41 peace support missions since the 1960s.

According to the UN, Nigeria currently has 335 uniformed personnel serving in United Nations operations, including 138 officers of the Nigeria Police Force.

The Resident Coordinator commended Nigerian peacekeepers for their professionalism and dedication in conflict zones, saying they had helped protect civilians, strengthen democratic institutions and support post-conflict recovery efforts across several countries.

“You carry trust. You carry the hopes of families you protect. You walk into difficult places so others can live in safety. You stand between uncertainty and stability,” the official told Nigerian officers serving under the UN flag.

In his remarks, IGP Disu paid glowing tribute to peacekeepers who have made the ultimate sacrifice in the pursuit of global peace and security.

He disclosed that since the establishment of UN Peacekeeping Operations in 1948, more than 4,500 peacekeepers have lost their lives while protecting vulnerable populations and helping stabilize conflict-affected societies.

“Peace is not free. It is often secured through extraordinary acts of courage, selflessness and dedication,” Disu said.

The police chief emphasized Nigeria’s longstanding contributions to international peace operations through the deployment of police officers to various United Nations missions across Africa and beyond.

According to him, Nigerian police personnel have distinguished themselves in areas such as civilian protection, electoral assistance, post-conflict reconstruction, institution building and community policing.

He said the professionalism displayed by Nigerian officers has earned the country international recognition and strengthened its standing as a responsible contributor to global peace and security.

Disu used the occasion to advocate increased investment in peacebuilding initiatives, arguing that preventing conflicts is more cost-effective and sustainable than responding to crises after violence has erupted.

“Investing in peace means strengthening institutions, promoting justice, protecting human rights and addressing the root causes of instability before they escalate into conflict,” he said.

The IGP also stressed the need for continuous training and capacity development for peacekeepers, noting that modern peace operations require personnel equipped with operational competence, mediation skills, cultural sensitivity and community engagement capabilities.

He further underscored the importance of increasing women’s participation in peacekeeping missions, saying inclusive peace processes produce more sustainable outcomes and strengthen the legitimacy of peace operations.

Disu paid special tribute to the families of peacekeepers, describing them as unsung heroes whose sacrifices and emotional support make international service possible.

The event also coincided with Nigeria’s renewed commitment to the principles and objectives of the United Nations Charter ahead of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly.

Nigerian officials reiterated the country’s support for international cooperation, global peace efforts and ongoing reforms aimed at strengthening the effectiveness of the United Nations in addressing emerging global challenges.

The United Nations, meanwhile, commended the administration of President Bola Tinubu for efforts to promote peace, security and national stability, noting that peacekeeping abroad and peacebuilding at home are inseparable elements of sustainable development.

The organisation reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Nigeria through partnerships with government institutions, civil society groups, traditional leaders, women, youth and development partners to advance dialogue, human rights, humanitarian assistance and social cohesion.

Speakers at the ceremony agreed that peace should not merely be defined as the absence of war but as the presence of justice, opportunity and human dignity.

They stressed that investments in schools, healthcare, community development, youth empowerment and accountable institutions remain essential for preventing violence and building resilient societies.

As global conflicts, terrorism, displacement and political instability continue to challenge international peace and security, participants called for stronger cooperation among nations and renewed commitment to the ideals of the United Nations.

They maintained that the greatest legacy the current generation can leave behind is a peaceful world where future generations can live in safety, dignity and hope.

Nigeria, UN Rally Global Support for Peace as IGP Honours Fallen Peacekeepers

National News

Tegbe Woos Investors to Power 35,000 Health Facilities, Says Healthcare Electrification Biggest Energy Opportunity in Africa

Published

2 days ago

June 16, 2026

Ochuwa Ibrahim

Tegbe Woos Investors to Power 35,000 Health Facilities, Says Healthcare Electrification Biggest Energy Opportunity in Africa

By: Michael Mike

The Federal Government has intensified efforts to attract local and international capital into Nigeria’s healthcare sector, with Minister of Power, Joseph Tegbe declaring the electrification of over 35,000 health facilities nationwide as one of Africa’s most attractive investment opportunities.

Speaking at the National Healthcare Electrification Investor Matchmaking Forum held in Lagos under the Nigeria Power for Health Initiative (NPHI), Tegbe urged investors to embrace innovative and sustainable financing models capable of ending the chronic energy deficits that continue to undermine healthcare delivery across the country.

The forum, organised by the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare in partnership with UK PACT, brought together government officials, development partners, hospital administrators and private sector leaders to explore pathways for mobilising private capital into healthcare electrification.

Tegbe said reliable electricity had become indispensable to modern healthcare delivery, stressing that access to power was no longer merely an infrastructure issue but a critical determinant of patient outcomes, emergency response capabilities and the overall effectiveness of health institutions.

Describing himself as an early stakeholder in the initiative before assuming office as Minister of Power, he reaffirmed his commitment to driving its implementation, noting that the programme aligns with the power sector reform agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

According to the minister, the country’s more than 35,000 registered primary, secondary and tertiary healthcare facilities represent a vast pipeline of commercially viable projects capable of attracting investment into solar mini-grids, hybrid energy systems, battery storage technologies, smart metering, energy management platforms and climate-resilient infrastructure.

“The opportunity before investors is significant and scalable,” Tegbe said, adding that healthcare electrification offers long-term prospects for sustainable returns while addressing a critical social need.

He assured prospective investors that the Federal Government would provide the policy support, regulatory certainty and inter-ministerial coordination required to de-risk investments and ensure successful project delivery.

Tegbe disclosed that the Ministry of Power is already implementing similar interventions through the World Bank-supported Nigeria Electrification Project, under which solar mini-grids and hybrid energy solutions have been deployed in healthcare facilities across the country.

He also pointed to the provisions of the Electricity Act as a robust regulatory framework that supports power purchase agreements, mini-grid licensing and increased participation by state governments in electricity projects.

The minister maintained that the ultimate goal of the initiative is to strengthen healthcare infrastructure and position Nigeria as a preferred destination for quality healthcare services in Africa.

Also speaking at the forum, Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Iziaq Adekunle Salako, described the NPHI as a strategic departure from traditional donor-dependent interventions towards a commercially sustainable Energy-as-a-Service model.

Under the framework, he explained, specialised energy providers would finance, install and maintain power systems for healthcare facilities, thereby eliminating one of the most persistent obstacles to effective healthcare delivery.

Salako noted that unreliable power supply continues to threaten the operation of theatres, diagnostic equipment, vaccine cold-chain systems and emergency services across many health institutions.

He said the initiative is built on blended financing mechanisms, institutional preparedness and national scalability, with the first phase targeting federal tertiary hospitals before expanding to primary and secondary healthcare facilities nationwide.

According to him, a new governance structure has already been established to drive implementation, strengthen investor confidence and unlock private-sector participation in the healthcare energy market.

The renewed push by government signals a major attempt to leverage private investment to solve one of the healthcare sector’s most enduring challenges, while simultaneously opening a potentially multi-billion-dollar market for clean energy developers and infrastructure financiers.

Tegbe Woos Investors to Power 35,000 Health Facilities, Says Healthcare Electrification Biggest Energy Opportunity in Africa