Nwoke Advises ECOWAS Court, National Courts on Resolving Disconnect

By: Michael Mike

A former Vice President of the ECOWAS Court, Prof. Friday Nwoke has advocated a triple approach towards resolving the disconnect between the Court and the national courts of the Member States, which have an important role in the enforcement of the decisions of the regional court.

In a paper presented at the ongoing 2024 international conference of the Court in Freetown, Nwoke suggested that the Court should focus on such measures as training for officials of national courts, workshops and meetings with the sole objective of facilitating cooperation as these will impact positively on compliance and the enforcements of the judgements of the Court.

Nwoke, whose presentation was under the sub theme “Enhancing the role, relevance of the ECOWAS Court through strengthened synergy with the national courts of Member States,” stressed the importance of regular dialogue and cooperation between the Court and the national courts which will require exchange of information, case law and best practices to build mutual trust and respect.

He also urged Member States to revise their legal framework to incorporate provisions that recognize and enforce the decisions of the ECOWAS Court of justice, which will require aligning national laws with the ECOWAS Treaty and ensuring that national courts have the necessary legal tools to enforce the judgments of the regional court.

Nwoke also suggested that Member States enact legislation to recognize and enforce the judgments of the Court while the ECOWAS Commission and political actors, such as the Council of Ministers and the Authority of Heads of State and Government, should also be involved in the enforcement mechanism for decisions of the Court.

Other recommendations made by the presenter includes the creation of a monitoring unit with responsibility for monitoring and supervising the enforcement, a provision for an annual reporting of the level of enforcement of the judgements of the Court.

He noted that while the Court enjoys the respect of Member States, the continued non-compliance with its decisions could undermine public confidence while characterising the Court’s independence, boldness, and impartiality as key to its credibility.

He emphasized that strengthening the enforcement mechanism is essential to maintaining its effectiveness and ensuring compliance in good faith by member states.

The 2024 conference, which is being attended by 250 participants, is being held under the theme Enhancing the Role, Relevance and Effectiveness of the ECOWAS Court of Justice through the Strengthening of Synergies between the Court and National Stakeholders.

Nwoke Advises ECOWAS Court, National Courts on Resolving Disconnect

Army troops gun down Mallam Muhammad, ISWAP Commander incharge of VBIED

By: Zagazola Makama

The troops of Operation Desert Sanity III, Operation Hadin Kai have nutrialised Mallam Muhammad, ISWAP top Commander in-charge of Vehicle Bomb Improvised Explosive Device(VBEID) in Sambisa Forest.

Muhammadu was nutrialised on May 14 after the made gradual but unprecedented incursions into the insurgents’ dens in Ukuba and Njimia in Bama Local Government Area.

The terrorists kingpin operate a major fabrication workshop where he made Person Borne Improvised Explosive Device(PBVIED) Vehicle Borne Improvised Explosives Device(VBIED) Road Side Borne Improvised Explosive Device(RSBIED).

Muhammadu had sent many under age children into suicide bombing after conscripting them into believing that when they died they will go to heaven. Among those that he used as human bombs were his three children.

Intelligence sources told Zagazola Makama that the troops also intercepted a vehicle that was already armed with explosive which was designed to target advancing troops.

Despite the obvious challenges of difficult terrain, IED threats the troops continue to maintain the momentum, remaining focused and determined to pursue and decimate the fleeing terrorists.

Army troops gun down Mallam Muhammad, ISWAP Commander incharge of VBIED

FG to Commission multi-billion Naira projects in Ondo, Bayelsa

By: Michael Mike

Two major projects worth over N32 billion are to be commissioned in the oil rich Niger Delta region, the Ministry of Niger Delta Development has disclosed.

The commissioning which will be carried out by the Minister of Niger Delta Development, Abubakar Momoh are located in Bayelsa and Ondo States.

According to a statement by the Special Assistant on Media and Communications to the Minister, Mr. John Mayaki, the projects include the 25.753 kilometres Ogbia-Nembe Road and Bridges, worth N24.4 billion and represents a lifeline for the long-isolated oil-producing communities, traversing swampy terrains.

The project, according to minister was constructed in collaboration with Shell Petroleum Development Company Nigeria Ltd (SPDC).

The statement quoted the minister as saying that the “infrastructure not only establishes a vital connection between Nembe and the nation. It also promises to ignite economic prosperity across the region.

“This project cost the sum of N24,421,857,276.16 (Twenty – Four Billion, Four Hundred and Twenty – One Million, Eight Hundred and Fifty – Seven Thousand, Two Hundred and Seventy-Six Naira, Sixteen kobo), and the scope is 25.753 km asphalt pavement single carriage way; 9.15 km of pre-fabricated vertical drains on the swamp, and Seven bridges.

“There’s no denying that the completion of this road will revolutionize transportation, significantly reducing travel time and stimulating development across 14 communities.”

The second project, the Okitipupa Electricity Project in Ondo State, the minister said holds immense promise in brightening the lives of thousands across five local government areas.

He said, “We are elated by this significant achievement, as reliable electricity access will serve as a catalyst for economic growth, elevate living standards, and pave the way for a more promising future.”

The cost of the project is N8, 152,952,040.57 (Eight Billion, One Hundred and Fifty – Two Million, Nine Hundred and Fifty – Two Thousand, Forty Naira, Fifty – Seven Kobo) while the scope of the project include the construction of 45km 132 KV feeder line from Omotosho to Okitipupa; the construction of 2 nos 30/40 MVA 132/33KV Injection substations with breakers gantry and substation automation; the construction of 3 Bedroom semi-detached bungalow as service quarters; the provision of 2 x 60 MVA, 132/33KV transformer at Okitipupa Injection Substation; the rehabilitation of 33 km 33/11 KV transmission from Okitipupa – Igbokoda – Ubgbonla and environs; and the construction of 1km rigid pavement with drains.

FG to Commission multi-billion Naira projects in Ondo, Bayelsa