VP Shettima’s influence transcends conventional political boundaries.—Hon. Yusuf Adamu

Hon. Yusuf Adamu, a prominent political associate of Vice President Kashim Shettima, in an interview with NEWSng revealed that VP Shettima’s influence transcends conventional political boundaries and extends deeply into the intricate network of relationships across Nigeria. This assertion highlights the multifaceted nature of Shettima’s power, which is not limited to his official capacities or electoral constituencies but is embedded within social and communal ties that span the nation. Such a network facilitates a broad base of support that enhances his political leverage and ability to mobilize resources effectively. Special Reporter Maina Maina writes.

Adamu’s perspective underscores the importance of personal connections and relational politics in understanding contemporary Nigerian political dynamics. Shettima’s influence is thus characterized by an ability to navigate complex social structures, fostering alliances that cut across ethnic, regional, and socio-economic divides. This relational approach positions him as a significant figure whose reach impacts policy-making and governance beyond formal institutional frameworks.

Hon. Yusuf Adami’s observation reveals that Kashim Shettima’s power lies not only in his official roles but also within an expansive network of interpersonal relationships. This dual dimension of influence exemplifies how modern Nigerian politicians consolidate authority through both formal mechanisms and informal social capital.

Speaking on the just concluded APC Zonal meeting in Gombe State, Northeast Nigeria, Adamu states this: “Let me also bring to your understanding that leadership is from God. We believe that it is God that gives leadership to whomever he wants to give it to. Everyone who followed the political campaign prior to the 2023 general elections knows the role played by Vice President Kashim Shettima to ensure the success of the elections and to bring this administration to power. I want you to know that all the rumors making the rounds about the President wanting to replace his Vice President are the usual political dreams pegged by so-called rumor peddlers and their paymasters. The president had never on any occasion said or shown any sign that he had issues with his vice president, not to mention reasons for his replacement.

“The Vice President has done very well even on the issues of bringing votes that help the president to lead in the elections. He has been going about his functions as assigned to him by his principal, and never had we heard of the president ever complaining of the vice president not carrying out duties assigned to him, either normal presidential duties or something that the president asked of him. Their relationship has been cordial, smooth, and respectful, contrary to what their enemies, whether within or outside the APC as a party, say. And we know all those that are pushing this idea.

“Another thing I want you to know, Malam Aminu, is that the people of Borno State are loyal and committed people. We are not only numbered within our state or the Northeast Region. We have traversed the northern states and even the neighboring countries. We are found within the North in places like Zazzau kingdom in Zaria, Katrina, and Gumel in Jigawa state. In fact, the emir of Gumel is ‘Barebari,’ meaning a “Kanuri person.” The late Alhaji Bashir Tofa of blessed memory is a “Kanuri” man from Borno. Names like Faruk Lawan and the late former speaker Ghali Na’abba, to mention a few, are all rooted in Borno State. Go to Gwarzo in Kano and down to Gombe State, and you will find “Barebari.” In fact, in Gombe State, former governor and senator Goje is a Kanuri man. Malam Sidi town, Fantami, and Alkaleri, all in Gombe and Bauchi states, are Kanuri areas.

“When you come to the North Central, the Kanuris are found everywhere, from Lafiyan Barebari in Nassarawa state to Doma and Gangare in Plateau state to Kayama in Kwara state. We are everywhere in Nigeria; let no one be deceived that we are only found in the Northeast Region. We have a sizable number within the Northwest and North Central. So the Northwest is not only for the Hausas or Fulani. We are also part of that region and play key leadership and political roles in those key places in northern Nigeria.

“The late Premier of Northern Nigeria told us that we are all one North and one people. We believed that statement and are living by it. So, if some people are thinking otherwise, that is their own assumption. We also believe in fairness, and we have seen and witnessed every political move being made. We believe for the best and fair leadership, the president will do justice if he goes with his winning team even if some individuals are fanning different concepts of politicking other than what is right, and that should be done. It will be a miscalculation and a greater risk for a good coach to replace a good player in the height of a game that needed such a player on the pitch. We know the president to be a calm person, and we believe he has no ears to listen to detractors.

“Indeed, what happened in Gombe state during the APC meeting? I was there and appreciated the courage of the Borno state governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, who stood to ensure that calmness is brought to the whole saga; otherwise, the occasion would have left regrets to trail. We would continue to commend the Borno state governor for ensuring a peaceful end to that meeting in Gombe. I can confidently tell you that only a few are making all the noise around. We believe that as northerners, we should have one voice and hope to build a stronger North. We are not thinking of who becomes what for now, as the time for politics will reveal those behind the masks. And for those who are chanting about the VP, who told them that they will see that day to be acting as if they are gods?”

VP Shettima’s influence transcends conventional political boundaries.—Hon. Yusuf Adamu

AUTHORITIES RESPONSIBLE FOR ENFORCEMENT OF ECOWAS COURT JUDGMENTS BEGINS IN LAGOS, NIGERIA

By: Michael Mike

The inaugural meeting of Competent National Authorities (CNA) of ECOWAS Member States responsible for the enforcement of the judgments of the Community Court of Justice, ECOWAS has commenced in Lagos, Nigeria. 
 
The two-day meeting holding from 23 – 24 June 2025 under the theme Enhancing the Role, Relevance, and Effectiveness of the ECOWAS Court of Justice: Strengthening Synergies Between the Court and Competent National Authorities seeks to tackle challenges impeding the effective enforcement of the Court’s decisions and to identify actionable solutions.
 
In his keynote address, the Honourable President of the Court, Justice Ricardo Cláudio Monteiro Gonçalves emphasised the binding nature of the Court’s judgments and the responsibility of Member States to ensure their execution. He highlighted the critical role enforcement of judgments play in upholding the rule of law, promoting justice, and strengthening regional human rights protections.
 
Citing Article 24(2) of the Protocol on the Court, the President reiterated that the Court’s judgments are to be enforced through writs submitted to competent national authorities, who must verify them and act in accordance with domestic civil procedure rules to ensure their execution. He further referenced Article 24(4), which mandates Member States to designate and notify the Court of their competent national authorities. He commended 10 of the 12 Member States who have complied with their obligation to designate a competent national authority.
 
The Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice of Nigeria, Lateef Fagbemi SAN who was represented by Mr Nnanna Ibom, Director of International and Compliance Law in the Ministry of Justice, commended the President of the Court for convening the meeting. He described the initiative as crucial to advancing regional integration, access to justice, and the rule of law. “It is imperative that we explore practical strategies to harmonise enforcement protocols and strengthen the interface between the Court and Member States’ justice institutions,” he stated.
 
Earlier, in his welcome address, Dr Yaouza Ouro-Sama, Chief Registrar of the Court underscored the objective of the workshop designed to strengthen the working relationship between the Court and the CNA to ensure seamless enforcement of its judgments. He acknowledged that poor compliance is a widespread challenge faced by many international courts, given their reliance on the political will and legal infrastructure of Member States. 
 
Citing Article 15(4) of the Revised ECOWAS Treaty, he recalled that judgments of the Court are binding on Member States, community institutions, individuals, and corporate entities. Dr Ouro-Sama also identified persistent obstacles to enforcement, including lack of domestication of legal instruments, insufficient political commitment, and the absence of implementing legislation.
 
The CNA workshop aims to foster cooperation, facilitate information sharing, and develop sustainable mechanisms for the enforcement of judgments of the ECOWAS Court and the enhancement of access to justice in the ECOWAS region.

AUTHORITIES RESPONSIBLE FOR ENFORCEMENT OF ECOWAS COURT JUDGMENTS BEGINS IN LAGOS, NIGERIA

ODA Cuts: UN tasks Nigeria on embracing domestic, private sector funding

…says $17bn annual illicit financial flow loss would have made impact

By: Michael Mike

The United Nations has advised Nigeria to adopt an alternative model of funding to drive its economy, following the Official Development Assistance (ODA) cuts from major donors to poor and developing countries.

The United Nations Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Nigeria, Mohamed Fall who gave the advise on Monday at a press briefing organised ahead of the United Nations, Co-convener of the forthcoming 2025 Africa Social Impact Summit (ASIS) holding next month, advised Nigeria to explore domestic resources from the state and the private sector.

He said: “We are entering a new era where ODA, where development financing, where humanitarian financing will never be the way it has been for the past decade.

“This is why we think that it is time for us to focus on what kind of alternative model is the most viable for financing development in context like the one of Nigeria. And today financing development cannot find any other source than the domestic resources.”

As Co- Convener of this year’s ASIS, the UN official noted that, “This summit is taking place at a time where we really need to pull together our effort, our reflection and see which direction we need to take to make sure that private sector comes to the development financing not only as a charity or not only as a corporate social responsibility, but as an investment for development with a shared value and a shared understanding that any investment or any gain you make in development is going to benefit the private sector, to the shared value or the win-win concept of the partnership.”

Fall who made emphasis on the $17 billion Nigeria loses through illicit financial flows annually, noted that it would have made meaningful contribution to the nation’s development.

He said: “If you compare how much Africa get in ODA to how much Africa loses when it comes to illicit financial flow or any other financial flows that take capital out of the continent, you can agree that what we receive in ODA is maybe five, six, seven times less than the money we lose into those kinds of mechanisms.

“If I take the case of illicit financial flow, people say that the African continent will lose up to maybe $90 billion through illicit financial flow.

“Nigeria alone loses 20% of those $90 billion. It means what? It means around $17 billion a year lost through illicit flow. If that one was converted into development, it could represent up to 50% of what the state is spending annually, including for the debt service recovery.

“This is why we want this to be a forum of deliberation, exchanging ideas, identifying opportunity, to go beyond the narrative to an action.

“We want the forum to go beyond the rhetoric to an implementation of plan where we see truly how private sector can help to drive the development agenda, not only based on the charitable spirit that the private sector or the capital of industry can have, but by their own interest that when they develop the sector or when development takes place, it’s first and foremost for the benefit of their own business.”

Managing Director and CEO, Sterling Bank PLC, Abubakar Suleiman while stressing the importance of partnering with the UN on ASIS, said the private sector in Nigeria must engage in activities that would generate both financial and social values to the country.

He said: “And we asked ourselves, who could possibly help us achieve this objective? Who could call and every serious-minded person who is interested in solving Nigeria’s problem would show up? And there’s no better candidate for that than the UN.

“We need to create a culture where those of us that are profitable and make money working in Nigeria do more. Not just for the sake of the media, but do more to change the fabric of the country itself, not through charity, but by developing programmes and products that put money where it can create value.

“There is a crisis that needs to be solved and that this is probably our biggest opportunity to come together towards solving that.

“This is the platform. And I want to commit on behalf of Sterling Bank that we will continue to raise the standard. We will continue to push so that it’s not just a one-man war.”

Suleiman further charged the private sector to step up and bridge the resources gap occasioned by ODA saying, “The days where we can count on resources coming from across the border to solve our problem, they’re over. It may have started slow, but I think it is time now. We’re going to have to face the fact that there will be no international resources that will be sufficient enough to solve our problem. This particular summit, more than ever, should be a very sobering one.

“Nigeria is a country that does not collect a lot of taxes and whatever is not collected in taxes is in the pocket of the private sector so as long as the private sector controls more than 80 percent of the resources of this country, they have an obligation to bring those resources to bear in solving social problems.

“We need to make it a clear obligation until the government of this country can collect 30 percent, 35 percent of the GDP in taxes and have the power to do big stuff, we in the private sector must step up.”

Chief Executive Officer, Sterling One Foundation, Olapeju Ibekwe explained that this year’s Summit themed “Scaling Action: Bold Solutions for Climate Resilience and Policy Innovations” was a reminder everyone must “put their hands on the plow and whatever they have been doing before, now is the time for us to accelerate. 2030 is closer to us than when we first knew about it.

“This is an execution platform for people to work together. We seek to achieve three major objectives: effective partnerships; impact investments into scalable, viable solutions; and policy advocacy. We are proud to confirm that we have started all of this. And this year, we are looking to scale action,” she said.

ODA Cuts: UN tasks Nigeria on embracing domestic, private sector funding