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Senator Lawan tasks defense chiefs with sustaining democracy in West Africa.
Senator Lawan tasks defense chiefs with sustaining democracy in West Africa.
By: Yahaya Wakili
The President of the 9th Senate, Senator Ahmed Ibrahim Lawan, Ph.D., GCON. Yobe North Senatorial District, has tasked the defense chiefs of the 12 countries that are currently members of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), to ensure the sustenance of democracy within the subregion.
Senator Lawan disclosed this in a press statement signed by Dr. Ezrel Tabiowo, FAI, FIMC, FCP, and Fsca Media Adviser to Senator Ahmed Ibrahim Lawan, Ph.D., GCON. Chairman, Senate Committee on Defense, which was made available to newsmen in Damaturu.
The Economic Community of West African States was previously constituted by 15 countries, which included Benin, Burkina Faso, Cabo Verde, Cote d’Ivoire, The Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Liberia, Mali, Niger, Nigeria, Senegal, Sierra Leone, and Togo.
However, in 2024, Niger, Burkina Faso, and Mali announced their withdrawal from the bloc, following their suspension from ECOWAS due to the military takeovers of their respective governments. Consequentially, the development reduced the number of ECOWAS member states to 12.
Speaking at the 42nd Ordinary Meeting of the ECOWAS Committee of Chiefs of Defense Staffs, which was held in Abuja on Wednesday at the Defense Headquarters, Senator Lawan commended the Defense Chiefs in attendance for ensuring the safety of member states.
He underscored the need for the respective parliaments to support ECOWAS through the approval and provision of resources needed to guarantee the security of countries in the West African subregion.
Senator Lawan, who currently chairs the Senate Committee on Defense, further tasked the Defense Chiefs with working to ensure that democracy is returned to countries taken over by military regimes.
He said, “Let me state that we need to ensure that democracy continues to flourish in our subregion. We are challenged at this time by some of our countries that have gone out of democratic administrations; we must never get tired of doing whatever we need to do to ensure that democracy is returned to those countries.”
Senator Lawan, while thanking ECOWAS for re-electing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as Chairman of the bloc at the 65th Ordinary Session of the Authority of Heads of State and Government, said that the National Assembly will continue to prioritize issues of security as well as give its full support to all institutions of ECOWAS within its borders to reciprocate the support extended to Nigeria by member states.
“We, the Nigerian parliament, as always, represent our people in the ECOWAS parliament and always place security on the front burner. We will always support the ECOWAS parliament on our part because we believe that our safety and security also depend on the resources available and approved by us for institutions like this.
“Finally, I want to take this opportunity to thank ECOWAS as a body for giving a second mandate to our dear President, Sen. Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for an additional year. We believe that it is because of the trust that ECOWAS countries have in the president that he has been given this.
“And, for us as a parliament in Nigeria, we will continue to support Mr. President and, indeed, all institutions of ECOWAS within our borders, to ensure this one year is done successfully,” Senator Lawan said.
Senator Lawan tasks defense chiefs with sustaining democracy in West Africa.
One Killed as Ebonyi Communal Clash Rekindles
By: Zagazola Makama
The Ebonyi State Police Command says one person has been killed in renewed hostilities between Enyimagu and Ekpoamaka communities in Ikwo Local Government Area.
Sources told Zagazola Makama that the decades-long crisis between the two communities, which had been dormant for some time, flared up again on Saturday evening.
The Nigerian Army troops and other security agencies were swiftly deployed to restore order.
On Sunday morning, security personnel discovered the corpse of an unidentified elderly man with multiple bullet wounds at Odumewu, Enyimagu axis.
He was said to have engaged the security forces in a gun battle before being shot dead.
The military also recovered firearms and ammunition from the deceased, believed to be a mercenary hired by one of the warring communities.
The body has been deposited at Rim Hospital Mortuary, Achara, while more security teams have been deployed for intensive patrol as the situation remains tense.
One Killed as Ebonyi Communal Clash Rekindles
Security forces Foil Kidnap Attempt, Rescue Three Along Funtua–Gusau Road
By: Zagazola Makama
Security forced have foiled a kidnapping attempt and rescued three travellers along the Funtua–Gusau road.
Sources told Zagazola Makama that suspected armed bandits had ambushed a white Golf 3 Wagon at Marabar Bangori.
The vehicle, driven by Sadi Ahmed, with passengers Ibrahim Umar (a.k.a Dan’iya), and Babangida Yusuf, 45, all of Yankara town, was transporting tomatoes from Funtua to Yankara when the gunmen opened fire.
Security forces were swiftly mobilized which engaged the bandits in a tactical exchange of fire, forcing them to flee into the bush.
All three occupants were rescued unhurt.
Security forces Foil Kidnap Attempt, Rescue Three Along Funtua–Gusau Road
Two Killed, Two Injured in Yobe Communal Clash Over Land Dispute
By: Zagazola Makama
Two persons have been killed and two others seriously injured following a violent clash between residents of Azare and Zango villages in Gujba Local Government Area of Yobe State.
Zagazola report that the incident occurred at about 11:30 p.m. on Sunday, when a mob from Azare village, armed with dangerous weapons, attacked Zango villagers on their farmlands over a protracted land dispute.
The deceased were identified as Sani Makeri, and Abdullahi Majitta, both of Zango village.
The sources said two other victims sustained serious injuries and are receiving treatment at the General Hospital, Bara.
The sources added that investigation has commenced to ensure all those involved are brought to justice.
Two Killed, Two Injured in Yobe Communal Clash Over Land Dispute
One Killed as Ebonyi Communal Clash Rekindles
Security forces Foil Kidnap Attempt, Rescue Three Along Funtua–Gusau Road
ISWAP Terrorists Kill Hunters’ Leader in Borno
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