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Tinubu Supports Direct Election into ECOWAS Parliaments, Asks Member Statrs to be Unitedl

Published

2 years ago

April 4, 2024

Ochuwa Ibrahim

Tinubu Supports Direct Election into ECOWAS Parliaments, Asks Member Statrs to be United

By: Michael Mike

President Bola Tinubu has thrown his weight behind direct election of members of Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Parliament, even as he emphasized the need for members of the subregional organisation to speak with one voice in order to cement the unity and prosperity of the area.

Members of ECOWAS Parliament have always emerged through selection from elected parliamentarians of member states. This has created endless agitation that they should instead emerge through specific direct election for places across the region.

Speaking at the inauguration of the sixth Legislature of the ECOWAS Parliament in Abuja on Thursday, the Nigeria’s President and Chairman of ECOWAS Heads of State and Government on Thursday charged leaders in the Economic Community of West African States on the need to speak with one voice for the unity and prosperity of the region.

He said: “Honourable Members as we inaugurate the sixth legislature, it is evident that we are faced with profound challenges in our region that demand our unified efforts.

“Recent political development have consequential effect on each of our member states.The wider international context in terms of security, access to markets, and climate change also presents profound challenges.

“Three Member States considering withdrawal from the community is a challenge to us.

“We must preserve the unity and integrity of our organisation. The ball is in your court as well as mine.

“At this critical junction, regional solidarity is imperative to strengthening our resilience and effectiveness as a bloc, particularly against forces that aim to divide us.

“We must not allow this. We cannot afford to remain persive and ordinary spectators, while our Community faces the threat of disintegration. We stand united against such forces and are committed to ensuring that our unity remains unshaking.

“We must ensure that cooperation among us is strengthened with a view to building a sense of common destiny and purpose.

“No one can do this for us, we are the ones to do it, please.l take that seriously.

“In your legislative consideration and in your interaction it is very imperative that you take seriously that we have to build the economic prosperity of our region by ourselves.

“Let us forget what has happened to us in the past, we have matured and of age to build our intellectual curiosity to develop our region.

To this extent, reinforcing the legitimacy of decisions taken by authority of Heads of States, is key in sending a message that ECOWAS is one body.

“It is also very important that the executives, on the other hand, must show similar confidence in Parliament, respect the parliament’s resolutions, which will indeed deepen democracy in our region.

“Meanwhile, in the midst of ongoing challenges, our partnership can be a driving force for stability, growth and prosperity in our region.

“Like I said earlier on, it is upon us. It is upon us. It is our responsibility to speak with one voice and make African Union from ECOWAS a central point of economic reform and foreign policy achievement. “

Declaring his support for direct election of members of the regional Parliament, Tinubu said the process will help actualize the vision 2050, which will ensure the people involvement in decision making process in the region.

He said:Am aware that the ECOWAS parliament is seeking an enhanced powers primarily through the election of its members by direct universal suffrage.

“This will increase the role the parliamentarians must play and the responsibilities they will assume in advancing our regional development objectives, particularly in harmonising laws and regulations across the member states.

“Indeed, the practice of directly electing public officers aligns with the democratic principles that Nigerians upholds as it enhances the legitimacy of democratic institutions.

“This principle is also in line with the spirit of ECOWAS protocol on democracy and good governance. As one time legislature myself, I look forward to reviewing the proposal regarding this matter.
“We stand to support the election into the ECOWAS Parliament.
“We believe this will ensure that citizens have direct say in their representation and legitimacy and credibility it will provide.
” Thank you for thinking very carefully on this subject. “

The president also promised that Nigeria will continue to support the regional body.

“I want to assure you, that Nigeria as the host of this very important community’s institutions, will continue to support you to achieve your objectives.”

Tinubu also added, “I am aware of the plan to have all ECOWAS’s institutions in one complex and all the good progress that has been made, Nigeria is also working to meet its responsibility to construct the ECOWAS Parliament headquarters in Abuja at the same complex.

” In conclusion, I would like to emphasise that as you conduct the business of six legislature It is my hope that your discussions will provide me the opportunity to address the prime concerns of the region and come up with resolutions that will lead to the attainment of peace and the advancement of all.

“You can stand assured that Nigeria is always ready to support the ECOWAS. The parliament in particular will be made effective and democracy will flourish if we support it and we fight for it.

The inaugural session of the Sixth Legislature of the Parliament which formally marks the commencement of the business of the legislature, is being convened in pursuant to Article 28 of the Supplementary Act on the Enhancement of the Powers of the ECOWAS Parliament of 2016, following the end of the Fifth Legislature of the ECOWAS Parliament on March 8, 2024.

The president of the ECOWAS Commission Dr. Omar Alieu Touray raised alarm of danger of disintegration of the regional body, which he said will affect all facet of life of the community.

He also noted the amount of investment made by the regional body in the three want away countries-Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger Republic which runs into $321 million.

The Senate President, Godswill Akpabio in his remark urged members of the regional Parliament to work in unity.

He saod, “Let us use ECOWAS to ensure that national boundaries are not Berlin walls separating kith and kin, but bridges of unity and progress.
“The road ahead is filled with new challenges and opportunities. Our task is to build upon the foundation laid by our predecessors and to forge a path towards a more inclusive, equitable, and prosperous future. We must strive to deepen regional integration, enhance trade and investment, and promote the free movement of goods, services, and people within our Community.
“Together, we can harness the power of collaboration, innovation, and dialogue to overcome the obstacles that lie before us. Let us remember that the strength of our Community lies in our diversity, and it is through unity and solidarity that we can overcome any adversity and achieve our shared goals.
“It is concerning that in spite of our region’s abundant natural resources and deep human capital, our region has not attained the heights envisioned by our founding fathers.

“I believe the time has come in ECOWAS and in the ECOWAS Parliament for us to play the role of Ghede, and show to each country her devil. This way we will drive all the devils of tribalism, corruption, nepotism, despotism, out of our region.

“Your participation and engagement are vital as we navigate the challenges and seize the opportunities that lie ahead. I have no doubt that together, we will build a stronger, more prosperous, and more united West Africa.”
The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar on his part stressed the role of the ECOWAS Parliament in fostering unity in the region.

He also urged members of the regional Parliament to ensure that their positions on key issues are harmonized with the decisions of the Authority of ECOWAS.

He said, “In the face of the various challenges confronting our region, including peace, stability, security, as well as the unity of our region, the role of the Parliament is more important than ever.

” The balance between executive, judicial and legislative arms is critical for effective, responsive and transparent governance. This was recently demonstrated by the key role played by Senegal’s judiciary in ensuring that national elections were not delayed. ECOWAS is no different. Let us remember that democracy is a process not an event. The Parliament, and other Community Institutions, are of vital importance in promoting democracy and regional stability.

” It is, therefore, imperative that the Parliament continues to work in synergy with the ECOWAS Commission and other Institutions that serve as the executive and judicial arms of our organization. Collaboration between the Commission, Court and Parliament is essential to ensure the smooth implementation of policies and programs that benefit our citizens. I encourage you to maintain constructive dialogue with other bodies and to align your efforts with the broader objectives of ECOWAS.

“Furthermore, I urge the new members of Parliament to ensure that your positions on key issues are harmonized with the decisions of the Authority of ECOWAS Heads of State and Government. Consistency in our collective stance will strengthen our voice on the international stage and prevent any perception of disunity within our organization.”

The outgoing Speaker of the 5th Parliament, Mohamed Tunis pleaded with the members of the Sixth parliament to pursue direct election of members.

He said, “While it is customary for each legislature to set its own agenda, I passionately appeal that the campaign for the election of Members into the ECOWAS Parliament by direct universal suffrage remains at the top of your agenda. The 5th Legislature raised a lot of awareness about the matter, and I can only hope that
the 6th Legislature will strengthen the fight for direct election, as it is a requirement for representative governance.”

Tinubu Supports Direct Election into ECOWAS Parliaments, Asks Member Statrs to be United

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One killed, five injured during violent clash at peace meeting in Plateau

Published

2 hours ago

May 9, 2026

Ochuwa Ibrahim

One killed, five injured during violent clash at peace meeting in Plateau

By: Zagazola Makama

A peace meeting between local residents and Fulani community members in Pankshin Local Government Area of Plateau State turned violent on Thursday, leaving one person dead and five others injured after youths allegedly attempted to disarm soldiers deployed to maintain security during the engagement.

Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the incident occurred at about 3:00 p.m. on May 7 at Mier village, where troops of Sector 8 under Operation Enduring Peace (OPEP), deployed at Fier guard post, had organised a stakeholders’ meeting aimed at easing tensions between locals and Fulani residents in the area.

The sources said the meeting was part of ongoing confidence-building and peace restoration efforts by security forces following recent incidents of communal violence, cattle rustling, reprisal attacks, and growing mistrust between farming and pastoral communities across parts of Plateau State.

According to the sources, the meeting was progressing peacefully before a group of agitated youths reportedly became hostile and attempted to forcefully seize the rifles of two soldiers providing security at the venue.

“The situation suddenly turned violent when some youths moved aggressively toward the troops and attempted to disarm two soldiers,” a security source said.

The source added that amid the struggle and confusion, one of the soldiers discharged his weapon in self-defence to prevent the mob from overpowering the troops.

Following the incident, one local resident sustained fatal injuries and was later confirmed dead, while four other civilians and one soldier were injured during the confrontation.

The injured persons were immediately evacuated to nearby medical facilities for treatment, while the corpse of the deceased was deposited at the General Hospital morgue in Pankshin.

Security operatives subsequently reinforced the area to prevent further breakdown of law and order, while efforts were intensified to calm tensions among residents.

The four youths who attacked the soldiers were arrested.

The latest violence occurred amid heightened security concerns and recurring communal clashes across Plateau State, where troops of Operation Enduring Peace have continued to conduct patrols, peace engagements, arrests, and intelligence-driven operations to contain reprisals and attacks involving armed militias, bandits, and cattle rustlers.

Military and community leaders have repeatedly urged residents to avoid taking the law into their hands and to cooperate with security agencies to sustain peace efforts across the state.

One killed, five injured during violent clash at peace meeting in Plateau

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ISWAP suffer losses after failed attack on Buni Gari

Published

3 hours ago

May 9, 2026

Ochuwa Ibrahim

ISWAP suffer losses after failed attack on Buni Gari

By: Zagazola Makama

ISWAP terrorists suffered heavy losses in the early hours of Thursday after troops of Operation HADIN KAI repelled an attack on Headquarters 27 Brigade, Buni Gari, and a nearby checkpoint in Yobe State.

The terrorists had launched a coordinated assault at about 2:00 a.m. from multiple directions but were stopped by troops who held their ground and responded with superior firepower.

The Media Information Officer of the Joint Task Force North East, Operation HADIN KAI, Lt.-Col. Sani Uba, said the attackers were forced to retreat after coming under intense resistance.

He said several of the terrorists were neutralised during the encounter, while others fled with injuries.

“Exploitation of the general area confirmed the recovery of terrorist corpses and weapons in bushes and along withdrawal routes,” Uba said.

He added that traces of blood were found along escape routes, indicating that the fleeing attackers sustained significant injuries.

Uba explained that air support from the Air Component Command provided surveillance coverage during the operation, helping troops track movement of retreating fighters.

He said precision air interdiction was also carried out on confirmed fleeing elements, further increasing the losses suffered by the attackers.

Recovered items include AK-47 rifles, machine guns, RPG tubes, ammunition, magazines and other military-grade weapons used in the failed assault.

He said troops, working with hybrid forces, are continuing clearance operations in the area to prevent regrouping of the attackers.

Uba also confirmed that two soldiers died during the encounter, while wounded personnel are receiving treatment and are in stable condition.

He said Operation HADIN KAI remains committed to sustaining pressure on terrorist groups and denying them freedom of action in the North-East.

ISWAP suffer losses after failed attack on Buni Gari

News

Cuba Slams New US Sanctions as ‘Economic Warfare,’ Warns of Deepening Humanitarian Crisis

Published

4 hours ago

May 9, 2026

Ochuwa Ibrahim

Cuba Slams New US Sanctions as ‘Economic Warfare,’ Warns of Deepening Humanitarian Crisis

By: Michael Mike

The government of Cuba has accused the United States of escalating economic warfare against the island nation following a sweeping new executive order and fresh sanctions that Havana says could worsen an already severe humanitarian and economic crisis.

In a strongly worded statement issued Thursday in Havana, Cuba’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs condemned the May 1, 2026 Executive Order signed by the White House, describing it as one of the harshest measures imposed against the communist nation in decades.

The Cuban government also denounced a subsequent decision by the United States Treasury Department on May 7 to place Cuban conglomerate Gaesa and mining company MoaNickel S.A. on the List of Specially Designated Nationals, effectively cutting them off from the American financial system and exposing foreign businesses dealing with them to possible secondary sanctions.

Havana described the move as a “ruthless act of economic aggression” aimed at tightening the long-standing United States blockade against Cuba and isolating the country from global trade and financial networks.

According to Cuban authorities, the latest measures threaten to deepen the island’s economic hardship at a time when the country is already battling chronic shortages of fuel, food, medicine and foreign exchange.

The Foreign Ministry argued that the sanctions go beyond bilateral relations between Washington and Havana by attempting to punish foreign companies, banks and governments that maintain economic ties with Cuba.

“The sovereign right of all states that have or wish to maintain economic, commercial and financial relations with Cuba is being explicitly attacked,” the statement declared.

Cuba accused senior United States officials, particularly the Secretary of State, of using intimidation and political pressure to force the international community into compliance with the blockade policy.

The statement further alleged that the new measures were intended to provoke economic collapse and social unrest within Cuba.

Havana warned that worsening economic pressure could create conditions for instability and potentially serve as justification for more aggressive actions against the island.

The Cuban government also accused Washington of attempting to manufacture a humanitarian crisis capable of triggering political upheaval.

The latest confrontation marks another sharp downturn in relations between the two Cold War-era adversaries whose ties have fluctuated between cautious engagement and hostility over the last six decades.

The United States first imposed trade restrictions on Cuba in the early 1960s following the Cuban Revolution led by Fidel Castro and the subsequent nationalisation of American-owned assets on the island. Relations deteriorated rapidly after Cuba aligned itself with the former Soviet Union during the Cold War.

In 1962, Washington formalised a broad economic embargo against Cuba, arguing that the measures were necessary to pressure Havana toward democratic reforms and respect for human rights.

Over the decades, the sanctions evolved into one of the world’s longest-running economic blockade regimes, affecting trade, banking, investment and travel.

Although there were signs of rapprochement during the administration of former President Barack Obama — including the restoration of diplomatic relations and the easing of some restrictions — many sanctions were later reinstated and expanded under subsequent administrations.

In recent years, Cuba has faced mounting economic difficulties caused by declining tourism revenues, inflation, fuel shortages and limited access to international credit markets.

The Cuban government has consistently blamed the United States embargo for worsening living conditions on the island, while Washington maintains that Havana’s centrally controlled political and economic system is primarily responsible for the country’s struggles.

The renewed sanctions are expected to intensify debates within the international community, where many countries and global organisations have repeatedly called for an end to the embargo.

For more than 30 consecutive years, the United Nations General Assembly has overwhelmingly voted in favour of resolutions urging the United States to lift its economic blockade against Cuba, describing the measures as harmful to ordinary citizens and contrary to international law.

Despite the growing pressure, both governments remain firmly entrenched in their positions, raising fears that tensions between Havana and Washington may continue to escalate in the coming months.

Cuba Slams New US Sanctions as ‘Economic Warfare,’ Warns of Deepening Humanitarian Crisis