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Tinubu Supports Direct Election into ECOWAS Parliaments, Asks Member Statrs to be Unitedl
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
Alaafin Assures NDLEA of Support, Collaboration in Fight Against Illicit Drugs
By: Michael Mike
The Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Owoade has assured the Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa (rtd) of support and collaboration in his renewed mandate to curb the scourge of substance abuse and illicit drug trafficking in the country.
The revered traditional ruler gave the assurance when he led two other royal fathers: Oloro of Oro, Oba Joel Olaniyan Olatoye and Olusin of Ijara Isin, Oba Ademola Julius Ajibola, on a courtesy visit to Marwa at the agency’s national headquarters in Abuja on Friday.
He said he is proud of Marwa’s trajectory as Atunluse of Yoruba land.
According to him, “to be kind with you, we are proud of you. Your being in this position at the moment is not just by chance, it’s because of your devotion, your commitment. You have this amiable character. That’s why you are able to govern Borno and Lagos States, and you have always been a performer. Another thing which I can’t forget about you is the legacy of Keke Marwa that you brought to Nigeria.”
Responding directly to the appeal by the NDLEA boss to traditional rulers to support ongoing efforts against drug abuse in the country, the Alaafin assured of his readiness to mobilise his colleagues to work with the agency.
He said: “I’ve heard your message and the same thing with some of my colleagues here and some of my other traditional rulers, we are ready to collaborate with you. I have to tell you, we are at the grassroots, we are close to the community people. We know a lot about what’s going on. So, I’m using this opportunity to tell you that we are ready. We are more than ready to work with you and to give you all the necessary support to make sure that you are successful in this job. We can tell you that anytime you are in need of us, we will always be there for you.”
In his welcome remark, Marwa congratulated the Alaafin for ascending the throne of his forefathers. He charged him and other traditional rulers across the country to leverage on their influence at the local level to work with NDLEA to stamp out substance abuse in communities.
Marwa said: “The drug scourge in Nigeria is at an unacceptable limit and from the drug use survey report of 2018, we find that close to 15 million Nigerians aged 15 to 64 use drugs. It’s a big problem and we have been mandated by President Tinubu, to stand up, fight the drug scourge, arrest those responsible, prosecute them and seize their assets, the traffickers. And on this assignment, we would like to call on the traditional institutions because it’s a very, very important institution.
“Nigerians respect the traditional institutions. Whoever you are in Nigeria, you still come from somewhere. And when you go back to that place, you pay homage to whoever is the leader of the community. And so when the traditional leader speaks, it carries weight. And equally we plead for traditional leaders to also engage the religious leaders in charge of churches and mosques in their domains, they should do serious advocacy against the use of drugs. The NDLEA is always prepared to work with the traditional institution.”
He said the agency will also appreciate getting information about drug dealers in local communities from traditional rulers because of the risk they pose to many youths and their families. “We really appreciate this collaboration and I know for a fact that if we are able to control drug use, even the criminalities will come down because all the people that are kidnappers and the insurgents, terrorists, bandits everywhere, they use drugs first to charge themselves up, to make them high.”
He expressed appreciation to Alaafin for the visit and wished him long successful reign in
good health, peace, development and prosperity in the entire Oyo Kingdom.
Alaafin Assures NDLEA of Support, Collaboration in Fight Against Illicit Drugs
Mignot: Africa/Europe Ties Destined, Rests on Mutual Respect
By: Michael Mike
The European Union (EU) Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Gautier Mignot has described the ties between the continents of Europe and Africa as destined and rest on long-term impact, sustainability and mutual respect.
Speaking at a reception organized for African Union and European Union in Abuja, Mignot said “the ties between both continents as a “community of destiny,” adding that Africa’s and Europe’s wellbeing are deeply interconnected.
He emphasized that the partnership rests on long-term impact, sustainability and mutual respect—principles he believes will continue to guide cooperation in the coming years.
The reception which marked the successful conclusion of the 7th African Union–European Union Summit and the 25th anniversary of the AU–EU partnership hosted by the European Union Delegation to Nigeria and ECOWAS, in collaboration with the Embassy of Angola, had in attendance envoys from both European and African countries.
The reception was jointly led by the EU Ambassador and the Ambassador of Angola, José Bamóquina Zau, whose country hosted the summit in Luanda at the end of November.
In his remarks, the EU Ambassador praised Angola for its hospitality, noting that the summit’s success was anchored largely on the commitment and support of the host government and people. He extended the appreciation of all participating delegations to Ambassador Zau and commended Angola for facilitating what he described as “a real sense of community” among nations.
Although President Bola Ahmed Tinubu was unable to attend the summit in Angola due to domestic engagements, Nigeria was represented by Vice-President Kashim Shettima.
The ambassador noted that the strong representation from both African and European sides underscored the significance attached to the partnership. According to him, the joint statement endorsed in Luanda by countries representing about 40 percent of the global community demonstrated unity and shared resolve.
He said the summit reaffirmed a shared commitment to a more inclusive global order and a fairer international financial system capable of addressing the needs of citizens across the two regions. Over the past 25 years, he added, the AU–EU partnership has matured into a platform that drives concrete results across critical areas including peace and security, economic transformation, green and digital transitions, education and regional integration.
Highlighting the Global Gateway Investment Strategy, Mignot noted that more than half of its 264 flagship projects are focused on Africa, with investment commitments of at least €150 billion.
He also cited major initiatives aligned with the AU Agenda 2063, including the €1.2 billion Team Europe programme supporting the African Continental Free Trade Area, and the Africa-Europe Green Energy Initiative targeting the delivery of 50 GW of renewable energy and electricity access for 100 million Africans by 2030.
He noted that despite occasional misconceptions about the strength of the relationship, but stressed that the EU remains Africa’s largest trading partner, leading investor, top provider of development and humanitarian assistance, and the biggest contributor to the African Peace and Security Architecture.
He highlighted youth mobility and women’s empowerment as areas of particular pride for the partnership.
On his part, Ambassador of Angola, José Bamóquina Zau on the event hosted in Angola, said: “Luanda stood up as a platform of hope and a symbol of the African desire to establish continuous relations with Europe in search of benefits of both sides.”
He said hope must be anchored on building channels of dialogue and cooperation in the areas of peace and security, trade and investment, governance, education and health, climate action, and digital transformation.
The envoy said: “We must guide our actions with a spirit of pragmatism, free from the prejudice and bureaucracy that so often hinder the implementation of important decisions taken together.”
He however stated that Africa cannot continue to be dominated by poverty while remaining a major supplier of essential raw materials to the world.
He added that: “We must to build a new, solid, and effective vision between Africa and European financial institutions, with investments in development. This is the most assertive way to avoid the suffocation caused by excessive debt burdens.”
He however said: “Our strategic partnership will only be strong and resilient if it aligns with the African Union’s Agenda 2063, and capable of responding to current global and local geopolitical challenges.”
Mignot: Africa/Europe Ties Destined, Rests on Mutual Respect
Syrian national dies in suspected suicide in Sokoto
By: Zagazola Makama
A Syrian national resident in Sokoto for more than 40 years has died in a suspected case of suicide after allegedly consuming insecticide, the Sokoto State Police Command has confirmed.
Zagazola report that the incident occurred on Wednesday at about 9:30 p.m. at Gawon Nama Zaga Road.
Police said the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) received a distress call from one Tukur Registrer, who reported that a 16-year-old boy, Ahmad Aliyu of Gagi area, rushed into a nearby mosque to alert worshippers that his employer, identified as Abdulrahman Badenjki, had been found ingesting mosquito insecticide.
Upon receiving the information, the DPO and operatives immediately mobilised to the residence. The victim was found unconscious, lying on his bed. A container of Executor mosquito insecticide was reportedly found on a blue plastic chair beside him.
Police said the scene was photographed and secured for further investigation, while the victim was rushed to the Usmanu Danfodiyo University Teaching Hospital (UDUTH), Sokoto, where a medical doctor confirmed him dead on arrival.
The corpse has since been deposited at the hospital mortuary for autopsy.
According to a source from the Command, the Deputy Commissioner of Police, Criminal Investigation Department (DC CID), has visited the scene and taken over the case for discreet investigation to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident.
End
Alaafin Assures NDLEA of Support, Collaboration in Fight Against Illicit Drugs
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