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WADEMOS Asks ECOWAS to Prioritize Citizens Interest, Security of Region in Post-Exit Dialogue with AES

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WADEMOS Asks ECOWAS to Prioritize Citizens Interest, Security of Region in Post-Exit Dialogue with AES

By: Michael Mike

The West Africa Democracy Solidarity Network (WADEMOS Network), a transnational Network of CSOs, across the West African sub-region has called on the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) in its proposed post-exit dialogue with the three nation of Alliance des États du Sahel (AES), Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger, to take the wider interest of community citizens and the security of the region a top priority

In a statement on Friday, the WADEMOS Network urged the parties to prioritize inclusive solutions in the interest of millions of citizens in the region, stating that: “The network remains convinced that regional integration is essential to meet the common challenges of our states.”

The statement read: “We further recognize the importance of the Sahel States to protect their national sovereignty while responding to the urgent needs of security, development, and autonomy in a complex geopolitical context. Indeed, economic and trade-related activities should provide deep reflection for the AES and countries in the sub-region, particularly because multilateralism offers mutual benefits for resolving cross-border challenges and promoting regional peace and security.

“In light of the above, WADEMOS Network urges the Sahel States’ leaders and ECOWAS to consider as follows:

“Following the expiry of the one-year mandatory notice of exit of member countries from ECOWAS, there are still many issues to be resolved requiring the two parties to sustain and promote dialogue and negotiation. These dialogues must consider
and reflect the wider interest of community citizens and the security of the region.

“The WADEMOS Network therefore urges the parties to prioritize inclusive solutions
in the interest of millions of citizens in the region. The network remains convinced
that regional integration is essential to meet the common challenges of our states.

“ECOWAS should undertake a comprehensive review of its revised treaty and organs and the complementary frameworks to align strategically with the current and emerging context and restore trust and confidence. The ECOWAS of Citizens, through the introduction of ECOSOC, must be integral to the future of ECOWAS.

“We, therefore, commend ongoing efforts for the formation of ECOSOC and call on
ECOWAS to accelerate the process, being the only organ yet to be constituted.
The future and sustainability of ECOWAS will largely depend on how it connects
vertically with community citizens. It is undeniable that the regional bloc requires
fundamental reforms, especially in the areas of conflict prevention, management,
resolution, peacekeeping, and security, in addition to democracy and good
governance. As a civil society intervention, WADEMOS Network will continue to
mobilize, engage, and support ECOWAS towards building a strong, democratic,
and safe region.

“We recommend a review of the ECOWAS sanction regime and response to the
Unconstitutional Change of Governments (UCG) as a tool for strengthening
compliance and respect for democratic values and principles. We urge ECOWAS
to place more emphasis on supporting member countries through the revised
frameworks to improve democratic governance, strengthen democratic institutions, and promote cross-border opportunities for addressing the youth bulge and related social threats and challenges.

“Additionally, ECOWAS institutions and member countries should remain committed to the Standby Force (SF), which has been activated for counterterrorism operations, particularly in areas affected by instability, including Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger.”

The statement further added that: “Finally, we urge the AES to reconsider and rescind the exit decision in the interest of
ECOWAS citizens and to explore the 6-month window provided by ECOWAS as the
transition continues. While the pursuit of national sovereignty and the fight against neo-colonial exploitation are vital, cutting ties with a robust regional alliance risks undermining the significant benefits the people enjoy.

“The WADEMOS Network encourages leaders to consult their citizens more and to
integrate their concerns into the decision-making process to guarantee solutions that truly benefit the population.”

WADEMOS Asks ECOWAS to Prioritize Citizens Interest, Security of Region in Post-Exit Dialogue with AES

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Security forces arrest suspect with 800 rounds of ammunition in Zamfara

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Security forces arrest suspect with 800 rounds of ammunition in Zamfara

By: Zagazola Makama

Security forces in Zamfara State have arrested a 25-year-old suspect, Mannir Adam, for allegedly transporting 800 rounds of AK-47 ammunition concealed in the fuel tank of a motorcycle.

Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the suspect, a resident of Yankuzo village in Tsafe Local Government Area of the state, was intercepted at about 7:50 p.m. on Tuesday along the Gusau–Funtua highway.

He was arrested at a security checkpoint in Yankara while riding a red Boxer motorcycle.

According to the sources, a search conducted by the operatives led to the discovery of 800 rounds of live ammunition for an AK-47 rifle, which had been carefully hidden inside the motorcycle’s fuel tank.

Preliminary investigation revealed that the suspect allegedly picked up the ammunition from the Bawa area in Saminaka Local Government Area of Kaduna State.

He was reportedly transporting the ammunition to Kucheri village in Tsafe Local Government Area of Zamfara State, where it was suspected to be destined for armed bandits operating in the area.

Security sources described the arrest as a major breakthrough in efforts to disrupt the supply of arms and ammunition to criminal groups terrorising communities in Zamfara and neighbouring states.

The suspect is currently in custody while further investigations are ongoing to identify and apprehend other members of the network involved in the illegal arms supply chain.

Security forces arrest suspect with 800 rounds of ammunition in Zamfara

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Police arrest robbery suspects, recover firearms in Plateau

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Police arrest robbery suspects, recover firearms in Plateau

By: Zagazola Makama

The Police Command in Plateau has arrested two suspected armed robbers and recovered firearms during an intelligence-led operation in Jos North Local Government Area.

Police sources said the suspects were arrested on March 9 at about 9:15 p.m. by a team of operatives acting on credible intelligence.

The suspects were identified as Emmanuel Yakmoe of Angwan Rukuba and Alfred Song of Furaka Junction, both residents of Jos North.

According to police, a locally fabricated pistol was recovered from the suspects at the time of their arrest.

Preliminary investigation revealed that the suspects had allegedly robbed one Nandi Budadi Taki of his iPhone 16 Pro Max at gunpoint.

Further investigation led to the recovery of an additional Beretta pistol from Yakmoe at his residence in Angwan Rukuba.

Police said the suspects had confessed to the crime, adding that discreet investigation was ongoing.

The command also said efforts were being intensified to arrest other members of the robbery syndicate and recover additional weapons.

Police arrest robbery suspects, recover firearms in Plateau

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Leadership Amid Turbulence: The Stewardship of Dr. Lucky Ikharo at the National Assembly Service Commission

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Leadership Amid Turbulence: The Stewardship of Dr. Lucky Ikharo at the National Assembly Service Commission

By Ayo Ajayi

In times of institutional uncertainty, leadership is often tested not by comfort but by crisis. At the National Assembly Service Commission (NASC), Abuja, such a moment emerged amid internal tensions and the spread of misinformation among sections of the workforce. At the centre of this storm stood the Commission’s Secretary, Dr. Lucky Ikharo, whose calm disposition and administrative experience have helped steady the institution through turbulent waters.

For many within the Commission, the period has been marked by a mix of rumours, misrepresentation, and what some observers describe as half-baked narratives circulating among staff who may not be fully informed about the workings of the system. In such an atmosphere, maintaining discipline, order, and institutional focus requires more than routine administration—it demands patience, clarity of purpose, and steady leadership.

Dr. Ikharo has sought to provide exactly that. Known among colleagues for his methodical approach to public service administration, he has remained focused on ensuring that the Commission continues to function effectively despite the distractions created by internal disagreements and misinformation.
‎His journey within the National Assembly bureaucracy reflects years of dedication to institutional development.

‎Dr. Ikharo joined the National Assembly Service Commission in 2002 as an Assistant Chief Administrative Officer. Through diligence and professional commitment, he steadily rose through the ranks of the public service, eventually attaining the position of Director in 2017.

Dr  Lucky  Ikharo was among the pioneer staff members entrusted with the responsibility of coordinating the Commission’s Meeting Secretariat, a role he diligently handled for over nine years. In that capacity, he played a critical role in ensuring the smooth organization and documentation of the Commission’s high-level deliberations.

Following this period, Dr. Ikharo broadened his administrative horizon by serving in various departments within the Commission. These experiences exposed him to the diverse operational dynamics of the institution and helped shape his deep understanding of its administrative processes.

Dr. Ikharo serves as the Secretary to the Commission. His journey through different strategic units of the organisation has positioned him well for the role, affirming the popular saying that he is indeed a round peg in a round hole.

Over the years, he has held several strategic positions within the Commission. Between 2017 and 2019, he served as Director of Promotions, Discipline and Appeals, a role that placed him at the heart of staff management and administrative justice within the organisation. He later served as Director of Procurement and General Services from 2019 to 2020, overseeing critical operational and procurement processes of the Commission.

Beyond his administrative responsibilities, Dr. Ikharo is also a fellow of the Nigerian Institute of Training and Development (NITAD), reflecting his commitment to professional development and capacity building in public service.Observers say his leadership style is defined by calm engagement rather than confrontation. At a time when rumours and internal tensions threaten to distract the Commission from its statutory mandate, his stewardship has focused on maintaining stability, reinforcing administrative procedures, and ensuring that the institution continues to carry out its responsibilities to the legislature and the Nigerian public.

Indeed, leadership within public institutions often unfolds quietly, away from public applause. Yet it is precisely in such moments of internal turbulence that the character of a public administrator becomes most visible. For Dr. Lucky Ikharo, the challenge has been to keep the Commission steady, demonstrating that experience, patience, and commitment to institutional integrity remain essential pillars of effective public service leadership.

Leadership Amid Turbulence: The Stewardship of Dr. Lucky Ikharo at the National Assembly Service Commission

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