News
WADEMOS Insists Term Limit, Democratic Reforms Key to Peace in West Africa
WADEMOS Insists Term Limit, Democratic Reforms Key to Peace in West Africa
By: Michael Mike
As the Summit of the Heads of State and Government of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) holds on Sunday, the West Africa Democracy Solidarity Network (WADEMOS) has asked that presidential term limits should be enforced in West African countries and presidents that change constitutional provision for personal gain should equally be treated as coupists.
The Project Coordinator of the West Africa Democracy Solidarity Network, (WADEMOS), Marie-Josiane Ngah led a meeting in Abuja on Friday where the resolution was made and the position asked to be communicated to the Heads of State and Government of the Economic Community of West African States for adoption.
.
Speaking ahead of the 64th ECOWAS Heads of State Summit, Ngah emphasized the importance of tackling these issues to safeguard democracy in the region.
She said: “This campaign is not just an exercise for us; it is a necessity given the challenges we face,” while highlighting the limited effectiveness of ECOWAS in addressing unconstitutional changes in government, citing a lack of robust enforcement mechanisms as a major factor enabling some leaders to bypass term limits with minimal consequences.
Ngah also called attention to the critical role of civil society, the media, and other stakeholders in reversing the trend of term elongation. “With support from partners like the Open Society Foundation, WADEMOS has made significant progress in raising citizens’ awareness and engaging regional bodies through advocacy, research, and public campaigns,” she said.
She urged stakeholders to remain steadfast in their efforts. “Let us reaffirm our commitment to democratic principles, strengthen solidarity among civil society actors, and ensure ECOWAS remains a unifying force for West Africa. Together, we can safeguard democracy and enhance regional cooperation,” Ngah added.
Speaking at the same event, Professor David Dosseh, National Coordinator of Tournons La Page-Togo, emphasized the overwhelming support of African citizens for term limits. “Afrobarometer surveys have shown that the majority of African citizens want term limits institutionalized. It’s time ECOWAS responded to this clear demand,” he said.
Dosseh criticized the reluctance of some leaders to relinquish power at the end of their terms. “Why is it so difficult for leaders to respect term limits and return power to the people? Citizens are tired of seeing power treated as personal property,” he said. He added that good governance, political stability, and development depend on leaders adhering to these democratic principles.
As ECOWAS approaches its 50th anniversary, Prof. Dosseh called for deep reforms to consolidate democracy in the region. “This is an opportunity for ECOWAS to ensure lasting stability, even in the Sahel. Heads of state must unanimously agree to enforce term limits for all leaders across member states,” he concluded.
Sadikh Niass, International Relations Officer of Afrikajom, also highlighted the urgency of preserving ECOWAS’s role in regional integration. “The solidarity within WADEMOS continues to benefit citizens, and ECOWAS has greatly improved movement and relationships across the region,” Niass said. He warned that the potential withdrawal of Sahelian countries poses a threat to these achievements and urged leaders to address the situation urgently.
As the ECOWAS Heads of State prepare to meet, the calls for reform from civil society groups like WADEMOS, Tournons La Page, and Afrikajom echo the demands of millions of West Africans. The summit presents an opportunity for leaders to prioritize democracy, regional integration, and the will of the people in shaping the region’s future.
WADEMOS Insists Term Limit, Democratic Reforms Key to Peace in West Africa
KOGI YOUTHS CALL ANTI-AKPOTI-UDUAGHAN’S CAMPAIGNERS ENEMIES OF DEMOCRACY
· URGE NIGERIANS TO IGNORE ODODO, FANWO
· MOVE TO PREVENT KOGI CENTRAL SENATOR’S FOES FROM COMMITTING SUICIDE
By: Michael Mike
Youths in Kogi Central on Friday pounced on the Commissioner for Information and Communication, Mr Kingsley Fanwo.
‘’The comments made by Kingsley Fanwo are offensive, bigoted and disgusting’’
They also described Governor Ododo as ‘’a man who can’t stand on his own feet without crutches.
‘‘Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo and Yahaya Adoza Bello ought to know that in a contest at the grassroots level, they have not the ghost of a chance to win in Kogi Central’’
The youths in a statement in Okene advised Fanwo to tame his appetite for falsehood against Akpoti-Uduaghan.
‘’Kogi Central constituents represent a variety of viewpoints and temperaments. The home coming of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan shows how faithful the Kogi Central people are to the true spirit of democracy and Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’’.
The statement issued by Kogi Central Youth Forum Chairman, Alhaji Abubakar Jato scolded Fanwo for penciling a chit to the public, insulting civilization and presenting a shrouded and remote figure at the peak of an unintelligent bureaucracy as a responsible person.
‘’Nothing is more important for a politician than to command the necessary abundance of understanding and loyalty on the part of the people’’
They described the Ododo government as a model of poor administration.
‘’Kingsley Fanwo’s comments on Akpoti-Uduaghan are distasteful and provocative. The APC leaders in Kogi State are officious people. They need to imbibe the values and ideals of civilization and democracy’’.
Specifically, the youths applauded the Kogi Central senator for her patriotism, leadership style and tactful politesse.
‘’The senate president is not a person. It is an institution. Senator Godswill Akpabio should not jeopardize the institution’’
They denounced the absurd idea that Akpoti-Uduaghan’s home coming was to create crisis in the state.
The youths added that the future of Nigeria, particularly Kogi State lay with politicians who realized that the people are more interested in government than politics.
‘’We urge the public not to pay attention to what the Commissioner for Information and Communication is saying’’
The statement stressed Akpoti-Uduaghan’s simplicity, personal charm, courage and bubbling nature.
‘’Our task is to prevent those behind Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension and recall from committing suicide’’
KOGI YOUTHS CALL ANTI-AKPOTI-UDUAGHAN’S CAMPAIGNERS ENEMIES OF DEMOCRACY
Six Arrested as Farmers, Herders Clash in Adamawa
By: Zagazola Makama
The Adamawa State Police Command has arrested six suspects following a clash between farmers and herders in Waduku, Lamurde Local Government Area, which resulted in injuries to a villager and 11 cattle.
Sources told Zagazola Makama that the incident occurred around 4:30 p.m. on April 2 when some herders allegedly trespassed into a rice farm and caused damage to the crops.
In retaliation, angry youths from the village attacked the herders, injuring their cattle and wounding one person identified as Righteous Boti from Nzumoso Village.
Security personnel visited the scene and held an emergency meeting with local stakeholders to prevent further escalation of violence.
The arrested suspects include Rabo Buba, 31; Ahmadu Adamu, 20; Stephen Pwagwadi, 17; Shadrach Simon, 19; Lot Gad, 20; and Righteous Boti, 27.
The injured individuals received treatment at the Tingno Primary Health Care Clinic and have since been discharged.
Six Arrested as Farmers, Herders Clash in Adamawa
Suspected Thief Dies After Being Beaten by Man O’ War officer, in FCT
By: Zagazola Makama
A suspected thief in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) has died after being beaten by a security officer following his apprehension on April 2.
A Police sources said that a distress call was received at Karu Division about a suspected thief seen around Supreme Quarters in Karu at approximately 1:00 p.m.
The suspect was approached by security personnel who believed him to be involved in theft. When questioned, the suspect attempted to flee but was quickly chased and apprehended by civilian security personnel.
Kola Oba, a Man O’ War officer, then reportedly took the suspect into custody and subjected him to severe physical abuse. The suspect later succumbed to the injuries sustained during the beating and passed away.
The sources said that the Police detectives were dispatched to the scene, and photographs were taken. The body was subsequently transported to the hospital mortuary for preservation.
The suspect’s identity remains unknown, and efforts are underway to locate his family. The officer involved has been arrested.
Suspected Thief Dies After Being Beaten by Man O’ War officer, in FCT
VP Shettima Departs Abuja For Dakar To Represent President Tinubu At Senegal’s 65th Independence Anniversary
KOGI YOUTHS CALL ANTI-AKPOTI-UDUAGHAN’S CAMPAIGNERS ENEMIES OF DEMOCRACY
President Tinubu Laying Foundation For A Better Nigeria, Says Hajiya Nana Shettima
Roger Federer’s Shock as DNA Results Reveal Myla and Charlene Are Not His Biological Children
THE PLIGHT OF FARIDA
EYN: Rev. Billi, Distortion of History, and The Living Tamarind Tree
-
News1 year agoRoger Federer’s Shock as DNA Results Reveal Myla and Charlene Are Not His Biological Children
-
Opinions3 years ago
THE PLIGHT OF FARIDA
-
News1 year agoEYN: Rev. Billi, Distortion of History, and The Living Tamarind Tree
-
Opinions3 years agoPOLICE CHARGE ROOMS, A MINTING PRESS
-
Columns1 year agoArmy University Biu: There is certain interest, but certainly not from Borno.
-
ACADEMICS1 year agoA History of Biu” (2015) and The Lingering Bura-Pabir Question (1)
-
Opinions1 year agoTinubu,Shettima: The epidemic of economic, insecurity in Nigeria
-
Politics8 months agoKashim Shettima: Of Sentiments, Their Opinions, and the 21 billion Naira VP’s Official Resident
