This is even as the African Union has declared its support for the ECOWAS push to restore constitutional authority in the French-speaking West African country.
It was gathered that ECOWAS army chiefs will be meeting in the coming days to prepare plans for a possible military intervention in Niger. The meeting is expected to hold in Accra, Ghana next week Saturday.
“One meeting is being planned for next week,” Reuters quoted the ECOWAS spokesperson to have said.
While Benin, Senegal and Nigeria have committed to the intervention in principles without providing details of its deployment, the president of Ivory Coast, Alassane Ouattara, revealed that his country would commit a battalion of 850 to 1,100 men to ECOWAS’ move to restore democratic rule to Niger following lack of success in its diplomatic efforts.
The Nigerian military did not respond to our request for comment on the actual number the country is contributing to the ECOWAS standby force. The country has, however, played leading roles in previous interventions in Liberia, Sierra Leone and The Gambia.
Recall that the West African regional bloc after its emergency meeting in Abuja on Thursday ordered its Committee of the Chiefs of Defence Staff to immediately activate its standby force with all its elements.
While the decision of ECOWAS to activate its standby force has been trailed by criticism both in Nigeria and Niger, Army chiefs from member-states like Benin and Senegal corroborated Ouattara’s revelation of commitment from the member-states to the military intervention.
Ivory Coast leader Alassane Ouattara (right) and Ecowas head Omar Touray discussed possible military responses to the Niger coup (BBC)
Ouattara had said after the Abuja meeting that aside his country’s deployment, soldiers from Nigeria and Benin would also be deployed.
He said ECOWAS had intervened in African countries in order to restore constitutional order before.
Benin’s army spokesman was quoted to have said on Friday that they would contribute troops without revealing the number while Senegal had earlier revealed it would contribute troops if there were an intervention.
On their parts, Gambia’s defence minister, Sering Modou Njie and Liberia’s minister of information, Ledgerhood Rennie, said that they had not yet taken a decision to send troops.
Military governments in neighbouring Mali and Burkina Faso, both ECOWAS members, have said they would defend the junta in Niger.
On Friday, Burkina Faso’s junta-led government suspended one of the country’s most popular radio stations after it broadcast an interview deemed “insulting” to Niger’s new military leaders.
Radio Omega was immediately suspended on Thursday “until further notice,” Communications Minister Rimtalba Jean Emmanuel Ouedraogo informed in a statement.
Support from AU pours in
Meanwhile, the African Union has expressed strong support for ECOWAS’s decisions on Niger.
“The president of the African Union Commission, Moussa Faki Mahamat expresses his strong support for ECOWAS decisions on anti-constitutional change in Niger,” AU noted in a press statement.
The statement noted that Mahamat condemned the detention of President Mohamed Bazoum and his family, describing it as “illegal kidnapping” and “unacceptable.”
“The president of the commission challenges the military authorities on the urgency of stopping the escalation with the regional organisation, mistrust of it and the continuation of the kidnapping of the president in worryingly deteriorating conditions,” the statement noted.
He called for the immediate release of Mr Bazoum and all members of his family and government.
The union also called on the international community to rally to save the moral and physical integrity of Bazoum and end what it called the “worryingly poor conditions” of his detention.
Similarly, the European Union and the United States have joined the AU in expressing “increasing worry” about Bazoum’s detention conditions.
You’ll be punished if any harm befalls Bazoum, ECOWAS envoy warns Niger
Consequently, Ambassador Abdel-Fatau Musah, the ECOWAS Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security, has said the Niger junta will be punished if any harm befalls Bazoum.
The junta had threatened to kill Bazoum in the event of a military intervention against Niger.
But speaking on Channels Television on Friday, Musah said Bazoum and his son were being held by the military rulers who have denied them access to food and medicine.
He said they were living under appalling condition; hence, the reason for the regional bloc’s decision to prepare a standby force.
He said the West African region bloc could not fold its arms and depend on the goodwill of the coupists after interrupting democratic order.
Musah said, “We are going there, if need be, to rescue President Bazoum, who is living in very terrible conditions today. He is being denied medical attention. He is being denied access to his usual food.
“His son, who is also in detention, has lost so many kilos already. They are being held in these inhumane conditions and we cannot just sit back idle and depend on the goodwill of these people who are disrupting the democratic process in the country.
“Yesterday’s (Thursday) communique also made it very clear that this junta will pay dearly if anything happens to the safety, security or physical integrity of Bazoum, his family or members of his government. That was clearly done.
“We are not going to hold back because they are holding the president hostage. If they dare, if they harm in any way, then they are going to pay very dearly for that. So, this is a tactic.”
Russia warns against military action
Meanwhile, Russia has warned that military action against coup leaders in Niger would lead to a “protracted confrontation.”
According to the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC), while the United States has backed efforts to restore Niger’s deposed leader, Moscow has not formally backed the coup, but coup supporters, some waving Russian flags, protested at a French military base near the capital.
In a statement issued on Friday, Russia’s foreign ministry warned other West African countries not to send troops into Niger.
It stated, “We believe that a military solution to the crisis in Niger could lead to a protracted confrontation in that African country, and to a sharp destabilisation of the situation in the Sahara-Sahel region as a whole.”
More knocks trail planned military intervention as Emir of Kano calls for prayers
Daily Trust on Saturday reports that more dissenting voices have continued to trail the planned military intervention in Niger by ECOWAS, even as pressure groups in the country has resolved to march on military camp of France in Niamey, the country’s capital city, following up on several protest marches to the French Embassy since the military seized power.
The groups told the BBC that they would continue to protest in front of the camp from Friday afternoon and would not leave until France evacuates its military from the country.
France said it fully backed all the conclusions of the ECOWAS emergency summit held on Thursday. But it has not stated any clear plan it would be giving the regional bloc if it eventually deploy military.
United States, French, German and Italian troops are stationed in Niger as part of the fight against local affiliates of Al Qaeda and Islamic State.
There were reports that that Niamey was calm on Friday morning, but residents were angered by the threat of military intervention.
“Deep down inside, I am not afraid; I am going about my business. I think this is just blackmail,” Balla Souleymane said of ECOWAS’ decisions.
Since the coup, many Nigeriens have turned up at junta-organised rallies to show support for the generals, criticising Western powers and lauding Russia, mirroring reactions following recent coups in Mali and Burkina Faso, whose military juntas kicked out French forces after taking power.
The BBC also quoted former Nigerian military leader, General Abdulsalami Abubakar, who led a delegation to Niger over a week ago but did not get to see the coup leader, to have said, “Nobody wants to go to war. We want peace. All options are on the table.”
Meanwhile, imams of various Juma’at mosques in Kano, Abuja and several other northern Nigeria cities led special prayers (Al-qunut) against the planned military intervention, praying to Allah to proffer diplomatic solution to the impasse.
It was also gathered that many of the imams talked about the Niger crisis during their Friday sermon, calling on the Muslim faithful to continuously pray for peaceful resolution of the crisis.
The Emir of Kano, Aminu Ado Bayero, had urged Islamic clerics and imams of Juma’ah mosques in Kano and beyond to devote special prayers during their Friday congregations for the return of peace and tranquillity in the Republic of Niger.
According to a statement issued by the Chief Press Secretary to the Kano Emirate Council, Abubakar Balarabe Kofar Naisa, the emir urged the imams to beseech the Almighty Allah to restore harmony, guide brothers in Niger Republic and end the suffering of the innocent citizens.
“To the warring factions in Niger Republic, I extend a humble appeal in the spirit of Islam, good neighbourliness and our common humanity.
“Quran, the sacred scripture of our religion teaches us that, “If two parties among the believers fall into a quarrel, make ye peace between them” (Surah Al-Hujurat, 49:9). In the same spirit, I call upon you to reflect on the teachings of peace, mutual respect and brotherhood that our beloved Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) command us to adhere to,” the statement added.
He noted that conflict brings only sorrow and destruction while peace nurtures prosperity and development.
“I humbly entreat all parties involved in the current conflict to embrace peace, engage in dialogue and work towards a peaceful and equitable resolution.,” he stated.
The monarch further prayed, “May Allah (SWT) imbue everyone involved with the wisdom and patience needed to navigate this crisis.
“May he bring peace and prosperity back to Niger Republic and may he continue to guide and protect all of us and may peace and blessings be upon us all.”
Don’t obey US, others this time around – Kalu tells Tinubu
Similarly, Senator Orji Uzo Kalu has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to refrain from invading the Republic of Niger to restore democratic government.
In a short video on the social media, the senator, while responding to a question on the Niger crisis, expressed his reservations for Nigeria to join ECOWAS military intervention. He added that if the United States of America and France wanted war, they should use their own troops stationed in Niger.
According to him, the US alone has almost 4,000 troops in Niger; hence it shouldn’t resort to Nigeria to fight its proxy war by supplying arms and funds to Nigeria, insisting that it’s dangerous for Nigeria to fight in its backyard.
“You don’t know when this fight will end. Nobody knows who is sponsoring this fight. The advisers of President Tinubu, which I am also one of, would continue pleading with him not to join that fight.
“Since the Nigerian Senate already said you can’t go to war and he needs their authorisation, I don’t think it is a good idea to go to war.
“What they should go and do to the juntas now is to put the democratic process plan. They should give us either a six-month or one-year plan to return to the civil democratic process.
“I want him (Tinubu) not to listen to the US. I am a friend of the US, Israel and UK. This is the first time I will like President Tinubu to disobey the US. It is not the right thing to do. We are not going to war. Let the US, Nigeria and France have transitional programmes with soldiers.
“The juntas are also Nigerien people, not outsiders, so let’s plan a transition in peaceful and diplomatic ways. They should reach a concrete agreement to return to civil rule.
“I am not thinking of going to war with Niger; they are our blood brothers. Secondly, it is very dangerous; you don’t know who is going to join the war. They may invade Nigeria. We already have a lot of problems with our minerals along those shores. Nobody should attempt taking us into war. We can’t go to war with Niger at all,” he said.
The former governor warned that no Nigerian soldier’s head is worth sacrificing for another country as its entirely internal issue of the Republic of Niger.
He added that Nigeria should even withdraw her membership in the ECOWAS as long as the regional bloc remains adamant in military action. “We are a sovereign country, nobody can toy with 250million Nigerians,” Kalu said.
CNG warns against military intervention
Also, the Coalition of Northern Groups (CNG) has rejected the planned military action against Niger by any regional or international community/institution.
The coalition, in a statement by its spokesperson, Abdul-Azeez Suleiman, appealed to political, religious, traditional and cultural leaders across the West African sub-region to urgently intervene by impressing the need for a window for serious negotiations to be provided.
“These leaders should identify a neutral location within Africa at which to hold such honest discussions to finally bring a bloodless enduring end to this impasse,” he stated.
The coalition noted, “The rigid positions assumed by both ECOWAS and the military leaders in Niger, which left very little space for honest discussions towards peaceful resolution of what is ordinarily an African affair that can be solved the African way.”
It called on both the military authorities in Niger and the ECOWAS to open and allow all doors for discussions devoid of any hidden agenda or unnecessary preconditions for genuine dialogue.
It also called “on the leaders of the coup in Niger Republic to discard their rigid stance and unhelpful show of bravado and embrace all diplomatic overtures in order to reach a peaceful and bloodless resolution of the matter, keeping in mind that threats and conflicts have very little or no utility value.
The coalition also stated that it condemned “with all our might, the burning in Niger of Nigerian national flag, which is our symbol of nationhood, and demand the military junta to order it to stop forthwith,” while also saying that the “discrediting of our president and leaders is not only immoral and illegal but also abhorrent to Nigeria’s collective sensibilities and ordinary decency, and therefore, unacceptable.”
As nations in the global South grapple with the mounting challenges of climate change and economic repression; it becomes imperative to examine the role of countries’ economic decisions in exacerbating or mitigating the twin problems of the climate crisis and rising poverty. Nigeria, as a populous and resource-rich nation, has faced significant challenges in managing its debt burden, amid rising poverty, meeting development gaps and the worsening pressure from adverse climate change.
This article hopefully expresses the views and voices of Nigerian teenagers and children, who will be alive to bear the burden of Nigeria’s accumulating debt and suffer most of the adverse consequences of the effect of climate change in Nigeria and the sub-Sahara region if our policymakers and citizens at large continue to behave in the same old way.
This article delves into the interplay between Nigeria’s escalating debt burden, the pains of debt servicing caused by the mismanagement of credits-loans, versus the need to alleviate poverty through conscious infrastructural development decisions, however, compromised by the impact of climate change in Nigeria and the sub-region – all a painful inheritance for the future generation.
As a Nigerian teenager, whose future and those behind me are being mortgaged consistently by successive governments through rising international loans with little or no tangible sustainable infrastructural development to show; there is a need for my peers and age grade to raise our voices and demand caution and change in Nigeria’s debt management system and at the same time appeal for responsible implementation of Nigeria climate commitment.
It is saddening that despite the problems caused by our anthropogenic activities on our environment, health, biodiversity and food security; our leaders in government, trade and other spaces are not paying attention and taking bold deliberate actions to turn the tides. Pride, ignorance, greed, corruption, and socioeconomic and environmental injustice continue to be the norm all over Nigeria. More than 45 percent of Nigerians are poor according to the 2018/19 national monetary poverty line, and 63 percent are multidimensionally poor according to the National MPI 2022. Multidimensional poverty is higher in rural areas, where 72 percent of people are poor, compared to 42 percent of people in urban areas.
Inflation in the country has consistently been on the rise, just like corruption and unemployment since the return of democracy in 2019. Over time, Nigeria has been bashed by the impact of climate change – consistent flooding, massive erosion, expanding desertification, increasing heat and reducing land mass for food production and food sustainability. The impact of climate change and poor socioeconomic decisions of the government is also evidenced in our poor development position globally, and rising debt burdens.
As of 2022, Nigeria’s debt reached an all-time high of NGN77 trillion. Over the past decade, Nigeria has experienced a notable surge in its debt levels. The debt to GDP ratio has more than doubled from 17.7 to 37.3 percent in 2022, and over 80 percent of the country’s revenue is being used to settle or service debt.
Spending over 80 percent on debt servicing leaves about 20 percent of the country’s revenue to be thinly spread across other sectors such as health, education, security, road, infrastructure, agriculture, social welfare, etc. While many academic research may argue that increased borrowing increases GDP and household income, this is obviously not the case for Nigeria as it is clear from statistics and the faces of the masses that increasing government debt and loans have amounted to increasing poverty, which can only be attributed to the poor fiscal management in Nigeria.
There are many factors fueling Nigeria’s debt crisis, the main one being fiscal mismanagement. The Nigerian government lacks fiscal discipline. The Fiscal Responsibility Act of 2007 clearly stated that the government at all levels might borrow only for “capital investment” and “human development”. This Act has been flouted over the years and efforts to amend some ambiguities in the Act has not succeeded over the year.
For instance, the Act prescribes the inclusion of “borrowing for important reforms of major national importance”. This is ambiguous and most often abused. The terminology is vague and increases the government’s borrowing power. The relevance of the Fiscal Responsibility Act is sabotaged by the lack of strict sanctions to enforce compliance. The Fiscal Responsibility Commission, just like other oversight Agencies in Nigeria lacks sanction power and is poorly supported. The existing fiscal structure in Nigeria somewhat promotes the lack of accountability, transparency and corruption. For instance, government Audit Reports from the Auditor General’s office are never made for public usage or access. Even the National Assembly and Presidency over the years have ignored this lack of transparency in a public report. How do we fight corruption without public audit reports? The Fiscal Responsibility Act also requires that borrowed funds be managed in a separate account to allow for proper monitoring and a clean spell out of what the debts are used for.
However, the norm has been to add the loans to the overall consolidated funds, without a clear public report on what capital projects are funded by the loans. It is sad that the only place where detailed progress reports of projects funded by loans, are the creditor websites, and never the Nigerian government or relevant MDAs public reports.
As the countries in the global West make strong efforts to shift away from crude oil and gas (a lesson well learnt from the Russia-Ukraine war) and the need to cut down on carbon emissions, Nigeria needs to rethink her over-reliance on oil revenue and our vulnerability to fluctuations in global oil prices.
With international oil prices and global crude oil demand on the low, the government is left with little or no option than to escalate and widen its domestic tax net on the already suffering masses and confront the dilemma of paying off accumulated debt or meeting the needs of the citizens through capital infrastructure development and social welfare.
Nigeria is largely dependent on the informal sector for GDP growth and revenue generation, especially in trade and agriculture, the impact of climate change on these sectors makes productivity a more herculean task. For instance, the economic value of the agricultural-related losses due to the 2022 flood was estimated to be about NGN700 billion.
The 2022 flooding situation damaged roads, bridges, and other transport networks, making it difficult for people to travel and for agricultural goods to be transported. According to the Centre for Climate Change and Development (CCCD), Climate change is already costing Nigeria $100bn per annum. This will amount to $460bn by 2050 if action is not taken to mitigate its effects.
The investment required to fulfill Nigeria’s developmental aspirations and climate-related obligations presents an unprecedented and formidable challenge.
In order to close existing gaps and alleviate the problem today, before they escalate into the future, the National Assembly should review the current institutional and legal frameworks that are relevant to debt management in Nigeria. For example, the ability to penalise and sanction violations of current fiscal laws and regulations should be granted to the Fiscal Responsibility Commission and the Debt Management Office.
Ogeri Eleri is a student of the Pan-Atlantic University Lagos and an intern at Heinrich Boell Stiftung, Abuja, Nigeria
Effective today, Saturday, August 12, diesel prices will hit N867 per litre in Lagos state and N875 in the Southwest region.
This is according to information seen by Nairametrics from industry sources familiar with the matter.
Diesel prices are skyrocketing despite being deregulated before the fuel subsidy removal because ex-depot prices are increasing. This week, sources told Nairametrics that ex-depot prices for diesel at the Apapa port now range between N790-N820 per litre.
Meanwhile, in an industry data sheet recently shared by the Major Oil Marketers Association of Nigeria (MOMAN), ex-depot prices for diesel at the Apapa port were;
July 24 – N624 per litre
July 25 – N638 per litre
July 27 – N647 per litre
July 28 – N653 per litre
July 31 – N693 per litre
August 2 – N649 per litre
August 3 – N714 per litre
Meanwhile, the same MOMAN industry sheet also highlighted diesel prices in the country during the same period as N650 per litre. The diesel price was calculated by MOMAN using the exchange rate which was 1 US dollar to N895 at the time.
Nigeria’s exchange rate is currently experiencing a high level of volatility. On Friday, Nairametrics reported that the exchange rate between the naira and dollar closed a tumultuous week quoting for as high as N955/$1 on the black market.
According to the Nairametrics report, Nigeria’s exchange rate opened the week at N895/$1 before it fell to N900/$1 on the 9th of August, the lowest in recorded history.
Meanwhile, the exchange rate has now depreciated by 8% month to date as demand continues to outstrip supply.
Since diesel is imported into Nigeria, alongside other petroleum products, which are purchased in dollars, the depreciation of the local currency against the dollar will negatively impact diesel prices, which has started to play out at the Apapa Hub
It is also important to note that diesel prices in other parts of the country have seen an increase since the second quarter of 2023.
The June 2023 diesel price watch report from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) showed that in June 2023, diesel in Taraba state cost N899.23 per litre, N875.67 per litre in Adamawa state and N873.33 per litre in Niger state.
Meanwhile, the average diesel price in the country was placed at N815.83 per litre, a 3.37% reduction from the N844.28 per litre recorded in May 2023, according to data from the NBS.
Manchester United Football Club has opted to postpone the decision regarding the return of young talent Mason Greenwood, as the team takes a considerate approach by consulting its Women’s World Cup players. The decision, which was initially anticipated to be revealed ahead of Monday’s match against Wolves, will now be disclosed at a later date.
Sources indicate that the club is prioritizing open communication and collaboration among its players, acknowledging the valuable perspectives of their Women’s World Cup contingent. This approach aligns with Manchester United’s commitment to fostering a harmonious and inclusive environment across all levels of the organization.
Greenwood’s return to the squad has been a topic of anticipation among fans and football enthusiasts alike. The English forward has exhibited immense potential and skill, earning him a significant place within the team. While supporters await his return, the club’s willingness to engage with its Women’s World Cup players showcases a dedication to holistic decision-making that takes into account the insights and experiences of all members.
As the team prepares for Monday’s encounter with Wolves, the spotlight remains on the collaborative efforts being undertaken by Manchester United’s management. This move not only exemplifies the club’s respect for its players but also underscores the significance of comprehensive and thorough decision-making processes.
Manchester United’s decision to consult its Women’s World Cup players is indicative of the club’s progressive and inclusive approach, which extends beyond the pitch. By fostering an environment of open dialogue and consideration, the club aims to strengthen its unity and enhance its decision-making strategies for the betterment of the entire team.
For more updates on this developing story, stay tuned to official Manchester United channels and trusted sports news sources.
West African leaders should wake up, the party is over. What we are witnessing is neo nationalism in form of ECOWAS Spring, get ready everyone it will go round, from Dakar to Niamey, up North in Tangier to Bissau Southwards.
I wonder why people are surprised that Gen. Abdouhramane Tchiani, Commander of Niger’s Presidential Guards sacked president Mohammed Bazoum. It happened in Nigeria when Col. Joseph Garba, Commander Brigade of Guards, announced the exit of General Yakubu Gowon.
Tchiani assumed office as Head of State on July 28, 2023. Garba’s announcement came on July 29, 1975. The only difference is that although Garba was fully involved in the coup, the plotters invited Brig. Murtala Mohammed to sit on the throne as Head of State.
When Murtala was assassinated in 1976, power brokers in Nigeria deceived themselves by saying that they had to go for the most senior officers from today’s North – West after OBJ became head of state. Between Lt. Cols Muhammadu Buhari and Shehu Yar’adua, they settled for the latter as Chief of Staff, Supreme Headquarters.
There were at least two officers, senior to Buhari and Yar’adua. Cols Mamman Remawa and Abba Wali were from Kano, the same state as Murtala. Remawa, like Yar’adua, was at Sandhurst but from September 1961 and was commissioned with Nigeria Army Identification N/389. His mates included Patrick Anekwe, Emma Nwobosi and Jonathan Egere.
Yar’adua moved to Sandhurst in January 1963 with Ibrahim Bako, Duro Ajayi, Oye Alimi and Attah Esuk. When commissioned, he got the tag, N/ 547. Although, Yar’adua and Buhari joined the Army same day in 1962, Buhari could not make it to Sandhurst. He was sent to Mons where six months training earned him commission
Buhari’s dad was said to have settled in Nigeria from Maradi, in Niger Republic. He was a popular duck merchant in Dumurkul, Daura Emirate and known as Mai Agwagwa ( duck seller) in Hausa. The senior Buhari chose a Kanuri wife.
Yar’adua’s father also hailed from Maradi. He was a muslim scholar, invited to Katsina by the Emir and renamed Yar ( child ) of prayer (Adua). Quite strange that when Murtala died, two men with roots across the border were considered over and above others.
President Olusegun Obasanjo made sure, Shehu Yar’adua’s younger brother, Umaru became president in 2007. Vice president Atiku Abubakar had no chance because he was completely fenced off. Dr. Peter Odili was deceived into a country wide shuttle that yielded nothing.
Gen. Sani Abacha also had something with Niger. At least, one of his children attended University there. Today, his wife,Maryam, owns one of the big universities in that country. The Abacha family feels very much at home in Niger, maybe because of Chad/ Yemen / Shuwa Arab/ Kanuri links.
When Buhari planned a refinery and rail lines in Niger, he was home sick. Remember, in 2019, the governors of Maradi and Zinder respectively, Zakari Umar and Issa Moussa, were in Kano for his presidential campaign. And they wore All Progressives Congress ( APC ) uniform.
Peter Onu, from Ebu, the Igala speaking part of Delta State was Acting Secretary General of the African Union ( then known as OAU) between 1983 and 1985. As Head of State, Buhari could have asked him to continue but he chose not to break an unwritten rule. His favourite, Ide Oumarou, from Niger got the job.
During the Civil War, Gen. Emeka Ojukwu and Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe were in Niamey for AU Peace initiatives. They met with Presidents Hamani Diori, Hailey Selassie of Ethiopia, William Tubman of Liberia and Arthur Ankrah of Ghana. Gowon did not show up.
Diori and Alhaji Ahmadu Bello were good friends. If the Sardauna had listened to Chief Ladoke Akintola, he would have joined the Nigerien president in Niamey, a few hours to the January 15, 1966 coup. The Premier of Northern Region planned to spend Sallah in Sokoto.
The first governor of North Central State, Abba Kyari, was born in Dewa, Niger Republic. Abdulrasheed Maina found comfort across the frontier after misleading the Pension Reform Task Team. Ali Mohammed Magashi was nominated as Ambassador by Buhari, while his brother, Ahmadu Haruna, occupied a top political position in Niger.
President Bola Tinubu will soon give Mohammed Bello Matawalle a ministry. Maybe, ministry of Defence. In 2022, Matawalle was honoured with the Order of Merit of Niger, Great Master of National Award. Aliko Dangote, Abdul Rabiu and Badaru Abubakar, were not left out.
One former Nigerien president, Ibrahim Mainasara, shared the same May 9 birthday with Ernest Shonekan. Another, Mahamane Ousmane, flew back to Niamey from Abuja in 2010 after exile. Yet another, Col. Mamadou Tandja was Ambassador to Nigeria and lived in Lagos.
Zakary Adebayor plays for Mena and scored against Eagles in Kigali. His family moved from the South – West although he denies this identity. Hassan Abubakar was coach of Olympic Niamey before Gombe United brought him back.
ECOWAS leaders need to go for some History lessons. Using Nigeria to wage war will not solve anything. Those who are pushing Abuja into battle will run away when the heat is on. Nigerians have been so impoverished since 2015 that Niger Republic is away from good news.
It is no longer business as usual. Russia and their Wagner Warriors are looking for food. The French do not want to be denied their mealy uranium. Honestly, Nigeria needs an experienced Foreign Minister, not a politician, to handle this.
Former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, amazed many when he declined a ministerial nomination from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and soon left the country.
Well-regarded for his achievements in both the private and public sectors, El-Rufai was among the initial 28 of 48 nominees President Tinubu selected for ministerial roles in July.
He was slated to head the new Ministry of Power and Energy, given the persistent challenges in Nigeria’s electricity sector.
During his vetting, El-Rufai confirmed his dedication to improving the country’s electricity supply, asserting, “I will do my best.”
Despite his reputation, Sunday Karimi, a representative for Kogi West, raised security concerns against El-Rufai during the screening.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio suggested such petitions be set aside for the time. Yet, the Senate later paused El-Rufai’s confirmation, along with two others, due to security clearance issues.
The news created mixed feelings, with sources telling Premium Times that the embarrassment was why El-Rufai had informed the president that he was withdrawing his ministerial interest.
The president then asked for 24 hours grace to review the petitions and the SSS report to the Senate to enable him to reach a decision.
As of Friday, there are reports that El-Rufai had left the country for Egypt after making his position clear to President Tinubu.
A source who spoke with Daily Trust on the development said, “Even after he made the decision to withdraw, he held meetings with local meter manufacturers and other stakeholders in the power and energy sector, where he urged them to work with whoever would come in as minister.”
The platform claimed that more facts have emerged on why El-Rufa was confirmed because of the petition against him.
Sources claimed that power play and gang-up against El-Rufai came from various angles, including the presidency.
It was noted that the petition and alleged security concerns were a mere ruse cooked up by some powerful persons to frustrate the former governor’s chances.
A source who spoke on condition of anonymity said, “Some very powerful Nigerians, it appears, are not comfortable with the kind of reforms El-Rufai was bringing to the power and energy sector.
“Every reform attracts some form of resistance, and so, what El-Rufai did as minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) was possible because he had the tenacity to do it but also because he had the support of his principal, former President Olusegun Obasanjo. People still tried to stand in the way of the reforms but because there was political will, it was done.”
Other sources that spoke with the platform said El-Rufai decided to withdraw his ministerial appointment because of the ‘body’ language of the president.
It was noted that El-Rufai on Tuesday led some members of the team he had assembled to the Villa on Wednesday, where they made a presentation.
However, a source close to the former governor revealed that El-Rufai had made his decision to withdraw his ministerial appointment even before the meeting with the president.
A source said, “What happened on Monday couldn’t have happened except there was some nod and wink from the place where the nomination came from.”
He said for someone who never asked for an appointment, El-Rufai was unfairly treated.
Another source, “He never begged for it. In fact, he was begged to come and work for them, and when he finally agreed, they subjected him to what happened on Monday.
“Some very powerful people are not comfortable with him and the president is now part of it. Why will the State Security Service (SSS) clear people with corruption cases; some nationally and even internationally and then fail to clear El-Rufai? It is political and it is unfortunate that the president would allow himself to be part of this.”
It was also noted that El-Rufai had planned to obtain his doctorate at the time of his nomination. Those close to him said he would carry on with his studies.
A source said, “If you nominate someone and you later change your mind, you decide that the kind of things he is likely to do, you may not be able to support him, then you should invite him and say look. I think we should find a different way of working together. Maybe he should not take a full-time role.”
Seven people were killed when part of a mosque filled with hundreds of worshippers collapsed in Nigeria’s northern city of Zaria, in Kaduna state, with several others injured, officials said.
The incident occurred as hundreds of faithful observed afternoon prayers on Friday at the city’s central mosque, Zaria Emirate Council spokesman Abdullahi Kwarbai said, Aljazeera reported.
“Four bodies were found initially, and then three others were found after the rescue team searched the collapsed mosque,” he said.
State officials said the mosque was constructed in the 1830s.
Twenty-three people were sent to hospital, the state Emergency Management Agency said.
Videos apparently recorded at the scene showed a wide opening where a part of the roof fell in.
Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani ordered an immediate investigation into the disaster and promised to assist those affected by the “heartbreaking incident”.
The incident follows more than a dozen building collapses in the West African nation in the last year alone.
Authorities often blame such disasters on a failure by officials to enforce building safety regulations and on poor maintenance and substandard construction materials.
The First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Oluremi Tinubu on Friday at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, received Rebecca Kabu, one of the 277 Chibok schoolgirls who were abducted by Boko Haram in 2014.
The First Lady who received Rebecca along with the wife of the Vice President, Hajia Nana Shettima, promised to ensure that Rebecca was well taken care of medically and fit to return to school willingly.
Mrs Tinubu, while promising that the remaining girls in captivity are not forgotten, appreciated the office of the National Security Adviser, National Intelligence Agency and other security agencies and those who were involved in Rebecca’s rescue.
She said, “Cases of amnesia should be treated; it is difficult to get by, but since you are still here, God has plans for you. I thank the office of the NSA and NIA for not relenting and everyone that is assisting in her rehabilitation.
“Rebecca will be our first comeback story and returnee; she is our first fruit; she is a case I am quite interested in to see that she can go back to school at her own pace.’’
The First Lady said her NGO, Renewed Hope Initiative, was strongly working on how mature girls who were forced out of school could return to school for quality education.
She promised that Rebecca would be one of the first recipients of her benevolence.
Tinubu said the younger ones, if well educated, would be able to fit into the society and inherit the good legacies the older ones are leaving behind.
“Earlier, I talked to the NSA representative about cases of alternative high school where girls like Rebecca can go back and learn at their pace, because education is important for her and others.
“They need education as tool for the market place, to be able to understand and manage the inheritance and legacies that shall be handed to them.”
Responding, Rebecca, in her low voice, told the first lady that she could barely understand English Language, but the first lady consoled her, saying that she would overcome the challenge.
Earlier, Rear Admiral Yaminu Musa, the Coordinator, Counter Terrorism Centre, NSA, said Rebecca, kidnapped at age 13 in 2014 and now 22 years old, was rescued by the government security agencies on July 17.
He said the returnee had been certified medically and mentally fit to be reunited with her parents in Zana village in Borno state.
He said subsequently, the NSA office would follow up and present her case alongside the 15 other rehabilitated girls that were also rescued for Federal Government education support.
Ambassador Abdel-Fatau Musah, the ECOWAS Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security, emphasized the need for responsibility in a live appearance on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily. Addressing concerns about the Wagner Group’s presence in Mali, Musah acknowledged the bilateral arrangement between the private military contractor and the Malian government. He emphasized that ECOWAS would vigilantly monitor any actions by the Wagner Group that result in human rights infringements or regional devastation.
“We want to take them by their word, which means any sort of action that infringes on human rights or devastation in our region by these private military contractors, we are going to hold the other countries of our region responsible for that,” Ambassador Musah asserted. When asked if this responsibility extended to Russia, he confirmed, “That’s Russia — (we will hold them) responsible, diplomatically. The West African region is just not Russia.”
The ECOWAS official also drew attention to the historical presence of private military companies in African conflict zones, citing examples from Sierra Leone and Liberia’s civil wars. Ambassador Musah noted the global trend of using such entities in conflict situations, mentioning their deployment by the United States in Iraq and Afghanistan.
“Private military companies were involved in Sierra Leone. They were involved in Liberia during those civil wars, long ago. And even recently in the global conflict, there has been the use of private military companies,” he said. “What we are seeing is that these groups are not acceptable in Africa, even though they are there and we are going to hold their countries of origin responsible for any violations.”
Highlighting the current involvement of Western forces and Middle Eastern nations in Niger, Ambassador Musah stressed ECOWAS’s unwavering stance against allowing West Africa to become a battleground for proxy wars. The Commissioner firmly conveyed ECOWAS’s opposition to private military companies interfering in regional conflicts, citing the potential consequences of their actions.
“We do not want private military companies interfering in the conflict environment in the region because we know the consequences of their action,” he asserted. The ECOWAS Commissioner underscored the importance of preserving stability and safeguarding human rights in the region.
The West African bloc’s stance serves as a strong message to Russia and the international community, signaling ECOWAS’s commitment to ensuring accountability and peace in the wake of the Niger coup. As tensions remain high and concerns over potential violations of human rights persist, ECOWAS’s vigilance underscores the importance of responsible actions by all parties involved.
The General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Pastor E.A. Adeboye, on Friday night spoke about wars and challenges bedevilling Nigeria.
Speaking during the ongoing 2023 convention of the Church at the Redemption City of God in Mowe, Ogun State, Pastor Adeboye said Nigeria still needs a lot of prayers so the citizens can enjoy peace.
Sharing his slight experience with war, Pastor Adeboye said: “Nigeria still needs a lot of prayers… If anybody asks me to choose between war and peace, I will choose peace.”
Adeboye noted that though he was not in the force, he was once at the battlefield, and he had a glimpse of what war looks like. The revered cleric noted that Nigeria is still battling a lot of challenges bordering on the herders’ crisis, banditry, kidnapping and war against hunger.
He said: “Surely we do not want more wars, we want to win the ones we are fighting, and we do not want fresh ones. So those of you who believe in peace in every section… Stand and cry to God.”
