Embattled President of Niger Republic Mohamed Bazoum has called on African and World leaders to help restore his country’s democracy.

Naija News recalls that Bazoum has been in detention since the military overthrew his government on July 26.

In an article he wrote from detention which was published on Washington Post, Bazoum said the coup must end, and the junta must free everyone they have unlawfully arrested.

According to him, the act carried out by a faction of the military was unjustifiable.

The Niger Republic president said, “I write this as a hostage. Niger is under attack from a military junta that is trying to overthrow our democracy, and I am just one of hundreds of citizens who have been arbitrarily and illegally imprisoned. This coup, launched against my government by a faction in the military on July 26, has no justification whatsoever. If it succeeds, it will have devastating consequences for our country, our region and the entire world.

“Our government came to power through a democratic election in 2021. Any attempt to overthrow a lawful government must be opposed, and we appreciate the strong and unequivocal condemnations of this cynical effort to undermine the remarkable progress Niger has made under democracy. The United States, the African and European Unions, and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) have been loud and clear: This coup must end, and the junta must free everyone they have unlawfully arrested.”

He added that contrary to claims by the military junta which toppled his government, the West African country has witnessed an unprecedented growth and development since he became president two years ago with no major attacks witnessed in the country.

“The coup plotters falsely claim that they acted to protect Niger’s security. They allege that our war against jihadist terrorists is failing and that my economic and social governance, including partnerships with the United States and Europe, has hurt our country.

“In fact, Niger’s security situation has improved dramatically — facilitated by the very partnerships the junta opposes. Foreign aid makes up 40 percent of our national budget, but it will not be delivered if the coup succeeds.

“To the south, where we face the terrorist group Boko Haram, there have been almost no attacks for two years, and refugees are returning to their villages. As a testament to this reality, our partners, including the U.S. Agency for International Development, are shifting their operations from humanitarian aid to development initiatives such as building sustainable energy, improving agricultural productivity and educating the next generation of Nigerien leaders.

“The country’s north and west have likewise suffered no major attacks since I took office in 2021. Thanks to our allies’ support and training from partners, including the Indiana National Guard, Niger is now the safest it has been in the past 15 years.

“Notably, Niger’s security situation is significantly better than that of our neighbors Mali and Burkina Faso, whose governments, both installed by military takeovers, support the illegal coup. Rather than addressing security concerns by strengthening their own capacity, they employ criminal Russian mercenaries such as the Wagner Group at the expense of their people’s rights and dignity,” he added.

He listed some of the successes achieved by his administration to include maintaining peace in the country and revitalising the economy.

He added, “My government has been similarly successful in terms of economic and social governance. After a slow recovery from covid-19 in 2021, our per capita growth rate more than tripled to 7.4 percent last year.

“2022 was Niger’s first year without a single school day lost to strikes from teachers or students. Workers did not go on strike in any major sector, and my administration signed landmark agreements with unions to create a safer and more stable working environment across the nation.

“In March, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken called Niger ‘a model of resilience, a model of democracy, a model of cooperation.’”

He added that within the period the military junta took over power, meaningful developments being experienced in the country are already being reversed.

“We cannot afford to lose this momentum. Recognizing the threat that Niger’s potential fall poses to the region, our neighbors in ECOWAS have announced unprecedented sanctions, including a ban on exports and imports of oil, and a suspension of cross-border financial transactions.

“These measures are already demonstrating what a future would look like under an autocratic junta with no vision or reliable allies. The price of rice rose by 40 percent between Sunday and Tuesday, and some neighborhoods have begun to report shortages of goods and electricity.

“In Africa’s troubled Sahel region, Niger stands as the last bastion of respect for human rights amid the authoritarian movements that have overtaken some of our neighbors. While this coup attempt is a tragedy for Nigeriens, its success would have devastating consequences far beyond our borders,” he said.

Bazoum warned that “the entire central Sahel region could fall to Russian influence via the Wagner Group, whose brutal terrorism has been on full display in Ukraine,” with the open invitation of the coup plotters.

He warned that Boko Haram and other terrorist movements will take advantage of Niger’s instability, and use the country as a staging ground to attack neighboring countries and undermine peace, safety and freedom around the world.

“They will ramp up their efforts to target our youths with hateful anti-Western indoctrination, turning them against the very partners who are helping us build a more hopeful future,” he added.

The Governor of Adamawa State, Ahmadu Fintiri on Thursday announced the appointment of forty-seven media aides.

Governor Fintiri made the announcement in a post on Microblogging platform, Twitter.

The governor expressed confidence that the team would serve the people effectively.

The statement reads; “I’m pleased to announce the appointment of the following members to constitute my media team:

SPECIAL ADVISERS:

1. Dr. John Ngamsa – Special Adviser Media and Strategy

2. Babayola Tongo – Special Adviser Media

SENIOR SPECIAL ASSISTANTS:
1. George Kushi – Senior Special Assistant Media and Publicity

2. Ijafiya Domiya – SSA Digital and Visual Communication

3. Sherif Alhassan – SSA Electronic Media

4. Muhammed Tukur – SSA New Media

5. Nurudeen Kama – SSA New Media

6. Pius Iliya – SSA New Media

7. Awal Hamza- SSA New Media

8. Thomas Terry – SSA Visuals (Photography)

9. Barrister Sunday Wugirah – SSA Public Affairs

10. Victor Dogo – SSA Social Mobilization

Special Assistants Social Media and Content Creation:

1. Mohammed Faisal

2. Miracle Musa

3. Abubakar Idris

4. Nafiu Abubakar

5. Prince Solomon Yakubu Tumba

6. Abdullahi Damare

7. Vandi Yusuf

8. Emmanuel Tumba

9. Jonathan Jude

10. Auwal Hamza

11. Jamila Tanko

12. Mohammed Rayan Yunuda

13. Paul Barnabas

14. Suleiman Garga

15. Zailani Abba Kawu

16. Elijah Sambo

17. Benan Wyclif

18. Nasir Kasim

19. Wali Ibrahim Facebook

20. Mamse Adamu

21. Muhammed Girei

22. Sani Garta

23. Emmanuel Lakami

24. Ibrahim Assad

25. Musa Elson

26. Hierarchy Harold

27. Micah Simon Tihze

28. Jameel Kolere

29. Joan Daniel

30. Jibril Musa

31. Halima Bala

32. Nacha Waziri

33. Ahmadu Hamidu

34. Ijabani Ijahu

35. Hamanbello Idris Special Assistant (Master Of Ceremony Government Events).

Meanwhile, Nigerians have taken to Twitter to react to the announcement of the Governor.

See some reactions to the development on Twitter below:

@sire_sommy, one Somto Anaerobic said: “47-man media team? Even Nollywood cast no reach like this!”

@Diadribs wrote: “I was scrolling down to see the end of the list ?”

@amudaDewale said: “How do you plan to reduce cost of governance with so much advisers on media only. Will they be operating Adamawa radio station or th station cos why do you need about 50 ppl? Haba”

@NwagweEverest wrote: “Maybe this man wants to open a media production company to rival Universal Studios.”

@iam_bussie said: “So you are Soo clueless you need 47 persons to handle your media department. At a time we are asking for trimming in cost of governance.Wahalai it can never be well with you people thinking you can use government coffers as a means to reward people.”

@leeyah2k wrote: “I will never understand this because this crew is highly unneeded ???”

@theamazaing_ama said: “This guy’s media team is larger than Zikoko, TechCabal & Stears put together with no prospect of generating revenue ?”

@Chydee wrote: “Lmfaoooooooo. The fact that he has all these people in his media team, and they still thought it was a good idea to post this means that they’re all grossly incompetent. Na that one pain me pass”

@OjiUgo_uwa: “These people in government are not interested in cutting down the cost of governance. I mean why does a state Governor need 2 Special Advisers, 10 senior special Assistants and 35 special assistants on social media kini kan ??‍♀️??‍♀️??‍♀️??‍♀️”

@okekecc: “Sir, you missed out some names, it should have been 100 appointees.”

@viqforlan: “Let’s say you even appointed 47 media aides, announcing it on Twitter shows you’re not reading the room or feeling the pulse of the nation.
It’s really a shame. You fell off.”

Medical leaders in federal hospitals have been directed by the Federal Government to apply a ‘no work, no pay’ policy towards striking members of the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD).

The health authorities have also instructed these hospitals to maintain an attendance register for any resident doctors willing to continue working.

The directive was issued in a letter dated August 1, 2023, by Dr. Andrew Noah, the Director of Hospital Services.

Naija News recalls that resident doctors on the 26th of July, 2023 commenced an indefinite strike following the expiration of a two-week ultimatum issued to the government to meet their demands.

The doctors are demanding the implementation of the one-for-one replacement policy for healthcare workers; the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria to discontinue the downgrading of the membership certificate issued by the West African Postgraduate Medical and Surgical Colleges; the immediate payment of all salary arrears; the implementation of the Consolidated Medical Salary Structure; a new hazard allowance; and the domestication of the Medical Residency Training Act; among others.

The government, in the letter, accused the striking of being insensitive.

The letter read, “The various conciliatory meetings by the Federal Ministry of Health, Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment with government stakeholders, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, and the National Assembly have proved abortive.

“I am directed to inform you that the Federal Ministry of Health has instituted the policy of ‘No work, No Pay’ against the striking resident doctors in line with circular Ref. No.58598/8.1/II/182 dated June 22, 2016.

“I am further directed to request you to maintain an attendance register for all residents willing to work and furnish the ministry of such name on a monthly basis.”

The Secretary General of NARD, Dr Kelechi Chikezie in his reaction to the decision of the Federal Government said the directive was not unexpected.

Chikezie said, “We have seen the letter and we will meet as leaders of NARD to take a position on that.

“But that policy is not new to us, and we would not say we were not expecting it. However, the position of NARD will meet and take a position on it.”

Veteran Nollywood actor, Pete Edochie, has confirmed the marriage crash of his junior colleague, Chioma Chukwuka Akpota.

Naija News recalls that in 2022, rumours made rounds online that the thespian, who has been married for over fifteen years and very private with her union, is no longer with her husband.

Chioma also gave hints about the crash of her marriage at the time as all her social media posts always come with an emphasis on her maiden name, ‘Chioma Chukwuka’.

Despite the speculations online, the movie star failed to debunk or confirm the reports about her marriage.

Speaking during an interview with media personality, Chude Jideonwo, Pete frowned at the increase in divorce in the Nollywood industry.

The veteran actor said he was shocked by the news of Chioma’s broken marriage, stressing that people must understand that the marriage union is for better or worst.

In his word, “If you come to our Industry today, most of our ladies who got married 2- 3 years ago have all left their husbands, I was shocked that Chioma Chukwa had left her husband, Ireti Doyle, Tonto Dikeh. You take a vow when you are going to get married for better or worst, not for better or out. You will always think it’s greener on the other side, that is the mistake we all make”

Speaking about some of the ladies that have played his daughters in movies, Pete said he loves Genevieve Nnaji the most because she is exceptionally brilliant.

He said, “Of all the girls who had played my daughter in films, somehow it is Genevieve Nnaji I love most, I look at her as my daughter and she also sees me as a father, she is an exceptionally brilliant lady. I have not heard of her lately ever since I heard she is a little disturbed mentally, I don’t know whether it is true or false, I hope that one day she calls me and say I am ok.”

August, 18th has been fixed for the burial of the late Nollywood actor, Saint Obi, by his family.

Naija News reported that the thespian died on Sunday, May 7, 2023, in the home of one of his siblings at 13 Metropolitan Street in Tudun Wada, Jos.

The family of late Nollywood actor, Saint Obi disclosed details of his burial ceremony on Thursday, August 3rd.

The statement reads partly, ”The Nwafor family of Ogwa, Imo State cordially invites you as, Our Superhero goes home Obinna Nwafor Saint Obi, Our beloved husband, father, brother, uncle and son.

“The Furnal service and interment will hold at the Saint Obi’s family home, Umuezealaeze, Alaenyi Ogwa, Imo State.”

Meanwhile, filmmaker, Zik Zulu in reaction to the death of the veteran actor, exposed circumstances that led to his death in an article titled ‘Between Saint Obi’s Marriage and His Death’ where he alleged that the late actor’s marital life may have led to his demise.

The former president of the Association of Movie Producers of Nigeria noted in his article that Saint Obi’s stardom fetched him a “financially strong and powerful wife,” drawing him into a wedding that would “drastically alter the cause of his life.”

According to him, Saint Obi was always harassed by his wife’s siblings and this eventually led to the end of the marriage.

Okafor disclosed that the actor became sick in mid-2022 following their divorce sage and his health deteriorated before he was taken to his sibling’s home in Jos.

In a resolute stance, France has vehemently denounced the suspension of France 24 and RFI broadcasts in Niger.

France has once again emphasised its unwavering dedication to upholding the principles of press freedom, freedom of expression, and the protection of journalists worldwide. The nation stands firm in its commitment to ensuring the safety of those who play a vital role in delivering unbiased and diverse information, thereby fostering an environment conducive to robust public discourse.

In Niger, the press is facing measures that are part of a broader context of authoritarian repression orchestrated by those implicated in the attempted coup.

FOLLOWING the round-up of the group stage matches, three out of four of the African women’s football teams have scaled the hurdles from their respective groups to qualify for the knock-out stage of the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup.

Out of the four African representatives that qualified for the world cup, they are Morocco, Nigeria, South Africa and Zambia. Only Zambia failed to progress to the next round of 16.

The ICIR had reported that none of the four African teams won their opening matches, casting doubt on their strengths on the global stage.

But, The ICIR observed that out of the total 12 matches played by the African quartet at the ongoing FIFA women’s world cup in Australia and New Zealand, each one of them won at least one match apart from Morocco winning two in a row.

Results from the group stage revealed that African sides won 5, lost 4 and drew 3 matches.

Nigeria and Cameroon are the only two African countries that have reached the knockout stage in the past. Nigeria became the first African side to progress to the knockout rounds in the USA in 1999, while Cameroon matched them in 2015 later in Canada.

It is believed this is the first time Africa had more than two teams advance from the group stage at the Women’s World Cup. However, this feat falls in the context of the tournament’s recent expansion to include more teams.

Round of 16 encounters

All three African sides qualified as the second from their groups. Due to this, they will fight tough teams to get to the top.

As the group stage commences tomorrow, 5, August, African representatives have another barrier to break. South Africa will face the Netherlands on Sunday, August 6, while, the next day, Monday, Nigeria will slug it out against England.

On Tuesday, August 8, Morroco will square against France.

[ICIR]

Walsh missed the Lionesses’ 6-1 win over China on Tuesday after injuring her knee against Denmark this time last week.

Scans have since shown the 26-year-old has not injured the anterior cruciate ligament in her knee and England clearly hold some hope she can play again at this World Cup.

The Lionesses trained this morning at the Central Coast Stadium and Walsh was the only member of the squad missing.

She is a doubt for Monday’s last-16 game against Nigeria in Brisbane, but her recovery is progressing.

Walsh was at the Central Coast Stadium, where England are training here in Australia, for the first time since injuring her knee.

England played in Adelaide on Tuesday and Walsh did not travel to the game. The squad then had a recovery session on Wednesday before travelling back to their base in Terrigal.

The players had a rest day yesterday and trained this morning as they gear up for Monday’s game against Nigeria.

Walsh was training away from the group and has been given an individual programme to follow. England have built a temporary gym at the Central Coast Stadium, which is located behind one of the venue’s stands.

Without Walsh in the team, England played a 3-4-1-2 formation against China on Tuesday and it worked well.

Manchester United captain Katie Zelem came into the midfield for Walsh and she will hope to keep her place alongside Georgia Stanway.

Stanway is one of three England players who will be suspended for the quarter-finals if they are booked.

Lauren Hemp and Lucy Bronze are in the same position, with yellow cards not wiped at the tournament until after the quarter-finals.

[standard]

Prominent Nigerians and groups have cautioned President Bola Ahmed Tinubu not to lead the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to take military action against coupists in the Republic of Niger. 

ECOWAS, which has the backing of the western countries and United Nations, has issued a seven-day ultimatum to the military junta to reinstate President Mohamed Bazoum as democratically elected president or face a range of stiff sanctions. The ultimatum will lapse tomorrow. 

Those who spoke on the stalemate in Niger include members of the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF); former Vice President Atiku Abubakar; legal luminary Femi Falana; ex- naval chief, Suleiman Sa’idu (retd); former Emir of Gwandu, Alhaji Almustapha Haruna Jokolo; former Wazirin Katsina, Sani Abubakar Lugga, and prominent columnist and former presidential spokesman, Segun Adeniyi.

They said the best way to go is to use diplomacy, and when it fails, deploy serious sanctions that would compel the coup plotters to rethink and go back to the barracks for democratic authorities to return. 

They also emphasised the humanitarian crises that would come with military action, especially for millions of people in northern Nigeria, who have strong affinity, social and economic ties with Niger. 

Daily Trust reports that Nigeria shares elaborate borders with Niger in many states, including Sokoto, Kebbi, Katsina, Jigawa, Yobe and Borno. 

In some border communities, it is very difficult to identify the artificial boundaries as residents from the countries mingle together day and night, transact businesses using the currencies of the two countries with some having their wives and children on both sides of the divide. 

Currently, there are over 300, 000 Nigerian refugees who were forced to flee to Niger  by Boko Haram terrorists and bandits; with pundits saying once war breaks out in Niger, all of them would have to return even as Nigeriens would also push their way into Nigeria. 

ECOWAS’ dicey decision 

Daily Trust reports that ECOWAS had tasked all Chiefs of Defence Staff of the member-states to proceed for an emergency meeting to strategise on effective ways to implement a possible military operation to restore constitutional order to office. 

In the face of the military threat, the military junta in Niger has sought Russia’s help. 

The transitional leaders of Mali, Guinea and Burkina Faso are also backing the military authorities in Niamey against ECOWAS. 

Any military intervention against Niger “would be tantamount to a declaration of war against Burkina Faso and Mali,” they threatened in their joint statement on Monday. 

They added that such a move could result in “disastrous consequences” that “could destabilise the entire region”. 

ACF cautions 

Leading the caution on Tinubu yesterday was the ACF. While expressing its support to restore democratic rule in Niger, however, it called on the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government under the chairmanship of Tinubu to toe the path of dialogue and diplomacy in resolving the impasse and certainly not force. 

The body in a statement issued yesterday in Kaduna and signed by its Secretary General, Murtala Aliyu, urged Tinubu to consider the historical antecedents and mutual interests of the two countries and weighed the consequences of the use of force. 

The statement said in part, “Nigeria and Niger share a long historical border of more than one thousand five hundred kilometres with families, communities sharing common facilities including farmlands, markets, cultural bonds and languages for many centuries predating the Trans Saharan Trade and colonial times.

“The two countries have enjoyed harmonious brotherly and mutually beneficial inter communal relationships from time immemorial.

“While the ACF recognises the ECOWAS position to bring pressure to bear on the coupists but nevertheless, the military option shouldn’t be a prerequisite for Nigeria and the community’s continuing efforts to enthrone democracy in the region in the 21st century; certainly not an adventure to be led by Nigeria.

“Democracy has taken root in Nigeria and her leadership role has inspired many countries in ECOWAS to embrace democratic governance structure. We shouldn’t throw that away for some misadventure against our brothers and sisters on the other side prejudicial to our non-interference in a country’s internal affairs posture and attendant legal implications.”

Atiku, Falana, Adeniyi, others caution 

Also, Atiku in a statement on Thursday cautioned that the crisis in Niger required diplomatic engagements, adding that the channels for dialogue should be well sustained. 

“This is undoubtedly a challenging time for the West African region. However, any actions taken towards the prompt resolution of the crisis in the Republic of Niger must prioritise democracy as the ultimate victor,” the PDP presidential candidate in the 2023 election in Nigeria noted. 

On his part, Falana advised the bloc against military interventions and asked the organisation to explore other alternatives. 

“Apart from suspending Niger from ECOWAS, the leaders of the sub-regional body should refrain from attending international conferences with coup plotters as was recently witnessed during the recently concluded Russia-Africa summit held in St. Petersburg, Russia. 

“While the resolve of the ECOWAS leaders to resort to force to restore President Mohamed Bazoum is understandable, the acceptance of the coup by the majority of the Nigerien people must be seriously considered. 

“Having not invaded Burkina Faso, Guinea and Mali when power-drunk soldiers sacked democratically elected governments, ECOWAS leaders should not play into the hands of the enemies of Africa by launching a military attack on Niger,” he said. 

In the same vein, Admiral Sa’idu (retd) told Daily Trust that the current standoff in the Sahel country is an internal affair of an independent country that ECOWAS should rather mediate. 

“In warfare, fighting a war requires two things: dialogue and battle. It’s only when dialogue fails that one resorts to battle. 

“We’ve many examples of the United States’ actions in Vietnam, Iraq, and Afghanistan where the battle was won but the objective wasn’t achieved. In fact, in all these cases, the US came out with a bloody nose,’’ he said. 

There’s apprehension in North – Jokolo

 In a post on social media, former Emir Jokolo went down history lane to lay credence to why Nigeria should not mull using force against coup makers to restore democratic government in Niger. 

The former emir, a retired military officer, said the Nigerien military was helpful toward Nigeria during the Biafran War. 

“Again, during Abacha’s regime when terrorists hijacked the Nigerian Airways, the then National Security Adviser, Ismaila Gwarzo, was in touch with the jet’s pilots and they landed in Niger when the republic’s commando unit impounded the plane and rescued its passengers unhurt. They later held the terrorists who were later convicted. 

“Cameroon built a dam along River Benue; while the Niger Republic didn’t do that on River Niger. We have River Niger Basin Authority headquartered in Niamey, the capital city of Niger. 

“We import foodstuffs such as beans and cows, sheep, camels, goats, and even rams during Eid el Kabir. We do intermarriage with their citizens,” he said. 

5th Wazirin Katsina warns against military intervention 

Also, Waziri Lugga in an exclusive interview with Trust TV in Katsina, suggested more consultations, dialogue and diplomacy in resolving Niger’s crisis other than military intervention. 

He warned that a military action would further compound the socio-economics and security challenges confronting Nigeria, especially in the Northwest region. 

“When you want to restore a civilian administration, I think it should be done in a civilian way not in a military way. First of all, we should avoid war. We should use diplomacy as much as possible. Modern history has shown that after every war, there is always dialogue at the end.

“Secondly, in the event of war, it will be only Nigeria versus Niger Republic because out of all the neighbours of Niger Republic, it’s only Nigeria that has accepted to go into war.’’

Also lending his voice on the issue, Adeniyi, who served as spokesman for late President Umaru Yar’adua, backed Falana’s position. 

He said, “With hundreds of thousands of refugees from war-torn Sudan already invading Chad, the fear is that many will end up in Nigeria given our porous borders. To unwittingly create a condition for an influx of migrants from Niger will therefore be unwise. That’s what will happen in the event of an armed attack by ECOWAS which for all practical purposes means Nigeria.” 

He pointed out that the coup leaders in Niger were looking towards the Russian mercenary paramilitary group, Wagner, for support. Wagner is currently operating in Central African Republic (CAR), Mali, Sudan, Chad, Mozambique, Libya, Guinea, and Burkina Faso.

 On his part, Dr Umar Ardo, SDP governorship candidate in Adamawa State, said the war would only lead to the disintegration of ECOWAS and plunge the sub-region into more violent conflicts to the benefit of the armed industrial West to sell their arms and further plunder Africa’s vast natural resources.

 “It will also increase poverty, death and destruction, insecurity, insurgency and terrorism in the sub region.

 “At the current height of the ideological war between the west and the east, we will only turn the sub-region into a proxy war theatre of foreign superpowers,” he stated. 

On his part, Babafemi Badejo, a former Deputy Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General for Somalia, warned that Nigeria should do costs and benefits analysis for the short, medium, and long-term, especially under the current financial problems Nigeria is facing before venturing into any war.

 “Given the refusal to reimburse Nigeria’s efforts in Sierra Leone and Liberia in the past, is Nigeria able to fund a possible war with the Niger Republic as others in ECOWAS cajole her to lead, and as usual carry most, if not all of the yoke?

 “How will the ECOWAS leadership close Niger’s borders with Mali and Burkina Faso – countries with sympathetic military regimes to those in power in Niger and the possible availability of counter air power instruments?

 “Has Nigeria pondered on a perceived weak Niger Republic entering into a wider alliance(s), including with other stronger governments, organised and unorganised terror franchises? 

“Is Nigeria acting swiftly to please external interests, without a thoughtful consideration of the all-round implications for ECOWAS, Nigeria, and its people, if a Libya type internationalised war starts next door?” he queried. 

Badejo, therefore, posited that preventing coups in West Africa is not by sanctions and threats but by addressing leadership deficit and corruption, curtailing negative external pressures, as well as the building of credible institutions to provide for the needs of the people.

Military action, last option – DHQ 

Meanwhile, the Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has said the proposed military actions being considered by the ECOWAS is the last option against the juntas who have taken over the government in Niger. 

It also clarified that the Armed Forces of Nigeria had not received any order from the appropriate authority to commence military action, adding that appropriate actions would be taken after a two-day extraordinary meeting at the nation’s capital. 

The Director, Defence Information, Tukur Gusau, a Brigadier-General, who made the clarifications at Defence Headquarters, Abuja on Thursday, said the mandate to proceed on such a mission must come from the Authority of Heads of States and Governments of Member States of ECOWAS. 

“At the moment, the ECOWAS Committee of Chiefs of Defence Staff is currently holding an extraordinary meeting in Abuja to discuss the political situation in the Republic of Niger and submit their plans to the committee of Heads of State and Government of ECOWAS for consideration.”

Abdulsalami, Sultan meet with coup plotters 

Meanwhile, former Nigerian Head of State, General Abdulsalami Abubakar (Retd), the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III and the President of the ECOWAS Commission, H.E. Omar Alieu Touray yesterday met with the coup leaders in Niger.

The meeting was at the instance of President Tinubu with a mandate to expeditiously resolve the current political impasse in the country.

 A statement in Abuja by Ajuri Ngelale, Special Adviser, Media and Publicity to President Tinubu, said the action was in line with the resolution reached at the end of the extraordinary summit of the ECOWAS held last weekend in Abuja. 

The president has also sent a separate delegation led by Ambassador Babagana Kingibe to engage with the leaders of Libya and Algeria on the Niger crisis.

 Briefing the two delegations, President Tinubu charged them to engage all stakeholders robustly with a view to doing whatever it takes to ensure a conclusive and amicable resolution of the situation in Niger for the purposes of African peace and development rather than a move to adopt the geopolitical positions of other nations.

[DailyTrust]

Arsenal midfielder, Thomas Partey has held talks over a possible transfer move to Juventus.

Sky Italy reports that Partey has agreed personal terms with Juventus to join the club this summer.

The Serie A giants will now lodge an offer for the Ghanaian international, but are aware they need to sell one or two players before they can buy him.

However, it is unclear whether Arsenal would let Partey leave Emirates after midfield partner Granit Xhaka also departed the North London club this summer.

Partey joined Arsenal from Spanish La Liga giants Atletico Madrid for £45million in the summer of 2020.

[DailyPost]