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Speaker Gambia National Assembly Calls for Urgent Action on ECOWAS Crisis
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…as foreign minister say member states must be united
By Gloria Ikibah
Speaker of The Gambia National Assembly, Hon. Fabakary Tombong Jatta, has urged members of the ECOWAS Parliament to face the realities of the region’s challenges following the withdrawal of Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger from the regional body.
Speaking at the opening of the Delocalised Meeting of the ECOWAS Joint Committees on Monday in Banjul, The Gambia, Hon. Jatta said, the joint committee meeting was to ‘Consider the Political, Socio-Economic and Humanitarian Impact of the Withdrawal of Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger from ECOWAS’.
The Speaker who highlighted the importance of the theme, said the situation demands deep reflection.
He said: “The theme under which this meeting is convened is not merely a topic for discussion; it calls for a deeper introspection of the founding principles of ECOWAS and to what extent these principles are serving the wishes and aspirations of our Citizens”.
The Speaker described the withdrawal of Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger on January 29, 2025, as the most significant crisis in West Africa’s regional integration since the founding of ECOWAS in 1975.
He praised ECOWAS’s approach to the crisis, noting, “It is however worth noting that despite the major setback the withdrawal represents, ECOWAS measured and pragmatic approach shows the commitment to building bridges for cooperation and is highly commendable.”
Hon. Jatta therefore urged parliamentarians to recognize the complex causes of the withdrawal, as he said that the withdrawal could disrupt trade, increase security threats, and affect cross-border communities.
“As you take stock and deliberate on the impact of the withdrawal of the Alliance of Sahel States, do not lose sight of the fact that the departure of the Sahel states reflects a complex web of security concerns, geopolitical realignments and institutional failures.
“The immediate impact includes the potential disruption of established trade routes and economic zones. Port cities and transit trade could experience an economic downturn and cross-border communities and traditional trade networks may face challenges,” he said.
The Speaker warned about wider implications for African unity. “The split of ECOWAS poses profound implications for the African Union’s broader integration agenda, challenging current realities and future assumptions,” he said.
Despite the challenges, Hon. Jatta expressed optimism. that the resolutions that will emerge from this meeting would include strengthening the arm of parliamentary diplomacy to the Sahel states through constructive engagements and collaborations.
“Choosing isolation over regional cooperation would result in economic isolation and increased maritime access costs as landlocked nations. Additionally, they risk reduced foreign direct investment due to perceived instability and limited market access,” he added.
Hon. Jatta therefore called for dedication and urgency. “As parliamentarians, we have a crucial role to play in making this vision a reality. We must, therefore, approach our deliberations with a sense of urgency, commitment and determination, knowing that the hopes and aspirations of millions of ECOWAS citizens rest on our shoulders.
Without any shred of doubt, I am confident that, together, we can overcome the challenges before us and pave the way for a more integrated, peaceful, and prosperous ECOWAS region,” he said.
In his goodwill, Minister of Foreign Affairs of The Gambia, Dr. Mamadou Tangara, called on ECOWAS member states to strengthen unity and solidarity as the region faces critical political and security challenges.
Dr. Tangara noted its significance as the regional body marks its 50th anniversary.
“Your decision to organize this important delocalized sitting in Banjul is a clear testimony of your strong commitment to bring ECOWAS closer to its citizens. “The Government of The Gambia salutes this lofty decision of the Sixth Legislature”, he said.
Addressing the theme of the sitting, the withdrawal of Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger from ECOWAS, Dr. Tangara described it as unfortunate butemphasised hope for reconciliation.
He stressed that the vision of the founding fathers of ECOWAS and the African Union must continue to guide the region.
“We are all better off together as one family; one united West Africa with a common history, geography and destiny. We can overcome our disagreements and differences. We have the capacity, the readiness and willingness to achieve regional unity.
“Our unity is our strength. Let us work towards attaining African unity as encapsulated in the vision and dreams of the founding fathers,” Dr. Tangara urged.
The Foreign Minister reflected on the original goals of ECOWAS, describing the organization as a symbol of Pan-Africanism and economic emancipation.
And cautioned that the withdrawal of member states could weaken the dream of a united Africa.
“At the heart of the founding of ECOWAS was the recognition of the need for greater Pan-Africanism, African unity, solidarity and the economic emancipation of our states from the vestiges of colonialism.
“Any withdrawal from any of those building blocks by member states undermines African unity, integration and solidarity,” he stated.
Dr. Tangara therefore called for continuous engagement with Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger, as he said, “we cannot lose hope or patience and adopt abandonment as a policy.”
Dr. Tangara emphasised the many achievements of ECOWAS, from peacekeeping efforts to trade and free movement across borders, and challenged the notion that democracy and good governance are foreign to Africa.
“Some of our countries are enjoying peace today thanks to the sacrifices and invaluable contributions made by ECOWAS and its member states. The free movement of goods and people across our borders has become a standard being emulated around the world.
“African citizens have and nurture expectations that they will participate in the choice of their leaders and that their governments will govern justly based on rule of law and respect for human rights,” he said.
Dr. Tangara urged the delegates to focus on pragmatic solutions and regional cooperation, especially in light of growing security threats.
“No state in the region is secure without the security of other states.
“Our common history, our diverse peoples, our shared geography, our rich culture, our collective security and mutual prosperity place a unique burden on all of us here present to pursue unity, integration and prosperity,” he said.
The Federal Government will begin blacklisting schools, authors, and publishing houses that use or distribute unapproved instructional materials starting this September.
This harsh sanction coincides with the resumption of the 2026/2027 academic session in two weeks, marking the official enforcement of an aggressive new national textbook ranking policy.
Under the new directive, standard licensing from the Nigerian Educational Research and Development Council (NERDC) no longer guarantees a textbook’s entry into classrooms.
Every instructional resource from primary to senior secondary school must now pass a rigorous national evaluation, securing a minimum score of 70% to qualify for the official national ranking.
Speaking recently with education stakeholders—including state commissioners, private school owners, and administrators—the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, emphasized that the policy is central to making Nigeria’s education sector globally competitive.
According to the policy statement obtained by Nigerian Tribune, the government is capping the final approved list to a maximum of six to 10 titles per subject to prevent an overcrowded market.
Once a textbook makes this elite list, it will remain standard for a minimum lifespan of three years to ensure educational stability.
While unranked textbooks are strictly banned in all public primary and secondary schools nationwide, the Federal Government strongly recommends that private institutions adopt these exact standards to maintain uniform educational quality.
Ex-Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Timipre Sylva, has dumped All Progressives Congress (APC).
His resignation was contained in a letter dated August 31, 2026, addressed and electronically transmitted to the APC Chairman of Ward 4 in Brass Local Government Area of Bayelsa State.
In the letter, Sylva accused the ruling party of abandoning the ideals on which it was founded, saying he could no longer remain in the party.
He also described the APC as a floundering ship whose fate appears irredeemable by the load of its iniquities.
The resignation letter were also sent to the National Chairman of the APC, the Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Bayelsa State Chairman of the party.
The former Governor of Bayelsa State said his decision followed extensive consultations with his family, associates, colleagues and sympathisers.
“Having consulted widely with my family, associates, colleagues and sympathisers, I wish to formally tender my resignation from the All Progressives Congress (APC), with immediate effect,” he stated.
Sylva, who described himself as a founding member of the APC, accused the current leadership of abandoning the ideals that initially attracted him and other Nigerians to the party.
He said their actions have shown that the basic standards of morality and decency have been abandoned by the leaders who now believe that ‘all is fair in politics.’
“As a founding member of the APC, and one who joined other well-meaning Nigerians in building the Party with sweat and money, it is deeply saddening to witness how the ideals we espoused have been so thoroughly and unrecognisably thwarted.
“Moreover, I cannot, in all good conscience, continue to belong to a Party whose leaders believe that ‘all is fair in politics,’ and have consistently demonstrated that belief in practice.
“All cannot be fair in any endeavour of life. The demands of basic decency and morality forbid it,” he said.
Sylva alleged that the current APC leadership and the federal government have disappointed a lot of Nigerians.
“The present Government, formed under the banner of the APC we once loved, has disappointed the vast majority of Nigerians. And I can see neither a credible attempt nor any possibility of a revamp.
“I am therefore left with no other choice than to jettison a floundering ship whose fate appears to have been sealed by its irredeemable load of iniquities,” he said.
The former Governor called on Nigerians to vote out the APC in the 2027 elections and free the country from a political stronghold.
“I have no doubt that, in the coming election, Nigerians will vote for Nigeria and free the Country from this stranglehold on our beautiful country,” he stated.
He also accused the EFCC of conducting itself like an arm of the APC rather than an independent institution of state.
Sylva acknowledged that his resignation could expose him and his associates to increased scrutiny or investigation by the anti-graft agencies and other security forces.
“I am deliberately putting the EFCC in copy of this letter because, of late, it has conducted itself more as an organ of the APC than as an institution of State.
“I am fully aware that this action of mine may invite a redoubled witch-hunt against me and my associates, but that is a risk I am willing to take,” he stated.
Unknown gunmen have struck in Awka, the Anambra State capital, killing popular comedian Isaac Nwosu, a.k.a Aiza, and one other person.
The ace comedian, who was gunned down with the other victim on Sunday, August 30, 2026, is widely known in Awka and its environs by both residents and politicians who hired him during campaigns to promote their candidacy.
He came to limelight in the political field of Anambra State in 2003 when he threw his weight behind former Governor Peter Obi during his battle in court to return to office.
The Anambra State Police Command has condemned yesterday’s killings in the strongest terms. The Command in a statement this Monday morning by the state Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), SP Tochukwu Ikenga, said it has intensified the ongoing manhunt for the perpetrators.
It called for the support and cooperation of members of the public to assist in bringing the suspects to justice.
According Ikenga, information gathered so far reveals that three unidentified persons, travelling in a silver-coloured Toyota Corolla, with registration number yet to be ascertained, reportedly shot two persons at separate locations within Awka.
He said: “Upon receipt of the distress information, Command operatives immediately mobilised patrol teams to the affected areas and commenced efforts to track down the assailants.
“Upon arrival at the scenes, the operatives recovered the bodies of the victims along Capital City Road, Amaenyi, and S.M. Okeke Street, Amaikwo, Awka, respectively. The victims were taken to a hospital, where they were subsequently confirmed dead by medical personnel.
“While one of the victims is yet to be identified, the second victim has been identified as Isaac Nwosu, male, also known as “Aiza.”
The operatives also recovered from the scenes the sum of N7,550, one Moniepoint ATM card and a pair of slippers”, the statement added.
Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Police in the state, CP Nnanna Oji Ama, has condemned the dastardly act and described the killings as unacceptable and a direct affront to the peace and security of the State.
He further directed the transfer of the case to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Awka, for discreet and comprehensive investigation, even as security operatives have intensified patrols, surveillance and intelligence gathering across Awka and adjoining areas.
FG set to blacklist schools, publishers using unapproved textbooks from September
Buhari’s minister, Sylva finally dumps APC
SAD! Unknown gunmen k!ll popular comedian, Aiza in South East
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