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ECOWAS Laws Should Facilitate, Not Hinder, Free Movement – Speaker Gambia Nat’l Assembly
By Gloria Ikibah
Speaker of the Gambia National Assembly, Hon. Fabakary Tombong Jatta, has reiterated that ECOWAS Laws must facilitate free movement of people across the sub-region borders rather than hinder it. Stating that free movement of persons, rights of residence and establishment are fundamental to the vision of a united peaceful and prosperous community
Speaker Jatta stated this at the ongoing delocalised meeting of the ECOWAS Parliament joint committees on Social Affairs, Gender and Women Empowerment/Legal Affairs and Human Rights, Political Affairs, Peace, Security and African Peer Review Mechanism (MAEP), Legal and Human Rights, Trade Customs and Free Movement on Monday in Banjul, The Gambia.
According to him, member states must ensure that their national laws are harmonized with regional commitments, provide robust oversight to guarantee compliance, and advocate tirelessly for the rights and welfare of all ECOWAS citizens.
He therefore challenged members of parliament to focus on resolutions that will allow member states harmonizing national laws with regional commitments and this he said, involves reviewing and amending immigration policies, labour laws, and other relevant legislation to align with the provisions of the protocol.
He said: “Our legislative actions must be geared towards creating an enabling environment where the protocol can thrive and deliver on its promises. Equally, we must also recognize the numerous challenges that have impeded the full realization of the protocol. Many of our citizens face significant difficulties when attempting to move across our borders. These challenges range from bureaucratic obstacles and inconsistent immigration policies to issues of national security.
“There is the urgent need to ensure that our laws facilitate, rather than hinder, the movement of people across our borders. Robust oversight on the part of the Parliamentarians is also essential to guarantee compliance with the protocol.
“We must hold our governments accountable for their commitments and ensure that they are implementing the necessary measures to facilitate free movement of our people across our region.
“The free movement of persons, right of residence, and establishment are fundamental to our vision of a united, peaceful, and prosperous Community. 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.
“Many citizens encounter bureaucratic hurdles that impede their travel. Frequent changes in immigration rules, and a lack of clear information are common complaints. These barriers not only frustrate individuals but also undermine the spirit of regional integration. Security concerns present another significant challenge”.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation and Gambians Abroad, Dr. Mamadou Tangara, who was represented by the Director of Africa Division, in the Ministry, Omar Balde, said free movement of the citizens provides for the right and establishes resources of living in essence.
The minister further disclosed that Gambia has strengthened structures and processes of its parliament in promoting greater public involvement and engagement with political processes, this he said was in line with regional objectives which is regional integration through trade and the movement of people, services and goods.
He stated: “The Gambia’s National Assembly through its several committees have established a series of interactive and public facing activities designed to drive accountability and inclusion while bringing the voices of citizens closer to parliamentarians including promoting integration through mobility, free movement and respect of the ECOWAS Protocol.
“The participation of the Gambia’s National Assembly Members in the ECOWAS Parliament is very promising in the implementation of the Protocol. Under the distinguished leadership of H.E. President Adama Barrow.
“The Gambia and its partners support the inclusion and participation of persons with disabilities, women and young people in political leadership and processes in the West African country by partnering actively with political parties and civil society organisations”.
He urged the Gambia National Assembly to pass legislation that would improve the implementation of migration policies and to harmonize various national laws related to migration.
In addition, the Minister of Trade, Industry, Regional Integration, and Employment of The Gambia, Baboucarr Joof, emphasized that the protocol on the free movement of persons, along with the rights of residence and establishment, is central to ECOWAS’s vision for a unified West African region.
According to the minister, this protocol represents the commitment of member states to create a borderless environment where individuals can travel, establish businesses, and reside freely across member states without undue restrictions. He highlighted that this vision not only supports economic growth and development but also enhances cultural and social integration among citizens.
He also noted that The Gambia is committed to its development plan for 2023-2027, which is aligned with the nation’s broader development goals.
“The government of the Gambia through my ministry has consistently demonstrated commitment to the implementation of ECOWAS brown cards for motor insurance. The ECOWAS biometric passport and identity cards with the potential to improve the free movement of persons, rights of residence and establishment in the Gambia.
“My ministry closely collaborates with the Gambia immigration department and ECOWAS brown card insurance bureau to sensitize and create awareness about the free movement protocol throughout the country every year.
“The parliament is not only relevant in making protocols but they are important in the implementation of the protocols as they are people’s representatives with much closer relationships with them.
“It is therefore crucial for parliament’s involvement in the implementation of the protocols and its supplement procols.to attend the objectives of this particular protocol”, Joof stated.
He encouraged the ECOWAS parliament to bolster its legislative efforts in transforming the objectives of the protocols into national laws. He emphasized the need for legislative bodies to work conscientiously to align national legislation with the provisions of the protocols. This alignment is crucial for supporting and facilitating the free movement of people, as well as the rights to residence and establishment.
“Regional integration is a product of collective and collaborative efforts that require close continuation among member States.
“There is a need for strong collaboration and coordination therefore in fostering dialogue and cooperation among national governments, regional institutions and other stakeholders’ to ensure guarantee, effective implementation strategies that address our needs.
“The full realisation of free movement in the ECOWAS area requires strong governance, based on mutual trust, shared responsibility and ownership of results”, the Minister said.
…leaders urge resilience as pressure mounts within ADC ranks
By Gloria Ikibah
Former Kogi State governor Yahaya Bello and Chief of Staff to the President, Rt. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, have thrown their weight behind Rep. Leke Abejide, urging him to remain steadfast amid ongoing political tensions within his party the African Democratic Congress.
The messages of support were delivered during a dinner in Abuja held to celebrate the 50th birthday of his wife, Esther Abejide, where both leaders praised his resilience and commitment to democratic ideals.
They encouraged the Yagba Federal Constituency representative to stay the course and continue his efforts to stabilise and strengthen the African Democratic Congress, despite mounting internal challenges.
Bello described Abejide as a determined political figure who remains focused on his goals, while Gbajabiamila urged him to remain within the party and push for what he believes is right.
Their intervention comes at a time of heightened uncertainty within the ADC, with calls for unity and perseverance growing louder among party stakeholders.
Bello said, “Honourable Leke Abejide sought to be a member of the House of Representatives on the platform of APC then, and there are some mathematical miscalculations. But that never stopped him. He came second time and he is performing and touching lives across the board.
“Honourable Leke Abejide is acting as if he was the governor. At a point I was like, do you want to overthrow me? Honourable Leke Abigide sought to be the governor of Kogi State. He contested keenly with my amiable and wonderful successor. I know how many times our brother, the chief of staff, the president, intervened, called me, and several meetings were held. And I maintained one thing. I said, look, this is my brother. I will never deceive him. The politics of Kogi State, nobody knows better than I do at this stage. Let him just try his luck and learn and wait for an appropriate time.
“Honourable Leke Abejide did not lose. He only came to learn the act of politicking especially for governorship at that level in Kogi State. Honourable Leke Abejide did not hesitate to support and give all of his backings to my governor immediately after the election. He was under serious pressure to go to court. He was the first person who said he was not going to challenge it. Rather, he collapsed his structures and supported.
“Honourable Leke Abejide at National Assembly level, despite he belonged to ADC, he was supporting our president actively, both physically and covertly. Honourable Leke Abejide, we thank you for all your performance. Your Excellency, thank you for your guidance. The Chief of Staff, the President. Tell Mr. President that we appreciate you. And that myself and my governor, we have conferred on each other. And that we are calling on Chief Leke Abejide and telling all of the Yagba Federal Constituency’s persons that are here, please take this message home, that we want Leke back in APC”.
Similarly, the Chief of Staff to the President and former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Gbajabiamila commended Rep. Abejide for his doggedness which he said kept him on track in his democratic journey and winning elections on a platform which he kept alive and running for long.
He said, “I keep saying people to people when I talk about him, that for a man to contest an election in a face-to-face state where elections are fierce, and to contest under a platform of a relatively unknown party, ADC, and to win back-to-back-to-back, it tells you who that man is. Not when he won the first time, he came on a sole ADC carry to the house. Four years later, he went back to Kogi. He brought somebody else from the ADC.
“Honorable Abejide, I know you to be a committed party man. I know you to be a fighter. I know you to be someone who does not like to be cheated. So please, my charge to you is to stay in that same ADC. Fight. Fight them. Scare them. Hold on to your party, ADC. Do not allow them. We like what you are doing. Continue.
“Don’t let the former governor say that you should come and join the APC. No, no, no, no, no, no. Stay in the ADC. Win your election in the ADC as you will. Bring Gombe. We will support him. Bring him. Do the right thing. You are a fighter. Do the right thing. Nobody can come and take your party away from you. A party that you’ve been to for years with your sweat and your money and everything. No. Continue. Good luck in court”.
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) National Legislators Serving and Former Forum has tasked all stakeholders especially the Judiciary on projection of Nigeria’s democracy.
The forum gave the charge on Tuesday at a news conference in Abuja while reacting to comments allegedly made by some top politicians and public officials that do not advance Nigeria’s democratic processes.
Speaking on behalf of the forum, Ms Nnenna Ukeje, a member of the 8th House of Representatives said that as patriots, the forum is committed to national interest and have defended democracy on many fora.
According to her, their intervention stands for the defence, stability, protection of democracy and preservation of our beloved country.
“We must reiterate that there is a clear difference between the tyranny of the majority and true democracy; between illiberal civil rule and a system grounded in democratic contestation; between constitutional governance and authoritarian subjugation.
“Nigeria must remain firmly on the side of democracy, resisting overreach by any arm of government is not subversion; it is a constitutionally given right and duty.
“To the judiciary, we reiterate: this is a defining moment; the tipping point, the nation’s eleventh for survival.
“Your independence must remain sacrosanct. Your integrity must be unquestionable and your patriotism unapologetic. Your decision will determine the drift,” she said.
Ukeje said that Nigeria’s democracy must not be weakened by the very forces that once fought to build it saying that the preservation of democratic space is not a favour to the opposition but a duty owed to the nation.
The former lawmaker said that Nigerians must be very vigilant as democracy does not defend itself but survives only when citizens, institutions, and leaders commit to its protection.
“In conclusion, Nigeria must remain a nation governed by law, not expediency; by robust institutions, not strong individuals; and by the will of the people, not predetermined outcomes.
“Let the judiciary act without interference. Let opposition thrive without intimidation. Let citizens participate without fear.
“Nigeria’s democracy belongs to its people, and it must be protected and defended by all.
We remain committed to defending it through all lawful means; through the courts, through civic engagement, and at the ballot box,” she said. (NAN)
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…..Oyedele elevated to Finance Minister
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved a minor cabinet reshuffle in the membership of the Federal Executive Council.
According to a memo signed by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, two cabinet members, Mr. Wale Edun and Arc. Ahmed Musa Dangiwa are to leave the cabinet while their replacements have been named.
Edun, until the latest development, was the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister for the Economy.
He has been directed to hand over to Mr. Taiwo Oyedele who is now to take over as Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy. Oyedele was formerly a Minister of State in the ministry.
Also Mr. Muttaqha Rabe Darma (PhD .) has been named as the ministerial nominee and minister designate for the Housing and Urban Development Ministry.
The memo also directed Dangiwa to hand over to the Minister of State in the ministry.
The memo stated that “all handing over and taking over processes should be completed on or before close of business on Thursday 23rd April, 2026.”
Explaining the President’s decision, Akume said: “These changes are aimed at strengthening cohesion, synergy in governance as well as achieving more impactful delivery on the economy to Nigerians, through the Renewed Hope Agenda.”
He said the President, in approving the cabinet reshuffle, has fully exercised his powers as conferred on him by Sections 147 and 148 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (1999, as amended).
The President thanked the outgoing ministers for their services to the nation while wishing them the best in all their future endeavours.
The President, Akume noted, equally assured all cabinet members that “the process of reinvigoration shall be continuous.”
Stand Firm and Keep Fighting, Bello, Gbajabiamila Rally Abejide
Forum of legislators calls on Judiciary to safeguard Nigeria’s democracy
Tinubu approves minor cabinet reshuffle, sacks Edun, Dangiwa
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