News
Northern senators commend Tinubu, ECOWAS for lifting sanctions on Niger Republic
By Francesca Hangeior
Northern Senators’ Forum (NSF) have the Chairman of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), President Bola Tinubu, and other leaders of the sub-regional body for lifting sanctions it earlier imposed on Niger Republic.
The ECOWAS under Tinubu’s leadership had imposed sanctions on Niger Republic to force the country’s junta to return to democratic rule.
The NSF had pleaded with ECOWAS to lift the sanctions, saying it was having a negative effect on states sharing borders with Niger Republic.
The Niger Republic’s junta, following the sanctions imposed on it by ECOWAS leadership, had expressed its readiness to team up with other juntas in Mail, Burkina Faso, and Guinea to exit the regional body and form a Sahel state.
But on Saturday, the ECOWAS leaders met in Abuja, and lifted the sanctions.
Following the development, the NSF issued a statement through its spokesman, Senator Suleiman Kawu Sumaila, welcoming the decision of ECOWAS to lift the sanctions.
The statement reads: “Today, the Northern Senators’ Forum expresses its heartfelt appreciation and commendation to the exceptional leaders of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) for their decisive action in lifting sanctions imposed on Niger Republic as a result of military takeover on July 26, 2023.
“We are pleased to see that ECOWAS has responded to the progressive requests we made – individually and collectively – on the subject matter, and we commend their prudent and compassionate approach in addressing these critical issues.
“The Northern Senators’ Forum believes that the principled and empathetic decision made by ECOWAS to lift the sanctions on Niger Republic is a testament to the organisation’s commitment to regional solidarity, cooperation, and respect for human rights.”
“We understand that this action will go a long way in alleviating the suffering of the people of Niger Republic, as well as ensuring the restoration of stability and economic prosperity in our region.
“We are particularly grateful that ECOWAS leaders have considered our pleas to restore electricity, open borders, and lift the sanctions on Niger Republic.
“These measures will not only have crucial humanitarian implications but will also foster regional integration, trade, and cooperation. We firmly believe that this step taken by ECOWAS will positively impact the lives of the people of Niger Republic and Nigeria and facilitate the restoration of trust and harmony among all member-states.
“As representatives of the people and advocates for justice and democracy, we commend ECOWAS for their responsiveness and understanding of the immense challenges faced by our fellow West African nation.
“The Northern Senators’ Forum stands in solidarity with ECOWAS in restoring democracy and rule of law in Niger Republic and other west African countries, and we are committed to working to promote stability, peace, and socio-economic development throughout the region.
“The Northern Senators’ Forum urges the government of Niger Republic and its people to seize this opportunity to hasten the process of returning to democratic governance to build a stronger and more prosperous nation, harnessing their resilient spirit and unwavering determination.
“Furthermore, we urge all regional stakeholders to continue engaging in dialogue and pursuing peaceful solutions to address any remaining concern, fostering a harmonious environment for progress and development.
News
Finally, IGP approves hunger protests across Nigeria
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The Nigerian police has finally approved the planned nationwide protests and outlined conditions for participants.
The Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, revealed this on Friday while addressing journalists in Abuja.
He urged all groups planning to participate in the proposed nationwide protest to submit their details to the Commissioners of Police in their respective states.
The police boss said this was to ensure the protest was peaceful.
Egbetokun said, “We acknowledge the constitutional right of Nigerian citizens to peaceful assembly and protest.
“However, in the interest of public safety and order, we urge all groups planning to protest to provide necessary details to the Commissioner of Police in the state where the protest is intended to take place.
“To facilitate a successful and incident-free protest, they should please provide the following information: state the proposed protest routes and assembly points; expected duration of the protest; and names and contact details of protest leaders and organisers.”
The police boss said the information expected from the organisers also include measures to prevent hijacking by criminal elements, as well as key identifiers for possible isolation of potential troublemakers.
By providing the information, he said, the police will be able to deploy adequate personnel and resources to ensure public safety.
He said the police needed to know the specific routes and areas for the protest to avoid conflicts with other events or activities.
Mr Egbetokun said the police will “establish clear communication channels with protest leaders to address any concerns or issues that may arise; minimise the risk of violence, property damage, or other criminal activity.
“We encourage all protesters to cooperate with the police, obey the law, and adhere to global best practices for peaceful assembly to guarantee a safe and successful exercise of their rights.
News
Reps North-West Caucus Beg Youths, Citizens In The Region Not To Join Planned Protest
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News
Reps Applaud FCT Minister, Wike On AICL Improved Revenue, Infrastructure
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