Connect with us

News

ECOWAS Parliament Holds First Ordinary Session, As Speaker Ibrahima Seeks Support Against Food Insecurity, Terrorism, Poverty

Published

on

 
 
By Gloria Ikibah 
 
 
The Speaker of the Parliament of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), Rt. Hon. Memounatou Ibrahima, has called on the regional institutions to use their resources to help address poverty, terrorism, violent extremism, food insecurity and climate change in the sub-region.
 
 
The Speaker stated this while declaring open the First Ordinary Session of the ECOWASParliament on Monday, in Abuja. 
 
 
According to her, there is the need for a variety of approach to address the numerous challenges bedeviling the West African sub-region.
 
 
She said: “We are still grappling with a number of scourges and challenges, such as poverty, climate change, the Russian-Ukrainian crisis and the conflict in the Middle East, to name but a few.
 
“Unfortunately, these problems are compounded by another phenomenon of staggering proportions in our region, namely the upsurge in the threat of terrorism, violent extremism and organised crime, which is costing the lives of our valiant defence and security forces, as well as thousands of innocent people. This asymmetrical threat weighs heavily on our conscience as Africans.”
 
Speaker Ibrahima acknowledged that during the 2024 Second Extraordinary session held in Kano State, Nigeria in May, the Parliament considered and adopted the Rules of Procedure, Strategic Plan of the 6th Legislature and the 2024 Activity, which are key to the functioning of the Community Parliament.
 
 
She also noted that the Parliament has taken steps to address the desire of three of its Member-States to withdraw from the Community, as well as the growing tensions between the Republics of Benin and Niger.
 
 
“Discussions on these various issues led to the adoption by Parliament of what is known as The “Kano Declaration”. Specifically, by means of this declaration, we have resolved, among other things, to: set up an Ad hoc mediation committee to initiate and maintain not only dialogue with the authorities of these different countries, but also communication among our various populations conduct field visits to understand and help settle disagreements between the two friendly and sister nations, Benin and Niger.
 
“We want to encourage the ECOWAS Commission to expedite the implementation of the joint defence strategy to fight against terrorism and violent extremism,” she added.
 
 
The Speaker further said that and urgent actions are being taken in collaboration with other ECOWAS institutions to implement the recommendations, noting that during its last two meetings, the Bureau of Parliament had lengthy discussions on them.
 
 
On elections in West Africa, the speaker said the West African region has witnessed several elections, such as the presidential election in Senegal and the legislative and regional elections in Togo. 
 
She expressed gratitude to President Essozimna Gnassingbé of Togo, for his brilliant success in organising the elections of 29 April 2024, and for the relevant constitutional and institutional reforms rolled out in Togo. 
 
Speaker Ibrahima also extolled Nigerian President Bola Tinubu for the supportive role he has played to promote democracy as the Chair of ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government as well congratulated Bassirou Diomaye FAYE on his brilliant election as President of the Republic of Senegal on 2 April 2024.
Continue Reading
Advertisement
Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

News

Court Gives Falanas, January Date To Prove Case Against VDM

Published

on

By Kayode Sanni-Arewa

A Lagos High Court has adjourned the defamation suit brought by Femi Falana and his son against social media influencer, Vincent Otse, also known as VeryDarkMan, until January 23, 2025.

The case was brought by human rights activist Femi Falana and his son, Folarin, popularly known as Falz.

VeryDarkMan arrived in court dressed in a red native outfit, accompanied by fans who cheered him on, but the Falanas were not present.

Advertisement

The case could not proceed as several applications filed by the parties were still not included in the court file. As a result, the court decided to adjourn the hearing until January 23, 2025.

On October 14, Justice Matthias Dawodu ruled on an ex-parte application filed by the Falanas, granting them legal protection from defamation. The judge ordered that VeryDarkMan remove a defamatory video he posted on September 24, 2025, which targeted the senior lawyer and his son. Additionally, the court prohibited VeryDarkMan from posting or sharing any defamatory content about them on his social media accounts until the matter is resolved.

The Falanas had filed separate lawsuits seeking N500 million each in damages, claiming that VeryDarkMan posted a video accusing them of accepting N10 million from Idris Okuneye, also known as Bobrisky, to influence a legal matter.

They argued that VeryDarkMan knew the allegations were false but chose to spread them, causing harm to their reputations. The Falanas further pointed out that the video continues to circulate online, further damaging their reputations.

Advertisement

In response, VeryDarkMan applied to the court for permission to appeal the ruling.

He argued that refusing his request would be an injustice, as the case involves significant legal questions that require further examination. He stated, “A refusal to grant leave may result in the enforcement of a decision that does not reflect a correct application of the law, leading to outcomes that may be detrimental not only to the parties involved but also to the administration of justice as a whole. The appellate court’s role in clarifying and, where necessary, correcting trial court decisions is vital in maintaining the integrity of the judicial system.”

Continue Reading

News

READ 8 Facts About New Lakurawa Terror Group in North West

Published

on

By Kayode Sanni-Arewa

Lakurawa, a new terror group is now wreaking havoc in northwestern part of the country. It was once dismissed as harmless herders.

Initially seen as seasonal migrants, the Lakurawa group has evolved into a powerful militant force linked to jihadist networks in the Sahel.

With roots stretching back six years, Lakurawa has grown under the radar, exploiting Nigeria’s porous borders and limited government oversight.

Advertisement

Here’s what you need to know about this escalating threat and the challenges it poses to the region’s security.

From Herders to Terrorists

Originally seen as seasonal herders from Niger, the Lakurawa group quietly entered Sokoto communities in search of pasture, later gaining a reputation as militants with ties to jihadist networks across the Sahel.

Authorities’ Early Misjudgment

Advertisement

Locals first reported suspicious activities by Lakurawa herders nearly six years ago, but authorities dismissed them as non-violent. However, recent intelligence from Nigeria’s Defense Headquarters reclassifies Lakurawa as a new terror group with connections to extremist networks.

Cross-Border Threats

The Lakurawa exploit Nigeria’s porous borders with countries like Niger, Chad, and Mali, entering remote areas to promote radical ideology, often in Hausa and Fulfulde languages, and impose strict “Islamic” rules on communities.

Unusual Alliances

Advertisement

Invited by local leaders to fend off other bandits, Lakurawa quickly grew from an auxiliary force into a dominant presence, controlling communities through a mix of militant enforcement and religious influence.

Camp ‘Darul Islam’ in Forests

Lakurawa established camps around Gwangwano, Mulawa, Wassaniya, and Tunigara along the Nigeria-Niger border, naming them Darul Islam, or “Abode of Islam.” Their membership has since swelled to over 200 young men.

Escalation and Armed Attacks

Advertisement

Once tolerated by local communities, the group’s violent tendencies surfaced through alleged attacks on military bases and confrontations with Nigerian security forces, marking a shift to full-scale militancy.

Radical Ideology and Social Control

The group enforces stringent rules, often forbidding music and dancing, and collects levies disguised as religious Zakat. They pressure locals to obey these laws, maintaining authority over vulnerable communities.

A Growing Regional Concern

Advertisement

With ties to jihadist groups across the Sahel, Lakurawa’s presence reflects broader security challenges. The breakdown in joint border patrols after Niger’s recent coup has only worsened Nigeria’s exposure to such extremist threats.(PRNigeria)

Continue Reading

News

It’s wrong to arrest individuals in place of suspects — Says PSC chairman

Published

on

By Kayode Sanni-Arewa

The Chairman of the Police Service Commission, DIG Hashimu Argungu (retd) has condemned the practice by Nigeria Police Force operatives of arresting individuals in place of actual suspects.

He also frowned at the handcuffing of suspects during arrests, adding that the law prohibits these practices.

A statement on Wednesday by the spokesperson for the commission, Ikechukwu Ani, said Argungu made this known
during training on international Human Rights-based policing and effective oversight of personnel of the Police Service Commission.

Advertisement

Ani said the PSC chairman stressed that every suspect must be accorded humane treatment and must not be subjected to any form of torture, cruelty, inhuman, or degrading treatment.

The statement read, “DIG Hashimu Argungu, x-rayed human treatment of arrested suspects and declared that a suspect shall be accorded human treatment, having regard to his right to the dignity of his person and not be subjected to any form of torture, cru
Argungu noted that a suspect shall not be arrested merely on a civil wrong or breach of contract and shall be brought before the court as prescribed by law or otherwise released conditionally or unconditionally.

He explained that “a person shall not for any reason be arrested in place of a suspect adding that the law prohibits the handcuffing or any other unnecessary restrain of an arrested person, except if there is reasonable apprehension of violence or an attempt to escape; the restrain is considered necessary for the safety of the suspect or defendant or by order of court.”

Ani added the PSC chairman also noted that all over the world, police officers generally have broad powers to carry out their functions and duties.

Advertisement

“He noted that the constitution as amended and other procedural laws, however, place limits on how far Police can go in trying to enforce the law.

“According to him, one of the primary purposes of these laws is to protect citizens from abuses by the government, including police misconduct,” the statement added

Continue Reading

Trending

Copyright © 2024 Naija Blitz News