News

Speaker Abbas Tasks ECOWAS On Solution to Terrorism, Human Trafficking, Climate Change

Published

5 months ago

July 2, 2024

Gloria Ikibah

…as sub-regional parliament inaugurates Kalu as member

By Gloria Ikibah

Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rep. Tajudeen Abbas, has charged the parliament of the Economic Community of West Africa States (ECOWAS) to find solutions to the menace of terrorism, banditry, piracy, human trafficking, human rights abuses, the impact of climate change and bad governance in the sub-region.

The speaker made the call at the opening ceremony of the 2024 First Ordinary Session of the Sixth Legislature of the ECOWAS Parliament in Abuja on Monday.

Represented by the Deputy Speaker, Rep. Benjamin Kalu who was formally inaugurated as a member of the parliament, Speaker Abbas also called for increased passion and commitment on the part of the member States of the sub-regional body, emphasizing that the resolutions of the parliament can only fly when stronger dedication is demonstrated.

He said: “Since its establishment by the ECOWAS Treaty in 1975, the ECOWAS Parliament has no doubt contributed immensely to strengthening representative democracy, promoting and defending human rights, democracy, the rule of law, transparency, accountability and good governance in the sub-region. It has also been actively involved in promoting peace, security and stability.

“While I feel greatly delighted to commend the ECOWAS Parliament for these invaluable contributions, we must also acknowledge that these multifaceted challenges are still confronting the sub-region in new and complex dimensions. Terrorism, banditry, piracy, human trafficking, human rights abuses, the impact of climate change and bad governance have remained serious impediments to the peace, security and economic development of our sub-region.

“These challenges have placed greater responsibility on the ECOWAS Parliament to continue to carry out its legislative functions with increased vigour, passion and commitment. It is my sincere hope that this session of the parliament will produce resolutions that will impact positively and go a long way in mitigating these challenges. However, it is important to stress that any resolutions reached will amount to nothing if there is no commitment and cooperation on the part of ECOWAS member states.

“Let me therefore take this auspicious occasion to appeal to our leaders to commit to implementing resolutions of the parliament for the greater good of our sub-region. The current challenges confronting our sub-region cannot be decisively addressed unless there is unity of purpose, partnership and cooperation in our decisions and actions.”

The Speaker further assured the parliament of Nigeria’s commitment under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to defend and promote the tenets of democracy with inputs by the National Assembly of the country.

“Rt. Honourable Speaker and Members, let me assure you that Nigeria under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, is committed to defending and promoting democratic governance, the rule of law and human rights in our sub-region. On our part, the Nigerian Parliament is committed to supporting the President through legislative measures that will provide a robust framework for Nigeria’s foreign policy, strengthening of diplomatic relations, promoting economic interests, enhancing security cooperation, and promoting regional and global peace.

“Let me also assure you that we shall continue to cooperate and partner with the ECOWAS Parliament in the areas of building legislative capacity, sharing of experiences and ensuring that resolutions passed are implemented.

“In doing this, we shall take advantage of Nigeria’s strong representation in the ECOWAS Parliament to push for debates and resolutions that will be of immense political, economic and social benefits to our sub-region”, Speaker Abbas said.

News

SEE Black Market Dollar (USD) To Naira (NGN) Exchange Rate Today, 22 November 2024

Published

1 hour ago

November 22, 2024

Naijablitznews

The black market dollar to Naira exchange rate on Friday 22 November 2024 can be accessed below.

NewsOnline Nigeria has obtained the official naira black market exchange rate in Nigeria today including the Black Market rates, Bureau De Change (BDC), and CBN rates. Please note that the exchange rate is subject to hourly fluctuations influenced by the supply and demand of dollars in the market. As of now, you can purchase 1 dollar at a certain rate now, however, it’s important to remember that the rate can shift (either upwards or downwards) within hours.

How much is a dollar to naira today in the black market?

Dollar to naira exchange rate today black market (Aboki dollar rate):

According to Bureau De Change (BDC) sources, the exchange rate for a dollar to naira at Lagos Parallel Market (Black Market) players bought a dollar for N1710 and sold it for N1750 on Friday, November 22, 2024.

Please note that the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) does not recognize the parallel market (black market), as it has directed individuals who want to engage in Forex to approach their respective banks.

Dollar to Naira Black Market Rate Today
Dollar to Naira (USD to NGN) Black Market Exchange Rate Today
Buying Rate N1730
Selling Rate N1740
Dollar to Naira CBN Rate Today
Dollar to Naira (USD to NGN) CBN Rate Today
Buying Rate N1745
Selling Rate N1750
Please note that the rates you buy or sell forex may be different from what is captured in this article because prices vary.

News

Simon Ekpa to Face Extradition, DHQ Declares

Published

1 hour ago

November 22, 2024

Naijablitznews

The Nigerian Defence Headquarters, Abuja, has declared that Simon Ekpa, the self-proclaimed prime minister of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) will be extradited to the country to face charges against him.

Speaking on the arrest of Ekpa in a short press statement made available to journalisrs, the Director of Defence Information, Brig Gen Tukur Gusau, said the Chief of Defence Staff, Gen Chris Musa, was pleased with Ekpa’s trial.
Gusau wrote: “CDS is happy with his arrest in Finland, with the hope this will be a step towards his extradition to Nigeria so that he will face justice.”

Recall that the Finland district court in Lahti had ordered the remand of Simon Ekpa on probable cause for public incitement to commit a crime with terrorist intent in Nigeria. Ekpa was accused of using social media platforms to spread separatist propaganda linked to IPOB, a group advocating for the secession of southeastern Nigeria.

The court alleged that the offences dated back to August 23, 2021. Finland authorities have also investigated Ekpa in the past for alleged financial crimes, including the collection of funds through questionable means.

The head of the investigation, crime commissioner Otto Hiltunen of the Central Criminal Police, stated, “The police suspect that the man has promoted his efforts from Finland with means that have led to vi3lence against civilians and authorities as well as other crimes in the region of South-Eastern Nigeria. The man has carried out this activity, among other things, on his social media channels.”

News

Oil theft: DHQ rubbishes Tompolo’s allegation against Navy

Published

1 hour ago

November 22, 2024

Naijablitznews

Defence Headquarters, Thursday, described as ‘laughable’, allegation by Chairman, Tantitta Security Services, Mr Government Ekpemuopolo, alias Tompolo, that the Nigerian Navy was sabotaging the fight against crude oil theft.

Noting that it cannot be seen to be joining issues with Tompolo, the DHQ, said the work of the Navy and its determined efforts to rid the Niger Delta of economic saboteurs and crude oil thieves which is reflecting on the nation’s crude production, was there for everybody to see.

Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Edward Buba disclosed this while commenting on Tompolo’s allegation made on Monday.

He said: “What I will say is that such allegation is just laughable. We will not join issues with anybody. What we seek is cooperation not conflict. We don’t want all these back and forth. We don’t want all this blackmail. What we want is working to ensure increased production of crude oil.

“The efforts of our Navy is very obvious. It is there for everybody to see and we are seeing the increase in crude oil production. We are ready to work in collaboration with stakeholders to continue to increase oil production. That is what we want.”

Recall that Tompolo had on Monday accused Navy personnel of being a clog in Tantitta’s fight against oil theft in the Niger Delta, calling on Nigerians to join hands in the battle to save the country’s economy.

Also, Major General Buba disclosed that those (IPOB/ESN) members responsible for the killing of three soldiers at a checkpoint in Abia State would be tracked down and made to pay the price for their murderous act.

Urging innocent citizens of the area not to panic, he said: “Our troops were attacked on November 13, and we recorded three casualties in the South East. To those expressing fear that troops will come and start killing everybody, this is not true.

“We are a professional force with rules of engagement. We will not go about killing people, but there will be consequences for those responsible for the attack. Our target will be against the terrorists and we will get them and I will give you the good news.”