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ECOWAS Moves To Block Niger, Mali, Burkina Faso Exits
The Economic Community of West African States Parliament is stepping up diplomatic efforts to prevent Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso from leaving the regional bloc.
The Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, confirmed that parliamentary diplomacy mechanisms are being deployed to engage the three nations, emphasising the importance of unity within ECOWAS.
He spoke in an interview on Saturday, August 17, 2024, with newsmen in Abidjan, Ivory Coast, on the sidelines of a meeting of the parliament’s Joint Committee on Administration, Finance, Budget, Public Accounts, Macroeconomic Policy and Economic Research, of which he is Chairman.
Kalu assured that letters had been sent to the governments of the concerned nations, and visits by parliamentary representatives would soon follow.
He expressed confidence that dialogue would lead to their reintegration into the regional body.
“There are already mechanisms in place, through what is called parliamentary diplomacy, to reach out to them.
“Letters have been sent to them, and very soon, some of us will start visiting those countries to engage the heads of government.
“We will open up the doors for them to come back to the family; We need them.
“We will tell them, for instance, that, granted, maybe they were offended by one or two things, but let us sit down again and discuss,” the deputy speaker stressed.
Kalu also noted that even in a worst-case scenario where the three countries proceed with their exit, ECOWAS’s financial stability would not be at risk.
He highlighted the organisation’s multiple revenue streams, including the Community Levy and contributions from development agencies.
“There are many other sources. So, we want to make sure that we streamline it and know where monies are coming from.
“If these are not enough, we will increase because there are so many development agencies, there are so many people who are interested in the sub-region.
“There are multiple ways of raising funds for the parliament, as well as the community,” he said.
In addition to addressing the potential exits, the ECOWAS Parliament is pushing for reforms to strengthen legislative independence.
Kalu, who also chairs the country’s House of Representatives Constitutional Review Committee, said that the laws governing ECOWAS need updating to reflect the changing political landscape.
The proposed amendments would bolster the separation of powers and enhance the credibility of the institution on the international stage.
“The protocols that brought the ECOWAS Commission and ECOWAS Parliament into existence need to be overhauled.
“This is because these laws are not cast in stones; Indeed, no law is cast in stone”, the two-term lawmaker (APC-Abia, Bende Constituency) added.
Since January 28, 2024, when the military juntas in Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger announced their decision to withdraw from ECOWAS, the regional body has attempted to negotiate their return through sanctions relief and invitations to technical meetings.
By Kayode Sanni-Arewa
The exchange rate for the U.S. dollar to the Nigerian naira in the parallel market (commonly known as the black market) has been updated for Sunday, February 23, 2025. According to Bureau De Change (BDC) sources, the rates are as follows
Buying Rate: ₦1,520 per dollar
Selling Rate: ₦1,530 per dollar
It is important to note that the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) does not officially recognize black market rates and advises individuals to conduct foreign exchange transactions through licensed financial institutions.
CBN Official Exchange Rate
Highest Rate: ₦1,509
Lowest Rate: ₦1,491
By Kayode Sanni-Arewa
Abuja, Nigeria – The Nigerian Senate has summoned Ahmad Isa, popularly known as the Ordinary President of Brekete Family, to appear before it on February 27, 2025. The summons is reportedly linked to a recent broadcast of the Brekete Family radio show, in which Senator Natasha spoke about her grievances with Isa.
The Senate’s directive has sparked debate, particularly over its warning that Isa could be deemed a criminal if he fails to comply. Critics argue that such a stance may be an attempt to stifle press freedom and curtail the activities of Brekete Family, a well-known platform for social justice and human rights advocacy in Nigeria.
Isa, whose work has earned him widespread recognition—including an honorary doctorate from the Federal University Lokoja—has built a strong following through his intervention in public grievances and human rights cases. Many Nigerians regard Brekete Family as a voice for the marginalized, providing a platform for citizens to seek redress on issues ranging from governance to social welfare.
The Senate’s move has drawn mixed reactions, with some viewing it as a necessary step to address concerns related to the broadcast, while others see it as an overreach that could undermine media independence and freedom of expression in the country. It remains to be seen how Isa will respond to the summons and what impact this development will have on his widely followed program.
By Kayode Sanni-Arewa
A recently resurfaced official gazette from the Federal Military Government has confirmed that Chief Obafemi Awolowo was released and pardoned by Lt. Colonel Yakubu Gowon on August 12, 1966, ten days after his actual release on August 2,1966.
The document puts to rest claims by Radio Biafra that Lt. Colonel Emeka Ojukwu or Major General Aguiyi-Ironsi played any role in securing Awolowo’s freedom.
According to the document, upon his release from Calabar Prison, Awolowo was received in Lagos by Lt. Colonel Murtala Muhammed, who personally drove him to Dodan Barracks to meet with Head of State Lt. Colonel Gowon. However, the journey from the airport proved challenging as a massive crowd, organized by Alhaja Asabi Abibat Mogaji, mother of Nigeria’s current President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, flooded the streets to welcome the revered statesman.
The gazette also refutes any suggestion that the coup plotters of January 15, 1966, including Majors Chukwuma Nzeogwu and Emmanuel Ifeajuna, attempted to release Awolowo. In fact, there is no record of them making any effort to contact or rescue him from detention. Some analysts argue that had Awolowo been politically active at the time, he might have been among those executed during the coup.
This revelation further solidifies Gowon’s role in shaping Nigeria’s political landscape during a tumultuous period, while also challenging revisionist narratives surrounding Awolowo’s release
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