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Niger Makes Fresh Promise As Nigeria’s CDS, Security Chiefs Meet Niger Republic Junta (Details)
By Mario Deepromoter
The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) of Nigeria, General Christopher Gwabin Musa, on Tuesday held a crucial meeting with General Moussa Salaou Barmou, the Chief of Staff of the Nigerien Armed Forces, in Niamey, Republic of Niger.
The meeting was centered on enhancing the long-standing bilateral relationship between the two nations and exploring avenues to strengthen security cooperation.
This development is significant as it comes on the heels of Niger’s recent announcement to withdraw from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) over what it termed as interference in its internal affairs.
However, in a surprising turn of events, Niger has “reaffirmed its readiness to resume active participation in security cooperation under the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF),” a key initiative aimed at combating terrorism and ensuring stability in the region.
A statement last night by the Acting Director of Defence Information, Brig Gen Tukur Gusau, said, “During the meeting, both parties recognized the importance of sustained dialogue and collaboration in addressing mutual security challenges and strengthening the strategic partnership between Nigeria and Niger.
“They emphasized the need for maintaining and expanding existing cooperations, including joint military operations, intelligence sharing, and tactical coordination.
“The Defence Chiefs acknowledged the significant impact of the proliferation of small arms and light weapons on security.
“They also recognized that the widespread accessibility of these weapons contributes to heightened instability and conflict in the region.
“They further agreed to intensify their efforts in curbing the illicit flow of small arms and light weapons, while pledging to collaborate on initiatives aimed at enhancing border security and supporting regional and international efforts to control and reduce the spread of these weapons.
“Consequently, both parties reaffirmed their commitment to resuming and strengthening collaboration, to ensure regional stability and security, reaffirmed that Nigeria is universally known for adherence to its principle of good neighbourliness and would not be used to destabilise Niger or any of Nigeria’s contiguous countries
“Niger affirmed its readiness to resume active participation in security cooperation under the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF)
“The Chief of Staff of the Nigerien Armed Forces has also accepted the invitation from the CDS to visit Nigeria, where they will finalize the modalities of the cooperation agreed upon while agreeing on the creation of a Nigerien advisory group to interface with its Nigerian counterpart
“This is with the view to addressing the various issues of mutual concern as well as sustaining lines of communication between both countries.
“It was also agreed that the Advisory Groups should have a joint mandate of developing measures towards strengthening bilateral relationships.
The CDS also paid a courtesy call on the Nigerien Deputy Minister of National Defence General Sani Kache.”
The lawmaker representing Kaura Namoda South Constituency in the Zamfara State House of Assembly, Aminu Ibrahim Kasuwar-Daji, has died.
It was gathered that the lawmaker passed on in his sleep during the early hours of Wednesday.
Aminu Ibrahim Kasuwar-Daji’s sudden death came as a shock to many in the state, especially his colleagues and political associates.
The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Zamfara, the party under which he was elected, expressed deep sorrow over his passage.
Members of the party, including the State Working Committee and other supporters, described his death as a great loss.
They said he was known for his dedication and honesty in serving his people.
His family, community members in Kaura Namoda South, and fellow lawmakers have been thrown into mourning as preparations for his burial began.
According to Islamic rites, he was buried today at 3:00 pm in his hometown of Kasuwar-Daji, located in the Kaura Namoda Local Government Area.
Many in the state have continued to express grief as they remember the role he played in representing the people and contributing to the work of the state assembly.
Mr. Sam Olumekun has taken over at the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) as Acting Chairman.
Olumekun is INEC’s National Commissioner in charge of Information and Voter Education.
He performed his first duties today, receiving a high-level delegation of the Labour Party (LP) at the Commission’s headquarters in Abuja with other National Commissioners in attendance.
The delegation was led by Abia State Governor Dr. Alex Otti, who visited the Commission to discuss key developments within the Labour Party.
It was gathered that both parties engaged in discussions centered on enhancing collaboration and reinforcing democratic values.
During the visit, Governor Otti formally presented a Certified True Copy of the recent Supreme Court judgment concerning the party’s leadership.
He noted that the meeting was aimed at fostering clarity, mutual understanding, and institutional alignment regarding the Labour Party’s current structure.
Mr. Olumekun, the Acting INEC Chairman, reaffirmed the Commission’s unwavering commitment to neutrality, transparency, and the rule of law in the discharge of its constitutional responsibilities.
Recall that a viral WhatsApp message had indicated that Prof. Mahmood was sacked by President Bola Tinubu and replaced with one Prof. Bashiru Olamilekan.
“INEC Chairman Prof. Mahmud Yakubu has been replaced with Prof. Bashiru Olamilekan by President Tinubu,” the message, which had no attribution, read. However, both INEC and the Presidency debunked the widespread report.
Yakubu, who is rounding off his second tenure in office, is expected to exit the system towards the end of this year.
The process of appointing an INEC chairman is the President nominating a candidate and forwarding his particulars to the Department of State Services (DSS) for profiling.
After such screening, the President, thereafter, takes the name to the National Council of State for its advisory review.
Based on the outcome, the President sends the name to the Senate for screening and confirmation.
Crude oil prices have dropped below $57, following a previous rate of $59.78.
This decline coincides with the imposition of tariffs on several countries by US President Donald Trump.
A report from West Texas Intermediate attributes this price slump to consistent 6% reductions observed last week.
JPMorgan Chase & Co has warned that these tariffs could likely push both the US and global economies into a recession this year.
The financial institution explained that the tariffs, set to take effect this week, are expected to have widespread economic repercussions.
Market analysts and the business community have expressed concerns about the negative implications of these measures, predicting a slowdown in economic activities and a subsequent decline in oil demand.
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