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ECOWAS Parliament Calls for Reforms to Address Multiple Crises In Sub-region

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By Gloria Ikibah 
 
 
The Speaker of the ECOWAS Parliament, Rt. Hon. Memounatou Ibrahima, has called for rapid reforms within the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to address the multiple crises facing the region.
 
 
Speaker Ibrahima who stated this at the opening of the 2024 Third Extra-Ordinary Session and Second Parliamentary Seminar on Tuesday in Lomé, Togo, emphasised the need to rework the bloc’s operations to better tackle issues such as terrorism, floods, violent extremism, and irregular migration.
 
 
According to her, one of the key focuses of the session would be budgetary provisions to fund solutions for these problems. 
 
 
She said, “Our region is ravaged by floods, terrorism, violent extremism, and irregular migration, affecting thousands of our citizens. ECOWAS at 50 must fast-track reforms to consolidate democracy and good governance to realize the vision of the founding fathers.”
 
 
The Speaker also commended President, Faure Gnassingbe of Togo, for his continuous support of regional integration and the empowerment of women. 
 
 
She acknowledged that her historic role as the first female Speaker of the ECOWAS Parliament was a reflection of the Togolese President’s dedication to promoting female leadership across all levels.
 
 
Speaker Ibrahima further stated that the ongoing session would allow the regional legislature to adopt the 2025-2027 budget, laying out a financial plan aimed at tackling these challenges through “pragmatic measures” designed to promote peace, stability, and progress across West Africa.
 
 
The session will also assess the implementation of the 2023 budget and review the mid-term budget for 2024 to ensure alignment with the region’s developmental goals.
 
 
Delivering his goodwill message, President of the ECOWAS Bank for Investment and Development (EBID), Dr. George Agyekum Donkor, who was Represented by MacDonald Saye Goanue, Director of Research and Strategic Planning, stressed the importance of strengthening infrastructure and investment across West Africa. 
 
 
He noted that regional cooperation and equitable distribution of economic opportunities are critical to unlocking the region’s potential and fostering competitiveness among member states.
 
 
He said, “West Africa must ensure that the benefits of investments are equitably distributed among its citizens, and together, we can realize the vision of the bloc.”
 
 
Also speaking at the event, Togo’s Minister of Human Rights, Citizenship Training, and Relations with the Institutions of the Republic, Barrister Pacome Yawovi Missiame Amenyo Adjourouvi, expressed concern over the human rights situation in the region. He criticized repressive governments for undermining freedom of speech and stifling protests against unfavorable policies, stressing that protecting human rights is essential for peace and opportunity in West Africa. 
 
 
He stated that full implementation of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, alongside gender equality, would bring ECOWAS closer to achieving its objectives.
 
 
The Speaker of the Togolese National Assembly, Sevon-Tepe Kodjo Adedze, who officially opened the session, emphasized the need for the region to push forward with development efforts. He stressed that the ‘ECOWAS Vision 2050’ must prioritize social inclusion, economic integration, and stability, echoing the values championed by Togo’s President, Faure Gnassingbe.
 
 
As ECOWAS approaches its 50th anniversary in 2025, having been established on May 28, 1975, in Lagos, Nigeria, its primary goal has been to foster economic cooperation and development across member states. 
 
 
Naijablitznews.com reports that the regional bloc has also worked to address security concerns through the development of a peacekeeping force, but more recently, ECOWAS has been confronted with significant economic and security challenges, including the increasing trend of youth migration in search of better opportunities, often resulting in perilous journeys across the deserts of North Africa and the Mediterranean Sea.
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BREAKING! Finally, EFCC nabs Ex-Gov of Kogi Yahaya Bello

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The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has arrested former Kogi State governor, Yahaya Bello.

He was arrested shortly after surrending to the anti-graft agency on Tuesday afternoon.

He is being grilled over alleged misappropriation of funds.

Bello went to the office with his lawyers on Tuesday morning, following the Supreme Court judgment which dismissed states’ case on the constitutionality of the anti-graft agency.

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The former governor drove himself in a black Hilux to the EFCC office with his lawyers.

At the last hearing on November 14, the EFCC had sought for adjournment till November 27 in the fresh case it instituted against Bello, saying that the 30 days window was still running for the summons earlier issued.

Details shortly…

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Overcrowding blamed for worshippers’ deaths at Abia church feast

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By Francesca Hangeior

The Catholic Diocese of Aba has said that the stampede that claimed the lives of several worshippers during the annual Christ the King Feast happened due to overcrowding during the procession.

Reports said those who died during the feast held on Sunday included two elderly women.

An eyewitness stated that the crowd “was too much that there was little or no breathing space.”

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However, in a statement dated November 25, 2024, and signed by the Bishop of the Diocese, the Most Rev. Augustine Echema, the church described the incident as unprecedented.

It assured all that investigations are ongoing to uncover the full details of the tragedy, including the identities of the victims and the exact cause.

The statement read in part, “It is with deep regret and sadness that the annual joyful celebration of our Diocesan Feast Day ended in the most tragic way. Some of our devout and gallant Catholics, who joined the Eucharistic procession in a joyful mood, met their death due to overcrowding.”

The diocese extended condolences to the families of the deceased and sympathised with those injured in the incident.

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“We condole with the deceased families and sympathise with those injured, who are still receiving treatment in the hospital.

“We pledge our support to the affected families and individuals during this time of grief and emergency,” the statement added.

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FCT CP orders crackdown on vehicles without number plates

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By Francesca Hangeior

The Federal Capital Territory Commissioner of Police, Tunji Disu, on Tuesday, ordered that vehicles without number plates should be impounded across the territory.

He also ordered the deployment of more personnel and equipment for patrols and stop-and-search operations throughout the nation’s capital.

Disu’s directive came on the heels of the rise in one-chance incidents in the FCT.

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A statement by the command’s spokesperson, Josephine Adeh, also said regulations regarding covered number plates and tinted glasses would be enforced.

Adah urged residents to bear with the command as some of these moves might cause inconvenience to commuters, among others.

She said, “The FCT Police Command is deploying additional personnel and equipment for patrols, stop-and-search operations, and surveillance throughout the Federal Capital Territory. This initiative aims to combat rising incidents of ‘one chance’ crimes and car theft.

“We will be impounding vehicles without registration numbers, with only one plate, or using defaced plates. Regulations regarding covered number plates and tinted glasses will also be enforced.

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“While these operations may cause some inconvenience, they reflect our commitment to the safety of all FCT residents and to deterring criminal activities targeting motorists and passengers.”

Adeh said through these operations, some vehicles had been recovered and suspects arrested.

She said, “Since launching these measures, we have successfully recovered stolen vehicles and apprehended ‘one chance’ robbers. We appreciate the public’s patience and cooperation during these operations, and we advise vehicle owners to ensure compliance with all regulations.

“The FCT Police Command is dedicated to maintaining a secure environment. We encourage residents to report suspicious activities and cooperate with our officers. Your safety is our priority.”

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