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ECOWAS future uncertain as Niger, Burkina Faso, Mali quit

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By Francesca Hangeior

The withdrawal of Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso from the Economic Community of West African States takes effect on Wednesday after a year of political tensions, fracturing the region and leaving the bloc with an uncertain future.

On January 29, 2024, the three countries led by military regimes formally notified ECOWAS of their desire for “immediate” withdrawal. But the texts of the West African organisation required one-year’s notice for it to be effective.

This will happen on Wednesday, all three countries having ignored ECOWAS’s call to extend the period by six months to try to find a solution.

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Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger are now united in a confederation called the Alliance of Sahel States (AES).

Their military rulers accuse ECOWAS of having imposed “inhuman, illegal and illegitimate” sanctions against them after the coups that brought them to power.

They also believe that the West African organisation has not helped them enough to fight jihadist violence. ECOWAS, they argue, is subservient to their former colonial ruler France.

Paris has become the common enemy of these juntas, which now favour partnerships with countries such as Russia, Turkey and Iran.

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The rupture was sparked by the July 2023 coup in Niger. ECOWAS threatened to intervene militarily to reinstate the deposed president and imposed heavy economic sanctions on Niamey, which have now been lifted.

The three countries will put their own common passport into circulation on Wednesday and have announced a unified army of 5,000 men to fight the jihadists soon.

The loss of three founding members will “weaken ECOWAS’s ability to regulate political crises in the regional area”, Gilles Yabi, founder of the West African think tank Wathi, told AFP.

The AES and some ECOWAS countries are now at loggerheads. Niger refuses to open its border with Benin, which it accuses of hosting bases where jihadists train, while accusing its Nigerian neighbour of “serving as a rear base” to “destabilise” it.

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In the sub-region, the diplomatic cards have been reshuffled, with the role of Togo boosted.

As well as playing the role of mediator, its port in the capital Lome supplies the landlocked countries of the AES.

For Yabi, Togo has a “short-term vision”, based on “calculations of economic interests” that will “weaken ECOWAS”.

Togo’s foreign minister recently declared his country did not rule out joining the AES.

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If ECOWAS loses a fourth member such as Togo, with maritime access, “we can wonder in what state it will be able to survive”, said Rinaldo Depagne, deputy Africa director at the International Crisis Group (ICG).

The AES “is trying to convince other countries that ECOWAS does not work and that they are a credible alternative…,” said one diplomatic source. “They have understood that they could not survive alone.”

Ghana, under the newly elected President John Dramani Mahama, is also reaching out to the AES. He has met its leaders and announced that he will name an envoy to the new bloc.

“The new president does not have the same position of principle towards the coups as his predecessors,” said the ICG’s Depagne.

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“The question that arises now is whether we can be with the AES and with ECOWAS at the same time.”

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Speaker Abbas Hails President Tinubu’s Order For Biometric Headcount

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By Gloria Ikibah

Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rep. Abbas Tajudeen, has expressed concern over the prolonged delay in conducting a national population census in Nigeria, emphasizing its importance in establishing the country’s actual population.

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While commending President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s directive for the National Population Commission (NPC) to conduct a biometric-based census, the Speaker described the exercise as long overdue.

He affirmed his commitment to engaging with the President, following consultations with the Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio, on the matter.

Speaking in Abuja during a courtesy visit by the NPC board and management, led by Chairman Hon. Nasir Isa Kwarra and Director-General Dr. Ojogun Tellson Osifo, the Speaker criticized the 19-year gap since the last census, calling it unacceptable for a nation of Nigeria’s size and significance.

Rep. Abbas noted that a fresh population census would help dispel doubts and counter claims of population overestimation by critics. The NPC chairman confirmed that the President had approved the biometric census to take place in 2025.

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He said: “Statistics don’t lie,” expressing his belief that the biometric system is the only way to determine the actual population with less deployment of resources.

“I will be part of those who will engage Mr. President on the issue of conducting census this year”.

Speaket Abbas who noted that the budget of NPC was inadequate to conduct a successful census, said the Federal Government may consider other sources of funds, including the Sovereign Wealth Fund (SWF).

“I will see my counterpart in the Senate on how to see Mr President. It will be a historic thing in Nigeria while it would also be something that will immortalise his (President Tinubu’s) name”, he said.

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Earlier, the Chairman of NPC briefed the Speaker on the plans for the census and the preparations made so far. He solicited the support of the House, and National Assembly by extension, with regards to funding and enabling laws.

According to Hon. Kwarra, part of the plans for the census included acquisition of technology, recruitment and training of officials, establishment of a situation room as well as advocacy/stakeholders engagements, including visits to former Presidents and ex-Heads of State.

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Betara Hails Wike’s Transformation Efforts, Celebrates Best Minister of the Year Award

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By Gloria Ikibah

The Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Rep. Aliyu Muktar Betara, has commended the FCT Minister, BarrIster Nyesom Wike, for his exceptional leadership and commitment to developing the nation’s capital.

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In a congratulatory message, Betara, who represents Biu/Bayo/Shani and Kwaya Kusar Federal Constituency of Borno State, praised Wike for earning the prestigious “Best Minister of the Year” award by THISDAY/Arise TV, citing his dedication to infrastructure and transformation in Abuja.

He said: “On behalf of the House of Representatives Committee on FCT, I wish to extend my warmest congratulations to the Honourable Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, His Excellency Bar Nyesom Wike (CON, GSSRS), on your well-deserved recognition as the Minister of the Year by THISDAY/Arise TV.

“This prestigious honour is a testament to your visionary leadership, tireless dedication, and exceptional contributions to the infrastructural transformation of the Federal Capital Territory.

“Your unwavering commitment to service and your determination to improve the lives of residents and visitors alike to the FACT has been nothing short of exemplary.

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“Through your bold initiatives and strategic policies, you have not only enhanced the aesthetics and functionality of Abuja, but have also reaffirmed the FCT’s position as a beacon of progress and modernity in Nigeria.”

According to Betara, the award reflects the Minister’s positive impact and the widespread admiration he has garnered across different sectors.

“I celebrate this outstanding achievement with you and express my gratitude for your leadership and passion for development.

“May this milestone serve as an inspiration for even greater accomplishments as you continue to serve with integrity and purpose.

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“Once again, congratulations on this remarkable feat. I wish you continued success in your endeavours,” he noted.

Betara described Wike as an outstanding leader whose transformative vision for the FCT is delivering remarkable results.

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JUST-IN: Farotimi Bags New Job After Afe Babalola Controversy

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By Kayode Sanni-Arewa

The faction of Afenifere led by Pa Ayo Adebanjo, a notable Yoruba sociopolitical organization, has appointed lawyer and activist Dele Farotimi as its new National Organising Secretary.

This decision was reached during a general meeting held on Tuesday at Pa Adebanjo’s residence in Isanya Ogbo, Ogun State.

The announcement was contained in a communiqué jointly signed by Afenifere’s Deputy Leader, Oba Oladipo Olaitan, and National Publicity Secretary, Prince Justice Faloye. The statement confirmed: “The General Meeting considered and approved the appointment of Barrister Dele Farotimi as the National Organising Secretary of Afenifere.”

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Farotimi’s appointment comes amidst recent developments in his legal battle with legal luminary Aare Afe Babalola, who has chosen to withdraw a defamation lawsuit against him. The lawsuit had been tied to statements made in Farotimi’s book, Nigeria and Its Criminal Justice System.

Earlier, Farotimi was arraigned at the Ekiti State High Court in Ado-Ekiti and granted bail set at ₦30 million. The case attracted significant public attention, with prominent figures like the Ooni of Ife intervening to mediate. These efforts ultimately contributed to Babalola’s decision to drop the defamation suit.

Farotimi’s new role within Afenifere signifies an important step in his activism and engagement with Yoruba sociopolitical issues, further highlighting the group’s trust in his leadership capabilities.

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