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Niger Republic junta panel proposes five-year transition

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By Kayode Sanni-Arewa

A consultative body appointed by Niger’s junta recommended on Thursday a five-year timeline for the transition to civilian rule and the “possibility” of the county’s military leaders standing for election.

In a ceremony broadcast on state television, junta chief General Abdourahamane Tiani, who will have the final say on the proposal, proclaimed it as a “fresh start” that brought hope for the west African nation.

“You’ve played your part, I’ll play mine without fault,” he told the convention to widespread applause.

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The “national convention” was tasked in February with drafting a new charter outlining the terms of the transition after Tiani ousted democratically elected president Mohamed Bazoum in a July 2023 coup.

The convention took place from February 15 to 19 and included 716 civil and military participants.

The handover “will take place over a period of 60 months, that’s to say five years from the date of the charter’s adoption”, said convention participant Bibata Niandou, watched over by Tiani.

Niger is one of several countries in Africa’s Sahel region where the army has seized power in recent years in the face of persistent attacks by jihadists and other armed groups.

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The “resolutions” formulated during the convention specified that the duration of the transition could “evolve” depending on the “security situation” of the country.

The convention also proposed naming military leader Tiani “president of the republic” in recognition of his “leadership” in reclaiming the “sovereignty” of former French colony Niger.

Shortly after taking power, Tiani announced the organisation of an “inclusive national dialogue” to outline the priority areas of governance and lay down the duration of the transition.

The convention proposed an amnesty for the organisers of the coup that ousted Bazoum, while “concessions” would be accorded to the soldiers sentenced for “attempting to destabilise” power over the last ten years.

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The commission that oversaw the conference, headed by traditional leader Mamoudou Harouna Djingarey, also comprises former ministers, academics, lawyers, soldiers, advisers to General Tiani, religious leaders and figures drawn from civil society.

Djingarey pointed to the “possibility of the leaders” of the military authorities “to stand in future elections”.

AFP

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Lagos police uncover baby factory, nab three suspects

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The Lagos State Police Command has uncovered a baby factory in the Ijegun area and rescued 10 people.

According to the spokesperson for the command, Benjamin Hundeyin, also shared that three suspects were nabbed on Monday.

Hundeyin disclosed the illegal activity was exposed after the police received a tip-off last Saturday.

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He added that the officers swift into action to the location and arrested the main suspect, Mariam Vincent, aged 35, along with two others – Orie Ruth, 23, and Ujunwa Ifeanyi, 18.

During the operation, the police found and rescued several victims, including three children aged seven, five, and two.

In conclusion, seven adult women and three children were rescued.

Among the adult victims were Precious
(24), Magdalene (25), Adaobi (23), Princess (22), Ifeanyi (25), and Amaka (26).

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The rescued children are Destiny (7), Miracle (5), and Success (2).

All the rescued people are now getting proper care and support.

Hundeyin said the suspects admitted during questioning that they kidnapped the victims from different places in the state to run the baby factory.

He added that the investigation is still ongoing and the suspects will face charges in court.

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While giving updates on police efforts over the past two weeks,

Hundeyin said, “A total of 39 suspects who engaged in various crimes, including murder, kidnapping, armed robbery, rape, child stealing, vandalism, illegal operation of a baby factory, illegal possession of firearms, and illicit drugs were arrested.”

In another case, police officers rescued two kidnapped people in Igbe Alagemo, Ijede area of Ikorodu.

The kidnappers had attacked the community at night on March 26, 2025.

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The police said the victims were safely rescued on March 29 after a joint effort with local teams and security forces.

A distress call had been received around 9 p.m. on the night of the attack.

Hundeyin explained, “Armed kidnappers invaded the quiet community, forcefully entering the residence of a 40-year-old man identified as Dare. The attackers shot and killed his security dog before abducting him.

“Not stopping there, the kidnappers proceeded to a neighbouring house, where they seized a second victim, 25-year-old Rodiat, under similarly violent circumstances.”

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He said the police and other security teams worked non-stop for three days before rescuing the victims at about 11:56 p.m. on March 29.

“The victims were immediately reunited with their families, and the area is now relatively calm.

“Surveillance continues, and an investigation is underway to identify and apprehend the perpetrators of the crime,” he added.

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OERAF Executive Director Dr Akpodiete, Held Memorial lecture on Essence and benefits of health insurance+Photos

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…Enrolled over 400 indigents into Delta state health insurance scheme

In a very unique and significant way of tackling health challenges in our society, the ever passionate and health insurance ambassador (HIA), Executive Director of Olotu & Ekuogbe Rowland Akpodiete Foundation (OERAF) Dr Otemu Olotu Akpodiete held memorial lecture on essence and benefits of health insurance in Nigeria in honour of his late grand father, Late Chief Ekuogbe Rowland Akpodiete Ph.D

Speaking during the event at both Okparabe and Otor-Udu respectively yesterday, he noted that health insurance is very important to every family in the society.

Akpodiete explained that, Sometimes there might be an emergency and if you don’t have health insurance, you will spent alot before you can be attended to by Medical organizations. But if there’s health insurance card with you it get easier.

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“He further commended the Delta state government led by His Excellency, Rt Hon (Elder) Sheriff Oborevwori, for brining this good initiative and it’s very affordable, just with seven thousands naira, you get enrolled unlike the federal government that is almost forty thousand per person.” he added.

The Director General (DG) of the Delta State Contributory health commission, Olorogun Dr. Isaac Akpoveta ably represented by Mr. Emmanuel Akpofure, thanked the sponsor Dr Akpodiete for being the first person across Ughelli/Udu Federal Constituency to register indigents for the scheme. He called on other wealthy individuals to emulate this young man.

Dr Akpodiete also received commendation from several beneficiaries of the scheme, they said that to enrole over 400 persons in this program so far is not a joke, each person is seven thousand naira and Dr Olotu Akpodiete is not the most wealthiest before doing it. He is a man with so much passion for humanity and we prayed God to grant him his heart desires.” they concluded.

Other highlights of the event was presentation of health insurance ambassador (HIA) award to the sponsor.

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Just in: Founder of Diamond Bank and ex-chairman of MTN, Paschal Dozie is dead

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Pascal Gabriel Dozie, founder of the defunct Diamond Bank Plc and a former chairman of MTN Nigeria, has died at 85 from an undisclosed ailment, a source close to the family revealed.

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