Politics

Wike: I Didn’t Buy Any New Car as FCT Minister
Economy, News, Nigeria, Press Statement

Wike: I Didn’t Buy Any New Car as FCT Minister

The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) issued a statement to address news articles and broadcasts involving the new FCT Minister, Barr. Ezenwo Nyesom Wike. Amidst sensationalist headlines, the FCTA aimed to set the record straight and provide accurate information to the public. The statement addresses recent claims that Minister Wike is initiating a large-scale demolition operation targeting 6000 houses across 30 settlements in Abuja, including Wadata Plaza. The FCTA refutes these allegations, stating that they lack any factual basis. The FCTA criticized mainstream newspaper headlines that attributed quotes and claims to the Minister that he did not make. It emphasizes that the Minister did not publicly mention specific areas or numbers of structures to be removed. His ...
Nigeria’s New Cabinet: President Tinubu Unveils 21 Ministerial Portfolios
Elections, News, Nigeria

Nigeria’s New Cabinet: President Tinubu Unveils 21 Ministerial Portfolios

In a move that was expected to herald a fresh era of governance, President Bola Tinubu has finally unveiled the portfolios of 21 out of the 45 confirmed ministerial nominees. The list, which has generated a mixed reaction across the nation, paints a picture of a cabinet that is a blend of political veterans, resulting in a lot of skepticism about the future. However, as the dust settles, revelations of concerning aspects of the selection process are emerging. Many of the appointed ministers have been labeled as career politicians, and cynics suggest that their appointments are more about compensating their roles in the last election rather than being driven by a commitment to deliver on the nation's challenges. This revelation has raised concerns among Nigerians who had hoped for a tra...
ECOWAS Condemns Threats to Prosecute Ousted Niger President, Calls for Peaceful Resolution
Africa, African Development, Armed Forces, Mali, News, Niger, Nigeria, Senegal, Sierra Leone

ECOWAS Condemns Threats to Prosecute Ousted Niger President, Calls for Peaceful Resolution

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has strongly condemned the threats made by Niger's military rulers to prosecute the ousted president, Mohamed Bazoum. The military leaders, who staged a coup that led to the removal of Bazoum from power, announced their intention to prosecute him for "high treason and undermining the internal and external security of Niger." In response, ECOWAS issued a statement on Monday expressing its astonishment and concern over the threats. The regional bloc characterized the move as a form of provocation and highlighted its contradiction with the military authorities' stated willingness to restore constitutional order in Niger through peaceful means. See Also: ECOWAS Chair: No Option Off the Table in Niger Republic Crisis Resolution EC...
APC Chieftain Criticizes Tinubu’s Choice of Ministers and Policies
News, Nigeria

APC Chieftain Criticizes Tinubu’s Choice of Ministers and Policies

Salihu Mohammed Lukman, the immediate-past national vice chairman (North-West) of the All Progressives Congress (APC), has expressed disappointment with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's selection of ministers and the policies implemented during his tenure. In an open letter titled "Disturbing Signals: Open Letter to President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu," Lukman outlined his concerns regarding the direction of the administration and accused Tinubu of dashing the hopes of Nigerians. Lukman's letter delved into various issues, including the composition of the cabinet and the implications of key appointments on the APC's image and electoral viability. He criticized the president for endorsing Abdullahi Umar Ganduje as the new national chairman of the party and Ajibola Bashiru as national secre...
ECOWAS Chair: No Option Off the Table in Niger Republic Crisis Resolution
Africa, African Development, Armed Forces, Burkina Faso, Cote d'Ivoire, Gabon, Ghana, Guinea, Liberia, Mali, News, Niger, Security, Senegal, Sierra Leone

ECOWAS Chair: No Option Off the Table in Niger Republic Crisis Resolution

President Bola Tinubu, Chairman of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), has asserted that no option is off the table, including the use of force as a last resort, in the efforts to resolve the ongoing crisis in Niger Republic. The Chairman made these remarks during the closing of an ECOWAS summit held in Abuja, Nigeria. Tinubu, speaking after the summit, highlighted that the communiqué issued at the extraordinary summit explicitly outlines that all options, including the use of force as a last resort, are being considered. He emphasized the significance of ECOWAS taking the lead in finding a solution to the crisis and stated that if the bloc doesn't act decisively, no one else will. Tinubu underscored ECOWAS's unwavering commitment to supporting Niger in its pursuit ...
ECOWAS Calls for International Support, Deploys Standby Force to Restore Constitutional Order in Niger
Africa, Armed Forces, Cote d'Ivoire, Gabon, Guinea, Liberia, Mali, Niger, Nigeria, Senegal, Sierra Leone

ECOWAS Calls for International Support, Deploys Standby Force to Restore Constitutional Order in Niger

The Economic Community of West Africa (ECOWAS) has issued a call to the United Nations, partner countries, and other international institutions to back its efforts in swiftly restoring constitutional order in Niger Republic. This call comes in the wake of an extraordinary summit held in Abuja, Nigeria, where ECOWAS leaders convened to address the ongoing political crisis in the West African nation. During the summit, ECOWAS announced a series of resolutions aimed at resolving the crisis that ensued following the ouster and detention of Nigerien President Mohamed Bazoum by the military on July 26. The summit marked a follow-up to a previous meeting held on July 30, wherein the diplomatic efforts to address the situation were met with resistance by the military leadership of Niger. In...
ECOWAS Emergency Summit Convenes Amid Niger Coup Crisis
Africa, Burkina Faso, Cote d'Ivoire, Gabon, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Liberia, Mali, News, Niger, Nigeria, Security, Senegal, Sierra Leone

ECOWAS Emergency Summit Convenes Amid Niger Coup Crisis

Leaders from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) are set to gather for an emergency summit on Thursday to address the ongoing crisis sparked by the military coup in Niger. The coup, which took place two weeks ago, led to the toppling of President Mohamed Bazoum's government. While ECOWAS seeks a diplomatic solution to the situation, it has not ruled out the possibility of using force to resolve the crisis. The emergency summit, scheduled to be held in Nigeria's capital, Abuja, is expected to yield significant decisions aimed at restoring democratic governance in Niger, according to a statement released by the 15-nation organization on Tuesday. The summit comes after the military leaders in Niger defied an ultimatum given by ECOWAS to reinstate President Bazoum within...
Niger: Nigeria Disconnects its 150MW Power Supply as ECOWAS Seeks to Restore Democracy
Armed Forces, Burkina Faso, Cote d'Ivoire, Gabon, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Liberia, Mali, News, Niger, Power, Security, Senegal, Sierra Leone

Niger: Nigeria Disconnects its 150MW Power Supply as ECOWAS Seeks to Restore Democracy

As part of efforts by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to restore democracy in Niger, Nigeria has disconnected the supply of 150 megawatts (MW) of electricity daily to its neighboring country. The disconnection was carried out by the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN), responsible for transmitting power, on Tuesday night. The Managing Director/CEO of TCN, Engr. Sule Abdulaziz, has not yet responded to media inquiries, but an anonymous source within the organization confirmed the disconnection. The source stated, "It is true Niger was disconnected from the national grid last night based on the instruction of the government. Nigeria used to supply 150 megawatts of power to Niger. It is a total disconnection in line with ECOWAS moves to restore democracy in that c...
UK Backs ECOWAS Position on Niger Coup
Burkina Faso, Cote d'Ivoire, Gabon, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Mali, News, Niger, Nigeria, Security, Senegal

UK Backs ECOWAS Position on Niger Coup

The United Kingdom has declared its support for the position taken by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) regarding the military coup in Niger Republic, which resulted in the overthrow of President Mohamed Bazoum. The coup plotters have been given a seven-day ultimatum by ECOWAS Heads of State to restore President Bazoum to power or face military action. UK Foreign Secretary, James Cleverly, conveyed the UK's stance after an audience with President Bola Tinubu at the Presidential Villa, Abuja. He commended ECOWAS' decisive action, strong commitment to democracy, and the unambiguous message that violence is not an acceptable means to bring about political change. Cleverly recognized President Bazoum as the legitimate leader and expressed the UK's unwavering commitment...
ECOWAS Defence Chiefs Convene Extraordinary Meeting to Address Niger Coup
Africa, Armed Forces, Burkina Faso, Cote d'Ivoire, Gabon, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Liberia, Mali, News, Niger, Nigeria, Security, Senegal, Sierra Leone

ECOWAS Defence Chiefs Convene Extraordinary Meeting to Address Niger Coup

The Chief of Defence Staff of Nigeria, General Christopher Gwabim Musa, led his counterparts from 10 ECOWAS countries in an extraordinary meeting to address the recent coup d'état in the Republic of Niger. During the meeting, held in Abuja, General Musa emphasized the need for a united response from the military in the region to restore democratic governance in Niger. The coup, which took place on July 26, 2023, has raised serious concerns among ECOWAS member states, prompting an emergency session of the Authority of Heads of State and Government. The extraordinary meeting of defence chiefs was convened to strategize on the collective mission of restoring democracy in Niger and preserving humanitarian principles across the region. See Also: UK Backs ECOWAS Position on Niger Coup ...