As the National Leader of Afenifere, and leader of the Yoruba, I address all and sundry today with a deep understanding of the challenges our dear country is going through at this critical time. The outcry over the hardship, hunger, and price hikes is not unexpected. However, we must come to terms with the realities of our national challenges, which the present administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is striving to resolve.  

While acknowledging the hardships faced by our people, it is important to recognise that these economic measures, although difficult, are part of a larger strategy aimed at restoring economic prosperity and stability to Nigeria. The government's commitment to implementing these measures is a testament to its dedication to addressing the root causes of our economic challenges, inherited from the ills of the previous years. 

As a responsible leader, I appeal to every Yoruba man and woman, young and old, and our fellow citizens across the nationalities, to exercise patience and refrain from engaging in protests or actions that may escalate tensions. Understandably, the immediate impact of Tinubu’s economic reforms is challenging to everyone, but it is crucial to give the government the necessary time to realise the intended benefits.

It is important to note that the removal of fuel subsidies and the floating of the Naira is not undertaken lightly, as we all know the great damage done to our national prosperity through the nefarious activities of the agents of darkness within the oil and financial sectors. These measures by the Federal Government, though painful in the short term, are designed to create a more sustainable economic environment that will benefit us all in the long run. It requires collective understanding and resilience from every citizen as we navigate through these challenging times. 

We cannot afford a preference for the euthanasic approach of painless death of our nation, where we are propped up with loans and subsidies until a total collapse into a failed nation, while we have the opportunity of painful healing through treatment with multiple surgeries that will guarantee not just our survival, but restored health, vigour and thriving life. We must endure today’s hardship for tomorrow’s prosperity.

I implore you to trust in the government's commitment to the welfare of our nation. Let us engage in constructive dialogue and contribute positively to the ongoing economic reforms. Join me in appealing for unity and understanding among our people. Together, we can weather this storm and emerge stronger as a nation.

I want to assure you as the Leader of Afenifere, that we are actively engaging with the government at different levels to address the concerns of our people. Let us remain steadfast, patient, and united in the face of these challenges, confident that our collective resilience will pave the way for a more prosperous future.

Chief Reuben Fasoranti, OFR 

Leader of Afenifere,

26th February 2024

Regional body says political, targeted sanctions still in force

Highlights possible losses to three exiting countries, citizens

Citing humanitarian considerations, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) yesterday resolved to lift some of the sanctions it had imposed on Niger, Mali and Guinea, following the unconstitutional change of government in the countries.

An Extraordinary Summit of the Authority of Heads of State and Government of the ECOWAS took the decision yesterday in Abuja.

President of the ECOWAS Commission, Dr Omar Alieu Touray, who read the communiqué of the summit, said the review of the sanctions was predicated on the biting effects of the financial and economic sanctions on the masses, especially during the ongoing Lent and the forthcoming Ramadan.

President Bola Tinubu, speaking at the summit, asked Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger to reconsider their recent decision to pull out of ECOWAS.

The organisation reiterated its call for the immediate release of Niger Republic’s ousted President Mohammad Bazoum from detention.

However, the political and targeted sanctions are still in force against the countries.

The ECOWAS had imposed a long list of sanctions on the military junta in Niger last July, following the ouster of Bazoum and his subsequent incarceration.

Mali and Burkina Faso had earlier been hit by other ranges of sanctions before the episode in Niger Republic.

The three countries announced the withdrawal of their membership of ECOWAS on January 28, 2024, alleging that the regional body had come under foreign influence, which had turned it into a threat to member-states.

They had earlier on 16th of September, 2023 announced the formation of the Alliance of Sahel States, a counter-regional organisation, said to be a mutual defense pact among the countries.

Guinea, another member-state of the ECOWAS organisation, which has been under military rule since September 2021, also experienced a panic incidence on Monday when its military ruler, Colonel Mamady Doumbouya, dissolved his cabinet and ordered the borders shut.

Touray said while the political and targeted sanctions on Niger Republic remain, the regional bloc lifted some financial and economic sanctions on Guinea and some targeted sanctions on Mali.

Reading the communiqué, Touray said: “The Authority calls for the immediate release of His Excellency Mohammed Bazoom, former President of the Republic of Niger.

“The Authority also calls on the transition authorities in Niger to provide an acceptable transition timetable to the constitutional order.”

On sanctions, Touray said the Authority resolved to lift with immediate effect the following measures imposed on the Republic of Niger: “Closure of land and air borders between ECOWAS countries and Niger to be lifted, no Fly Zone of all commercial flights to and from Niger is to be lifted and suspension of all commercial and financial transactions between ECOWAS member states and Niger is to be lifted.”

The Authority, he said, also resolved that the “freezing of all service transactions including utility services would be lifted.

“Freezing of assets of the Republic of Niger in ECOWAS Central banks is to be lifted.

“Freezing of assets of Niger State and the state enterprises and parastatals in commercial banks is to be lifted.

“Suspension of Niger from all financial assistance and transactions with all financial institutions particularly ECOWAS Bank for Investment and Development (EBID) and BIRD is to be lifted.

“Travel ban on the government officials and their family members is also to be lifted.

“The Authority has also resolved to lift the sanctions regarding the recruitment of Malian citizens in statutory and professional positions within ECOWAS.

“The Authority has also resolved to lift financial and economic sanctions on the Republic of Guinea.

“The Authority has also instructed the President of the Commission to invite Burkina Faso, Niger, Mali and Guinea to attend the technical and consultative meetings of ECOWAS as well as all security related meetings.

“The authority calls on ECOWAS institutions, member states, the United Nations Mine Action Office (UNMAO) and other regional institutions to implement this decision.”

On the withdrawal of the three countries, Touray said: “The Authority noted the notifications by the three member states within the context of Article 91 of the 1993 ECOWAS revised treaty and urged the countries to reconsider the decision in view of the benefits that the ECOWAS member states and their citizens enjoy in the community.

“The Authority expresses its concern over the socio-economic, political, security and humanitarian impact of the decision, particularly on the citizens of the three countries and on the regional integration process.

“The Authority further urges the three member states to resort to dialogue, negotiations and mediation to address their concerns.

“The Authority urges the three member states to adhere to the provisions of the 1993 revised treaty relating to withdrawal particularly article 91.

“The Authority encourages ECOWAS to sustain its rapprochement and overtures towards the three member states and continue to remain seized of the situation.

“The Authority or just ECOWAS to engage African Union, UNMAO, UN and other international organisations in its dialogue with the three countries.

“The Authority encourages a broader outreach, which should include traditional, religious leaders, eminent personalities, civil society and women leaders for the unity and security of the region.

“The Authority reiterates the urgent need for ECOWAS to expedite the operationalization of the standby force in its kinetic mode to fight against terrorism in the region including the elements of the Multinational Joint Task Force, and the Accra initiative.

“In this regard, the Authority instructs its commission as soon as possible to convene the meeting of ministers of finance and defense to propose modalities for financing and equipping counterterrorism force.

“The Authority further instructs the commission to develop an effective communication strategy in engaging member states and the community citizens in view of the ongoing disinformation and misinformation that put ECOWAS in a bad light.”

The Authority expressed gratitude to Nigeria’s former military leader, General Yakubu Gowon, for “his interest in the welfare of the community and his valuable suggestions.”

Gowon, who was instrumental to the formation of ECOWAS in May 1975, recently visited President Tinubu during which the state of the organisation was discussed.

The ECOWAS Authority also yesterday took note of the end of President Mackey Sell’s term of office on April 2, 2024, and commended him for the “tremendous development he has realised as President of Senegal, and for his invaluable leadership in Africa and the world.”

It asked Senegalese stakeholders to “give priority to dialogue with a view to preserving the democratic gains of Senagal, through free, inclusive and transparent elections.

Touray said the Authority commended President Bola Tinubu and chair of the ECOWAS Authority for convening the extraordinary summit and for the manner in which he has been conducting the affairs of the community as chair of authority.”

Asked if the lifting of the sanctions might portray ECOWAS as weak and thus encourage others with similar tendencies, he said “now, let me make it very clear. What I have listed is not exhaustive. Political sanctions have not been lifted. Border closures have been lifted. And commercial sanctions have been lifted. But there are targeted sanctions as well as political sanctions. That remains in force.

“I think our sanctions regime should be assessed correctly. The list I have given relates mainly to Niger because all the other countries still have political sanctions on them.

“So the border closures, the commercial sanctions and all that are on leisure and that is what the leaders have decided to lift. But individual sanctions as well as political sanctions remain in place in Niger.

“Now for other countries, political sanctions remain. That is the limited ability to attend ECOWAS Summit as well as ministerial sessions,” he explained

The Authority also lifted sanctions on Guinea, inviting all four countries to attend technical consultative meetings of ECOWAS going forward.

Highlighting the various implications of the planned withdrawal by the three countries from the community, he noted that besides losing economic, security and development benefits that accrue to member states, there will also be personal losses to nationals of the countries across the region.

According to him, pulling out of the community might result in the halt or the suspension of all ECOWAS projects and programmes worth more than $500 million, various regional projects being executed by the region’s financial institutions, worth about $321.6 million may be halted, while they may be exited from the regional electricity market, known as the West African Power Pool project.

He also said besides the countries losing national benefits within the region, citizens of the countries, about 130 of whom are employees of the ECOWAS, would lose their job to the exit of their countries from the community, just as seven regional entities with offices in the countries would also need to be shut down.

Tinubu calls for suspension of sanctions on Guinea, Mali, Niger, Burkina Faso

At the opening of yesterday’s summit, President Tinubu had made a case for the suspension of economic sanctions imposed on Niger, Mali, Burkina Faso, and Guinea by ECOWAS.

Tinubu is the Chairman of the Authority of Heads of State and Government of the ECOWAS.

Recalling the circumstances that led to the imposition of the sanctions, Tinubu said: “Everything we did was in hopes of persuading our brothers that there existed a better path, a path that would lead to genuine improvement of their people’s welfare through democratic good governance.

And this was a path each of our nations had solemnly agreed with one another pursuant to formal regional treaty and protocol.

“However, the sanctions that we contemplated might help lead our brothers to the negotiating table have become a harsh stumbling block. In my mind and heart, that which is hurtful yet ineffective serves no good purpose and should be abandoned.

“ECOWAS was established for the unassailable objective of improving the lives of the people of this region through fraternal cooperation among all member states. This edifice was cemented on the strong foundation and apt conviction that united as one we can be the true masters of our destiny.”

The President explained that ECOWAS took the steps it based on the regional ideals of security, social stability, democratic governance, political freedom, broad-based prosperity and sustainable economic development through fair opportunity for each and every one in West Africa.

He said neither hatred nor hidden motive influenced the steps taken and that there was never any intention to douse or undermine the legitimate political aspirations of any member state or to advance the interests of any outside party.

In calling for the suspension of sanctions, President Tinubu stressed: “We must take note of the approach of the holy month of Ramadan and of Lent. Whether you pray in the mosque or in the church, this represents a time for compassion, hope, and harmony. It is a time that we must not only seek God but also a closer relationship with brother and neighbour.

“In the Spirit of the holy month and of the Lenten period, and with hearts bestirred by goodwill towards all our people, let us extend a hand as brothers and friends to those in Niger, Mali, Burkina Faso, and Guinea.

“What I suggest in real and practical terms is that we, my colleagues and fellow heads of state in ECOWAS, indefinitely suspend economic sanctions against Niger, Mali, Guinea and Burkina Faso and against the leadership of the military authorities in those nations.”

The President asked that ECOWAS facilitate the unfettered flow of foodstuffs, medicines and other humanitarian items to the people of these nations, especially to the most vulnerable, adding that for Nigeria, this will also mean the prompt resumption of export of electric power to Niger.

“In this vein, suspension of sanctions is an important but initial step. What we seek is more than the breaking of the diplomatic logjam. We must use this very moment when things seem tense and progress unavailing, to forge greater cooperation within our community.

“We not only reach out to our brothers. Today, we say unto them — let us begin to work more earnestly together for the economic development of our people and towards confronting those modern challenges that respect no borders or boundaries. Challenges ranging from climate change to violent extremism to illegal pilfering of our precious natural resources require that we join together in progress or we fail separately.

“As leaders of ECOWAS, we have accepted the honour and duty to draft the history of the region and its people during our tenure in office. We have also accepted the honour and duty to reach out to our brothers, letting them know this regional home belongs to us all. I shall do my utmost in this regard. I humbly beseech that you do the same.

“For these reasons, we must suspend sanctions and return to brotherly dialogue. I call on the leadership in Burkina Faso, Guinea, Mali, and Niger to embrace the hand extended.”

Lateef Fagbemi, attorney-general of the federation (AGF) and minister of justice, has cautioned the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) against its planned nationwide protest.

On Friday, the NLC declared a two-day nationwide mass protest for February 27 and 28, over the economic hardship in the country.

In a letter dated February 24 and addressed to Femi Falana, NLC lawyer, the AGF said the federal government has substantially and reasonably complied with the items in the memorandum of understanding (MOU) signed with the union.

Fagbemi said proceeding on the planned mass protest would amount to contempt given a restraining order of a national industrial court which has not been set aside.

“Upon the submission of grievances to the court, parties in the suit cannot resort to public protests over the same issues, as such conduct amounts to gross contempt and affront to the institution of our courts of law,” the letter reads.

“Therefore, the proposed nationwide protest action in all ramifications is in clear violation of the pending interim injunctive order granted in SUIT NO: NICN/ABJ/158/2023- FEDERAL GOVERNMENT OF NIGERIA & ANOR V. NIGERIAN LABOUR CONGRESS & ANOR on 5th June 2023 restraining both NLC and TUC from embarking on any industrial action or strike of any nature.

“It is not in doubt that the planned protest is designed to compel government to accede to the demands of organized labour, therefore, such action qualifies as an industrial action which comes within the ambit of the restraining order.

“I wish to note that government has substantially and reasonably complied with the items in the MOU and it is only appropriate and equitable for organized labour to engage more with government to ensure the full implementation of same, especially in areas that have been inhibited by unforeseen challenges.

“May I, therefore, request that you kindly implore and enjoin your clients to refrain from self-help by shelving the proposed protests which is antithetical to the mediatory engagements leading to the execution of the MOU, tantamount to undermining subsisting restraining court order, and occasioning disruption of public service, order and safety.”

The inability of the Federal Government to secure and develop Nigeria’s border communities is contributing to the lingering security crisis bedeviling the nation, DAILY POST reports

Enquiries show that banditry, kidnapping, farmer-herder conflict and insurgency being experienced in the country are consequences of the fallout of the Libyan conflict and the influx of foreign mercenaries into the country.

This was not unconnected to why the former President Muhammadu Buhari in 2019 closed land borders in an attempt to stem the rising inflow of arms smuggling, foreign fighters, drug peddling, and other prohibited items into Nigeria.

In an effort to mitigate the influx of foreign mercenaries, the Buhari-led administration directed the then Comptroller General of the Nigeria Immigration Service, NIS, Muhammed Babandede, to protect the border against foreign invaders.

However, DAILY POST reports that despite the efforts of the Nigerian government, the country has continued to be infiltrated by criminal elements from neighbouring countries. Smuggling of firearms has also continued.

Concerned over the deteriorating security situation in the country, Nigeria’s former Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon, on February 12, identified the porous borders as a significant contributory factor to the country’s security crisis.

Underscoring the critical role of border security, Gowon emphasised the imperative of strengthening border security measures to prevent external threats, and deter the infiltration of criminal elements from neighboring countries.

He said, “Our borders are very porous. Take the North West to the North East, that is close to a thousand miles, some of the perpetrators of these heinous acts are from across the border.

“We must identify these elements and deal with them. I think we should have more security manpower on standby with adequate infrastructure to ensure that our borders are well guarded in case of any eventuality.”

Border as escape route for criminals

Study has shown that nearly all terrorists and other criminal elements think of one or the other form of escape before or immediately after perpetrating a criminal activity.

The current state of Nigerian borders across the country has been aiding and abetting the escape of criminals after committing heinous crimes.

DAILY POST recalls that in May 2022, the prime suspect in the murder of a 200-level student of Shehu Shagari College of Education, Deborah Samuel Yakubu, escaped to the Republic of Niger after committing the crime.

According to the police, the man whose face was captured in the viral video of Deborah’s cruel killing, was suspected to be a foreigner from the neighbouring country.

A security source, who preferred not to be mentioned, told DAILY POST on Saturday that the security of border communities has remained one of the major challenges of the Nigeria Police in the ongoing fight against insecurity in Nigeria.

He said, “One of the challenges of the police is this issue of lack of secured borders. Most times, when a terrorist is declared wanted, you won’t see them in Nigeria again.

“This is a big issue mostly in the Northern part of the country. For instance, when the notorious Benue gang leader, Terwase Akwaza, also known as Gana was declared wanted years before he was killed in 2020, he left the country.

“The terrorist and his gang operated within Benue and Taraba State. It was after he was killed that we learnt that he usually escapes to Cameroon whenever security operatives are after him.

“Himself and other members of the gang used to pass through Kurmi Local Government of Taraba State and escape to Cameroon where nobody knew them. So border security is very important in the ongoing fight against insurgency in the country.

“If you go to Kastina and some other states in the North, the same thing happens even till date. Suspects continue to escape through the border to Niger. Some of them even speak Nigerien languages so they will go there and behave like they are citizens of the country.

“Don’t forget also that the same thing happens when terrorists or any criminal elements are wanted in neighbouring countries, they usually find ways to escape to Nigeria too.”

A security expert, Ben Ijeoche also told DAILY POST on Saturday that the Federal Government “should declare war on the smuggling of firearms into the country”.

According to Ben, “the government claims that the borders are closed, yet the bandits and the Boko Haram members keep smuggling firearms into Nigeria. Are they using magic?

“I think the government should declare war on these border problems. Tightening the border will in many ways stem the growing security crisis”.

On the claim that the assailants causing mayhem in the country are not Nigerians, Ben said, “you can’t categorically say that the bandits and terrorists are not Nigerians but when you hear people saying that the criminals are foreigners, there are elements of truth there.

“Hundreds of these guys are being killed at least in a year but you hardly see anyone looking for his or her missing son. So, is it that they don’t have parents or relatives? You can’t rule out the fact we have foreign criminals living among us”.

Meanwhile, the Nigerian Immigration Service, told DAILY POST on Saturday that the “NIS is doing its best in securing our approved borders, while also policing the entire stretch of our land and coastal borders”.

When asked the challenges in the border security, Controller Tony Akuneme, Special Assistant to the Comptroller General on media told DAILY POST that “the issue is more challenging because we have our brothers on both sides of most border communities, so the contiguity as a result of similar cultures and religion makes it even more intriguing”.

According to Akuneme, “the NIS is deploying more men and materials towards the border areas to complement other security agencies all of which form the Joint Task Forces helping to secure the country.

“We are equally deploying technology now with the support of the Minister of Interior to ensure real time monitoring of activities along the border routes from our command and control room in Abuja.

“All we need is the support of Nigerians and more motivation from the federal government”.