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Amid the planned protest by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) over the hardship faced by Nigerians, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Femi Falana, has asked the Attorney General Of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi, to provide security for the demonstrators.
Barring any last-minute change, the NLC will on Tuesday, February 27 and Wednesday, February 28 protest following the dramatic hike in the prices of goods and services due to the removal of fuel subsidy and the free fall of the naira, among others.
The human rights lawyer in a letter dated February 24 and addressed to the Attorney General of the Federation said Section 83(4) of the Police Establishment Act empowers the Minister of Justice to provide security cover for the protesters.
He also called on the organised labour to conduct their scheduled rallies peacefully void of violence.
“While we have advised the members of the NLC to conduct the rallies scheduled for February 27-28, 2024 in a peaceful manner, we urge you to use your good offices to direct the Inspector-General of Police to provide adequate security to the conveners and participants in the protest in line with the provisions of Section 83(4) of the Police Establishment Act,” the letter read in part.
“Finally, while awaiting your favourable reply to this letter, please accept, as usual, the assurance of our highest esteem.”
[NaijaTimes]
The removal of subsidy on petroleum that was expected to take more Nigerians out of poverty through higher revenue accrual to both the federal and sub-national governments seems to be ineffective with almost all the states of the federation having very little or nothing to show for the huge revenues that have come in for them since May 29 when President Bola Tinubu announced the subsidy removal.
LEADERSHIP’s findings showed that aside from their internally generated revenue that runs into billions of naira, the states put together got over N5.108 trillion in revenues from the Federal Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) in eight months – from July 2023 (when the proceeds of the subsidy removal started coming in) and February 2024.
The overall revenue of N5,108,219,000,000 (N5.1 trillion) received by the states includes the N2,690,391,000,000 (N2.69 trillion) that came in directly from the federation account and N1,975,899,000,000 (N1.975 trillion) disbursed to the local government’s account that is controlled by the state governors, and another N441.929 billion as 13 percent solid minerals derivation revenue shared to some of the states.
While the subsidy removal increased the average monthly disbursement from FAAC to about N1.09 trillion against the previous average figure of N620 billion, the governors of the states have failed to raise the standard of living and the per capita income of their residents.
At the last count, only about 10 states had started the implementation of the N30,000 labour/government-agreed minimum wage benchmark for public workers. Despite the increase in revenue, most states are yet to implement the old rate even when labour is already demanding an increase of over 200 percent.
A breakdown of the FAAC allocation to the states in the period under review showed that in July when the first post-subsidy income was received, a total distributable revenue of N907.054bn was shared among the three tiers of government, with the states taking a total of N561.49 billion from the federation account.
In August when the total revenue comprising Value Added Tax, exchange rate gains and electronic money transfer fee approved for sharing rose to N966.110 billion, the states got N591.624 billion.
An increase was recorded in September when a FAAC communique stated that from the N1.1 trillion total distributable revenue where the federal government received a total of N431.245 billion, the 36 states received N361.188 billion, while the local government areas got N266.538 billion. A total sum of N26.473 billion (13 percent of mineral revenue) and N14.657 billion (13 percent of savings from NNPCL) were shared with the relevant states as derivation revenue.
Also, from the N903.480 billion total revenue distributed in October 2023, the state governments received N287.071 billion and the local governments received N210.900 billion. A total sum of N84.966 billion (13 percent of mineral revenue) was shared to the relevant states as derivation revenue, bringing the total revenue from the federation account to the states to N582.937 billion.
On November 22, FAAC approved the disbursement of N307.717 billion to the states, while the LGAs received N225.209 billion. N50.674 billion (13 percent of mineral revenue) was shared among relevant states as derivate+ ion revenue.
FAAC also shared N1.1 trillion revenue for December to all the tiers of government as revenue from the previous month. The communique issued at the end of the monthly meeting revealed that while the federal government received a total of N402.867 billion, the state governments received N351.697 billion and the local government areas received N258.810 billion. A total of N75.410 billion (13 percent of mineral revenue) was shared with the benefiting states as derivation revenue, again, increasing their share of the federal revenue.
In January 2024 when the first FAAC meeting of the year was held, N1.127 trillion which came in from December revenue was shared. In the breakdown, the federal government received N383.872 billion, the states received N396.693 billion, local government areas received N288.928 billion, and the oil-producing states received N57.915 billion as Derivation (13 percent of mineral revenue).
In the final analysis, the state governments received N379.407 billion, and N278.041 billion on behalf of the local governments, with the sum of N85.101 billion (13 percent of mineral revenue) also coming into the benefiting states as derivation revenue.
All this is apart from the billions each state received from the federal government to distribute palliatives to the vulnerable segment of society in the wake of the fuel subsidy and the cost of living crisis that followed.
However, these increased funds available to the governors has hardly translated to any kind of reprieve to the residents of the states, with hunger protests and raiding of truckloads of foodstuff recorded in parts of Nigeria, as well as the Nigeria Labour Congress planning a national protest in the coming days due the unabating hardship confronting workers and other Nigerians.
Labour warns FG against attack on protesters
Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has accused the government of planning to attack its nationwide peaceful protest scheduled for February 27 and 28, 2024.
According to a statement in Abuja, NLC president, Comrade Joe Ajaero, claimed that a group called the Nigeria Civil Society Forum (NCSF) is being used by the government to orchestrate violence against the forthcoming protesters.
The labour leader also called the attention of the international human rights body, the African Union and the United Nations to the threat posed by the Nigerian state to the right of the people to peacefully protest and demand for freedom from economic slavery and hardship.
Ajaero insisted that the government has failed to address the hunger and poverty in the land, and has instead resorted to suppressing peaceful protest and inflicting violence on citizens.
The labour centre cited the recent incidents in Minna and other cities, where Nigerians were tear-gassed and beaten up by security agents for raising their voice against hunger.
Ajaero however said such actions will not deter NLC from exercising its fundamental right to peaceful protest, which it said it has always done in the past, except in instances of state-engineered violence.
NLC warned that if the government set on the path of violence against it and other peace-loving Nigerians, it will be making a costly mistake, as it will trigger a total shutdown of the country through the withdrawal of services by workers.
The statement reads, “We would like to inform Nigerians that the state has perfected plans to attack our peaceful rallies across the country.
One of the groups being primed to attack our peaceful rallies is by a nebulous name, Nigeria Civil Society Forum (NCSF). NCSF is one of the emergency groups put together, funded, promoted and remote-controlled by the government to cause violence against our members for electing to peacefully protest against hunger in the land.
“The pangs of hunger cannot be cowed by bullets or tear gas… we at the Nigeria Labour Congress and civil society allies are moving ahead with our protest rallies against economic hardship and insecurity in line with the decision of the National Executive Council.
As citizens, we have a fundamental right to peaceful protest and history bears us witness that our protests are always peaceful except in instances of State-engineered violence”.
“We advise those waiting in the wings to unleash violence on us that this is not about the NLC but about Nigerians who are saying “enough is enough”, about a people who have resolved not to be further pushed into the pit of misery and hopelessness, while a few live in obscene luxury at our collective expense.
We however remain resolute, determined and prepared to express our pain and grief in a peaceful manner as Nigerians come 27th and 28th of February 2024″.
[Leadership]
The uncertainty in the Nigerian economy prompted an emergency meeting between President Bola Tinubu and members of the business community on Sunday.
Prominent among those who attended the meeting at the Presidential Villa Abuja, were the Chairman of Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote, Chairman of BUA Group, Abdulsamad Rabiu, current governor of Anambra State, Charles Soludo, and Chairman of Heirs Holdings, Tony Elumelu, among others.
The host, President Tinubu, told the participants that all stakeholders must look at “what we’re doing right and what we’re doing wrong to bring life back to the economy.”
Tinubu said: “We are very concerned, from students to mothers and fathers, farmers, and traders, and realising that every one of us will have to fetch water from the same well.
“We’re looking for additional efforts that might help the downtrodden Nigerians and we will provide that hope and reassurance that economic recovery is on its way.
“We are not saying that we have all the answers. But we will not be blamed for not trying. We assure Nigerians that we will do our best to get our Marshall Plan in place and fashion out the best economic future for this country.”
Emerging from the meeting, Dangote told reporters that it was quite fruitful, as issues bedevilling the Nigerian state, including food, insecurity and the economy, were deliberated upon during the meeting.
He said: “I think we had a very, very good meeting and what we discussed was generally about the economy, food security and security of the nation.
“We discussed everything in detail. And there is the economic Presidential Advisory Committee, which has been set up and I think this will look at all the issues and address them, coming from job creation and food security.
“So, all these things have been discussed in detail. I can’t give you all the details right now, but we are hopeful and we’re a great nation. We have what it takes to turn around the economy and we’re going to do that.”
Also reacting, Abdulsamad Rabiu said it was an open and frank talk about national issues affecting the country.
“It was open, it was frank and it was exhaustive. And some of the issues we discussed for example, like the foreign exchange rate, which we know has always been the problem for the past two or three months.
“We discussed how to bring the foreign exchange rate down because we all know that what is happening as regards the foreign exchange is artificial; it is manipulative and thank God the CBN is doing quite a lot.
“Now, the exchange rate has come down from N1800 to maybe N1600 and N1500 now, and as you all know, everything in Nigeria is indexed to the foreign exchange, especially when it comes to stuff that we import into the country,” the BUA chief executive stated.
“I left this meeting with a lot of enthusiasm, excitement and optimism about the future of our country. I believe that implementing the decisions we arrived at today will propel our economy, help alleviate poverty in the land, help create employment and help put food on the table,” Elumelu added.
On his part, Charles Soludo said it was a tripartite meeting designed to put heads together and think together.
He said Nigeria has one national economy, and it’s the responsibility of the 225 million Nigerians to work together to make it great. We have all the potential and all that it takes to make Nigeria ride through these turbulent times and put the economy back on a sustainable level.
“I think there is unity of purpose, determination, a sense of patriotism and determination by all to make it happen and by the special grace of God, it’s now execution. And this is a standing committee that will be meeting from time to time to evaluate how things are going and make recommendations to Mr. President and the nation as well,” Soludo added.
[DailyPost]
- Ex-VP urges Tinubu to adopt Argentina model
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has urged President Bola Tinubu to emulate his Argentine counterpart, Javier Milei, for accelerated economic growth in Nigeria.
In a tweet posted last night on X, following a report by Reuters International news agency on Argentina’s market optimism, Atiku called for a decisive action to tackle Nigeria’s economic challenges.
“I read a recent report in the Reuters, titled: Argentina’s market double down on Milei as investors ‘start to believe’; I took a keen interest in reading the report because I know quite well that Argentina and Nigeria closed the last quarter of the Year 2023 on a similar path of economic downturn.
“In the case of Nigeria, a new government was installed at or about the middle of 2023; for Argentina, the new government came on board in December; both leaders inherited a disoriented economy, but both applied different measures to recovery.
“President Javier Milei of Argentina was sworn into office on December 10, 2023; he inherited a worse condition than Nigeria’s. But what he did to return his country to a place where investors are ‘starting to believe’ should serve as a lesson to Nigeria’s Bola Tinubu.
“Nigeria is where we are today simply because of what Tinubu has done or did not do; his shifting the blame on the opposition and, even ridiculously, his predecessor is needless and myopic; market forces don’t play politics, they respond to your actions and inactions.
“President Milei’s major campaign promise was to re-position the Argentine economy after years of slow growth, high debt levels, triple-digit inflation (160 per cent when he took over the Presidency in December 2023) and 40 per cent poverty rate; his first task was to begin implementing measures to achieve greater macroeconomic stability and promote higher global competitiveness.
“He came into the office with a comprehensive stabilisation plan, which seeks to implement far-reaching measures within the context of a market-oriented economy; he started off cutting government expenditure by cutting the size of government and wastages; blocked stealing of government funds, and attracted Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) through concessions, tax holidays, and improved ease of doing business.
“President Milei flies regular business class for all his travels and does not offer the presidential fleet of Argentina for his son’s birthday; likewise, there is no settlement for his hangers-on and political allies through unwieldy and burdensome appointments to public offices,” Atiku stated.
The former Vice President drew further contrast between Nigeria and Argentina, saying he has a sure recipe for Nigeria’s economic restoration.
Atiku added that he was willing to discuss his solutions with the Federal Government.
The former Vice President expressed his liking for the Argentine economic turnaround, saying: “I am attracted to the reforms in Argentina because Javier Milei’s stabilisation plan bears a similar emblem with my Recover Nigeria Plan; it is a plan that I am more than willing to disclose details of its workings with the current government in order to take Nigeria out of the depth of hunger and anger that we find ourselves.
“The plan includes strategic steps we must take to recover the economy and make it stronger, dynamic, resilient, and competitive; we had outlined plans to relax the fiscal constraints facing us to include:
• Improving spending efficiency and blocking leakages
• Saving money through:
a. A review of fiscal support for non-performing government enterprises and the privatization of those that cannot sustain themselves.
b. Steps to improve spending efficiency through a gradual reduction in government recurrent expenditures, ensuring that those expenditures reflect higher levels of service delivery. Over the medium term, recurrent expenditures should not exceed 45 per cent of the budget.
c. A review of government procurement processes to ensure high levels of transparency, competitiveness, and value-for-money and eliminate all leakages.
“Unless, and until there are clear-cut policies and pathway to economic rejuvenation predicated on a leadership led sacrifice, there will be discontentment, especially among the youths, which may find expression in protests and for which it will be silly to continue to blame the opposition for,” Atiku said.
[TheNation]
The Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, Mr Ola Olukoyede, says in less than 100 days of his assumption of office, the anti-graft agency received over 5,000 fraud petitions and recovered N60bn loot.
Of the 5,000 petitions, he said the EFCC had approved 3,000 for investigation.
President Bola Tinubu appointed Olukoyede EFCC chairman on October 12, 2023.
He replaced Abdurasheed Bawa, an appointee of ex-President Muhammadu Buhari, who was suspended, detained, and booted out of office by Tinubu.
Olukoyede, speaking on Saturday in Lagos as the guest lecturer at the 20th-anniversary lecture of the Human and Environmental Development Agenda Resources Centre, said the EFCC had recovered over N60bn and $10m, in less than four months since he assumed office.
He said, “When we set out to investigate, people see it as a fight between EFCC and the rest of us. It should not be so. How much will the EFCC do?
“How much will the ICPC do with its staff strength? I have less than 4,800 staff. I am talking of an agency that is serving people who are over 150 million.
“All we have to do is investigate and present the facts before the court. I will not be the one to give judgment. That is where we have collective responsibility. When you see something, you say something
“As I am talking to you I have approved the investigation of over 3,000 cases in less than four months, but what is our capacity? How many staff do we have? What resources do I have access to?
“In less than four months, we secured convictions of 700 and recovered over N60bn and over $10m.
“If I am able to recover over N60bn in less than 100 days, you can imagine how much has been stolen.
“I can tell you that for the billion that has been recovered, a trillion has been stolen.”
On his part, the Chairman of HEDA, Mr. Olanrewaju Suraju, noted that the anti-corruption fight had been challenging and urged all Nigerians to join the fight.
“We need an effective policing system with integrity, then the court must not continue to discharge persons with corruption cases still hanging on their necks,” Suraju said.
[Punch]
The Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, has vowed to go ahead with its plan to hold rallies from Tuesday to Wednesday to register its displeasure over the rising cost of living the country.
The labour union, in a letter it wrote to the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, said it would not be dissauded by Federal Government’s threat to initiate contempt proceedings against it.
The NLC, through its lawyer, Mr. Femi Falana, SAN, maintained that contrary to FG’s claim, no court barred its members from exercising their fundamental rights to freedom of assembly and freedom of expression to protest against the excruciating economic pains being experienced by the masses.
It argued that FG, having withdrawn the contempt proceedings it earlier filed against both the NLC and the Trade Union Congress, TUC, for embarking on public protest on August 2, 2023, “ought not to have threatened the NLC with contempt.”
The Labour Union’s position was contained in it’ls response to a letter the AGF wrote to its lawyer, titled: “MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING REACHED BETWEEN THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT OF NIGERIA AND THE TRADE UNION CONGRESS (TUC) AS A RESULT OF DISPUTE ARISING FROM WITHDRAWAL OF SUBSIDY ON THE PRICE OF PREMIUM MOTOR SPIRIT (PMS) ON MONDAY THE 2ND DAY OF OCTOBER, 2023.”
According to the NLC: “It would be recalled that following the removal of fuel subsidy by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on May 29, 2023, the Federal Government commenced negotiations with the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) as the subsidy removal policy had brought untold hardship to Nigerians.
“While the negotiations were in progress, the Federal Ministry of Justice rushed to the National Industrial Court to file Suit No NICN/ABJ/158/2023 between Federal Government of Nigeria & Anor. v Nigeria Labour Congress & Anor in respect of the same issues. On June 5, 2023 the Honourable Justice Yemi Anuwe granted the application of the Federal Government for an ex parte order to restrain the NLC and TUC from embarking on strike against the removal of fuel subsidy.
“Although both the NLC and TUC complied with the ex parte order, they promptly filed an application to set aside same for want of jurisdiction. They equally asked for a stay of execution of the order ex parte pending the determination of the motion.
“The application to set aside the ex parte order filed by the Defendants and the motion for interlocutory injunction filed by the Claimants have not been considered as parties resolved to settle the case out of court.
“Even though the parties signed a 16-point memorandum of understanding, the Federal Government did not implement all the terms of the Agreement. Hence, on August 2, 2023, both NLC and TUC held a peaceful protest throughout the country.
“Instead of implementing the Agreement the Federal Government initiated contempt proceedings against the NLC and TUC at the National Industrial Court. We challenged the competence of the contempt proceedings. However, the Federal Government turned round to withdraw the application for contempt.
“On November 10, 2023, the Federal Government filed another Suit, No NICN/ABJ/322/2023 between Federal Government of Nigeria & Anor. at the National Industrial Court against the NLC and TUC, notwithstanding the pendency of Suit No. Suit No NICN/ABJ/158/2023.
“On that same day, the President of the National Industrial Court, the Honourable Justice Benedict Kanyip granted an ex parte order to restrain the NLC and TUC from embarking on the planned strike. However, His Lordship directed that the case file be transferred to Justice Olufunke Yemi Anuwe who is handling a similar labour dispute between the same parties.
“Both NLC and TUC challenged the competence of the fresh suit on the ground that it constitutes a gross abuse of court process, inter alia. The application has not been heard and determined by the National Industrial Court.
“Having withdrawn the contempt proceedings filed against the NLC and TUC for embarking on public protest on August 2, 2023, you ought not to have threatened the NLC with contempt of court over its plan to hold rallies from February 27-28, 2024 against the astronomical cost of living in the country.
“We submit, without any fear of contradiction, that the proposed public protest of the NLC is not contemptuous of the two ex parte orders of the National Industrial Court. In particular, the issue of contempt does not arise as the NLC has challenged the jurisdiction of the National Industrial Court to entertain the substantive case.
“It is further submitted that the National Industrial Court has not restrained the members of the NLC from exercising their fundamental rights to freedom of assembly and freedom of expression to protest against the excruciating economic pains being experienced by the masses.
“In the case of Inspector- General of Police v All Nigeria Peoples Party (2008) 12 WRN 65, the Court of Appeal upheld the fundamental right of Nigerians to protest on matters of public interest without police permit. In the leading judgment of the Court, Olufunmilayo Adekeye JCA (as she then was) held inter alia:
“The right to demonstrate and the right to protest on matters of public concern are rights which are in the public interest and that which individuals must possess, and which they should exercise without impediment as long as no wrongful act is done…
“If as speculated by law enforcement agents that breach of the peace would occur our criminal code has made adequate provisions for sanctions against breakdown of law and order so that the requirement of permit as a conditionality to holding meetings and rallies can no longer be justified in a democratic society.
“Since freedom of speech and freedom of assembly are part of the democratic rights of every citizen of Nigeria the Court of Appeal further held that, “the legislature must guard these rights jealously as they are part of the foundation upon which the government itself rests.”
“Consequently, the National Assembly has ensured that the right of aggrieved citizens to protest peacefully for or against the Government is protected.
“Thus, section 83(4) of the Police Establishment Act 2020, which ‘where a person or organization notifies the police of his or its intention to hold a public meeting, rally or procession on a public highway or such meetings in a place where the public has access to , the police officer responsible for the area where the meeting rally or procession will take place shall mobilize personnel to provide security to provide security cover for the meeting, rally or the procession.’
“While we have advised the members of the NLC to conduct the rallies scheduled for February 27-28, 2024 in a peaceful manner, we urge you to use your good offices to direct the Inspector-General of Police to provide adequate security to the conveners and participants in the protest in line with the provisions of Section 83(4) of the Police Establishment Act.
“Finally, while awaiting your favourable reply to this letter, please accept, as usual, the assurance of our highest esteem,” the letter read.
[Vanguard]
Ayodele Fayose, ex-governor of Ekiti, says former President Muhammadu Buhari is “not a blessing” to Nigeria.
Speaking in an interview on Channels Television on Sunday, Fayose said the administration of Buhari “drew us back to 50 years of our history”.
Over the past few months, Nigerians have been battling economic hardship as the prices of food and other basic items have skyrocketed.
Protests over the economic hardship have taken place in some parts of the country.
On February 16, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) declared a nationwide mass protest for February 27 and 28, over the economic hardship in the country.
Reacting to the development, Fayose said Tinubu inherited a “dead economy” adding that there is little the president can do to revive the situation within nine months.
The former Ekiti governor accused the Buhari-led administration of destroying the country’s economy.
Fayose said Buhari obtained loans that would be repaid by unborn children.
He asked Tinubu to stop praising Buhari in order not to confuse Nigerians about the “mess” created by the former president.
“Look at the eight years of President Muhammadu Buhari, what will be left of a country like Nigeria as of today?” he asked.
“Even if Tinubu means well, where do you place the debt? Even if Tinubu wants to do the magic, how will he fix the country? There were loans taken in Buhari’s administration, some with 20 to 50 years moratorium.
“Unborn children will face the kind of situation the last administration has plunged this country into.
“The only thing I want to say to President Tinubu is that, without fear or favour, he should stop praising former President Buhari.
“I watched a live television programme of the president telling Nigerians that former President Buhari did well.
“That will cause confusion in the minds of Nigerians. Yes, he is a member of our party and a leader.
“There are so many presentations we can make without celebrating a man who has put Nigerians in this predicament.
“There are things you should not say. You can visit, love, and appreciate him, which is personal to the president.
“With all due respect, do not come to the television to say that former President Buhari was a blessing to Nigeria.
“Buhari is not a blessing to Nigerians, with all due respect. President Buhari is not a blessing to Nigeria, he drew us back to 50 years of our history.”
[TheCable]
Final Communique – Extraordinary Summit of The ECOWAS Authority of Heads Of State and Government on The Political, Peace and Security Situation in The Region
Admin1. The Authority of Heads of State and Government of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) met in an Extraordinary Session in Abuja, Nigeria on 24th February 2024, under the chairmanship of H.E. Bola Ahmed TINUBU, President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and Chairperson of the ECOWAS Authority.
2. The Extraordinary Summit was convened to consider the political, peace and security situation in West Africa.
3. Present at the Summit were the following Heads of State and Government or their mandated representatives:
• H.E. Patrice TALON, President of the Republic of Benin.
• H.E. Alassane OUATTARA, President of the Republic of Côte d’Ivoire.
• H.E. Nana Addo Dankwa AKUFO-ADDO, President of the Republic of Ghana.
• H.E. Umaro Sissoco EMBALO, President of the Republic of Guinea Bissau.
• H.E. Bola Ahmed TINUBU, President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
• H.E. Macky SALL, President of the Republic of Senegal.
• H.E. Julius Maada BIO, President of the Republic of Sierra Leone.
• H.E. Faure Essozimna GNASSINGBE, President of the Togolese Republic.
• H.E. Muhammed B. JALLOW, Vice President of the Republic of The Gambia.
• H.E. Amb. Belarmino M. SILVA, Ambassador to the Federal Republic of Nigeria and ECOWAS of the Republic of Cabo Verde.
• H.E. Amb. Alhassan CONTEH, Ambassador to the Federal Republic of Nigeria and ECOWAS of the Republic of Liberia.
4. The Summit was also attended by:
● H.E. Dr Omar Alieu TOURAY, President of the ECOWAS Commission.
● H.E. Amb. Bankole Adeoye, Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security of the African Union Commission on behalf of the Chairperson H.E. Moussa Faki Mahamat.
● H.E. Leonardo Santos SIMÃO, Special Representative of the United Nations Secretary General for West Africa and the Sahel and Head of UNOWAS.
● H.E. Dr. George Agyekum Nana Donkor, President, ECOWAS Bank for Investment and Development (EBID).
● H.E. Jean-Claude Kassi-Brou, Governor, Central Bank of West African States (BCEAO)
● Ambassador Baba Kamara, ECOWAS Special Envoy on Counter-Terrorism.
The Authority, having
5. Received the memoranda of the President of the ECOWAS Commission on the political, peace and security situation in the West African region.
6. Extensively discussed the latest developments in the region.
7. Discussed the situation in the Republic of Niger since 26 July 2023 when the Military of the Republic of Niger overthrew the Government of President Mohamed Bazoum and kept him under house arrest.
8. Discussed the notifications given by Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger about their decision to withdraw from ECOWAS.
On the Republic of Niger, the Authority
Recalled its decisions taken during the 1st and 2nd Extraordinary Sessions on Niger on 30 July and 10 August 2023 and those taken at its 64th Ordinary Session on 10 December 2023.
9. Notes with regret that despite multiple efforts by ECOWAS, former President Mohamed Bazoum remains in detention and no plan for transition has been developed by the Conseil national pour la sauvegarde de la patrie (CNSP) government of Niger.
10. Recalls the ECOWAS principle of Zero tolerance for unconstitutional changes of government as enshrined in the ECOWAS and African Union Protocol and Charter, respectively, and other instruments.
11. Reiterates its commitment to maintaining dialogue with the Government of Niger with a view to securing the release of President Bazoum and agreeing on a transition timetable.
12. Takes note of the lent period and the approach of the holy month of Ramadan.
13. Also takes note of the appeal made to the leaders of the region by His Excellency General Yakubu Gowon, former Head of State of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and founding father of ECOWAS, the pleas made by the Malehossou Foundation in Benin and several other personalities and humanitarian organizations regarding the situation in Niger.
On the Withdrawal of the Three Countries
14. The Authority notes that the withdrawal will have political, socio-economic, financial and institutional implications for the three countries as well as for ECOWAS as a group. Political and Security Implications
15. The Authority recalled that within the framework of regional cooperation against terrorism, violent extremism, and organized crime, the three countries benefited from USD 100 million mobilized by UEMOA within the context of ECOWAS Plan of Action against terrorism. Moreover, some Fund allocations (USD7.5 m) have been made towards supporting the three countries in acquiring equipment to help their fight against terrorism.
16. The withdrawal will affect security cooperation in terms of sharing intelligence and participation in regional counter-terrorism initiatives, such as the Accra Initiative and Multinational Joint Task Force.
17. The withdrawal may also lead to diplomatic and political isolation at the international scene where the countries have obtained bloc support for their candidates and candidature in the contest for international positions within the African Union, the United Nations, and similar bodies.
Socio-Economic Implications
18. The withdrawal will automatically affect the immigration status of the citizens as they may be required to obtain visa to travel around the region. Citizens may no longer be able to reside or set up businesses under ECOWAS arrangements and may be subject to diverse national laws. The three countries 6 will cease to use ECOWAS passports, ECOWAS Biometric National Identity Card and the region-wide "ECOWAS Brown Card" vehicle insurance.
19. The three member states represent 17.4% of the region’s 425 million population. Even though they represent 10% of the region’s GDP, their departure will constitute a reduction of the market size of ECOWAS.
20. Intra-community trade may also be disrupted, especially trade in unprocessed goods such livestock, fish, plant, agriculture produce, mineral products and Traditional Handicraft Products as well as Industrial Products of Community Origin.
21. The Authority further notes that the three countries are beneficiaries of several regional projects and programmes, notably:
a. The Regional Food Security Reserve (the three countries host stocks from the Regional Reserve for a quantity of nearly 17,000 tons or 52% of the regional stock).
b. The Regional Support Program for Pastoralism in the Sahel (PRAPS – Financed by the World Bank) in the amount of USD 215 million for the three States.
c. The Sahel Regional Irrigation Support Program (PARIS – Financed by the World Bank) in the amount of USD 103.43 million for the three States.
d. The Regional Food System Resilience Support Program (FSRP funded by the World Bank) in the amount of USD 230 million for the three states.
e. West Africa Single Identity and Regional Integration and Inclusion (WURI) project.
f. The ECOWAS Regional Electricity Market (West Africa Power Pool) project that links all member states to a regional electricity grid for improved access to electricity involves the three member states.
22. The withdrawal of the three Member States could result in the halt or suspension of all ECOWAS Projects/Programmes worth more than US$500 million.
Financial Implications
23. The Authority notes that the two regional financial institutions, EBID and BOAD have considerable exposure in the three countries. EBID currently has 27 ongoing public sector projects in the three countries (Burkina Faso 9, Mali 8, and Niger 10) and a total of 20 private sector projects (Burkina Faso- 5; Mali -13 and Niger- 2). These projects are collectively valued at approximately USD 321,634,253 of which public sector projects constitute 38.1 per cent and private sector projects constitute 61.9 per cent.
24. The bank’s portfolio in the three countries represents approximately 22.5 per cent of the Bank’s total portfolio in the 15 member states. The three countries contributed a total of USD 33,135,445.38 to the capital of the Bank, made up as follows: Burkina Faso - USD 13m; Mali - USD 9.5m; and Niger - USD 10.5m.
Institutional Implications
25. Reviewing the implications at the institutional level, the Authority notes that the withdrawal will not only require the closure of 4 regional entities in Burkina Faso, two regional bodies in Mali and one regional office in Niger, it will also affect the job security of some 130 ECOWAS staff who are citizens of the three countries: 77 from Burkina Faso; 23 from Mali and 32 from Niger.
THE AUTHORITY RESOLVES AS FOLLOWS:
Release of President Bazoum
26. The Authority calls for the immediate release of His Excellency Mohamed Bazoum, former President of the Republic of Niger as well as his family and political detainees;
On Sanctions
27. The Authority decides to lift with immediate effect the following sanctions imposed on the Republic of Niger:
a. Closure of land and air borders between ECOWAS countries and Niger;
b. Institution of ECOWAS no-fly zone on all commercial flights to and from Niger;
c. Suspension of all commercial and financial transactions between ECOWAS Member States and Niger;
d. Freeze of all service transaction including utility services and electricity to Niger Republic ;
e. Freeze of assets of the Republic of Niger in ECOWAS Central Banks;
f. Freeze of assets of the Niger State, State Enterprises and Parastatals in Commercial Banks;
g. Suspension of Niger from all financial assistance and transactions with all financial institutions, particularly, EBID and BOAD;
h. Travel ban on government officials and their family members.
28. The Authority decides to lift restrictions on the recruitment of citizens of the Republic of Mali to professional positions within ECOWAS institutions.
29. The Authority decides to lift financial and economic Sanctions on the Republic of Guinea. 9
30. The Authority instructs the President of the Commission to invite all four ECOWAS Member States in transition to technical and consultative meetings of ECOWAS as well as to all security-related meetings.
31. The Authority decides to maintain all other measures provided for by the relevant decisions and instruments of ECOWAS and the African Union and to review them from time to time in accordance with progress realized.
32. The Authority calls on ECOWAS Institutions, Member States, WAEMU and all other regional institutions to implement these decisions.
On the Withdrawal of the Three Countries, the Authority:
33. Takes note of the notifications by the three Member States of Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger to withdraw from ECOWAS.
34. Draws the attention of the three Member States to Article 91 of the 1993 ECOWAS Revised Treaty regarding the procedures of withdrawal while urging the countries to reconsider the decision, in view of the benefits that all ECOWAS Member States and their citizens enjoy for being part of the Community.
35. Expresses its Concern over the socio-economic, political, security and humanitarian impacts of the decision, particularly on the citizens of the three Member States and on the regional integration process, and further urges the three Member States to resort to dialogue, negotiation, and mediation to address their concerns.
36. Urges the three Member States to adhere to the provisions of the 1993 Revised Treaty, relating to withdrawal, particularly Article 91.
37. Directs the ECOWAS Commission to sustain the Community’s rapprochement and overtures towards the three Member States and continue to remain seized of the situation.
38. Instructs the ECOWAS Commission to engage the African Union, UEMOA, UN and other international organizations as well as bilateral partners on the issue with a view to convincing the three Member States to remain in the Community.
39. Directs the ECOWAS Commission to broaden the Community outreach towards the three Member States to include traditional and religious leaders, eminent personalities, civil society and women leaders for the unity and security of the region.
40. Reiterates the urgent need for the ECOWAS Commission 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 (MNJTF) and the Accra Initiative, as directed by the Authority. In this regard, instructs the Commission as soon as possible to convene the meeting of Ministers of Finance and Defence to propose modalities for financing and equipping the counter-terrorism force.
41. Further instructs the Commission to develop an effective communication strategy in engaging Member States and the Community citizens in view of the ongoing mis/disinformation targeted at undermining ECOWAS.
On the Republic of Senegal
42. The Authority takes note of the end of President Macky Sall’s term of office on 2 April 2024 and commends him for the tremendous achievements in infrastructure and economic development he has realized as President of the Republic of Senegal and for his invaluable leadership in Africa and the world. 11
43. The Authority Calls on all Senegalese stakeholders to give priority to dialogue with a view to preserving the democratic gains of Senegal through a free, inclusive and transparent Presidential election.
On African Development, Sovereignty and Unity
44. The Heads of State and Government underscore their Commitment to Africa’s Sovereignty, independence and unity.
45. In this regard the Authority calls on all Partners to respect the sovereignty and independence of African States and refrain from interferences and meddling that destabilize Member States and adversely impact regional unity.
46. The Authority further calls for an effective global partnership for the region’s socio-economic development through, inter alia, fair trade and climate justice.
Appreciation
47. The Authority expresses its gratitude to His Excellency General Yakubu Gowon for his interest in the welfare of the Community and for his valuable suggestions.
48. The Authority further expresses gratitude to H.E. Bola Ahmed TINUBU, President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and Chairperson of the ECOWAS Authority, for convening the Extraordinary Session and for the able manner he has been conducting the affairs of the Community.
Done at Abuja, this 24th day of February 2024
THE AUTHORITY
l-r: Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Local Government, Mrs. Kikelomo Bolarinwa as the committee secretary; Chairman, Bariga LCDA & President, Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), Hon. Kolade Alabi; LP House of Reps member, Hon. Seyi Sowunmi; Chief Missioner, NASFAT, Imam Abdulazeez Onike; Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Dr. Obafemi Hazmat as alternate chairman; Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu as the chairman; Mrs Joe Okei-Odumakin; LP member & former DFID official, Dr. Shina Fagbenro-Byron; Consumer Rights Advocate, Mrs. Sola Salako-Ajulo; Senior Pastor, Elevation Church, Pastor Godman Akinlabi; Youth Representative, Comrade Biliaminu Oba and Rep of the Lagos House of Assembly, Hon. Ademola Shabi during inauguration of the Lagos State Special Dispensation Palliative Advisory Committee at the Lagos House, Marina, on Saturday, 24 February 2024.
Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu (third right); Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Dr. Obafemi Hazmat (fourth right); Mrs Joe Okei-Odumakin (second right); Consumer Rights Advocate, Mrs. Sola Salako-Ajulo (right); Commissioner for Agriculture, Ms. Abisola Olusanya (left); Chief Missioner, NASFAT, Imam Abdulazeez Onike (second left) and LP House of Reps member, Hon. Seyi Sowunmi (third left) during inauguration of the Lagos State Special Dispensation Palliative Advisory Committee at the Lagos House, Marina, on Saturday, 24 February 2024.
Hardship: APC mourns member and six others who died in stampede while buying rice at Customs office in Lagos
AdminThe All Progressives Congress has officially acknowledged the demise of one of its members, Comfort Adebanjo, and six others who sought to buy confiscated rice being sold by the Nigeria Customs Service as a measure to alleviate the economic challenges in the country.
The ruling party made the confirmation on Saturday in an obituary message released to mourn the late party member and the other Nigerians.
The PUNCH reports that customs says it has concluded plans to commence the direct distribution of seized food items to Nigerians due to the demonstration against the soaring cost of living in the country.
The National Public Relations Officer of the service, Abdullahi Maiwada disclosed this in a statement on Tuesday.
Maiwada said that the move was in response to the critical challenges of food security and the soaring cost of essential food items in the country.
He added that the items must be certified fit for consumption before they could be distributed to Nigerians.
However, there was a stampede on Friday, which led to the death of seven persons.
The Coordinator of FKL Ward E1, Lagos State of the APC, Oluwafemi Fadahunsi, and Secretary, Comrade Adebari Adewale, confirmed that Adebanjo was one of the seven persons who died during the stampede.
In the obituary released on Saturday, the party wrote, “It is with heavy hearts and regret we announce the painful death of one of our members in FKL WARD E1, Mrs Adebanjo Comfort Funmilayo of house number 104, Ibidun street by AKINHANMI street, Ojuelegba.
“She was among the 7 victims who died in the course of buying custom rice at Yaba.
“May God grant all the members of her family and all the residents of WARD E1 the fortitude to bear the irreplaceable loss.”
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A chieftain of Afenifere, Ayo Adebanjo, has said no amount of amendments to the 1999 Constitution will solve the various challenges facing the nation.
Adebanjo said the present law guiding the nation is broken and until the constitution is restructured to reflect true federalism, the country would not enjoy peace.
He said the solution to the economic hardship, protests, insecurity challenges and the slide of the naira is to change the constitution back to federalism.
Speaking with TheCable on Saturday, Adebanjo called for the outright overhaul of the 1999 constitution and the birth of a new constitution.
He said: “The issue of insecurity and bad economy are products of the fraudulent constitution that we are using. There can be no progress until that constitution is thoroughly changed. A surgical operation must be done on that constitution.
“Until they bring down this constitution and we have a new beginning, we can’t make any headway. You are just patching things up, amending a constitution that you didn’t make. You are amending a constitution that is already broken-down.
“They will talk of state police today, resource control tomorrow and then they will take the constitution amendment to the parliament. Yet, the parliament is a product of fraud.
“No matter what they are doing, it can’t work. Let all the federating states be autonomous. Let’s go back to the 1963 constitution. No more, no less. Anything short of that, you are just wasting your time.”
Adebanjo’s comments come amid the plan by the National Assembly to amend the 1999 constitution to address some concerns in the country.
With 40 amendment bills received so far, the constitution review committee is expected to be inaugurated on Monday, February 26.
[NaijaNews]
The Federal Polytechnic Daura, in Katsina State, has graduated a total of 399 pioneer students at a maiden convocation on Saturday.
The Rector of the Polytechnic, Prof. Aliyu Mamman, said 39 of the graduands earned Distinctions, 72 Upper Credits, 104 Lower Credits, and 93 graduated with Passes.
Expressing optimism that the future of the school will be brighter, he said Polytechnic was among the fastest-growing academic institutions in the country.
Some distinguished personalities were given the Fellowship awards for their enormous contributions to the development and growth of the institution since its inception in 2020.
LEADERSHIP reports that the Polytechnic was established by the administration of the immediate-past President Muhammadu Buhari, who incidentally hails from Daura, Katsina State.
Among the awardees were Katsina State governor, Mallam Umaru Dikko Radda, the Speaker of House of Representatives, Hon. Tajuddeen Abbas, former Governor Aminu Bello Masari, the Emir of Daura, Dr Umar Farouk Umar, Late Senator Mustapha Bukar (Post-Humous) and Senator Ahmed Babba Kaita.
While thanking the school for the recognition on behalf of other awardees, the former Governor Masari urged the school to focus more on skills and vocational education, assuring to continue to support the institution.
[Leadership]
Arsenal’s free-scoring Premier League form continued as Newcastle were blown away 4-1 at the Emirates on Saturday to move back within two points of leaders Liverpool.
Mikel Arteta’s men stumbled to a 1-0 Champions League defeat at Porto in midweek, but were quickly back on the horse domestically to take their tally to 25 goals in six consecutive Premier League wins.
Arsenal’s prowess from set-pieces forced an own goal from Sven Botman before Kai Havertz, Bukayo Saka and Jakub Kiwior from another corner killed off Newcastle.
“We continued in the same way, we maintained our rhythm and it was a joy to watch the team play,” said Arteta.
“The boys were really good, really aggressive and we deserved to win the game.”
The Gunners are aiming to win a first league title in 20 years and keen to make amends for faltering down the final straight last season as Manchester City stormed clear on their way to win the treble.
Arsenal are the side in red hot form but remain in third, one point behind second-placed City, with the title race fascinatingly poised 12 games from the end of the season.
Defeat is another blow to Newcastle’s aspiration of European football next season.
Eddie Howe’s men were outclassed to remain down in eighth, 15 points adrift of the top four, and have now conceded 23 goals in their last eight league games.
“We were off in most aspects of our game. We didn’t do the basics right,” said Howe.
“Sometimes away from home you have those spells in the game and you have to weather the storm. Unfortunately we didn’t do that and we conceded some bad goals.”
Howe was forced into handing goalkeeper Loris Karius just his second appearance since joining Newcastle in 2022.
Karius was unfortunate for the opening goal as he parried Gabriel Magalhaes’ powerful header, but the ball ricocheted back off Botman and crept over the line.
Arsenal have now scored 19 times from set-pieces in the Premier League this season.
If there was a hint of fortune about the opener, the hosts’ second was a thing of beauty.
Jorginho’s ball over the top picked out the run of Gabriel Martinelli, who turned the ball perfectly into the path of Havertz for his eighth goal of the season.
Saka has now scored seven times in the last five Premier League games and only a fine save from Karius at his near post delayed the England international continuing his scoring streak before half-time.
Havertz should have sealed the three points within two minutes of the second half when he dragged a shot wide after Martinelli’s pass played him clean through on goal.
But the German international was involved for the third goal as from his pass, Saka jinked inside and fired into the far corner for his 16th goal of the season.
Set-piece coach Nicolas Jover has been credited with Arsenal’s lethal threat from dead balls.
The Frenchman had more cause to celebrate 21 minutes from time when Kiwior’s header from Declan Rice’s corner deflected in off Lewis Miley.
Newcastle did at least muster a consolation five minutes from time when former Arsenal midfielder Joe Willock looped in a header off the post.
But that did little to spoil Arsenal’s Saturday night party as they made another statement to Liverpool and City that they will not crumble under the pressure of a title race like they did 12 months ago.
[DailyTrust]
The Leader and Founder of the Yoruba group, Ilana Omo Oodua Worldwide, Emeritus Professor Banjo Akintoye who has been in self-exile since the incarceration of the Yoruba Nation agitator in Benin Republic, Chief Sunday Adeyemo a.k.a. Sunday Igboho , has declared his intention to return to Nigeria following the arrival of Igboho to the country last Friday.
The historian stated this on Saturday at the funeral ceremony of the late Mrs S.A. Adeyemo, mother of Sunday Igboho in Ibadan, Oyo State capital.
Akintoye said he was highly fulfilled as a Yoruba, to witness the victory of Igboho , and his eventual return to Nigeria, after a long battle with the authorities.
Akintoye spoke through his spokesperson, Chief Gani Alagbala from the United States of America did not mince words to reaffirm that the Nation would soon be realised.
The burial reception held at Sablak Event Centre , Sanyo, Ibadan has in attendance prominent Yoruba personalities, and traditional rulers including the Ajero of Ijero Ekiti, Oba Joseph Adewole; the Olojora of Ijora , Oba Ogundana; and the Olodogbo of Odogbo-Ijesha, Oba Tunde Oginni amongst others.
While reaffirming the resolve to actualise Yoruba Nation in no distant time, the freedom fighter insisted that Tinubu is not responsible for the hardship in the country.
[TheNation]