The Economic Community Of West Africa States (ECOWAS) has imposed fresh sanctions over the coup in Niger Republic.
The regional bloc had earlier given Niger junta seven days to reinstate President Mohamed Bazoum or risk sanctions, including possible military action.
But the coupists called the bluff of ECOWAS and vowed to resist any foreign intervention on its soil.
It also severed ties with Nigeria, Togo, France and US, and shut down Nigerien airspace indefinitely.
At the end of the ultimatum, the bloc scheduled a meeting for Thursday to review the situation in the West African nation.
Addressing State House correspondents on Tuesday, Presidential spokesman, Ajuri Ngeale, said more sanctions had been imposed on the individuals and entities relating with the military junta in Niger Republic.
Although he did not go into details, he said this was carried out through the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN)
The Biafra De Facto Customary Government (BDFCG), representing the interest of Biafra People, is deeply concerned about the escalating cases of kidnapping as well as economic strangulation across Biafraland. It is most bizarre that people elected into public offices to guarantee security and welfare of the ordinary people have abandoned this primary responsibility in pursuit of self interest.
BDFCG strongly condemns the insensitivity of those in positions of authority who have failed to provide the people with quality standard of living as well as building modern cities in Biafraland. We want to restate that it is not rocket science to optimize the abundant human and material resources abound in Biafraland to make all our dear people happy including providing 21st century security of lives and property.
Biafraland has recently experienced a surge in violent attacks, including violent enforcement of Sit-at-home, kidnapping, armed robbery, cult war , political assassination etc, which have resulted in the loss of innocent lives and destruction of property. These acts of violence are detrimental to the region’s stability, economic growth, and the overall well-being of our people. The De Facto Customary Government of Biafra, under the Chancellorship of Dr. Emeka Okeadu, condemns these acts in the strongest possible terms. We firmly believe that any grievances or concerns should be addressed through peaceful, inclusive, and lawful means. Resorting to violence and criminal activities not only endangers innocent lives but also impedes the region’s development and hampers the pursuit of lasting solutions to the challenges faced by the people.
We, therefore, call on all relevant stakeholders, state governments in the former Eastern Nigeria, security agencies, community leaders, and civil society organizations, to work collaboratively in addressing the root causes of insecurity in Biafraland. This should include:
1. Strengthening security measures: The government and security agencies should enhance intelligence gathering, improve border control, and effectively respond to security threats to protect lives and property.
2. Dialogue and engagement: Efforts should be made to foster dialogue and constructive engagement with all concerned parties to address grievances, promote understanding, and explore peaceful resolutions to the region’s challenges.
3. Community involvement: Communities should be actively engaged in the promotion of peace and security, through initiatives such as community policing, neighborhood watch programs, and information sharing with security agencies.
4. Socioeconomic development: Investments in education, job creation, investment in food production ,infrastructural development, and social welfare programs should be prioritized to address the underlying socio-economic issues that contribute to insecurity.
5. Justice and accountability: Perpetrators of crimes, regardless of their affiliations, should be brought to justice through fair and transparent legal processes. The rule of law must prevail to ensure justice, deterrence, and the restoration of public confidence.
Furthermore, we recognize that Africa ,as a whole, continues to grapple with the remnants of colonialism, which have had far-reaching effects on its political, economic, and social structures. Coup d’etat in Mali, Guinea, Burkina Faso and most recently Niger remains attendant consequences of the still lingering challenges that hinder the continent’s full emancipation from the vestiges of its colonial past.
We believe that true liberation requires comprehensive efforts to address not only political independence but also economic empowerment, social justice, and the promotion of African cultural heritage. It is imperative that African nations strengthen their economic systems, and foster intra-continental trade and cooperation. By doing so, Africa can leverage its abundant resources, talents, and potential to achieve sustainable development and lift its people out of poverty.
Therefore, BDFCG endorses sincere efforts to liberate any part of Africa from Colonial strongholds. The recent coup in Niger, if welcomed by the people of Niger, must be given a chance.
Finally, as we pursue self-determination agenda for the people of former Eastern Nigeria, it is our belief that the power of the people is supreme, hence our determination to toe the path of rule of law and democratic process to reach our destination as a people.
Hoodlums have burnt down the House of the former deputy speaker of the Anambra State House of Assembly and the current member representing the Ihiala federal constituency in the House of Representatives.
In a telephone conversation, the member Hon Ifeanyi Chudy Momah hinted to Akelicious about the tragedy but stated that no life was lost.
The House consisting of a fully furnished duplex, with a bungalow in the same compound, was completely razed down, while properties in the houses were not also spared.
The lawmaker said the incident happened at about 1 am on Tuesday in Mbosi, his home town.
He stated that no life was lost in the attack.
He also did not state if he suspected anyone or whether it was politically motivated.
The incident occurred when the lawmaker was in Abuja carrying out his legislative function.
I was at Aba to inspect a couple of roads that are undergoing rehabilitation. I am happy with the progress of work, particularly at Cemetry Road. The contractor has also taken the initiative to desilt the drainage system, which demonstrates their commitment to ensuring a long-lasting and sustainable road infrastructure.
It is worth noting that the rehabilitation efforts extend beyond Cemetry Road, with a total of nine roads currently undergoing partial and comprehensive rehabilitation. All the roads are being handled by reputable companies, including CCECC, Craneburg, and MCC.
Regardless of the weather conditions, we remain dedicated to the task of rebuilding Aba for the benefit of our people.
Abia To Partner Hungarian Firm Ortoprofil To Set Up Manufacturing Plant.
Sen Victor Umeh appointed as a member of 13 Committees in the Senate.
In addition to being the chairman of Senate committee on Diaspora.And Non Governmental Organizations, Distinguished Senator Victor Umeh has been appointed as a member of these committees …..
(1) Air Force
(2) Establishment and public Services.
(3) Agriculture Production , services and Rural Development
The senator representing Anambra South Senatorial District, Senator Dr Patrick Ifeanyi Ubah has emerged Chairman of the newly created Senate Committee on States and Local Government Affairs as announced by the Senate leadership last night.
This critical committee will, amongst other functions, carry out oversight activities on various federal government projects, allocations, and interventions in the entire 36 states, including FCT and the 774 local government areas
Recall that Senator Dr. Patrick Ifeanyi Ubah won his re-election on the platform of his party, the Young Progressives Party YPP, with a landslide to become a ranking member of the 10th Senate .
This is indeed cheerful news as Nigerians look forward to the idea bearer , Distinguished Senator, Ifeanyi Ubah’s Midas Touch, along with his committee members in handling oversight functions using the Ccmmittee on States and Local Government Affairs to ensure inter alia that the various federal government interventions to the states and local government areas are fully utilised to the benefit of the people whose interest the various arms of Government are meant to serve.
The junta controlled government in Niger Republic, on Monday appointed Ali Lamine Zene, an economist as the new Prime Minister
Ali Lamine Zene is expected to lead the caretaker government. The appointment is coming more than a week after the junta booted president Mohamed Bazoum out of office.
Ali Lamine Zene was made the new Prime Minister by General Abdourahmane Tchiani, who is the arrowhead of the coup to lead the transitional government.
Zene served as finance minister under the administration of president Mamadou Tandja.
Tandja led the country from 1999 to 2010 after civilian rule was restored in the country. Mr Zene is currently the manager in Chad for African Development Bank. He has previously served in Ivory Coast and Gabon for the bank.
He is now expected to lead consultation for the formation of the new government.
Also, the US Deputy Secretary of State Victoria Nuland is said to have met with the military rulers in Niger and pressed for the reversal of the coup. But it seems the meeting panned out to be rough as the junta refused to yield to the appeals.
Nuland’s trip on Monday was carried out in secrecy till she left. She described the talks as “extremely frank and at times quite difficult”.
On the other hand, the ultimatum by the regional bloc—ECOWAS given to the junta controlled government to revise back to constitutional democracy was also ignored.
Meanwhile, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has said that diplomacy is the ‘preferred way’ to resolve the situation in Niger.
“Diplomacy is certainly the preferred way of resolving this situation,” he told French Radio RFI on Monday.
“It is ECOWAS’ current approach. It is our approach,” he said
The African bloc ECOWAS is renewing its diplomatic push to resolve the situation in Niger. The 15-nation bloc is reconvening a summit on Thursday in the Nigerian capital Abuja.
Close-up woman's hands work and typing on laptop computer with digital tablet on the desk at workplace.
In a significant development aimed at providing financial relief to undergraduate students hailing from Kwara State who are enrolled in public-owned tertiary institutions across the country, the Governor of Kwara State, Mallam AbdulRahaman AbdulRazaq, has authorised the disbursement of fuel subsidy removal palliatives.
The initiative seeks to alleviate the economic burdens faced by these students due to the recent fuel subsidy removal.
Application Process and Registration Guidelines
Prospective eligible students are required to adhere to a meticulously outlined application procedure in order to access the palliative assistance:
Access the Portal: Prospective students should navigate to the official application portal by following the provided link
Register and Obtain Login Details: Upon accessing the portal, applicants are instructed to click on the designated “Students’ Palliative” link.
This will initiate the registration process, during which they will need to input their bio-data accurately. Once registered, applicants will be provided with essential login details.
Verification Process: Registered applicants will undergo a verification phase, conducted through the email address they provided during registration.
This verification step is essential to ensure the accuracy and legitimacy of the applications.
Online Application Form: Subsequent to verification, applicants are required to access the portal using the provided login credentials and password.
They are then instructed to complete and submit the application form online.
Document Submission: A vital component of the application process entails the online submission of specific documents.
The following documents are deemed mandatory for submission:
Applicants who meet the eligibility criteria are encouraged to complete their applications within the designated timeframe. The application window opens on the 7th of August, 2023 and concludes at midnight on the 30th of August, 2023. As such, eligible students are urged to ensure timely submission to be considered for the palliative assistance.
This innovative initiative by the Kwara State Government underscores its commitment to alleviating the financial strain faced by its students pursuing higher education amidst the backdrop of evolving economic conditions.
The disbursement of fuel subsidy removal palliatives aims to provide meaningful support to these students as they navigate their academic journeys.
The Senate on Monday confirmed 45 out of the 48 persons nominated as ministers by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
They were confirmed after eight days of screening.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio said 45 nominees were confirmed while the remaining three, former Governor of Kaduna State, Nasir Elrufai (Kaduna), Abubakar Sani Danladi (Taraba) and Stella Okotete (Delta) were awaiting security clearance.
Those confirmed as Ministers are:
1 Abubakar Kyari (Borno)
2 Abubakar Momoh (Edo)
3 Nyesom Wike – Rivers
4 Engr Joseph Utserv (Benue)
5 Senator John Owan Enoh (Cross River)
6 Hon Bello Mohammad (Sokoto)
7 Mohammed Badaru Abubakar (Jigawa)
8 Amb. Yusuf Maitama Tuggar (Bauchi)
9 Uju Kennedy Ohaneye (Anambra)
10 Hon. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo (Ondo)
11 Nkieruka Onyejeocha (Abia)
12 Dr Betta Edu (Cross River State)
13 imaan Sulieman Ibrahim (Nasarawa)
14 David Umahi (Ebonyi)
15 Adebayo Olawale Edun (Ogun)
16 Arch. Ahmed Musa Dangiwa (Katsina)
17 Chief Uche Geoffrey Nnaji (Enugu)
18 Mr Dele Alake (Ekiti)
19 Waheed Adebayo Adelabu (Oyo)
20 Mohammed Idris (Niger)
21 Prof Ali Pate (Bauchi)
22 Dr Doris Anite Uzoka (Imo)
23 Lateef Fabemi SAN (Kwara)
24 Rt Hon Ekperikpe Ekpo (Akwa Ibom)
25 Hannatu Musawa (Katsina)
26 Ibrahim Geidam (Yobe)
27 Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi (Niger)
28 Hieneken Lokpobiri (Bayelsa)
29 Alkali Ahmed Saidu (Gombe)
30 Dr Tanko Sununu (Kebbi)
31 Atiku Bagudu (Kebbi)
32 Bello Matawalle (Zamfara)
33 Adegboyega Oyetola (Osun)
34 Simon Bako Lalong (Plateau)
35 Abdullahi Tijani Muhammad Gwarzo (Kano)
36 Bosun Tijani (Ogun)
37 Dr Mariya Mahmoud Bunkure (Kano)
38 Dr Iziaq Salako (Ogun)
39 Dr Tunji Alausa (Lagos)
40 Lola Ade-John (Lagos)
41 Prof Tahir Mamman SAN (Adamawa)
42 Zephaniah Jisalo (FCT)
43 Uba Maigari Ahmadu (Taraba)
44 Prince Shuaibu Abubakar Audu (Kogi)
45 Festus Keyamo SAN (Delta)
Nigerian women senior national team Super falcons crashed out of the world cup after a defeat from England team with a penalty shoot out.
A controversial Picture of an English player during the match has raised dust.
Many have interpreted the incident as a real life political & diplomatic relationship between England and her former colony Nigeria.
Nigerian women senior national team Super falcons crashed out of the world cup after a defeat from England team with a penalty shoot out.
A controversial Picture of an English player during the match has raised dust.
Many have interpreted the incident as a real life political & diplomatic relationship between England and her former colony Nigeria.