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Tinubu Endorses Direct Elections Into ECOWAS Parliament

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President Bola Tinubu has announced his endorsement of a proposal for the direct election of members into the parliament of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).

Emphasizing the importance of citizen participation, Tinubu stated that such a move would allow citizens of member states to have a voice in selecting their representatives.

Speaking during the swearing-in ceremony of 97 members into the 6th ECOWAS parliament at the Abuja International Conference Centre, on Thursday, Tinubu, drawing from his experience as a former legislator, expressed his anticipation in reviewing the proposal.

He said “As a one-time legislator myself, I look forward to reviewing the proposal regarding this matter. We stand to support the direct elections into ECOWAS parliament,”

His support for direct elections signals a potential shift from the current practice of appointing lawmakers from the 15 member states to the ECOWAS parliament.

The President said, “The practice of directly electing public officers aligns with democratic principles, principles that Nigeria upholds

“This principle is also in line with the spirit of the ECOWAS protocol on democracy and good governance.

“We believe this will ensure that citizens will have a direct say in their representation and the legitimacy and credibility it will provide.”

President Bola Tinubu pledged unwavering support to the sixth ECOWAS Parliament during its inauguration ceremony.

As the host nation, Nigeria commits to bolstering the parliament’s efforts in achieving its objectives.

Established under Articles 6 and 13 of the ECOWAS Revised Treaty of 1993, the ECOWAS parliament, also referred to as the Community parliament, stands as a cornerstone of regional integration, fostering cooperation among member states.

The genesis of the ECOWAS Parliament dates back to August 6, 1994, with the signing of the initial protocol in Abuja. This historic agreement outlined crucial aspects such as the parliament’s structure, composition, competencies, and related matters.

Comprising a total of 115 seats, the parliament ensures equitable representation among member states. Each member state is guaranteed a minimum of five seats, while the remaining 40 seats are allocated proportionally based on population.

However, despite the provision for a full complement, only 97 members, representing various member states, were sworn in during Thursday’s ceremony.

The sixth ECOWAS Parliament boasts a diverse composition, with representatives hailing from various member states.

Notably, Nigeria leads with 35 members, followed by Benin Republic, Cabo Verde, The Gambia, Guinea-Bissau, Liberia, Sierra Leone, and Togo, each contributing five members.

Additionally, Ghana is represented by eight members, while Cote d’Ivoire has seven, and Senegal and Guinea each have six representatives.

However, Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso are notable absences in the sixth parliament, as these states have expressed intentions to withdraw from the bloc.

In response, President Tinubu echoed earlier remarks by ECOWAS Commission President Dr. Omar Touray, urging the trio to reconsider their decision.

Tinubu highlighted the potential ramifications of their exit, emphasizing the importance of their continued participation for the well-being of their citizens and the broader regional stability.

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Kano Police Warn Residents Of Imminent Terror Attack Threats

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The Kano State Police Command has warned residents of a potential terror attack, targeting public gatherings in strategic locations across the state.

In a statement issued on Friday, the command’s Public Relations Officer, SP Abdullahi Haruna, disclosed that intelligence reports indicated suspected terrorists were planning to carry out attacks.

“The Kano State Police Command, in liaison with other security agencies, has received intelligence reports of suspected terrorists planning to launch attacks on public gatherings in strategic locations within Kano State.

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“In response, we hereby urge residents to exercise caution and avoid crowded places and environments until further notice as a preventive measure to enable security operatives to identify and dislodge possible attackers,” the statement read.

To address the threat, the police command has enhanced security arrangements across the state. SP Haruna revealed that specialized units, including the Explosive Ordinance Disposal (EOD) and the Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear (CBRN) teams, have been deployed to strategic locations and are on high alert.

“A team of experts from the command’s Explosive Ordinance Disposal, Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear units have been deployed to strategic locations and are on high alert.

“The unit can be contacted through: 08169884988 or 07067157218 for report of suspicious persons or item(s),” Haruna stated.

Residents have been urged to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to the nearest police station or contact the command through the designated hotlines.

“The command remains committed to protecting lives and properties as well as maintaining law and order in Kano State.

“We appreciate the support and cooperation of the good people of Kano State and urge everyone to remain vigilant. Your vigilance and cooperation are crucial in ensuring public safety,” the statement concluded.

 

 

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Ifon-Ilobu-Erin Osun Land Disputes: Osun Constitutes A 100-Member Boundary Resolution Committee

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Four gang-killed two in Osun, destroy N8M properties

 

In the bid to resolve the incessant land disputes between the communities of Ifon, Ilobu and Erin Osun, the Governor of Osun State, Senator Ademola Adeleke has constituted an enlarged 100-member high powered land crisis resolution committee in which each of the affected communities has 25 representatives, and the state government represented by 25 members.

The Osun State Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Oluomo Kolapo Alimi made the disclosure in a statement in Osogbo, on Friday.

He revealed that the Ataoja of Osogbo land, Oba Jimoh Adetunji Olanipekun Larooye is the Chairman of the Committee, while a retired judge of Osun State Judiciary and Chairman, Osun State Boundary Commission, Justice Moshood Adekunle Adeigbe, would serve as the Co-Chairman.

According to Alimi, Gov Adeleke put in place the Committee with a view to bringing a lasting end to the incessant land disputes among the three affected communities.

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It was gleaned from the statement that there were four other traditional rulers on the panel, including His Royal Majesty; Oba Abioye Oyebode, the Olokuku of Okuku, His Royal Majesty; Oba Adams Iyiola Bamidele Yusuf, the Oloba of Oba Oke, His Royal Majesty; Oba Adekeye Oyedare, the Oloyan of Oyan and His Royal Majesty, Oba Akeem Ogungbamgbe,The Owaloko of Iloko-Ijesha.

Other members are Umar Abba Mohammed, Osun State Commissioner of Police, Ayoola Kehinde, Osun State Director, Department of State Services( DSS) Brigadier General, Aliu Mohammed, Commander E.C.C, Ede, Sotiyobo Igbalawola, Osun State Commander, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps( NSCDC), Anthony Chikezie, Commander, Immigration Service, Osun State, Adekunle Omoyele, Osun State Commander, Amotekun Corps, and Special Adviser to Osun State Governor on Security, Barrister Dare Ojo.

Also on the enlarged Committee, where members are enjoined by Gov Adeleke to bring in their wealth of experience to bear on the highly critical assignment, are the Chairman, NBA Osogbo branch, Yemi Abiona, Esq; the Chairman, NBA, Ikirun, Niyi Akinsola, Esq; the Chairman, NBA, Ile Ife, Tope Olajoko, Esq; the Chairman, NBA, Ilesha, Raymond Oki, Esq; Others appointed to serve on the Ifon- Ilobu- Erin Osun Peace Resolution Committee are; Soladoye Abioye, the Surveyor General of Osun State – Dr Sodiq Olohunde, Office of Chief of Staff to the Governor, Marufat Adekemi Bello, Permanent Secretary , Ministry of Justice – Femi Ogundun,- Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Local Govt and Chiertincy Affairs, Dr Fritz Mobolaji Olaoye, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Lands and Physical Planning.

Completing the list of the Committee members are Comrade Wasiu Ajadosu, Osun NUJ Council Chairman, Comrade Waheed Lawal, Osun Civil Society Coalition and Comrade Saka Mao, a Public Affairs Analyst

The statement has it that Gov Adeleke, will on Tuesday, the 28th of January, 2025 perform the swearing in ceremony of the 100-member enlarged Ifon, Ilobu, Erin Osun Land Crisis Resolution Committee, at the Multi purpose hall of Local Government Service Commission, State Government Secretariat, Abere Osogbo by 11:00am.

 

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Okpebholo Moves To End Indiscriminate Parking, Gridlock In Edo State

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Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has charged the Managing Director of the Edo State Traffic Control Management Agency (EDSTMA), Engr. Stainless Ijeghede on indiscriminate parking and traffic gridlock, especially in market areas.

According to a statement in Benin City on Friday, by Chief Press Secretary to Edo State Governor, Fred Itua, his principal gave the charge while decorating Ijeghede with his new rank as the head of EDSTMA.

He noted that while addressing the new Managing Director and his personnel at the Exco Chambers in Government House, Gov Okpebholo pointed out that the agency should do its job well by ensuring free flow of traffic across the state.

He called on Ijeghede and men of the agency to ensure they checked indiscriminate parking of vehicles and buses, especially in market areas.

“Edo State belongs to all of us and whatever we are doing, we should do it with care not to harm anybody. I appeal to EDSTMA to ensure that the city is well kept because whenever I drive round town, I see vehicles everywhere as the city is not well kept.

“This is your primary assignment. You should ensure the city is well kept as vehicles park indiscriminately and they are causing obstruction. Traffic is not flowing as it should and it is causing serious gridlock. Is it that you are not doing your job well?

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“Is it that you are not doing your job well or because you have a new leader that is why traffic is not flowing, or because you don’t know your job?

“You people should wake up and keep the state clean. Make sure that vehicles are parked well especially in the market areas. Monitor markets very well as these areas are looking really unkempt with vehicles and buses parked indiscriminately, causing traffic gridlock. Edo people are worst hit. They suffer from this. Ensure free flow of traffic so that the people will be happy,” Governor Okpebholo emphasized.

The EDSTMA boss, thanked Gov Okpebholo for the opportunity to serve the people of Edo State and assured him of the loyalty of the agency.

He added that his men will do their job professionally and ensure that the is free flow of traffic across the state.

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