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Buratai Reveals Why President Tinubu Should Use Diplomatic, Military Options in Niger

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Buratai Reveals Why President Tinubu Should Use Diplomatic, Military Options in Niger

Buratai Reveals Why President Tinubu Should Use Diplomatic, Military Options in Niger

 

The former Chief of Army Staff, Lt. General TY Buratai Rtd who is arguably the leading security expert in Africa has revealed that the implications of the ugly trend in Niger Republic are not only crucial to ECOWAS but most importantly to Nigeria. 

 

 

Buratai Reveals Why President Tinubu Should Use Diplomatic, Military Options in Niger

The former Chief of Army Staff, Lt. General TY Buratai Rtd who is arguably the leading security expert in Africa has revealed that the implications of the ugly trend in Niger Republic are not only crucial to ECOWAS but most importantly to Nigeria. 

Buratai, who delivered a timely security report days before the coup d'etat on why African Leaders should labelled coup as organized crime, opined that if Nigeria does not act decisively about the military intervention in Niger, the consequences will be more damaging to it. 

"The implications of the events in Niger Republic are very crucial to ECOWAS, especially Nigeria. If Nigeria does not act decisively, the consequences will be more damaging to it. Of all the West African countries,  Niger Republic is the most strategic to Nigeria. Niger Republic as Nigeria’s northern neighbour is very important.  It is the only country bordering 7 states. Her economy, despite the French influence, is intricately tied to Nigeria."

According to him, Nigeria's credentials for democracy could be called to question if the coup is not checkmated, and democracy restored.

"The coup in Niger if not checkmated and democracy restored, Nigeria’s credentials on democracy could be called to question. Equally, it could have implications for democracy at home. The fuel subsidy removal in Nigeria is not only biting in Nigeria but also in all our neighbouring countries."

Thus, Buratai agrees with President Bola Tinubu as ECOWAS chairman to use both diplomatic and military options in resolving the ugly situation in the Niger Republic.

"Both diplomatic and military options should be pursued at the same time. Nigeria must take the lead in stabilizing the region. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu started very well. We should support his initiatives.  Military regimes had done more damage to Africa's development than civilian administrations. Most military coups were always instigated from outside the country or had strong external influence. African democratic leaders must be responsive to the needs of their citizens"

It would be recalled that President Tinubu has sought the support of the Senate on the decision of ECOWAS including military intervention to restore democracy in the neighbouring country.

President Mohamed Bazoum was detained and overthrown on July 26 by his own guard, in the region’s third putsch in as many years following takeovers in neighbouring Mali and Burkina Faso.

The regional body had given the Niger military a week from Sunday to reinstate ousted President Mohamed Bazoum or face harder sanctions.

Tinubu’s letter read, “Following the unfortunate political situation in the Niger Republic culminating in the overthrow of its President, ECOWAS under my leadership condemned the coup in its entirety and resolved to seek the return of the democratically elected govt.

“In a bid to restore peace, ECOWAS convened a meeting and came out with a communique.

“Closure and monitoring of all land borders with the Niger Republic and reactivating of the border drilling exercise. Cutting off Electricity supply to the Niger Republic

“Mobilizing international support for the implementation of the provisions of the ECOWAS communique, preventing the operation of commercial and special flights into and from Niger Republic, blockade of goods in transit to Niger especially from Lagos and eastern seaports.

“Embarking on sensitization of Nigerians and Nigerians on the imperative of these actions, particularly via social media. Military build-up and deployment of personnel for military intervention to enforce compliance of the military junta in Niger should they remain recalcitrant

Buratai, who delivered a timely security report days before the coup d’etat on why African Leaders should labelled coup as organized crime, opined that if Nigeria does not act decisively about the military intervention in Niger, the consequences will be more damaging to it. 

 

“The implications of the events in Niger Republic are very crucial to ECOWAS, especially Nigeria. If Nigeria does not act decisively, the consequences will be more damaging to it. Of all the West African countries,  Niger Republic is the most strategic to Nigeria. Niger Republic as Nigeria’s northern neighbour is very important.  It is the only country bordering 7 states. Her economy, despite the French influence, is intricately tied to Nigeria.”

 

According to him, Nigeria’s credentials for democracy could be called to question if the coup is not checkmated, and democracy restored.

 

“The coup in Niger if not checkmated and democracy restored, Nigeria’s credentials on democracy could be called to question. Equally, it could have implications for democracy at home. The fuel subsidy removal in Nigeria is not only biting in Nigeria but also in all our neighbouring countries.”

 

Thus, Buratai agrees with President Bola Tinubu as ECOWAS chairman to use both diplomatic and military options in resolving the ugly situation in the Niger Republic.

 

“Both diplomatic and military options should be pursued at the same time. Nigeria must take the lead in stabilizing the region. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu started very well. We should support his initiatives.  Military regimes had done more damage to Africa’s development than civilian administrations. Most military coups were always instigated from outside the country or had strong external influence. African democratic leaders must be responsive to the needs of their citizens”

 

It would be recalled that President Tinubu has sought the support of the Senate on the decision of ECOWAS including military intervention to restore democracy in the neighbouring country.

 

President Mohamed Bazoum was detained and overthrown on July 26 by his own guard, in the region’s third putsch in as many years following takeovers in neighbouring Mali and Burkina Faso.

 

The regional body had given the Niger military a week from Sunday to reinstate ousted President Mohamed Bazoum or face harder sanctions.

 

Tinubu’s letter read, “Following the unfortunate political situation in the Niger Republic culminating in the overthrow of its President, ECOWAS under my leadership condemned the coup in its entirety and resolved to seek the return of the democratically elected govt.

 

“In a bid to restore peace, ECOWAS convened a meeting and came out with a communique.

 

“Closure and monitoring of all land borders with the Niger Republic and reactivating of the border drilling exercise. Cutting off Electricity supply to the Niger Republic

 

“Mobilizing international support for the implementation of the provisions of the ECOWAS communique, preventing the operation of commercial and special flights into and from Niger Republic, blockade of goods in transit to Niger especially from Lagos and eastern seaports.

 

“Embarking on sensitization of Nigerians and Nigerians on the imperative of these actions, particularly via social media. Military build-up and deployment of personnel for military intervention to enforce compliance of the military junta in Niger should they remain recalcitrant

Sahara weekly online is published by First Sahara weekly international. contact saharaweekly@yahoo.com

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Power, Protocol, and Papal Grace: The Inside Story of How It All Went Down in Rome By Bianca Ojukwu

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Power, Protocol, and Papal Grace: The Inside Story of How It All Went Down in Rome By Bianca Ojukwu

There’s something about the Vatican that strips away titles and trappings. In the shadows of St. Peter’s Basilica, under the searing Roman sun, global leaders, power players, and everyday pilgrims become equals—bound by reverence and ritual.

Power, Protocol, and Papal Grace: The Inside Story of How It All Went Down in Rome By Bianca Ojukwu

I should know. I was there.

On my last trip to the Vatican—during the funeral of Pope Francis just weeks earlier—I had witnessed something unforgettable. As President Donald Trump arrived and a crowd of dignitaries swarmed to greet him, a sharply-dressed, no-nonsense priest cut through the noise with a firm:

Scusi. This is St. Peter’s Basilica, not the White House. Kindly take your seats.

Boom. Order restored. And a reminder: here, no one upstages the moment.

So when I returned for the Installation Mass of Pope Leo XIV, I knew I’d be witnessing not just history, but human theater—with the Nigerian delegation right in the mix.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, leading the delegation, arrived in good time—early enough to soak in the atmosphere, greet dignitaries, and observe the ancient rites. As we settled into the square, I spotted Peter Obi and Kayode Fayemi, former governors and political heavyweights, already seated. After the President had taken his place, I went over to greet them—and in a rare gesture of statesmanship, they chose to accompany me to pay their respects to the President.

What followed was a surprisingly warm and humorous exchange. Far from the icy tensions back home, Tinubu welcomed them with ease, smiling, laughing, and trading quips like old friends reunited at a family function. They soon returned to their seats—but that moment, however brief, spoke volumes about what’s possible in Nigerian politics when the ego is set aside.

But Rome doesn’t care who you are. The sun showed no favoritism. Under the blazing Vatican heat, everyone—presidents, pilgrims, priests—sat exposed. The square is merciless. People faint. They’re carried off in stretchers. It’s part of the experience.

One man, seated directly in front of me, collapsed mid-Mass. Paramedics were far off, and panic briefly rippled through the crowd—until Seyi Tinubu, the President’s son, leapt into action. He darted to the vestibule and returned with a cold bottle of water that was used to revive the man before medics arrived.

Meanwhile, the President—stoic and composed—sat through the entire three-hour liturgy, standing and kneeling as required, skipping only Communion. Afterward, he lingered. He chatted with Nigerian priests, seminarians, posed for selfies, and shared laughs, showing none of the fatigue one might expect.

And oh—that suit.

Tailored to perfection, the President’s power suit turned heads across the square. The cut, the stride, the confidence—it was presidential flair meeting ecclesiastical ceremony. He walked up to greet the new pontiff with grace and gravitas.

So yes, Vatican ’25 wasn’t just a religious event—it was a convergence of power, humility, diplomacy, and humanity.

From protocol to personal moments, this was history not just witnessed, but lived.

And for those of us lucky enough to be there, one thing is clear:
In Rome, you don’t just attend a Mass. You become part of a moment that echoes through eternity.

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Ngozi Okafor Unleashes a Wave of Youth Energy Through Transformative TV Content

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Ngozi Okafor Unleashes a Wave of Youth Energy Through Transformative TV Content

Ngozi Okafor Unleashes a Wave of Youth Energy Through Transformative TV Content

Renowned organizational psychologist, author, and international youth mentor, Ngozi Okafor, has unveiled a new line of inspirational television programs aimed at educating, empowering, and guiding the Nigerian youth. With over two decades of experience in youth development across the UK, USA, and Nigeria, Ngozi is bringing her message of hope and transformation directly to the screens of millions of young Nigerians.

The new programs, set to debut in the coming weeks, will focus on themes such as self-discovery, entrepreneurship, leadership, financial literacy, and mental wellness. Designed to bridge the gap between information and real-life application, each episode will feature stories of resilience, expert insights, and practical advice to help young people navigate life with clarity and confidence.

“Our young people are gifted, but many are simply not guided,” said Ngozi Okafor. “These programs are my way of reaching out—to say, ‘I see you, I believe in you, and here are tools to help you build your future.’ It’s not just about being on TV. It’s about starting conversations that lead to transformation.”

Ngozi’s journey in youth empowerment has spanned four continents, beginning in the UK with Hope Worldwide International, supporting vulnerable and homeless youth. In Atlanta, USA, she worked with Junior Achievers, leading business and leadership simulation programs, while also engaging youth in community service through initiatives like Meals on Wheels.

Back in Nigeria, Ngozi’s voice became familiar to thousands through Youth Arena on Armed Forces Radio 107.7 FM, a program that partnered with the Central Bank of Nigeria to teach financial literacy to young Nigerians through engaging broadcasts and workbooks.

Beyond media, Ngozi has directly supported more than 50 young entrepreneurs by providing startup resources such as sewing machines, baking ovens, and seed funding. Her work reflects a lifelong mission: turning inspiration into action.

“This TV project is more than content—it’s a movement,” she added. “We are building a generation that is self-aware, skilled, and ready to lead. And we’re doing it one story, one screen, and one young person at a time.”

Ngozi Okafor’s upcoming television programs promise to fill a critical void in youth development programming and are expected to air on both national and regional networks. Additional details about scheduling and partnerships will be announced soon.

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Peter Obi Breaks Silence on Rome Visit Amid Smears and Propaganda Storm

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Peter Obi Breaks Silence on Rome Visit Amid Smears and Propaganda Storm

Presidential hopeful and former Anambra State Governor, Mr. Peter Obi, has calmly addressed a wave of politically charged misinformation following his recent visit to the Vatican, where he attended an inauguration ceremony. The backlash, largely fanned by known government allies Femi Fani-Kayode, Reno Omokri, and Omoyele Sowore, misrepresented the nature of his visit and falsely accused him of refusing to “pay homage” to the Pope until a supposed presidential intervention.

Peter Obi Breaks Silence on Rome Visit Amid Smears and Propaganda Storm

Contrary to the sensational headlines, Mr. Obi clarified that he did not meet the Pope, nor was such a meeting on his agenda. “I bought my own ticket and traveled for what I believe is a personal, non-political trip,” he told a close confidant in Abuja before departing. Emphasizing his commitment to modesty, Obi disclosed that he flew economy class, adding, “It’s the difference between business class and economy that I use for donations to build classrooms.”

Obi’s visit to Rome mirrored his past trips to the Vatican, including the 2013 inauguration of Pope Francis. A Papal Knight and longstanding Catholic faithful, Mr. Obi is no stranger to such events. This time, he traveled alongside former Ekiti State Governor Dr. Kayode Fayemi, both of whom held official passes granting them VIP access. They also paid a visit to Cardinal Francis Arinze, a 90-year-old Nigerian cleric and longtime Vatican figure — an act Obi has made a tradition of during such visits.

The criticisms have drawn widespread rebuke, with many questioning why a man known for self-funding his travels and donating millions to health and education continues to face political smears, while those squandering public funds remain unchallenged. Obi’s quiet return to Nigeria was followed, as usual, by school and hospital visits — the kind of grassroots outreach that has cemented his reputation as a man of service, not spectacle.

As misinformation continues to plague Nigeria’s political discourse, observers are calling for a return to truth and substance. “Enough of the lies. Enough of the propaganda. The truth has no tribe,” said a supporter who met with Obi before his Rome trip.

In an era of performative politics, Obi’s response has once again underscored his consistent message: humility, service, and transparency over noise.

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