Politics
PRESIDENT TINUBU CALLS FOR SUSPENSION OF SANCTIONS ON GUINEA, MALI, NIGER, AND BURKINA FASO
PRESIDENT TINUBU CALLS FOR SUSPENSION OF SANCTIONS ON GUINEA, MALI, NIGER, AND BURKINA FASO
President Bola Tinubu has called for the suspension of economic sanctions imposed on Niger, Mali, Burkina Faso, and Guinea by ECOWAS.
Speaking at the Extra-ordinary Summit of ECOWAS in Abuja on Saturday, President Tinubu, who is the Chairman of the Authority of Heads of State and Government of the organization, stated that: “Everything we did was in hopes of persuading our brothers that there existed a better path, a path that would lead to genuine improvement of their people’s welfare through democratic good governance. And this was a path each of our nations had solemnly agreed with one another pursuant to formal regional treaty and protocol.
“However, the sanctions that we contemplated might help lead our brothers to the negotiating table have become a harsh stumbling block. In my mind and heart, that which is hurtful yet ineffective serves no good purpose and should be abandoned.
“ECOWAS was established for the unassailable objective of improving the lives of the people of this region through fraternal cooperation among all member states. This edifice was cemented on the strong foundation and apt conviction that, united as one, we can be the true masters of our destiny.”
The President further explained that ECOWAS took the steps it did based on the regional ideals of security, social stability; democratic governance, political freedom, broad-based prosperity, and sustainable economic development through fair opportunity for each and every one in West Africa.
He said neither hatred nor hidden motive influenced the steps taken and that there was never any intention to douse or undermine the legitimate political aspirations of any member state or to advance the interests of any outside party.
In calling for the suspension of sanctions, President Tinubu stressed that: “We must take note of the approach of the holy month of Ramadan and of Lent. Whether you pray in the mosque or in the church, this represents a time for compassion, hope, and harmony. It is a time that we must not only seek God but also a closer relationship with brother and neighbour.
“In the Spirit of the holy month and of the Lenten period, and with hearts bestirred by goodwill towards all our people, let us extend a hand as brothers and friends to those in Niger, Mali, Burkina Faso, and Guinea.
“What I suggest in real and practical terms is that we, my colleagues and fellow heads of state in ECOWAS, indefinitely suspend economic sanctions against Niger, Mali, Guinea and Burkina Faso and against the leadership of the military authorities in those nations.”
The President asked that ECOWAS facilitate the unfettered flow of foodstuffs, medicines and other humanitarian items to the people of these nations, especially to the most vulnerable, adding that for Nigeria, this will also mean the prompt resumption of export of electric power to Niger.
“In this vein, suspension of sanctions is an important but initial step. What we seek is more than the breaking of the diplomatic logjam. We must use this very moment when things seem tense and progress unavailing, to forge greater cooperation within our community.
“We not only reach out to our brothers. Today, we say unto them — let us begin to work more earnestly together for the economic development of our people and towards confronting those modern challenges that respect no borders or boundaries. Challenges ranging from climate change to violent extremism to illegal pilfering of our precious natural resources require that we join together in progress or we fail separately.
“As leaders of ECOWAS, we have accepted the honour and duty to draft the history of the region and its people during our tenure in office. We have also accepted the honour and duty to reach out to our brothers, letting them know this regional home belongs to us all. I shall do my utmost in this regard. I humbly beseech that you do the same.
“For these reasons, we must suspend sanctions and return to brotherly dialogue. I call on the leadership in Burkina Faso, Guinea, Mali, and Niger to embrace the hand extended,” the President stated.
Chief Ajuri Ngelale
Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity)
February 24, 2024
Politics
Dr. Dolapo Badru Distributes Food Items, Cash Gift, Clothing Materials To Elderly Constituents
We acted to save Edo State – EFCC Justifies Arrest of Edo Accountant-General, others
Sahara Weekly Reports That The arrest of Edo State’s Accountant General, Julius Anelu, and two other top officials was carried out to quickly save state in view of “huge and suspicious from the state treasured by the outgoing administration”.
An impeccable source within the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), which pleaded anonymity informed that the arrests were made to save the state rather than ground the activities of the state.
The EFCC had arrested the Accountant General of Edo State, Julius Anelu, and two other top government officials over alleged financial imprieprieties.
“Out of N24.6bn paid into the government’s account, about N14bn was left within one week after the money was deposited some weeks back., meaning about N10bn has been withdrawn within five working days”
The source added that the EFCC had to quickly move in to to save the state and not to ground its activities as being peddled.
“The amounts withdrawn were huge sums. For instance, about some weeks ago, N24.6bn was paid into that account. But in less than one week, about N14bn was left in the account. To save the state, we had to quickly move in. We are not in any way doing that to ground the state activities, it is actually to save the state,” said the source.
“We have been investigating the governor of the state, Godwin Obaseki, since 2022 but this latest arrest was as a result of huge withdrawals from the state’s derivation account as the Obaseki’s administration is winding down”.
Efforts to get the EFCC’s Head of Media and Publicity, Dele Oyewale, proved abortive as calls to his line were not answered. He has yet to respond to a message sent to him on the matter.
The arrest of the officials came days after the Edo State governor-elect, Monday Okpebholo, had accused the the State Governor, Godwin Obaseki, “of last-minute borrowings and looting.”
In a statement issued on October 16, Okpebholo, called on relevant authorities including the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, Police and Department of State Services to investigate the allegations.
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