Uncategorized
Nigeria supports calls for direct election for ECOWAS Parliamentarians
Senate President Ahmad Lawan has said that Nigeria was in support of the calls for an electoral arrangement that will provide direct election for representations at the West African regional parliament.
This is contained in a statement issued by Mr Ola Awoniyi, Lawan’s Special Adviser on Media.
Lawan made the call when he hosted Seini Oumarou, the Speaker of the National Assembly of the Republic of Niger, in Abuja.
“We are in support of creating an ECOWAS Parliament that has members that will be directly elected into the parliament so that the ordinary people will have a complete attachment with those that represent them in ECOWAS Parliament.”
Lawan said the current arrangement, in which parliament from each member-country sends representations, was working.
“But we hope that there will be an improvement over the arrangement to ensure that the ECOWAS sub-region is in such a manner and form that our Parliament, when it sits, will be giving us resolutions that will be useful in every part of the ECOWAS countries.”
The Senate President, who told his guest that the ECOWAS Parliament was truly representatives of the people in the sub-region, urged other parliaments in the sub-region to continually support the ECOWAS Parliament to perform its functions.
Lawan said Nigeria and Niger had a very long history of relations which dated back to pre-independence period adding that the peoples in the two countries share many things in common.
“A formal relationship was established in 1960 and we cherish this very good relation.
“The affinity between our two countries is very deep and we really cherish that. We take it very seriously that we will continue to be good neighbours,” Lawan said.
The Senate President also spoke on the bilateral cooperation and some key projects like the rail project initiated to facilitate trade and economic activities between the two countries.
Lawan also expressed his appreciation on the effort, cooperation and support of the Republic of Niger on the multilateral relations such as the involvement in the Multinational Joint Task Force to fight insurgency in the Lake Chad Region,
“We believe that together we can finish the insurgency in our region. We should continue to be determined that this war with insurgents is something our countries can win and that we will continue to support each other,” he said.
Earlier, the visiting Speaker of the National Assembly of the Republic of Niger said he and his delegation were on a courtesy visit to the National Assembly.
He said that it was imperative to explore the good relationship between Nigeria and Niger to the betterment of the two peoples,
By: Fabian Apechihin
U.S. President Donald Trump has said he is “not a big fan” of Pope Leo XIV, following the pontiff’s recent calls for peace amid rising global tensions.
Speaking to reporters, Trump described the pope as “very liberal” and criticised his stance on security and foreign policy, particularly in relation to Iran. (https://www.kwtx.com)
The remarks came shortly after Pope Leo urged world leaders to end violence and avoid escalating conflicts. During an address at St. Peter’s Basilica, he condemned war and called for restraint, warning against what he described as growing global instability. (Vatican News)
Trump reiterated his criticism on social media, stating he did not support a pope who, in his view, appeared soft on issues like nuclear threats.
Despite the sharp comments, both the White House and the Holy See have recently downplayed reports of a serious rift, maintaining that relations remain cordial.
Tensions between the two sides have, however, been building over key issues, including U.S. foreign policy, immigration, and the use of military force. The pope has consistently called for dialogue and peaceful resolution, while Trump has defended a more hardline approach.
The exchange highlights a rare and growing public disagreement between a U.S. president and the leader of the Catholic Church.
The Nigerian military is facing scrutiny after an airstrike by the Air Component of Operation Hadin Kai reportedly hit a market area, leaving dozens feared dead.
According to a military statement, the operation targeted Jilli, described as a stronghold of Boko Haram, located in Gubio Local Government Area of Borno State.
However, officials confirmed that civilians from Yobe State—particularly from Geidam Local Government Area—who had travelled to the Jilli weekly market for trading activities were among those affected.
The injured victims were reportedly evacuated to a specialist hospital in Geidam, where they are currently receiving treatment.
The incident has sparked widespread concern and condemnation. Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar described the strike as a tragic mistake and called for a thorough investigation and accountability.
The development has renewed concerns over civilian casualties linked to military operations, as authorities continue to assess the situation and investigate the circumstances surrounding the strike.
Tension has risen following the arrest of a 15-year-old suspect by troops of Operation Hadin Kai over his alleged role in a deadly attack in Borno State.
The suspect, identified simply as Tijjani, was reportedly apprehended on Sunday while on his way to purchase food for members of his group.
Military sources linked him to the attack that led to the killing of Oseni Braimah and three other soldiers. Braimah, who commanded the 29 Task Force Brigade under Operation Hadin Kai, was killed during an assault on a military base by suspected Boko Haram insurgents.
In a video circulating online, the suspect said he was arrested in Ngamdu and admitted participating in attacks on Benisheik and Ngamdu.
He claimed that his group operated from Jilli, where they regrouped after attacks. According to him, he had been sent with a large sum of money to procure logistics before his arrest.
Authorities are yet to issue an official statement regarding the development.
The Philippines cannot pursue contradictory paths
From underdog to contender: China’s motorcycle breakthrough signals industrial advancement
Trump Says He’s ‘Not a Fan’ of Pope Leo After Anti-War Remarks
-
Uncategorized5 years agoFG, states urged to harness flooding for ranching, others with technology – Agbaje
-
Headlines10 years agoBreaking: EFCC seals Borno House of Assembly, as Hon members take to their heels
-
News12 years agoNigeria Security Operatives Stage Manhunt For Homosexual Perpetrator
-
News9 years agoHow 21-year-old Girl fled community over accusation of lesbianism
-
News10 years agoYobe Gov Moves Against Deputy
-
Opinion7 years ago7 signs she has friend zoned you
-
Technology5 years ago
Online job placement company headhunts women
-
Headlines10 years agoBorno Dep Gov Abducts Another Church Leader