Today's Headlines: Coup supporters protest near French base in Niger, Obasanjo, Eno, Emmanuel Pay Tributes To Mbang
Coup supporters protest near French base in Niger
Photo Credit: Punch papers
Thousands of coup supporters rallied near a French military base in Niger on Friday, a day after West African leaders said they would muster a “standby” force in their efforts to reinstate the country’s deposed leader.
Fears also mounted for elected President Mohamed Bazoum, who was ousted by members of his guard on July 26, with reports saying his detention conditions were deteriorating.
Protesters near the base on the outskirts of the capital Niamey shouted “down with France, down with ECOWAS”, a reference to the West African bloc which on Thursday approved deployment of a “standby force to restore constitutional order”.
Many brandished Russian and Niger flags and yelled their support for the country’s new strongman, General Abdourahamane Tiani.
“We are going to make the French leave! ECOWAS isn’t independent, it’s being manipulated by France,” said one demonstrator, Aziz Rabeh Ali, a member of a students’ union.
Obasanjo, Eno, Emmanuel Pay Tributes To Mbang
Photo Credit: Independent Nigeria
UYO – Former President Olusegun Obasanjo on Friday joined the Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Mr Umo Eno and his predecessor Udom Emmanuel to pay last respect to the late Prelate Emeritus of Methodist Church Nigeria, Dr Sunday Mbang.
At the obsequies held at His Eminence Mbang Methodist Cathedral, Eket, Akwa Ibom State.
Governor Eno, who led other dignitaries across the country to bid farewell to the late Prelate, described the deceased as a man of deep faith.
Governor Eno said the Late Mbang saw the ennobling ideals in other faiths, lived the aspiration of Nigeria and showed himself a great patriot who considered the character and principles of those who came in contact with him, over the limiting impulses of geography.
The Governor, therefore expressed the deep condolences of the government and people of the State to the family and entire Methodist community, reminiscing the life and times of the departed Prelate Emeritus with glowing tributes.
Niger Coup: Pull Nigeria Out Of ECOWAS Instead Of Allowing U.S., France Push You To Unnecessary War, Orji Kalu Tells Tinubu
Photo Credit: Sahara Reporters
The former governor of Abia State and Senator representing Abia North Senatorial District, Senator Orji Uzor Kalu, has advised President Bola Tinubu to withdraw Nigeria’s membership from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) instead of allowing the US and France to push him to what he described as unnecessary military action against the junta in the Niger Republic.
Senator Kalu said this on Thursday while reacting to ECOWAS’ declaration of the deployment of a standby force against the junta after the bloc’s emergency summit held in Abuja, Nigeria’s capital.
Senator Kalu in an interview he posted on his Facebook page, said the US and France want Nigeria to go to war with the Niger Republic military leaders. He, however, advised President Tinubu to disregard the wish of the Western countries.
According to the former Senate Minority Whip, going to war is not the right course of action for ECOWAS and Nigeria in particular.
Plateau Killings: Murder Of 21 Persons Barbaric, Condemnable – Bagos
Photo Credit: Independent Nigeria
JOS – A two-term federal lawmaker representing Jos South/Jos East Federal Constituency at House of the Representatives, Honourable Dachung Musa Bagos, has condemned in its totality, the killing of 21 persons on Thursday morning at Heipang Barkin Ladi Local Government of Plateau State.
Bagos, who is the Chairman House of Representatives Committee on Science and Technology, in a press statement made available to DAILY INDEPENDENT in Jos on Friday, described the killings by the suspected bandits as barbaric and condemnable.
According to Bagos, he wonders how innocent and peaceful Plateau citizens are being killed while sleeping in the night without the Perpetrators being apprehended is unacceptable by People of good conscience.
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