Today's Headlines: Protesters Hit Kano Streets to Kick Against ECOWAS Planned Military Intervention in Niger, Tinubu, Soyinka Meet in Aso Villa
Protesters Hit Kano Streets to Kick Against ECOWAS Planned Military Intervention in Niger
Some protesters have stormed major streets of Kano, Northwest region to kick against the proposed military intervention by the Economic Community of West African States under the leadership of the country’s president, Bola Tinubu to resolve the ongoing political crisis in Niger Republic.
Source: Sahara Reporters
SaharaReporters on Friday reported that the African Union Commission had also declared support for the decisions made by ECOWAS in its quest to restore a democratic government in the Republic of Niger following the ousting of President Mohamed Bazoum by soldiers. The AU Commission’s statement came after leaders in the West African regional bloc held a summit in Abuja, Nigeria’s capital to discuss the fallout of the recent coup in Niger.
However, Kano residents on Saturday embarked on the demonstration to show their displeasure at the planned military invasion of the Niger Republic, Daily Trust reports. The demonstrators said that Nigerians and Nigeriens are brothers and that the Nigerian government should not allow Western forces to push them to fight against its neighbors.
Tinubu, Soyinka meet in Aso Villa
President Bola Tinubu and Nobel laureate, Professor Wole Soyinka, have met at the presidential villa, Abuja with the president throwing his weight behind the ‘Heritage Voyage of Return’ initiative aimed at reuniting Afro-descendants with their African roots.
Source: Nigerian Tribune
Speaking at the meeting, which took place on Friday, the president said the program will not only re-awaken the historical awareness of society by bringing back memories of what happened many years ago but will also create economic benefits.
A statement issued on Saturday by Ajuri Ngelale, Special Adviser to the President (Media & Publicity), quoted Tinubu as saying: “Reconnecting Afro-Brazilians with their African roots will be an iconic project that will rekindle our past and light up the spirit of our ancestors. It will re-awaken memories of what happened many years ago. And it is a good thing that this is coming now at a time when we are working on expanding the frontiers of freedom and democracy in Africa.”
War, not a tea party, Nigerians warn Tinubu
Eminent Nigerians and other stakeholders have expressed opposition to the decision of the ECOWAS sub-region to launch a military action in Niger in a bid to restore constitutional order in the country. In their separate reactions, they argued that Nigeria was still grappling with poverty and impoverishment and it would be suicidal to embark on military action in Niger.
Source: Vanguard
Former presidential aspirant and Chairman, of Nigeria Economic Summit, Mazi Sam Ohuabunwa, said that part of the reasons ECOWAS leaders were pushing for war against the military junta in Niger Republic, was to avoid being taken as a toothless bulldog. Mazi Ohuabunwa said, “We must empathize with ECOWAS leaders because they are concerned that if they do not do anything very stern, their seats are not guaranteed as the coup is like a virus; it’s spreading like an epidemic.
“If you don’t halt it, it may consume everybody. They fear that it might happen to any of them, and as leaders: do you want them to fold their hands and watch in hopelessness? “Secondly, they have already gone too far by issuing a threat of possible military intervention, and if they back down now they will become a toothless bulldog, lose face and become a laughingstock of the military junta. “The wind is already blowing in French-speaking West African States. They will do all they can to halt this epidemic sweeping through French-speaking West African States. “But I believe that they, as much as us, understand that war is not a tea party.”
Mbang spoke his mind to power, say, Obasanjo, Eno
Former President, Olusegun Obasanjo; presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi; Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Pastor Umo Eno, and former governor of Akwa Ibom State, Udom Emmanuel, on Friday paid tribute to the late Prelate of the Methodist Church, Nigeria, Sunday Mbang, who was laid to rest in his home town in Eket on Friday.
Source: Punch papers
Speaking during the funeral service held at the Methodist Church Nigeria, Cathedral Eket, Akwa Ibom State, Obasanjo lauded the late Prelate for his frankness in speaking his mind to power.
He credited the ecumenical center built during his tenure at the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, to the late Prelate and CAN President, whose “purposefulness and consistency compelled him to lead a fundraising for the construction of the national Christian Worship Centre and the only cathedral with a revolving altar.” Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Eno, in his remarks, described the late prelate as an embodiment of Christian virtues, an icon of national unity, love, morality, and tolerance.
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