Today's Headlines: Tinubu prepares for war in Niger Republic, Seeks Senate Approval; Troops neutralise bandits, free Victims, recovered arms in Sokoto, Katsina
Tinubu Prepares for War in Niger Republic, Seeks Senate Approval
Photo credit: Arise
President Bola Tinubu on Friday, in a letter to the Senate and read at plenary by President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, sought the support of the National Assembly on the proposed military action and other sanctions planned by Economic Community of West Africa States (ECOWAS) against the military officers who recently seized power in Niger Republic.
Soldiers from the Presidential Guard had last Wednesday deposed President Mohamed Bazoum, thus truncating the constitutional political leadership in the West African country.
Two days later, the soldiers named General Abdourahamane Tchiani as the new leader of the country, with Tchiani warning against any foreign military intervention.
President Tinubu, who is also the Chairman of ECOWAS, had on Sunday met with some fellow ECOWAS leaders and they agreed on appropriate ways to restore democracy in Niger.
As part of the resolutions of the extraordinary summit of the regional bloc, ECOWAS said it would explore “all measures necessary” to restore democratic governance in Niger, including “the use of force.”
President Tinubu, in his letter to the Senate on Friday, notified them of the decisions of the ECOWAS leaders.
In the letter titled, “Request for support in the implementation of the resolutions of ECOWAS on the political situation in Niger Republic”, Tinubu said, “I present my modest compliments to the Distinguished Senate President and have the honour to inform you that following the unfortunate political situation in Niger, culminating in the overthrow of the administration of President Bazoum, ECOWAS under my leadership condemned the coup in its entirety and resolved alongside other members of the international community, to seek the return of the democratically elected government in Niger.
Photo credit || Google
Troops neutralise bandits, free victims, recover arms in Sokoto, Katsina
Photo credit: Punch papers
The Nigerian Army said on Friday that troops of tion Hadarin Daji have neutralised more bandits, rescued kidnapped victims, recovered items, and destroyed bandits’ hideouts in some states in the North-West.
A post on its verified Twitter handle partly read, “On 3rd August 2023, armed bandits attempted to infiltrate and attack Isa LGA of Sokoto State, while the vigilant troops deployed in Forward ting Base, Isa, responded swiftly and repelled the attack with superior firepower, which forced the bandits to flee with gunshot wounds as traces of blood stains were seen on their routes during the pursuit.
“Similarly, troops of Team 8 of Sector 3, tion Hadarin Daji, deployed in Sabon Birni in Sokoto State conducted clearance operations, discovered and destroyed bandits’ hideouts at Kusabunni Forest, Tafkin Gawo, Alumdawa, Ungwar Mailele and Malamawa villages in Sokoto State. However, bandits fled and abandoned their hideouts before the arrival of the troops.
“Items recovered from the bandits hideouts are three motorcycles, three AK-47 magazines, and ammunition. Others include varieties of pairs of both military and foreign camouflage uniforms, including police uniform, and a radio.”
Nigeria’s Northern Senators Reject Military Intervention in Niger
Photo credit: Arise
Senators from the 19 northern states of Nigeria on Friday warned ECOWAS against any military actions in the Republic of Niger.
The Spokesperson for the Northern Senators Forum, Suleiman Kawu Sumaila said, “We, the Northern Senators of the Northern Senators Caucus of the 10th Senate under the leadership of Senator Abdul Ningi, note with concern and condemn in its entirety the unfortunate development in Niger Republic, where the military forcefully upstaged a democratically elected government of President Mohammed Bazoum.
“The Northern Senators also take cognizance of the efforts of the ECOWAS leaders under the chairmanship of our Dear President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, in resolving the situation in Niger Republic. The emphasis, however, should be on political and diplomatic means to restore democratic government in Niger Republic.
“We also take exception to the use of military force until other avenues as mentioned above are exhausted as the consequences will be casualties among the innocent citizens who go about their daily business.
“Besides, about seven northern states who share border with Niger Republic namely Sokoto, Kebbi, Katsina, Zamfara, Jigawa, Yobe and Borno will be negatively affected.
“We are also aware of the situation in Mali, Burkina Faso and Libya, which may affect the seven Northern states, if military force is used. There is serious implication for our country, if military force is used without exhausting all diplomatic channels.”
Labour Party Tasks Tinubu On Power Sector Challenges
Photo Credit: Vanguard papers
The Labour Party in Lagos State has urged President Bola Tinubu to urgently address all the problems militating against a stable electricity supply in the country.
The Labour Party added that improving the supply of electricity in both urban and rural areas would further reduce the hardship encountered due to the removal of fuel subsidies in the country.
avage (
)
