Today's Headlines: Niger’s military junta cuts ties with Nigeria, France, US; Shettima, Alia Meet Over Food Security Challenge

Niger’s military junta cuts ties with Nigeria, France, US

Niger’s junta has ended all connections including military agreements with France, its former colonial ruler, as international pressure mounts on it to restore democratic order in the country. 

The military rulers also called back home its ambassadors and warned citizens to be wary of foreign armies and spies. 

This was disclosed on the West African country’s television as the delegation dispatched by Nigeria’s President Bola Tinubu met the coup leader, Gen Abdourahmane Tchiani on Thursday. 

Recall that Tinubu as the Chairman of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government sent a delegation led by former military Head of State, Gen Abdulsalam Abubakar to Niger yesterday. 

But, in the announcement, Niger’s junta also cut ties with the United States and Nigeria, as the deadline given by the West African regional bloc will expire in two days. 

The international community is asking Tchiani-led military to release and reinstate ousted President Mohamed Bazoum. 

Bazoum in a plea published in a Washington Post opinion piece said, “I write this as a hostage and urged the U.S. and partners to help.”

But, Niger’s mutinous soldiers made an announcement terminating the military agreements and protocols signed with France and announced the end of functions for Niger’s ambassadors to France, the United States, Togo and neighboring Nigeria, which is leading ECOWAS efforts on dialogue, according to RFI. 

“All aggression or attempt at aggression against the state of Niger will see an immediate response and without warning,” said a spokesman for the coup leaders, Col. Maj. Amadou Abdramane. 

European countries have started the evacuation of their nationals in Niger, as Mali, Burkina Faso and Guinea, expressed support for the coup.

Shettima, Alia Meet Over Food Security Challenge

Photo Credit:The Sun papers

Vice President Kashim Shettima on Thursday met with Governor of Benue State, Hyacinth Alia, at the presidential villa on Thursday, to discuss the country’s food security challenge.

Speaking to State House Correspondents after the meeting, Alia emphasised the need for the Federal Government to prioritise agricultural development in order to achieve food security in Nigeria.

He expressed the importance of the Vice President’s support for Benue State, which is considered the food basket of the nation.

He highlighted the need for increased food production both in Benue State and across the country, recognising that Shettima’s agricultural background can contribute significantly to this endeavor.

It is worth noting that a recent food and nutrition analysis supported by the United Nations revealed that nearly 25 million Nigerians are at risk of hunger due to food insecurity.

Jonathan Mourns Bayelsa Ex-Chief Judge, Abiri

Photo Credit: Thisday Live

Former President Goodluck Jonathan, has expressed sadness over the death of the immediate past Chief judge of Bayelsa State, Hon. Justice Kate Abiri, describing her as a dedicated servant in the temple of justice.

In a condolence message by his Special Adviser, Ikechukwu Eze, to the family of the deceased and the Government of Bayelsa State, Jonathan noted that the deceased left an enble track record of honesty and integrity, adding that the jurist would be sorely missed.

In the message, the former president stated: “I condole with the Abiri and Waritimi families and the Government of Bayelsa State on the demise of the immediate past Chief Judge of Bayelsa State, Hon. Justice Kate Abiri who died on Thursday August 3, 2023.

“Justice Abiri was a jurist with an enble track record of honesty, integrity and steadfastness in the pursuit of truth and justice. She was an incorruptible judge, a symbol of courage, hope and inspiration to many across the country.”

Edo Deputy Gov Stops Move to impeach him

Photo Credit:Punch papers

The Deputy Governor of Edo State, Phillip Shuaibu, has asked a Federal High Court sitting in Abuja to stop the commencement of an impeachment process against him.

In the suit marked: FHC/ABJ/CS/1027/2023, the Inspector General of Police; State Security Service; the Governor of Edo State; the Speaker of Edo State House of Assembly, and the Chief Judge of Edo State are the first, second, third, fourth and fifth defendants respectively.

Shauib is seeking an interlocutory injunction restraining the 3rd, 4th and 5th Defendants/Respondents or their agents from commencing an impeachment process against him.

He also prayed the court to restrain the governor of the state or other person acting on his order from harassing and preventing him from effectively discharging his duties as the deputy governor of the state.

The reliefs read in part, “An order of interlocutory injunction restraining the third Defendant/Respondent whether by himself or his agents or persons acting for and on his behalf from harassing, intimidating, embarrassing and preventing the Plaintiff/Applicant from carrying out the functions of his office as Deputy Governor of Edo State including attending the State Executive Council Meetings/Functions and other duties about his office pending the hearing and determination of the substantive suit.

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