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August 10, 2023

August 10, 2023 IFMNEWS

Niger: ECOWAS Committed To Democracy, Human Rights – President Bola Tinubu

President Bola Tinubu, the Chairperson of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), has emphasised the regional bloc’s dedication to safeguarding democracy and upholding human rights within Niger Republic.

The recent summit at the Presidential Villa in Abuja witnessed the participation of several leaders, including President Julius Maada Bio of Sierra Leone, Umaro Mokhtar Sissoco of Guinea Bissau, President Everiste Ndayishimiye of Burundi, and President Alassane Ouattara of Cote d’Ivoire.

In addressing the situation, the Nigerian President highlighted the importance of ECOWAS engaging with the coup leaders in Niger’s neighbouring country to restore President Mohamed Bazoum to power.

Speaking during the ECOWAS second extraordinary session on the Niger Republic’s situation, held in Abuja on Thursday, Tinubu stated, “Furthermore, to reassert our unwavering commitment to democracy, human rights, and the well-being of Niger’s people, we must prioritise diplomatic negotiations and dialogues as the fundamental elements of our approach.”

He continued, “We need to earnestly engage all parties involved, including the coup leaders, in sincere discussions to persuade them to relinquish authority and reinstate President Bazoum. It’s our responsibility to explore every avenue for engagement to ensure a swift return to constitutional governance in Niger.”

Tinubu stressed that the coup in Niger has implications beyond the nation’s borders, affecting democratically elected governments across the sub-region. He noted, “As leaders of our respective countries, we must realize that the political crisis in Niger not only jeopardises the nation’s stability but also has extensive ramifications for the entire West African region.”

Upholding the principles of democracy, good governance, and the rule of law, Tinubu asserted, can lead to the restoration of peace, stability, and prosperity in Niger, ultimately fostering an environment conducive to growth and development for all.

Following Tinubu’s remarks, the summit proceeded into a closed-door session.

August 10, 2023

August 10, 2023August 10, 2023 IFMNEWS

Mary Odili Refutes Claims Of Influencing Judges In Favor Of Tinubu At Presidential Election Tribunal

Former Supreme Court Justice Mary Peter-Odili Rejects Accusations of Bias in Favor of President Bola Tinubu at Presidential Election Tribunal.

Mary Peter-Odili, a retired Justice of the Supreme Court, has vehemently refuted claims of exerting influence on the Presidential Election Tribunal to support President Bola Tinubu. She firmly denied engaging in any negotiations with the judges overseeing the presidential election petition to tilt the outcome in favour of Tinubu.

These allegations arose from a publication accusing her of "negotiating a pathway for President Bola Tinubu" and holding regular meetings with justices from the Appeal Court and the Supreme Court to further this agenda. In response, the retired judge categorically denounced these assertions as both baseless and false.

In an official statement released by her Media Assistant, Felix Enebeli, the retired justice stressed that the intent behind these allegations was to tarnish her impeccable integrity and unblemished reputation.

The statement reads: "We have become aware of a circulating publication on social media that targets the character of retired Justice Mary Ukaego Peter-Odili. The author, Jackson Ude, has made unfounded and malicious claims, including the false assertion that the esteemed jurist is 'currently negotiating a pathway for Bola Tinubu' and frequently convening with judges from the Appeal and Supreme courts for this purpose.

"We firmly deny every allegation in this publication and emphasise that it is nothing but a fabrication, driven by malice, mischief, and a deliberate intention to undermine her lordship's integrity and well-established reputation.
"It is important to note that beyond the personal harm, this publication has the potential to incite the public on a matter of significant national importance, which we find deeply troubling."

August 10, 2023

August 10, 2023August 10, 2023 IFMNEWS

Kate Henshaw Criticizes Senators For Lavish Holiday Allowances While Nigerians Bear The Tax Burden

Kate Henshaw, a well-respected figure in Nollywood, has voiced a strong opinion about the state of affairs in Nigeria.

She has claimed that the only things making their way into the lives of struggling Nigerians are increased taxes and overwhelming burdens. Henshaw's remarks were prompted by Senate President Godswill Akpabio's recent statement during a plenary session.

Akpabio had initially assured his colleagues that he had sent "prayers" as they embarked on a recess. He added that the Clerk of the National Assembly transferred a small sum to their accounts to facilitate an enjoyable holiday period.

However, the Senate President later retracted his statement, describing the disbursement as "prayers" sent to their "mailboxes."

This move sparked a wave of disapproval, particularly on social media platforms, where many criticised the lawmakers for displaying insensitivity towards the struggles of less privileged Nigerians.

Kate Henshaw didn't hold back her frustration, asserting that the lawmakers seemed to have little concern for the hardships faced by ordinary Nigerians.

She poignantly expressed her discontent, saying, "The only things reaching the mailboxes of Nigerians are more taxes, more burdens to bear, more situations to endure with a forced smile, and more of a 'we don’t care' attitude."

With a touch of sarcasm, she wished the lawmakers a "happy holiday," emphasising that they are meant to serve and relieve their constituents. She concluded her statement with a rhetorical question, "What's the worst that could happen?"

Henshaw's words reflect a sentiment shared by many who feel that the divide between the political elite and the general populace continues to grow. The message is clear: Nigerians seek genuine representation and meaningful change from their elected officials.

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