Government

Sirleaf, ECOWAS Condemns Violence, Mutiny in Ivory Coast

Published

7 years ago

May 21, 2017

Sirleaf, ECOWAS Condemns Violence, Mutiny in Ivory Coast

The President of Liberia and Chairperson of the Authority of Heads of State and Government of ECOWAS, Mrs. Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, has condemned the uneasy calm in Ivory Coast as a result of the threat of mutinous soldiers in their demand for compensation allegedly promised them by their government.

Sirleaf in a statement issued on behalf of the ECOWAS authority and obtained by journalists yesterday, called on the mutineers to ensure they permanently return to the barracks.

Even though government has reached agreement with the rebel soldiers, she urged them not to repeat the acts of “shootings and threat to civilian lives, remove road blocks which obstruct the free movement of people and conduct of normal commercial activities in cities and towns”.

She renewed the firm commitment of all ECOWAS members to the maintenance of peace and stability in the Community, which are indispensable for achievement of the aspirations of the citizens for development.

The ECOWAS chair further urged mutineers to refill their obligation to protect the citizens of Cote d’Ivoire and to refrain from any actions which could result in further deaths and injuries.

Sirleaf also called on them to “maintain the peace and tranquillity, which Ivorians and citizens of other countries of the West Africa sub-region have enjoyed for many years and continue to work concertedly to preserve”.

In a related development, the Liberian Delegation to the ECOWAS Parliament has outlined series of progress and achievements the country continues to make under the leadership of Sirleaf.

The Liberian legislators, in its 2017 Liberia’s Country Report to the ECOWAS Parliament, highlighted progress made in the country since it presented its last Country Report about seven months ago during the regional body’s Second Ordinary Session in 2016.

This was contained in a release yesterday by the Minister Counselor for Press & Public Affairs of Liberian Embassy, Abuja, Mr. Nat Bayjay.

Bayjay stated that the Montserrado County Representative, Mr. Edwin Melvin Snowe, Jr. read the report on behalf of the Liberian Delegation on Tuesday, May 16, 2017 during the ongoing First Ordinary Session of the ECOWAS Parliament in Abuja.

He said the Liberia’s other members to the ECOWAS Parliament include Senators George Manneh Weah and Prince Yormie Johnson of Montserrado and Nimba Counties respectively. The others are Representatives Jefferson Karmoh of Sinoe County, who is also the Parliament’s Third Deputy Speaker, and Haja Fatta Siryon of Bomi County.

He said the report, among others, discussed progress in the political and security situation, status of the implementation of the Community Texts, ratification of ECOWAS’ Community Protocols and Conventions, implementation of the community programs and the refugee situation in the region.

The Embassy Spokesman said report also touched on the pending electoral process in Liberia, the status of implementation of the ECOWAS Macro-Economic Program as it relates to level of achievement of convergence criteria, the status of implementation of the ECOWAS Infrastructural and Transportation Policies and Programs and sensitization activities carried out by parliamentarians.

On the political situation in the country, he said, the report says Liberia continues to enjoy a peaceful democracy ahead of the October general elections: “There have not been any major political conflicts in terms of violence or crisis.”

The report then outlined progress made already by the National Elections Commission (NEC), including the Commission’s recently released time-table for the electoral progress.

On the Code of Conduct, the report added, “On March 3, 2017, after two years on the dockets of the Supreme Court of Liberia, the [Supreme Court] bench on March 3, 2017, in a 3-2 vote ruled that the Code was constitutional and does not in any way violate any provision of the Constitution”.

On security, the Liberian delegation observes that the country continues to support African solidarity in the area of security as the recipe to regional peace, democracy and good governance.

“Currently, Liberia is contributing troops to ECOWAS’ initiative towards the defense of democracy, peace and security in Mali. Unfortunately, Sergeant Ansu Sheriff of the Liberian Contingent lost his life when their base was attacked wounding other members of his Unit. Liberia also played pivotal role in the peaceful resolution of the Gambian political stalemate that ended peacefully without bloodshed.”

The report said that as head of the Authority of Heads of State and Government of ECOWAS, Liberia is currently leading a peaceful settlement to the ongoing political situation in Guinea Bissau”.

On the regional front, the report noted Liberia’s considerable progress in achieving key deliverables under President Sirleaf as Chairperson of the Authority of Heads of State and Government of ECOWAS.

“Liberia has demonstrated remarkable leadership in addressing some of the critical political, social and economic crises confronting the region. It has supported peace initiatives and political governance in the region. Similarly, it has become a key player in driving the region’s health reform process as well as advancing critical agenda to address and enhance its financial and economic viability.”

The Senegalese and Guinean delegations also presented their respective Country Reports during today’s session of the Fourth Legislature of the ECOWAS Parliament.

The ongoing First Ordinary Session, which opened on the 10th of this month, closes on the 25th of the same month.

Comprising of 115 members from all of the 15 countries of ECOWAS, the Parliament sits in session three times a year with two ordinary sessions in May and September. There may however be an extraordinary session at any time in the course of the year to discuss any urgent and specific agenda.

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Samed Olukoya

Is the CEO/Founder of Investors King Limited. A proven foreign exchange research analyst and a published author on Yahoo Finance, Businessinsider, Nasdaq, Entrepreneur.com, Investorplace, and many more. He has over two decades of experience in global financial markets.

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Government

Netanyahu Stands Firm as US Halts Bomb Shipment Over Rafah Invasion Warning

Published

1 week ago

May 10, 2024

Samed Olukoya

Amidst escalating tensions between Israel and the United States, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has adopted a defiant stance following the US decision to halt a shipment of bombs and warned against Israel’s potential invasion of the southern Gaza city of Rafah.

In a bold statement, Netanyahu declared, “If we have to stand alone, we will stand alone,” emphasizing Israel’s resolve to pursue its objectives despite opposition.

The Prime Minister’s comments, delivered via social media and a subsequent interview with American talk show host Dr. Phil, underscore Israel’s determination to address security threats posed by the Gaza Strip, particularly by Hamas militants operating in Rafah.

Netanyahu reiterated the necessity of military action in Rafah to eliminate the remaining Hamas battalions, condemned Hamas’s history of violence and reiterated Israel’s commitment to achieving victory and ensuring the safety of its citizens.

The US administration, led by President Joe Biden, expressed concerns over the potential humanitarian impact of an Israeli invasion of Rafah, prompting the decision to withhold additional offensive weapons shipments to Israel.

Biden’s statement echoed broader international apprehensions about the escalation of violence and civilian casualties in the conflict-stricken region.

However, Netanyahu remained resolute in Israel’s approach, asserting the country’s right to defend itself against security threats. He emphasized Israel’s efforts to minimize civilian casualties and facilitate the evacuation of civilians from Rafah before any military action.

Despite the US’s decision to pause the bomb shipment, Netanyahu affirmed Israel’s commitment to its longstanding alliance with the US. He acknowledged past disagreements between the two nations but expressed optimism about resolving current tensions through dialogue and cooperation.

In response, White House officials reiterated the US’s support for Israel’s security while urging restraint and emphasizing the need to avoid actions that could exacerbate the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.

The administration clarified that the decision to halt the bomb shipment was aimed at preventing potential civilian casualties in Rafah.

The confrontation between Israel and the US underscores the complexity of navigating regional conflicts and balancing strategic interests. As tensions persist, both nations face the challenge of reconciling their respective security imperatives with broader humanitarian concerns, seeking to avert further escalation while addressing the root causes of the conflict in the Middle East.

Government

EFCC Declares Former Kogi Governor, Yahaya Bello, Wanted Over N80.2 Billion Money Laundering Allegations

Published

4 weeks ago

April 19, 2024

Samed Olukoya

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has escalated its pursuit of justice by declaring former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, wanted over alleged money laundering amounting to N80.2 billion.

In a first-of-its-kind action, the EFCC announced Bello’s wanted status in connection with the alleged embezzlement of funds during his tenure as governor.

The commission, armed with a 19-count criminal charge, accused Bello and his cohorts of conspiring to launder the hefty sum, which was purportedly diverted from state coffers for personal gain.

The declaration of Bello as a wanted fugitive came after a series of failed attempts by the EFCC to effect his arrest.

Despite an ex-parte order from Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court, Abuja, mandating the EFCC to apprehend and produce Bello in court for arraignment, the former governor managed to evade capture with the reported assistance of his successor, Governor Usman Ododo.

This latest development shows the challenges faced by law enforcement agencies in holding powerful individuals accountable for their actions.

However, it also demonstrates the unwavering commitment of the EFCC to uphold the rule of law and ensure that justice is served, irrespective of the status or influence of the accused.

In response to the EFCC’s declaration, the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, issued a stern warning to Bello, stating that fleeing from the law would not resolve the allegations against him.

Fagbemi urged Bello to honor the EFCC’s invitation and cooperate with the investigation process, saying it is important to uphold the rule of law and respect the authority of law enforcement agencies.

The EFCC’s pursuit of Bello underscores the agency’s mandate to combat corruption and financial crimes, sending a strong message that individuals implicated in corrupt practices will be held accountable for their actions.

Government

Concerns Mount Over Security as National Identity Card Issuance Shifts to Banks

Published

1 month ago

April 15, 2024

Samed Olukoya

Amidst the National Identity Management Commission’s (NIMC) recent announcement that the issuance of the proposed new national identity card will be facilitated through applicants’ respective banks, concerns are escalating regarding the security implications of involving financial institutions in the distribution process.

The federal government, in collaboration with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and the Nigeria Inter-bank Settlement System (NIBSS), introduced a new identity card with payment functionality, aimed at streamlining access to social and financial services.

However, the decision to utilize banks as distribution channels has sparked apprehension among industry stakeholders.

Mr. Kayode Adegoke, Head of Corporate Communications at NIMC, clarified that applicants would request the card by providing their National Identification Number (NIN) through various channels, including online portals, NIMC offices, or their respective banks.

Adegoke emphasized that the new National ID Card would serve as a single, multipurpose card, encompassing payment functionality, government services, and travel documentation.

Despite NIMC’s assurances, concerns have been raised regarding the necessity and security implications of introducing a new identity card system when an operational one already exists.

Chief Deolu Ogunbanjo, President of the National Association of Telecoms Subscribers, questioned the rationale behind the new General Multipurpose Card (GMPC), citing NIMC’s existing mandate to issue such cards under Act No. 23 of 2007.

Ogunbanjo highlighted the successful implementation of MobileID by NIMC, which has provided identity verification for over 15 million individuals.

He expressed apprehension about integrating the new ID card with existing MobileID systems and raised concerns about data privacy and unauthorized duplication of ID cards.

Moreover, stakeholders are seeking clarification on the responsibilities for card blocking, replacement, and delivery in case of loss or theft, given the involvement of multiple parties, including banks, in the issuance process.

The shift towards utilizing banks for identity card issuance raises fundamental questions about data security, privacy, and the integrity of the identification process.

With financial institutions playing a pivotal role in distributing sensitive government documents, there are valid concerns about potential vulnerabilities and risks associated with this approach.

As the debate surrounding the security implications of the new national identity card continues to intensify, stakeholders are calling for greater transparency, accountability, and collaboration between government agencies and financial institutions to address these concerns effectively.

The paramount importance of safeguarding citizens’ personal information and ensuring the integrity of the identity verification process cannot be overstated, especially in an era of increasing digital interconnectedness and heightened cybersecurity threats.