Economy
Nigerian Pro-Democracy Campaigner Plans 50-Day Road Journey Across West Africa: ECOWAS@50
Nigerian Pro-Democracy Campaigner Plans 50-Day Road Journey Across West Africa: ECOWAS@50
Nigerian pro-democracy campaigner plans 50-day road journey across West Africa: ECOWAS@50. A40-year-old Nigerian, Bishir Dauda, plans a 50-day advocacy and solidarity journey across West African countries to celebrate the 50th anniversary of ECOWAS.
Mr Dauda announced his initiative during a visit to the agency’s headquarters in Abuja.
Mr Dauda is a pro-democracy activist, human rights defender, pan-Africanist, and executive director of Citizens Participation Against Corruption Initiatives, a non-governmental organisation.
He described the journey as his unique way of honouring ECOWAS’ golden jubilee. The pan-Africanist highlighted ECOWAS’ remarkable achievements over the past five decades, emphasising the organisation’s resilience and unity in spite of significant challenges.
According to him, any institution that has endured for 50 years while positively impacting nearly 400 million people deserves recognition.
“Over the past 50 years, ECOWAS has transformed from a mere international organisation into a dynamic community with strong institutions and tangible achievements that continue to benefit the region. One major milestone worth celebrating is the removal of visa restrictions, which has facilitated free movement across member states.
“This has boosted trade, education, tourism, and other activities. As a citizen of the ECOWAS community, I see this advocacy journey as an opportunity to express my appreciation for the organisation’s contributions over the past five decades,” he said.
Mr Dauda, who hails from the Katsina State and a graduate of history from the Umaru Yar’Adua University, disclosed that he would begin the journey on April 1 from Lagos State.
The activist said that during his journey, he would engage with ordinary citizens in the countries he visits, gathering their thoughts on ECOWAS and its achievements.
“I will also use this opportunity to debunk the false narrative being spread by some that ECOWAS is merely a puppet of Western powers,” he said.
Mr Dauda added that he would visit key ECOWAS projects, including the ECOWAS Bank for Investment and Development (EBID) in Lomé and the West African Power Pool (WAPP) in Cotonou.
He hopes to also visit the Abidjan-Lagos Highway project and the African Development Bank (AfDB) in Abidjan.
As a committed pan-Africanist, Mr Dauda noted that he would also urge fellow West Africans to appeal to Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger to reconsider their recent withdrawal from ECOWAS.
“I will use this advocacy journey to call on Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger to rethink and reverse their decision to leave ECOWAS. Anyone who is truly passionate about African unity and integration will hope to see these countries return to the bloc.
ECOWAS
“Part of my mission is to send a message to their military governments, urging them to reconsider because regional integration is crucial for our collective progress,” he said.
Mr Dauda also said that the journey was entirely self-funded, with no financial support from any individual or organisation.
According to him, he plans to document his experiences and insights from the trip in a book, aiming to contribute to the advancement of pan-Africanism.
ECOWAS, founded on May 28, 1975, to promote economic integration and political unity in the subregion, has lined up various activities ahead of its 50th-anniversary celebrations in May.
Governor Okpebholo Unveils 3,000 Hectares for Farming in Edo
Governor Okpebholo unveils 3,000 hectares for farming in Edo. The Edo State Government has launched a large-scale farming initiative, starting with the cultivation of 3,000 hectares across the state’s three senatorial districts.
Governor Monday Okpebholo kicked off the project with the clearing of 60 hectares in Iguoriakhi, Ovia South West LGA, as part of efforts to boost food production.
Governor Okpebholo
Okpebholo emphasized that the initiative aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda for food security. He affirmed plans to replicate similar farm settlements in Edo Central and Edo North.
Dr. Osagie Peter, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture, revealed that about 250 farm heads will benefit from the first phase.
The Iguoriakhi Farm Settlement, originally established in 1962 with 2,350 hectares, already hosts permanent crops like oil palm and rubber.
Labour Unions Threaten Strike, Seeks Reversal Of Emergency Rule In Rivers
Labour Unions threaten strike, seeks reversal of Emergency Rule in Rivers. The organised labour has warned of potential nationwide disruptions if the Federal Government does not reverse the state of emergency declared in Rivers State.
In a joint statement, the Rivers State leaders of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Trade Union Congress (TUC), and Joint Negotiation Council (JNC) condemned the emergency rule, calling it illegal and undemocratic.
They argued that suspending Governor Siminalayi Fubara, Deputy Governor Ngozi Odu, and House of Assembly members was unconstitutional and undermined democracy.
The unions also highlighted the financial hardship faced by local government workers, many of whom have not received salaries due to the crisis. They warned that Rivers State’s economic instability could have severe consequences for Nigeria, given its strategic role in the nation’s economy and the Niger Delta region.
NLC
Furthermore, they pointed out that the uncertainty has deterred potential investors, weakening the state’s internally generated revenue (IGR) and affecting job creation.
While acknowledging the need for security, the unions insisted that governance must align with constitutional principles.
They urged the Federal Government to prioritize citizens’ welfare over political interests, warning that continued hardship could escalate tensions and resistance.
Reps: 39 Constitutional Amendment Bills Scale Second Reading
Reps: 39 constitutional amendment bills scale second reading. Thirty-nine constitutional amendment bills have scaled second reading in the House of Representatives. The bills cut across various sectors including judicial reforms, electoral matters security and policing, inclusive governance, legislature, and others.
Some of the proposals include:
A bill for an Act to alter the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999, to provide for the establishment of state police and local government police.
A bill for an Act to alter the provisions of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended), to provide that general elections to the office of the president, state governors, National Assembly, state Houses of Assembly, and local government area councils shall be conducted simultaneously on the same date to be determined by the Independent National Electoral Commission in consultation with the National Assembly.
A bill for an Act to alter the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999, to make the Court of Appeal the final appeal court in governorship, national, and state Houses of Assembly election petitions.
Reps
A bill for an Act to alter the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, cap. c23, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 1999 (power of proclamation of new Assembly by Clerk or NASS/Clerk of House Assembly) and to make provision for the Chief Justice of Niger to make proclamation on the inauguration of National Assembly.
A bill for an Act to alter the provisions of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 to establish the FCT House of Assembly.
A bill for an Act to alter the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as altered), to provide for special seats for the physically challenged persons in Nigeria’s federal, state, and local government areas, and legislative houses.
A bill for an Act to alter the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 to permit public servants to engage in healthcare education, production, and services beyond farming and related matters.
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