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JUST IN: President Tinubu Emerges ECOWAS Chairman

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President Bola Tinubu has emerged as the new Chairman of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).

“We will take democracy seriously, Democracy is very tough but it is the best form of government,” he said upon his emergence on Sunday in Guinea-Bissau.

Tinubu succeeds President Umaro Embalo of Guinea Bissau as ECOWAS chair.

Tinubu’s emergence was announced at the 63rd Ordinary Session of the Authority of Heads of State and Government of ECOWAS.

The 63rd Ordinary Session summit was the first engagement of the President within the African continent since he assumed office on May 29, 2023.

Tinubu, who is the latest entrant into the exclusive club of Heads of State in West Africa, pledged to bear the responsibility of the office and run an inclusive administration of the regional organisation.

The Nigerian leader, however, warned that the threat to peace in the sub-region had reached an alarming proportion with terrorism and an emerging pattern of military takeover that now demand urgent and concerted actions.

He said insecurity and creeping terrorism were stunting the progress and development of the region.

Tinubu called for a collective action from member-states, pledging that under his leadership, frameworks would be harmonized to actualise the dreams of ECOWAS.

“On peace and security, the threat has reached an alarming level, and needs urgent actions in addressing the challenges. Indeed, without a peaceful environment, progress and development in the region will continue to remain elusive. In this regard, we must remain committed to the utilisation of all regional frameworks at our disposal to address the menace of insecurity,” Tinubu said, according to a statement by his spokesman, Dele Alake.

The President noted that ECOWAS had developed a security architecture, which “covers a wide range of areas that involved kinetic and non-kinetic operations, including preventive diplomacy. There is also the Regional Plan of Action on Fight against Terrorism 2020-2024 as well as the operationalisation of the ECOWAS Standby Force on Fight Against Terrorism.

“I will ensure that we immediately harmonize these plans and mobilize resources as well as the political will towards the actualisation of the initiatives. As terrorists do not respect boundaries, we must work collectively to have an effective regional counterterrorism measure,” he further stated.

While decrying the emerging pattern of coup d’etat in West Africa where soldiers have truncated the popular mandate, Tinubu charged ECOWAS to stand firm in defence of democracy.

“We must stand firm on democracy. There is no governance, freedom and rule of law without Democracy. We will not accept coup after coup in West Africa again. Democracy is very difficult to manage but it is the best form of government.

“There is no one here among us who did not campaign to be a leader. We didn’t give our soldiers resources, we didn’t invest in them, in their boots, in their training to violate the freedom of the people. To turn their guns against civil authorities is a violation of the principles upon which they were hired, which is, to defend the sovereignty of their nations. We must not sit in ECOWAS as toothless bulldogs,” the President warned.

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Kogi’s Ododo Tasks Officials on Grassroots Engagement, Clears N98.8bn Debt

“Governor Ododo is driving a government that listens, learns, and leads from the grassroots. His directive on Made-in-Kogi fabrics is a strategic move to grow our economy and export our identity,” Fanwo said.

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Kogi State Governor, Ahmed Usman Ododo has charged government officials to remain close to the grassroots and ensure constant engagement with the people, noting that such connection is key to responsive governance.

Also in a separate briefing, the Commissioner for Finance, Budget and Economic Planning, Mukadam Asiwaju Asiru Idris, announced that within just 15 months, the Ododo administration has fully liquidated N98.8 billion in debts inherited from previous administrations.

“We are in government to serve the people, and that means staying connected to their needs and aspirations,” said Ododo during the Kogi State Executive Council meeting held today at the EXCO Hall, Government House, Lokoja.

LOCAL PATRONAGE

As part of efforts to boost the local economy, the Governor also directed all government officials to wear Made-in-Kogi fabrics as a show of support for indigenous industries.

He encouraged the citizens to take pride in local products and lead a cultural and economic renaissance from within.

Briefing journalists after the meeting, the Commissioner for Information and Communications, Hon. Kingsley Femi Fanwo, said the administration is committed to making governance more visible and impactful.

“Governor Ododo is driving a government that listens, learns, and leads from the grassroots. His directive on Made-in-Kogi fabrics is a strategic move to grow our economy and export our identity,” Fanwo said.

On infrastructure, Fanwo disclosed that the perimeter fencing at the Confluence University of Science and Technology (CUSTECH), Osara is 90 percent completed, while both male and female hostels have been completed and are already housing students.

Similar projects at the Kogi State University, Kabba, are progressing satisfactorily.

As part of efforts to boost the local economy, the Governor also directed all government officials to wear Made-in-Kogi fabrics as a show of support for indigenous industries

To improve public safety, the Council also approved a bill to restrict the movement of heavy trucks during peak hours.

Another bill was approved for the establishment of the Kogi State Agency for Climate Change as part of a forward-thinking response to global environmental challenges.

STATE‘s DEBT BREAKDOWN

Regarding the paid state debt, he said:

“The breakdown includes: • N8 billion in bonds from the Idris Wada administration. • N50.8 billion salary bailout from the last administration. • N10 billion ECA-backed infrastructure loan. • N15 billion infrastructure loans from Zenith Bank and another N15 billion from UBA Plc.”

“This is a landmark achievement. His Excellency Governor Ododo has demonstrated fiscal discipline and commitment to economic recovery.

Within 15 months, we have cleared N98.8 billion in inherited debt,” Idris said.

He added that Fitch Ratings has upgraded Kogi State’s credit rating from ‘B-’ to ‘B’, with a stable outlook, citing prudent financial management.

As of September 30, 2024, the state’s debt profile stands at N40.5 billion, placing it on a strong path to debt sustainability.

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FG Declares June 6, 9 Holidays To Mark Eid-Ul-Adha

This was announced by the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, in a statement issued on behalf of the Federal Government on Monday.

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The Federal Government has declared Friday, June 6, and Monday, June 9, 2025, as public holidays to mark this year’s Eid-ul-Adha celebration.

This was announced by the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, in a statement issued on behalf of the Federal Government on Monday.

The minister congratulated all Muslims in Nigeria and the Diaspora on the occasion, urging the Ummah to continue to embody the spirit of sacrifice, obedience, and faith as demonstrated by Prophet Ibrahim (Peace be upon Him).

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I use my popularity to elevate PDP in Rivers, what did you do in Lagos?– Wike criticises Bode George

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Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Nyesom Wike, has reacted over the recent comments by Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) stalwart, Bode George, asserting that his own efforts brought prominence and electoral success to the party, rather than the other way around.

Speaking during his monthly media briefing in Abuja on Monday, Wike responded to George’s claim that the PDP had made him a nationally recognized figure.

The former Rivers State governor acknowledged the role the party played in his rise, but maintained that it was his own work and influence that led to tangible victories for the PDP particularly where others, including George, had failed.

“It’s true the party gave me a platform,” Wike said.“But platforms don’t win elections people do. Ask yourself, who has PDP made relevant in Lagos since 1999?”

Wike criticized George for allegedly contributing little to the party’s electoral strength in Lagos, pointing to his own record of building the PDP into a formidable force in Rivers State and beyond.

He suggested that George, given his age and current position, might be better off stepping back from political commentary.

“If he has no role anymore, perhaps it’s time he stayed home and read newspapers,” Wike remarked, in a pointed rebuke.

The minister also addressed criticism surrounding the temporary sealing of the PDP’s national headquarters over unpaid ground rent.

He clarified that he is not the property’s owner and cannot be held accountable for the liabilities, emphasizing that even resolving the issue had required intervention from the highest levels.

“There were claims that the sky would fall—yet the matter couldn’t be resolved without the President’s involvement,” he said.

In a final jab, Wike reflected on past struggles to strengthen the PDP during the Goodluck Jonathan administration, suggesting that despite their efforts, support in Lagos remained elusive.

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