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ECOWAS Court wants judicial systems of Member States harmonised

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4 years ago

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Justice
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President of the ECOWAS Court, Justice Edward Asante has advocated for the harmonization of the judicial systems of Member States in order to attain a Community legal regime that supports the region’s integration objectives.

Asante made this known while making a presentation at a judicial forum for judges, magistrates and officials of the Kwara state judiciary in Ilorin during the Court’s ongoing week-long sensitization campaign in the state.

The Communications Department of the ECOWAS Court disclosed this in a statement made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Friday in Abuja.

Asante in the presentation delivered by Justice Dupe Atoki, said harmonization of the ECOWAS judicial system can be achieved through the alignment of the legal texts of the Community with those of the States.

Asante stressed that the relationship between the ECOWAS and national courts as ‘a crucial element in the integration process of ECOWAS.’

“It is therefore of utmost importance that Member States of ECOWAS domesticate the ECOWAS Revised Treaty and the Protocols and Supplementary Acts of the Community.

“It is also imperative, to deepen the relationship between the judges of the ECOWAS Court of Justice and the national courts of ECOWAS Member States,” Asante said.

Asante stated that with the international character of the ECOWAS Court and its long held position, it is neither in competition with national courts nor an appellate court over its decisions.

He explained that the ECOWAS Court and National Courts play complementary roles in the dispensation of justice and the integration of the region.

“In a long chain of decisions, the ECOWAS Court of Justice has consistently held that it is not an appellate Court over national Courts of Member States.

“And has maintained that it has no jurisdiction to make any declaration on the Judgments of national courts, except where the national Courts or parties refer issues of interpretation of Community texts.”

He stated that the ECOWAS Court only that the national courts have the obligation to implement the decisions of the Court.

The President identified the possible areas of conflict between the regional and national courts to include their co-location within the same geographical space; their concurrent human rights jurisdiction.

Other areas of conflict to include “the lack of requirement for the exhaustion of local remedies before the ECOWAS court which could result in forum shopping.

“The failure by Member States to domesticate the Revised Treaty of 1993 and the Protocol on the Court in accordance with their treaty obligations.

“Failure by Member States to comply with or enforce the Judgments of the Court; the gaps in the ECOWAS legal texts.

“And the municipal laws of Member States leading to the failure to clearly define the relationship between both courts.

Chief Judge of Kwara, Justice Sulyman Kawu praised the thoughtfulness of the regional court in organizing the campaign.

Kawu said the sensitisation would not only create greater awareness of the Court among the citizens but open the door for more legal practitioners from the state to ‘ply their trade before the court’ and widen their scope of the law.

He reminded those with judicial powers of the ‘enormous and far reaching powers they exercise over our fellow men and women.

This he said requires legal practitioners to exhibit good character, reputation, diligence, hard work, honesty, integrity, sound knowledge of the law and consistent adherence to professional ethics.

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International

Finnish Court Jails Simon Ekpa Six Years for Terrorism

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3 months ago

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September 1, 2025

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Simon Ekpa
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A Finnish court on Monday sentenced Nigerian-born Finnish politician Simon Ekpa to six years in prison for terrorism-related offences.

The Päijät-Häme District Court found the 40-year-old former Lahti municipal councillor guilty of participating in a terrorist organisation, incitement to commit crimes for terrorist purposes, aggravated tax fraud, and violations of the Lawyers Act.

Prosecutors said that between 2021 and 2024, Ekpa promoted the independence of the so-called Biafra region in Nigeria through illegal means, using social media to influence followers and support armed groups the court classified as terrorist organisations.

The court ruled that Ekpa provided weapons and explosives through his contacts and urged his supporters on X, formerly Twitter, to commit crimes in Nigeria. He denied all charges.

Ekpa was arrested in December 2024 and tried over 12 sessions earlier this year. A three-judge panel delivered the unanimous verdict, ordering him to remain in custody.

 

 

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International

In Brazil, Tinubu Calls for Innovation-Driven Transformation in Nigeria

Published

3 months ago

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August 27, 2025

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President Bola Tinubu
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu
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President Bola Tinubu has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to positioning Nigeria as a leader in Africa’s development, with a focus on technology, food security, and innovation.

Speaking to Nigerians in Brazil on Wednesday, Tinubu described his visit as a strategic step to deepen bilateral ties and learn from the South American country’s rapid development.

“Once upon a time, Nigeria and Brazil stood on the same level. Look at Brazil today — its technology, its food systems. We must ask ourselves: what do they have that we don’t? We have the brains, the energy, and the youth. We have everything we need. Now, we must act,” he said.

The President stressed that his government is laying the foundation for partnerships in manufacturing, technology, and cultural exchange, with the goal of unlocking Nigeria’s potential.

Acknowledging the difficulties citizens face due to ongoing economic reforms, Tinubu insisted that the measures are necessary for long-term prosperity.

“Yes, the reforms are tough — like bitter medicine. But once the fever is gone, you know the cure was worth it,” he said.

He commended the Nigerian diaspora community in Brazil, urging them to see themselves as critical stakeholders in building a new Nigeria.

“You are the pride of our nation. Your diversity, your commitment — it reflects the Nigeria we are working to build. I salute you all,” Tinubu stated.

The President further called for unity and resilience among Nigerians, adding that the dream of a prosperous nation must be pursued with urgency.

“If Wole Soyinka, at over 90, can still dream and act, then we have no excuse. The dream must be realised. The time is now,” he said.

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International

Tinubu Arrives in Brazil for Two-Day State Visit After U.S. Stopover

Published

3 months ago

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August 25, 2025

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President Bola Ahmed Tinubu stepping out from Airplane
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President Bola Tinubu has arrived in Brasília, Brazil, for a two-day state visit focused on deepening bilateral ties and securing new investments.

Tinubu, who flew in from Los Angeles after attending the Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD9) in Japan, was received at the Brasília Air Base by senior Brazilian government officials, including Ambassador Carlos Sérgio Sobral Duarte, Secretary for Africa and the Middle East, and Carlos José Areias Moreno Garcete, Brazil’s Ambassador to Nigeria.

Nigeria’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Bianca Ojukwu, also joined the reception. Other cabinet ministers, heads of key agencies, and private sector representatives later welcomed the president at his hotel.

The official welcoming ceremony, with full military honours, is scheduled for Monday at the Planalto Palace.

According to presidential aides, the visit will focus on activating multi-billion-dollar agricultural investments, advancing the $1.1 billion Green Imperative mechanisation project, and attracting fresh foreign direct investment in Nigeria’s agriculture and energy sectors.

Tinubu is also expected to participate in a Nigeria–Brazil business forum, bilateral meetings, and the signing of agreements and memoranda of understanding in technology, aviation, renewable energy, and climate resilience.

The presidency has not disclosed when the president is expected to return to Abuja.

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