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Senate President tasks ECOWAS Parliament on eliminating terrorism, cross-border crimes

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President of the Senate, Ahmad Lawan, has charged the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Parliament to, as a matter of urgency, seeks ways of addressing the prevalence of terrorism and irregular migration affecting member states.

This was just as he bemoaned the spate of insecurity and cross-border crimes such as banditry and kidnapping, which, according to him, are severe threats to the stability and economic progress of most countries within the West African sub-region.

Lawan gave the charge on Thursday in a speech delivered during the 2021 First Ordinary Session of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Parliament.

The Senate President identified insurgency, drug trafficking, and ceaseless ethno-religious struggles as problems that continue to interfere with the freedom of citizens to move between member nations as guaranteed under the ECOWAS protocol on Free Movement of Persons and Goods.

He, therefore, called on ECOWAS Parliamentarians to seek out interventions aimed at tackling the lingering problems which are predominant features among member states.

Lawan added that doing so would ensure regional economic growth, besides tackling unemployment and stimulating economic multipliers within the sub-region.

He said: “While the ECOWAS protocol on Free Movement of Persons and Goods remains a prized policy, for instance; insecurity, instability, and conflicts are matters requiring continuous attention.

“The freedom to move between member nations is helpful to sub-regional economic growth, besides increasing the attendant benefits like job creation, reduction in underemployment, stimulation of economic multipliers, and better wellbeing.

“This can hardly happen in an atmosphere of strife, cross-border crimes like banditry, insurgency, drug trafficking, and ceaseless ethno-religious struggles, amidst others.

“As parliamentarians, we must examine the dimensions associated with these occurrences towards appropriate interventions.

“An accord of purpose between member nations creates the needed synergy for the actualization of uniform visions.

“The fostering of this uniformity partly rests with us and I am confident we can accomplish this, despite the limitations of institutional empowerment.

“It is possible through consistent advocacy, and the broadening of understanding on our objectives.”

Lawan added: “For emphasis, this First Ordinary Session for the year 2021 is also projected to help us chart ways forward in the months ahead, particularly in engendering cohesion in eliminating terrorism, all forms of extremism, and the better implementation of trade agreements and protocols.

“Added to these are the need to focus on irregular migration, often leading to needless sorrows, pains, and deaths; the fight against diseases, drought, and the requirement to entrench transparency and accountability in our governance systems.

“I am additionally assured that we are well prepared to make our inputs from our individual appreciation of the issues, towards finding lasting solutions to the challenges.”

Among those present at the 2021 First Ordinary Session of the ECOWAS Parliament are the Speaker of the ECOWAS Parliament, Rt. Hon. Sidie Mohamed Tunis; President of the Republic of Ghana, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo; Vice President of the Republic of Liberia, Dr. Jewel Cianeh Taylor; and President of the ECOWAS Community Court of Justice, Honourable Justice Edward Amoako Asante.

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International

Finnish Court Jails Simon Ekpa Six Years for Terrorism

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5 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

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5 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

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5 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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