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Tag: Niger Republic

  • Coup: Ex-President Buhari reacts to Army take over in Niger Republic

    Coup: Ex-President Buhari reacts to Army take over in Niger Republic

     

    “As to be expected, I, like millions of other Nigerians, am shocked by the latest turn of events in Niger Republic,” he said.

    “Concerns have been raised about the fate of democracy as a system of government in the country and in the wider sub-region, and equally so, about the safety of President Mohammed Bazoum and his family.

    “I and my family are as much concerned about these as is everyone else.”

    ” to be expected, I, like millions of other Nigerians, am shocked by the latest turn of events in Niger Republic”.

    Concerns have been raised about the fate of democracy as a system of government in the country and in the wider sub-region, and equally so, about the safety of…

    The coup has prompted mounting concern and Kenyan President William Ruto called the army takeover “a serious setback” for Africa.

    “The aspirations of the people of Niger for constitutional democracy were subverted by an unconstitutional change of government,” he said in a video message.

    West African leaders will meet Sunday in the Nigerian capital Abuja to discuss the coup, Nigerian President Bola Tinubu said.

    “ECOWAS and the international community would do everything to defend democracy and ensure democratic governance continues to take firm root in the region,” Tinubu, who is also the chairman of The Economic Community of West African States regional bloc said in a statement.

    The European Union threatened to cut aid to Niamey after what it said was a “serious attack on stability and democracy”. Bazoum and his family have been confined since Wednesday morning to their residence at the presidential palace located within the 700-strong Presidential Guard’s military camp.

  • Tinubu sends ECOWAS mission to Niger Republic

    Tinubu sends ECOWAS mission to Niger Republic

    President Bola Tinubu said that an ECOWAS mission has been sent to the Niger Republic to intercede in the attempted coup in the country.

    The president spoke after a meeting with Benin Republic President Patrice Talon at the Presidential Villa on Wednesday in Abuja.

    He said that Talon was mandated by the ECOWAS to proceed immediately to the West African country that has been termed the most coup prone country in the region.

    Tinubu is the Chairperson of the ECOWAS Head of States and Government, and the body had decided to discourage the issue of undemocratic change of government by the military in the region.

    During a meeting between Tinubu and the Presidents of Niger and Benin a fortnight ago, Talon was mandated to lead the ECOWAS delegation to Mali and Burkina Faso where the military are in control.

    An attempted coup was reported in Niger Republic early on Wednesday.

    Sources from the country said that the presidential guards have held President Mohamed Bazoum hostage at the presidential palace in Niamey.

  • BREAKING! Brigade guards arrest Niger President, refuse to release him

    BREAKING! Brigade guards arrest Niger President, refuse to release him

    Niger President Mohamed Bazoum is being detained by members of the Presidential Guard, who have been given an “ultimatum” by the army, a source close to Bazoum said on Wednesday.

    Disgruntled members of the guard sealed off access to the president’s residence and offices, and after talks broke down “refused to release the president,” the source said, adding: “The army has given them an ultimatum.”

    Bazoum was democratically elected in 2021, taking the helm of one of Africa’s poorest and most coup-prone countries.

    Details shortly…

  • Tinubu condemns attempted coup in Niger Republic

    Tinubu condemns attempted coup in Niger Republic

    President Bola Tinubu has described as unacceptable the attempted coup in the Niger Republic on Monday morning by yet-to-be-identified military men.

    In a statement on Wednesday in Abuja, Tinubu said that the leadership of ECOWAS would not tolerate any situation that incapacitates the democratically-elected government.

    ‘’Information filtering in from the Republic of Niger indicates some unpleasant developments around the country’s highest political leadership.

    ‘’It should be quite clear to all players in the Republic of Niger that the leadership of the ECOWAS Region and all lovers of democracy around the world will not tolerate any situation that incapacitates the democratically-elected government of the country.

    ‘’The ECOWAS leadership will not accept any action that impedes the smooth functioning of legitimate authority in Niger or any part of West Africa.

    ‘’I wish to say that we are closely monitoring the situation and developments in Niger and we will do everything within our powers to ensure democracy is firmly planted, nurtured, well rooted and thrives in our region.’’

    Tinubu, who is the Chairperson of ECOWAS, said he is in close consultation with other leaders in the region, adding ‘’we shall protect our hard-earned democracy in line with the universally acceptable principle of constitutionalism’’.

    The president said that Nigeria stands firmly with the elected government in Niger Republic.

    ‘’I equally conveys the absolute resolve of leaders in our sub-region that we shall not waiver or flinch on our stand to defend and preserve constitutional order,’’ he said.

    Security sources have indicated that the presidential guards are holding the President, Mohamed Bazoum, at the presidential palace.

    It said that access to the palace for officials of the facility had also been blocked by military vehicles in the capital city, Niamey.

    The country’s last coup occurred in February 2010, overthrowing then president Mamadou Tandja.

    However, there was an attempted putsch on March 31, 2021, just two days before Bazoum’s inauguration, according to a security source at the time.

    Several people were arrested, including the suspected ringleader, an air force captain named Sani Gourouza.

    He was arrested in neighbouring Benin and handed over to the Niger authorities.

  • Niger Republic will defend me after hand over – Buhari

    Niger Republic will defend me after hand over – Buhari

    Barely six days to the expiration of his second tenure in office, President Muhammadu Buhari has said he built cordial relationship with the neighbouring countries, saying should anyone disturb him, his Niger Republic neighbours will defend him.

    The President disclosed this at the official commissioning of Nigeria Customs Service Corporate Headquarters in Abuja.

    He said he will relocate to his country home in Daura, which is far away from Abuja and closer to the neighbouring Niger.

    “And I try to plan to be as far away from Abuja as possible. I came from an area which is far away from Abuja.

    “I said if anybody with force moves, I have good relationship with my neighbours. Niger people will defend me.”

    According to him, if one does not secure the confidence of his neighbour he or his grandchild will be in trouble.

    He added that in the bid to earn the goodwill.of Niger Republic, Cameroon and Chad were the countries he first visited on assumption of office.

    “I think I am trying to make my point. Later Nigeria appreciate it because it provides more jobs.

    “People go back to agric. We have the land and they will produce what we eat. And for people who think that our neighbours can be a loser let’s continue to be with our neighbours.

    ” That is why when I became the Head of State that is President, my first visit was to Niger, Chad and Cameroon because based on neighbourhood on personal and national reason if you don’t secure the confidence of your neighbour you are in trouble.

    ” If you are not in trouble, your children and grandchildren be in trouble.

    “So it is very good I established relationship with my neighbours.”

    Speaking on why he appointed Col. Hmeed Ali (Retired) as the Comptroller General of Customs, he said Ali has the energy and competence to effectively supervise the over 1,600 km Nigeria land mass from Benin to Lake Chad.

     

  • Another batch of 143 Nigerians repatriated from Niger Republic – NEMA

    Another batch of 143 Nigerians repatriated from Niger Republic – NEMA

    The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), has said that another batch of 143 Nigerians have been repatriated by Niger Republic.

    NEMA coordinator, Kano Territorial Office, Dr Nuradeen Abdullahi, made the disclosure while receiving the returnees at the Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport.

    “The returnees arrived aboard SKY MALI Airlines, operated by Ethiopian airline B737-400 with registration number UR-CQX at about 2:35 pm.

    “They were repatriated to Nigeria from Niamey under the care of the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) through a voluntary repatriation programme.

    “The programme is meant for distressed Nigerians who had left the country to seek greener pastures in various European countries and could not afford to return when their journeys were aborted midway,” Abdullahi said.

    He said the returnees comprised 93 male adults, 22 female adults and 28 children (14 females and 14 males).

    “The returnees are from different parts of Nigeria particularly, Katsina, Kano, Adamawa, Lagos, Enugu and Edo states among others.

    “They will undergo a three-day training programme on how to achieve self-sustainability and will be provided with seed capitals to enable them engage in productive ventures to be self-reliant,” Abdullahi said.

     

     

  • Nigeria makes progress with Niger in boundary re-demarcation

    Nigeria makes progress with Niger in boundary re-demarcation

    The National Boundary Commission (NBC) has disclosed Nigeria and Niger Republic are making commendable progress in the re-demarcation of the international boundary between both countries.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports Director-General of NBC, Mr Adamu Adaji made the disclosure in his address at a meeting of the Joint Standing Committee of Experts on Re-demarcation of Nigeria-Niger International Boundary.

    Speaking during the event held on Tuesday in Abuja, Mr Adaji reiterated the resolve of both nations to complete the demarcation of the Nigeria-Niger border.

    He expressed appreciation for the commitment of security personnel in the border area to provide security and the enabling environment for the erection of pillars along the borderline.

    “We are making commendable progress in our set goal of re-demarcation of the international boundary.

    “Our aim is to make the boundary more visible to border inhabitants, and not to separate the people who share the same history and culture.

    “There is no doubt that the relationship between Nigeria and Niger Republic is the best and both countries are one and the same.

    “With the continued support of our governments and indeed development partners, we will soon conclude all outstanding works on the re-demarcation of the boundary.

    “After that, we will shift focus to the promotion of cross-border and joint development activities for our two nations.

    “It is on this note that I assure you of the commitment of Nigeria’s delegation to the worthy mission of the Nigeria-Niger Joint Commission (NNJC) and pledge our cooperation and support,’’ Adaji said.

    He said 128 main pillars out of the 148 pillars demarcating the boundary had been re-constructed, “leaving only 20 pillars to be reconstructed.

    Adaji appreciated the presidents of Nigeria and Niger Republic as well as the contribution of the German International Development Agency for its financial support in the emplacement of the required pillars on the boundary.

    In his remarks, Head of Delegation of Republic of Niger, Dr Pate Balla thanked the authorities of both countries for the cooperation and efforts to justify the demarcation.

    Bella stressed that the governments of the two countries had made significant progress in strengthening the process in line with the ECOWAS agreements.

    “In view of the demarcation, there were areas to be looked into in trans-border cooperation. We are indeed grateful to the government of Nigeria on the effort of strengthening the cooperation,’’ he said.

    Also speaking, Secretary-General of the NNJC, Mr Adamou Namata noted that the synergy between Nigeria and Niger Republic had not been betrayed.

    “The 1,500km boundary between Nigeria and the Republic of Niger is the only one that has not witnessed any form of armed conflict.

    “All stakeholders must play their parts to ensure amicable demarcation of the boundary and placement of the pillars,’’ Namata stressed.

  • Why Niger Republic named road after President Buhari – Presidency

    Why Niger Republic named road after President Buhari – Presidency

    The presidency on Thursday said the naming of a road after President Muhammadu Buhari in Niger Republic was an indication of the tremendous respect which Nigeria’s neighbours have towards him.

    Senior Special Assistant on media and Publicity to the President, Malam Garba Shehu disclosed this in the Nigerien capital, Niamey, shortly after Buhari inaugurated a major road named after him.

    Shehu said President of Niger Republic, Mohammed Bazoun, accompanied by the Mayor of Niamey and other officials, took Buhari on a tour of the 3.8 kilometer boulevard inaugurated in line with the country’s constitutional provisions.

    The presidential aide quoted Buhari as expressing satisfaction with the existing bilateral relationship between Nigeria and its neigbours.

    Buhari expressed the belief that such ties had helped tremendously, especially in the areas of tackling border insecurity, illegal arms import, and smuggling.

    Shehu said Buhari had on assumption of office in 2015, opened up strong dialogue with neighbouring Niger, Benin, Chad, and Cameroon, an approach, which had resulted in positive diplomatic ties of mutual interest to both countries.

    ”President Buhari has strong respect for our neigbours, and he understands the essence of good neigbourliness.

    ”Before this administration, some of these countries complained that they were not even being talked to by Nigerian leadership. We have opened up dialogue with them and it is paying off.

    ”We are partnering with them on essential matters, especially on security, tackling smuggling, and importation of illegal weapons, so the partnership is complete,” Shehu added.

    The presidential aide believed that  Bubari would be leaving behind on May 29, 2023, a solid relationship, built on a solid rock with Nigeria’s neighbours and expected to be built upon by his successor.

    The Nigerian leader is in Niamey to join other leaders in the continent for the African Union (AU) summit on Industrialization and Economic Diversification.

  • President Buhari travels to Niger Republic for AU Summit

    President Buhari travels to Niger Republic for AU Summit

    President Muhammadu Buhari will embark on an official trip to Niamey, the Republic of Niger to attend the African Union Summit on Industrialization and Economic Diversification.

    Malam Garba Shehu, the President’s spokesman, who confirmed this in a statement on Wednesday in Abuja, said while in Niamey, the Nigerian leader would also participate in the Extraordinary Session on African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA)

    He said: ”The President, who will depart Abuja on Thursday, will also attend the launching of French version of the Book entitled:‘Muhammadu Buhari: The Challenges of Leadership in Nigeria’.

    The presidential aide disclosed that Buhari would  inaugurate the ‘Muhammadu Buhari Boulevard’, named after him by the Government of the Republic of Niger.

    According to Shehu, the naming of the Boulevard and launch of the French version of the Book, written by John Paden, a Professor of International Studies at George Mason University, northern Virginia, United States, precedes the AU Summit on Friday.

    He revealed that the president would also deliver his National Statement at  the African Union Summit on Industrialization and Economic Diversification.

    The theme of the meeting is: ‘Industrialising Africa: Renewed commitment towards an Inclusive and Sustainable Industrialization and Economic Diversification.’

    ”The High-Level Summit, being convened as part of the Africa Industrialization Week annual commemorative activities, is expected to adopt a Declaration, highlighting the importance of industrialization and economic transformation in the continent and how to make progress in that regard,” Shehu said.

    Every Nov. 20 is commemorated as the Africa Industrialization Day, adopted by the Assembly of Heads of State and Government of the then Organization of African Unity in July 1989, in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

    According to Shehu, the Extraordinary Session on AFCFTA is expected to adopt the Phase II Protocols of the continental free trade area as well launch additional operation tools.

    Nigeria has continued to demonstrate a high level of commitment toward  the full operationalization of a pan-African free trade area.

    It will create a single market for goods and services, liberalise and facilitate the movement of investment and business people across the continent.

    On July 7, 2019, Nigeria signed the AfCFTA agreement in Niamey during the  12th Extraordinary session of the Assembly and launch of the operational phase of the trade deal.

    The country ratified its membership of the AfCFTA on Nov. 11, 2020.

    The presidential aide stated that Buhari would be accompanied by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Geoffrey Onyeama; Minister of Defence, retired Maj.-Gen. Bashir Magashi and Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Adeniyi Adebayo.

    Others on the president’sentourage include; the Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning, Zainab Ahmed; the National Security Adviser, retired Maj.-Gen. Babagana Monguno and the Director-General, National Intelligence Agency, Amb. Ahmed Rufai.

    The president will return to the country on Friday.

  • Between Nigeria and Niger Republic: Where does Buhari’s interest lie? – By Godwin Etakibuebu

    Between Nigeria and Niger Republic: Where does Buhari’s interest lie? – By Godwin Etakibuebu

    Evidence on the place, time and jurisdiction of birth of Muhammadu Buhari – either as a Major General or President, are well documented enough that ambiguity is never accommodated. He attained the rank of Major General of the Nigerian Army before retiring. And he was, and is, President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and Commander-in-Chief of the Nigerian Armed Forces.

    These are the incontrovertible facts of the gentleman and officer – Muhammadu Bubari. Even when the level of his Certificate became so controversial and search for it became a serious challenge to all those in his camp, the search was limited only to Nigeria’s landscape.

    It was never extended to Niger Republic in spite of the fact of the Country’s proximity to Nigeria – the neighbourhood boundary extends from Sokoto in the North-West to Maiduguri, in North-East. This secures the evidence that my President – Muhammadu Buhari, is a Nigerian over and over.

    Yet, there are happenings over the past few years to put a wedge of suspicion on the actual nationality of Buhari; in-between Nigeria and Niger.

    The more we look at the evidences of nationality’s loyalty, available to Nigerians, about Buhari’s actions, the more one would want to query and interrogate the fact of him being a Nigerian. Maybe, we should access one or two of these happening in order to put our navigational chart on focus.

    At the end of our interrogation and whatever fact or facts we may be coming out with; without giving judgement ahead, Buhari must be seen as a Nigeria – through and through.

    Since his emergence as the President of Nigeria in 2015, Buhari has overwhelmingly opened Nigeria’s financial vault into providing strategic infrastructural development to the Niger Republic, despite Nigeria’s poor financial standing.

    The projects executed in the last seven years include a $2billion standard gauge railway project the Nigerian government is constructing from Kano to Maradi in Niger Republic, a project President Muhammadu Buhari flagged off in February, 2021.

    The project, which was awarded to a Portuguese Construction Company, Mota-Engil, involved the construction of 284 kilometres standard-gauge line with 12 stations from Kano in northern Nigeria to Maradi in landlocked Niger Republic.

    The project was funded through an external loan of $4.054b, approved by the National Assembly, in 2018. It remains one of those loans we might not be able to pay in the next 50 years.

    The Nigerian leader had informed the National Assembly, in the letter, dated August 24, 2021, that the projects to be executed in the six geopolitical zones of the country, including Kano to Maridin, listed in the 2018-2021 Federal Government Borrowing Plan, would be financed through sovereign loans from the World Bank, French Development Agency, EXIM Bank International Fund for Agricultural Development, Credit Suisse Group and Standard Chattered/China Export and Credit in the total sum of $4,054,476,863 and €710m (839m) and grant components of $125m.

    And we must not forget in hurry what the Nigerian Minister of Transport then; Rotimi Amaechi, told Nigerians at a time that he had to go to Niger Republic personally to beg the government to allow the construction of the rail line into their country. Did he say so? Yes, he said it, and with the approval of President Buhari.

    Then another project followed successively.

    In July 2018, Nigeria and Niger Republic agreed to collaborate to construct an oil pipeline and refinery.

    They agreed that while the proposed refinery will be located in Katsina State, Northern Nigeria, crude supply will be through the pipeline from Niger Republic’s oilfields in the Ténéré desert.

    The MoU for the two projects, which are expected to cost about $2billion, was signed by the two countries’ energy ministers and witnessed by Buhari and his counterpart from the Republic of Niger, Mahamadou Issoufou.

    In November 2020, the Nigerian government, through the Ministry of Petroleum Resources, headed by President Buhari himself, signed a $2b refinery project to import fuel from Niger Republic, a country that only joined the league of oil-producing countries in 2012. That is Buhari’s way of growing Nigerian economy!

    The Ministry of Petroleum Resources in justifying the MoU stated that the Soraz Refinery in Zinder, Niger Republic has an installed capacity to produce 20,000 barrels per day while the country’s domestic requirement was just 5000 barrels per day, thereby resulting in a surplus of 15,000 barrels per day.

    Timipre Sylva, Nigeria’s Minister of State for Petroleum Resources; who was more or less a spare tyre in the Nigerian-Buhari’s vehicle said: “Nigerians should be proud that we are doing that to encourage sub-regional trade because we have been talking about sub-regional trade for a long time, and this is how it should be between neighbouring countries. Niger should import from us what we have, and we should import from Niger what they have. Let us encourage intra-regional trade, and this is one good example of trading within West Africa.”

    There are too many over-generosity of Muhammadu Buhari to the country called Niger Republic that time may not permit to mention all, exempt just to add the latest, which looks like a few days ago.

    President Buhari, just last Wednesday, was reported to have directed the Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning; Zainab Ahmed, to release the sum of N1.14billion for the purchase of 10 Land Cruiser Jeeps, to the government of Niger Republic.

    These 10 luxurious cars – take note that they are not security operational vehicles, came at the cost of One Hundred and Fifty Million Naira apiece. And they were never imported from Innoson Motors of Nigeria, but instead, the contract to import the vehicles from Japan was given to  Kaura Motors Nig. Ltd to supply the vehicle under the direct procurement method, in line with section 10 A and B of the Public Procurement Act 2007, because of the urgency of the matter. Kaura Motors Nigeria Limited is an incorporated auto dealers based in Kaduna State and was registered on the 19th of August, 1985, with Registration Number 75140.

    The vehicles, it was gathered, would “assist the country [Niger Republic] in the transportation and movement of VIPs, high-ranking officials, top government functionaries and visitors scheduled for official visit to Niger at this time of its nascent democracy, with all its attendant consequences on their collective and individual security and safety of lives and property.”

    Permit me to point out that there was a time, about four years ago, when President Muhammadu Buhari nominated a Nigerien [not Nigerian citizen] citizen for ambassadorial appointment in Nigeria and same was confirmed by the Nigerian Senate.

    I will recommend that Nigerians should tamper justice with mercy on our beloved president on this Niger Republic issue because if the truth must be told; Muhammadu Buhari has so many Cousins – not the type of Mafioso Cousins, but BLOODLY related Cousins in that country.

    Or how will you explain a situation when two Governors, from two different regions of Niger Republic, crossed the Nigerien/Nigerian border into Kano State in 2019, to campaign with, and for, a bigger Cousin – Muhammadu Buhari, during the General Campaign of that year. Or didn’t you see that?

     

    Godwin Etakibuebu; a veteran Journalist, wrote from Lagos.

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