Niger: Tinubu writes Senate, highlights 7 resolutions to restoring democracy

In a bid pursuant to restore democracy in the neighboring Niger Republic, President Tinubu has written to the Nigerian Senate, seeking their support in implementing seven crucial resolutions aimed at pressuring the military junta to relinquish power and reinstate civilian rule. These resolutions reflect the collective will of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and underscore Nigeria’s commitment to regional stability and democratic values. The first resolution calls for a military buildup and deployment of personnel to Niger’s borders, with the intention of enforcing compliance with the military junta. The President emphasized that this measure is not an act of aggression but rather a deterrent to ensure the junta understands the seriousness of the international community’s stance on democratic governance. In another resolution, the President seeks the suspension of electricity supply to Niger Republic as a means of applying economic pressure. According to the President, this move sends a strong message to the military junta that their actions have consequences beyond their borders and aims to foster public discontent over the lack of essential services. President Tinubu also highlighted the importance of rallying international support for the implementation of ECOWAS provisions. Diplomatic efforts will be intensified to garner cooperation from other African nations and the global community, demonstrating a united front in the fight for democracy. To further isolate the military junta and disrupt their operations, the fourth resolution seeks from Tinubu seeks to prevent the operation of commercial and special flights to and from Niger Republic. This measure will curtail the junta’s mobility and impede their ability to sustain their rule. In a move to exert economic pressure, the President proposed a blockade of goods in transit to Niger, particularly from Lagos and eastern seaports. This tactic aims to disrupt the flow of goods and impact the junta’s access to essential supplies, further fueling discontent within the country, Recognizing the power of social media in shaping public opinion, the President urged the Senate to embark on a sensitization campaign, utilizing various platforms as this campaign will inform Nigerians and the international community about the necessity and importance of these actions, garnering support for the cause. The seventh resolution calls for the immediate closure and monitoring of all land borders with Niger Republic. Additionally, the border drilling exercise will be reactivated to tighten security and prevent any illicit activities that may undermine the resolution’s objectives. President Tinubu emphasized that these actions are not taken lightly and are in full accordance with ECOWAS’ commitment to upholding democratic principles in the region. The objective is to restore civilian rule, safeguard human rights, and pave the way for free and fair elections in Niger Republic. President Tinubu’s call for the implementation of these seven resolutions against Niger Republic marks a critical step in the restoration of democracy and the rule of law in the region.

Fuel Subsidy: Senate urges NLC to shelve planned strike

The Nigerian Senate has appealed to the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) to shelve its impending strike on fuel subsidy removal and continue negotiation with the Federal Government. Senate resolution followed the consideration and adoption of a motion at plenary on Monday. The motion titled: ”Urgent Need to Avert the Intending Strike of the Nigeria Labour Congress”, was sponsored by Sen. Kawu Suleiman (NNPP-Kano). Suleiman in his lead debate said the NLC has given the Federal Government a seven-day ultimatum to reverse what the union termed as “anti-poor policies” or face an indefinite nationwide strike from August 2nd. He said the NLC had directed all its affiliates and state councils to immediately begin mobilisation of workers and other Nigerians, including civil society allies for a long-lasting strike and mass protests. Suleiman said the labour, in a statement signed by its National President, Joe Ajaero, alleged that the Federal Government had failed to meet up with the demands it presented to it following subsidy removal on petrol. Not meeting the demand as stated in the statement could cause an astronomical rise in price of the commodity. He expressed worry that the strike would cripple the country as commercial transport operators would withdraw their services, while markets, schools and healthcare facilities would be forced to shut down. According to him, the action could heat up the polity when it occurred, saying that gains from the strike were far below the costs to either of the parties in conflict. The senator said the strike threat by the NLC, if not averted, could plunge Nigeria into deeper economic woes, dislocate businesses, hunger, and frustration. Suleiman said more hardship would lead to unquantifiable financial losses and reduce Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP). He said the NLC proposed strike was a bad reputation for Nigerian economy and the educational system, saying that it portrayed the country in a bad light to the external world  According to him, it discourages foreigners from coming to do business or study in Nigeria. The senator said that the society always bears the brunt of strikes, adding that an idle mind was the devil’s workshop. He said there was a tendency for an increase in crime rate, social vices like armed robbery, oil bunkering, prostitution, cyber scams, among others, if the strike was allowed to hold. Following support of senators on the motion, Senate accordingly resolved to mandate its leadership to interface between the NLC and the Federal Government to avert the intending strike.