War on Niger will be war on Northern Nigeria – Prof Yusuf
According to THE SUN newspaper, renowned elder statesman, Prof Usman Yusuf, has issued a stern caution, highlighting that the Economic Community of West African States, ECOWAS’ declaration of war on Niger Republic is tantamount to declaring war on Northern Nigeria.
The former Chief Executive of the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) issued this warning in light of ECOWAS’ proposed employment of military force to reinstate the deposed civilian government in the neighboring Anglophone nation of Niger.
Instead of provoking a new conflict, Prof Yusuf urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to channel his efforts towards suppressing the prevailing violence within the nation. This involves promptly addressing the Boko Haram insurgency and the threat posed by banditry, promoting reconciliation among communities in dispute, ensuring the successful resettlement of all internally displaced persons (IDPs), and leading the endeavor to rebuild communities and revitalize the region’s economy.
Prof Yusuf underscored the geographical proximity between Niger Republic and Northern Nigeria, emphasizing the extensive 1,100km shared border spanning from Nigeria’s northwestern to northeastern frontiers. The bond between the seven northern states—Kebbi, Sokoto, Zamfara, Katsina, Jigawa, Yobe, and Borno—and their counterparts in Niger is rooted in shared religious, cultural, and ethnic heritage, encompassing Zabarmawas, Hausas, Fulanis, and Kanuris.
How Tinubu, El-Rufai Ministerial Deal Crumbled
THE PUNCH newspaper reports, that new insights have surfaced regarding the breakdown of the agreement between President Bola Tinubu and former Kaduna State governor, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, for El-Rufai to assume a ministerial role in the yet-to-be-formed Federal Executive Council.
Investigations by the national daily revealed that El-Rufai had initially been assured of overseeing the proposed Ministry of Power and Gas. This commitment was established through extensive conversations between him and the President, centered on achieving consistent power supply within a few years.
During the presidential campaign, El-Rufai had expressed a preference for relocating abroad for a quieter life, but he altered his decision following what sources describe as “intense discussions with the President after the election victory.”
Subsequently, El-Rufai advocated for the inclusion of gas within the power ministry, emphasizing its pivotal role in ensuring a reliable power supply. Confidential sources indicated that he began assembling a team of experts to advise the President on fulfilling his primary electoral pledge of continuous power supply.
The strong bond forged between the President and El-Rufai during the crisis preceding the All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential primary initially caused Tinubu to overlook security concerns surrounding the former minister. However, influential members within the President’s inner circle reportedly harbored reservations about granting El-Rufai significant authority within the government. They cited potential challenges in fully entrusting him with such power.
In a separate development, unconfirmed reports surfaced on Friday suggesting that the former Kaduna State governor informed the President of his withdrawal from the ministerial position. This decision followed a request from the Department of State Services (DSS) to postpone his Senate clearance pending further investigation.
El-Rufai reportedly communicated his decision to Tinubu during a visit to the Aso Rock Presidential Villa, alongside former Rivers State governor Nyesom Wike. During the meeting, El-Rufai also proposed Jafaru Ibrahim Sani, a former commissioner in Kaduna State, as a replacement for the ministerial role.
After this encounter, El-Rufai is said to have traveled abroad, although the precise destination remains unverified.
Nigerians in Niger Beg FG for Evacuation Over Impending Attack
Some Nigerians residents in Niger Republic have requested the Federal Government’s assistance in facilitating their safe return to Nigeria before any potential action by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) forces against the coup plotters. The aim is to prevent them from getting caught in the crossfire and to avoid a situation similar to what occurred in Sudan, where Nigerian students were trapped amidst fighting between government forces and rebels.
These Nigerians are also concerned about the possibility of facing xenophobic attacks from Nigeriens in response to Nigeria’s involvement in rallying other ECOWAS member states to denounce the unconstitutional change of government resulting from the coup that ousted President Mohamed Bazoum.
Reportedly, some of the Nigerians residing in Niger have experienced criticism from Nigeriens supportive of the junta due to President Bola Tinubu’s backing of the ECOWAS directive for their forces to be prepared to intervene, remove the coup plotters, and reinstate Bazoum.
Meanwhile, ECOWAS took the decision on Thursday to deploy troops to Niger, as the military leaders refused to restore democracy despite sanctions imposed by the regional on them and their associates.
Kidnapped Chibok Girl Returns Nine Years After
At the Presidential Villa in Abuja, Oluremi Tinubu, the First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, warmly received Rebecca Kabu, one of the 277 Chibok schoolgirls who were tragically abducted by Boko Haram in 2014.
Standing alongside the Vice President’s wife, Hajia Nana Shettima, the First Lady assured Rebecca that she would personally ensure her comprehensive medical care and prepare her to willingly resume her education.
Expressing her commitment to the other girls still in captivity, Mrs. Tinubu extended her gratitude to the National Security Adviser’s office, the National Intelligence Agency, and various security entities for their involvement in Rebecca’s rescue.
The First Lady emphasized that proper education for younger individuals would empower them to contribute positively to society and carry forward the positive legacies established by their predecessors.
Rear Admiral Yaminu Musa, Coordinator of the Counter Terrorism Centre at the NSA, shared that Rebecca, who was kidnapped at age 13 in 2014 and is now 22 years old, was successfully rescued by government security forces on July 17th.
He confirmed that she has been declared both physically and mentally sound, and will soon be reunited with her family in Zana village, Borno state.
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