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Mali: ECOWAS Insists On Return To Democracy
The Economic Community of West Africa State (ECOWAS) Commission has “strongly’’ condemned the reported coup d etat in Mali and urged a return to constitutional government and peace in the country.
In a statement in Abuja yesterday, ECOWAS Commission President, Desire Ouedraogo described the mutiny by troops within the Malian Armed Forces as “reprehensible.’’
The troops, who staged a mutiny last week accused the government of not giving them enough arms to tackle a rebellion by ethnic Tuaregs.
“ECOWAS strongly condemns the misguided actions of the mutineers and warns that it will not condone any recourse to violence as a means of seeking redress.
“The Commission wishes to remind the military of its responsibility under the Constitution and to reiterate ECOWAS policy of “Zero Tolerance” for any attempt to obtain or maintain power by unconstitutional means,’’ Ouedraogo said.
The statement decried the growing violence in Mali, especially at a time when ECOWAS and other regional and international bodies were trying to seek a peaceful solution to the rebellion in the north of the country.
It said the mutiny came amidst “ongoing regional and international efforts to seek a peaceful solution to the rebellion in the north of the country.’’ According to ECOWAS, the mutiny came a day after a special ministerial session of the AU Peace and Security Council on the matter ended in Bamako.
The sub-regional body said it would continue to closely monitor developments in that country with a view to restoring peace and constitutionality to Mali.
Also condemning the coup, Rep. Nnenna Ukeje (PDP-Abia), the Chairman of House Committee on Foreign Affairs, described militarycoups as “a crime against humanity.’’ Ukeje said Nigeria would respond appropriately to the incident in Mali “in line with its foreign policy’’.
She urged Nigeria and other ECOWAS member countries to strongly guard against a recurrence in neighbouring countries. The lawmaker expressed concern that the sub-region might not completely rule out such insurgencies “until democracy becomes a way of life and is woven into the psyche of every African.’’
“What we need to do is to continue to ensure that people rise against it (military coups). “ It behoves the people to get it woven into their psyche that it’s the people’s power to choose their leaders.
“People will always try (military coups) but it is what you do when they try that will discourage others,’’ Ukeje said.
Dr Sadiq Abubakar, an international relations expert, advised the Nigerian government to observe closely the unfolding events in Mali.
Abubakar noted that the immediate reason provided by the Malian troops for intervening was the inability of the government to fight terrorism.
“Apparently, I do not think that the Nigeria populace or military is ready for any military intervention now.
“But when a political leadership has not developed an effective means to deal with the kind of situation like terrorism, insurgencies and so forth, then it becomes a matter for concern.
“And if at the same time it is not in tandem with the thinking of its military hierarchy on how to deal with the situation, then this kind of revolt can happen.
“But I do not think that we have gotten to that kind of level in Nigeria,’’ Abubakar, a Senior Lecturer in the Political Science Department of the Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria,
The Rivers State chapter of the All Progressives Congress Christian Leaders Forum has expressed strong confidence in the capacity of All Progressives Congress (All Progressives Congress) candidates in the state to deliver effective governance if elected into office in the coming elections.
The State Coordinator of the forum, Archbishop Lucky Aroh, made this known during a breakfast and thanksgiving meeting held in Port Harcourt, where leaders gathered to pray for the stability of the party and the safety of its candidates ahead of the 2027 general elections.According to him, the meeting was convened to seek divine intervention for peace, unity, and security among APC candidates across Rivers State.
“Today we are praying for APC stability in Rivers State and the security of our candidates that have been elected to contest the 2027 elections. It is a breakfast meeting,” Aroh said.
He further expressed optimism that the party’s candidates would not disappoint the people if entrusted with leadership responsibilities.
“They will not fail when elected into office. We are here as fathers of the land to let them know, and I must tell you the truth that these are the authentic people that will do well in Rivers State,” he added.
Speaking earlier, the National Chairman of the forum, Professor Olanrewaju Abraham, commended the Rivers State chapter for organizing the programme, noting that the national body of the forum believes strongly in the power of prayer.
He stated that political leadership provides an opportunity to influence society positively, including advancing moral and spiritual values, while expressing confidence that APC candidates at all levels would emerge victorious in the upcoming elections.
Also speaking, the Rivers State Women Leader of the APC, Hon. Darling Amadi, praised the forum for its commitment to prayers for peace, stability, and the protection of party candidates.
Represented by the Deputy Women Leader of the party in the state, she described the initiative as commendable and urged other political and support groups within the party to emulate the gesture in promoting unity and stability.
By: John Bibor, Menebe Emmanuel & Fortune Paibi
Prominent businessman and philanthropist, Elder Anthony Osagwe-Ogo, was celebrated in grand style as he marked his 70th birthday anniversary, with distinguished Nigerians, business leaders, and golf enthusiasts gathering to honour his remarkable contributions to society.
The colourful celebration took place at the Port Harcourt Golf Club, where friends, associates, and well-wishers converged to pay tribute to the revered elder statesman.
Chairman of the occasion, High Chief (Dr.) Ikenna Okafor, described the celebrant as a detribalised Nigerian whose generosity, humility, and commitment to humanity have earned him admiration across different communities and backgrounds.
According to Dr. Okafor, Pa Osagwe-Ogo’s impact on society and the development of his community remains unparalleled. He noted that members of the golfing community are proud to be associated with a father figure who consistently promotes the welfare and well-being of those around him.
He further stated that the history and growth of the Port Harcourt Golf Club cannot be told without acknowledging the significant role played by the celebrant, whose wisdom, encouragement, and leadership have helped sustain the club over the years.
“We are here to celebrate a man who has impacted humanity positively, a peace-loving individual and an epitome of hope for the younger generation. We pray to emulate his virtues. Today, we celebrate a bridge-builder, a trailblazer, and an iconic leader whose life continues to inspire many,” Dr. Okafor said.
He expressed delight at the large turnout of guests from various walks of life, describing it as a testament to the respect and affection Pa Osagwe-Ogo commands within and beyond Rivers State.
In his response, the celebrant, Pa Anthony Osagwe-Ogo, expressed profound gratitude to God for preserving his life and granting him the privilege of attaining the milestone age of 70.
He also thanked members of the Port Harcourt Golf Club, family members, friends, and associates for identifying with him during the celebration and for their unwavering support over the years.
The event featured the cutting of the birthday cake, presentation of awards to deserving members of the club, goodwill messages, and moments of celebration among guests.
The ceremony was attended by notable personalities from the business community, the golfing fraternity, and other sectors, all of whom joined in celebrating the life and legacy of the respected elder statesman.
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, and the Permanent Secretary of the Rivers State Ministry of Information and Communications, Dr. Honour Kuru Sirawoo, have been honoured with awards of recognition in connection with the 2026 Democracy Day celebrations held in Port Harcourt.
The awards, which formed part of activities marking Nigeria’s Democracy Day on June 12, were formally presented on Tuesday at the Ministry of Information and Communications in Port Harcourt.
Presenting the awards was Hon. Abdul Hameed Oladipupo Alli, popularly known as “Mr. Nigeria,” Publisher of Asiwaju Trumpet Magazine and Achievers World International Magazine.
Governor Fubara was recognised for his efforts in sustaining peace, stability, and a conducive political atmospherJohn Bibor / Menebe Emmanuel / Fortune Paibie in Rivers State. The organisers noted that his administration has fostered harmony and strengthened civic participation across the state.
Dr. Sirawoo, on the other hand, was honoured for his exemplary administrative leadership and significant contributions to effective information management within the Ministry of Information and Communications.
Representing Dr. Sirawoo at the presentation ceremony, Dr. Christian Davies received the award on his behalf and expressed gratitude for the recognition. He described the honour as a reflection of Dr. Sirawoo’s unwavering commitment to professionalism, excellence, and dedicated public service.
Dr. Davies assured the organisers that the award would be formally conveyed to the Permanent Secretary.
The event also featured the presentation of commemorative publications highlighting major governance and civic milestones in Rivers State, including Easter celebrations, Workers’ Day activities, the Governor’s third anniversary in office, and Democracy Day programmes.
Organisers of the awards commended the Rivers State administration for what they described as sustained peace, political stability, and improved civic engagement, noting that these achievements have contributed significantly to the state’s continued development.
By: Jessica Sambol