West Africa
It’s embarassing for 3 countries to exit from ECOWAS under Tinubu’s watch – Timi Frank
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It is a national disgrace and shame to Nigeria for three member states of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to withdraw their membership under the leadership of President Bola Tinubu, former deputy National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Comrade Timi Frank, has claimed
He said the inability of Tinubu to peacefully resolve the lingering issues leading to the exit of Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso from the regional body does not bode well for the leadership roles his predecessors have played in keeping the subregion united and peaceful.
He indicated that the 15-member regional group established about 49 years ago were intact when he assumed the reins of leadership as chairman in July 2023.
“But history will record that things fell apart during his ineffectual, riderless and neglectful stewardship in less than seven months,” Frank declared.
The military regimes in Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger had last Sunday announced their immediate breakaway from the ECOWAS and joined forces in an “Alliance of Sahel States.”
The regimes have been having fractured ties with ECOWAS since coups took place in Niger last July, Burkina Faso in 2022 and Mali in 2020 as they have been struggling with jihadist violence and poverty.
The three regimes were suspended from ECOWAS with Niger and Mali facing heavy sanctions but they had maintained their hard-line positions in recent months.
Frank in his reaction to the withdrawal said the buck should stop at the table of President Tinubu who is the present chairman of the body for failing to use his position to foster peace through effective dialogue.
However he said the Nigerian oresident had maintained a hardline stance including a botched attempt to spearhead the use of arms to restore democracy in Niger.
Frank said: “Since assuming office as President of Nigeria, Tinubu has demonstrated his lack of nuanced understanding of regional politics and empathy for poor and suffering Nigerians – his primary constituency.
“No man cannot give what he does not have. His poor leadership of the regional body has led to its ongoing disintegration just as it has brought untold hardship upon Nigerians.
“Your inexperience and that of those handling the economy has destroyed our economy.
“Investors have refused to come into the Region and particularly in Nigeria as they are seen pulling out of Nigeria on a daily basis.
“For instance, Tinubu met the exchange rate of Naira to Dollar at about N600 to a dollar but today it is about N1,500 to a dollar.
“Besides, his knee-jerk removal of fuel subsidy has further impoverished Nigerians with people finding it difficult to feed or afford skyrocketing transport fares.
“Above all, insecurity is on the increase with the nation’s capital – FCT – and other parts of the country rendered increasingly unsafe by incessant kidnappings and gruesome killings.
“How can a man who has not been able to secure and ensure peace in his house be counted upon to provide leadership to a politically, culturally and religiously diverse 15 sovereign nations?
“Today Tinubu is destroying ECOWAS just like he is doing to Nigeria. Tinubu has introduced regionalism into the governance of Nigeria.
“His latest move which must be rejected and resisted by all is to move the nation’s capital back to Lagos through the back by relocating key government agencies, including the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to Lagos. Injustice cannot but breed discontent and disunity.”
He called on President Tinubu to retrace his hasty steps and toxic economic policies both as chairman of ECOWAS and President of Nigeria and equally to ensure that the powers entrusted to him do not ruin the country and the subregion socially, politically and economically.
To say the least, you won’t be on private visit when your house is burning. The right thing to do was to come back home immediately and have an emergency meeting in furtherance of your resignation as ECOWAS chairman, if you has any iota of shame left. It is insensitive and a glaring sign of incompetence.
He further called on the President to seek advice from former Nigerian Presidents who also acted as chairmen of ECOWAS on how to lead Nigeria and the subregional body.
West Africa
Liberia Seeks Climate Partnership with Nigeria to Strengthen Climate Resilience
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In a bid to bolster its fight against climate change, a high-powered delegation of Liberian parliamentarians and environmentalists has sought strategic collaboration with Nigeria, recognizing the country’s climate policies as a model for Africa.
Led by Hon. Ernest Manseah Snr, the Liberian team engaged with Nigeria’s Senate and House of Representatives Committees on Ecology and Climate Change at the National Assembly in Abuja on Thursday.
Their discussions centered on Nigeria’s climate governance framework, particularly its pioneering Climate Change Act, and how Liberia can adapt similar measures to tackle environmental challenges.
Speaking at the Senate session chaired by Senator Seriake Dickson (Bayelsa West), Hon. Manseah Snr highlighted Nigeria’s proactive climate strategies as a benchmark for Liberia’s own climate resilience efforts.
“We have come to learn from you, distinguished members of this committee, on how Nigeria has been mitigating the effects of climate change,” he said.
“In Liberia, we are considering the establishment of a Climate Fund, but beyond funding, we want to tap into Nigeria’s strategies for tackling environmental challenges.”
In response, Senator Dickson emphasized the urgency of African nations working together to combat climate change.
He pointed out that Nigeria’s ‘Climate Change Act—the first of its kind in Africa’ provides a legal foundation for the country’s mitigation and adaptation measures.
“Climate change is a major challenge that requires collective efforts across Africa,” Senator Dickson said.
“Nigeria is ready to support Liberia’s climate initiatives, and we look forward to strengthening this partnership.”
Other committee members, including Senate Minority Whip Osita Ngwu (Enugu West), Senator Adetokunbo Abiru (Lagos East), and Senator Victor Umeh (Anambra Central), applauded the initiative and called for a continent-wide collaboration on climate policies, disaster response, and environmental sustainability.
While discussions focused on policy frameworks, experts have stressed the need for grassroots climate adaptation projects to protect vulnerable communities from rising sea levels, deforestation, and extreme weather events. Liberia, which faces severe environmental threats, hopes to learn from Nigeria’s experience in implementing climate-smart solutions at both national and local levels.
The delegation later proceeded to meet with the House of Representatives Committee on Ecology and Climate Change for further engagements.
As Africa grapples with the devastating effects of climate change, this proposed Nigeria-Liberia partnership could serve as a blueprint for broader regional cooperation—one that not only strengthens climate policies but also empowers communities to adapt and thrive in an era of global environmental uncertainty.
West Africa
Randy Abbey’s COCOBOD Appointment Marks a New Era for Ghana’s Cocoa Industry
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The appointment of Randy Abbey as the new Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD) by President John Dramani Mahama has ignited widespread optimism within the cocoa industry.
Stakeholders see this leadership transition as a defining moment for Ghana’s cocoa sector, one that could reshape policies, empower farmers, and reinforce the country’s position as a global cocoa powerhouse.
The Cocoa Farmers Alliance Association of Africa (COFAAA) has been among the most vocal in welcoming the appointment. In a statement signed by its President, Comrade Adeola Adegoke; Public Relations Officer, Nana Yaw Reuben; and Secretary, Nabyoullah Dosso, the association lauded Abbey’s expertise and vision.
“This appointment comes at a crucial time for Ghanaian cocoa farmers. We believe Mr. Abbey’s leadership will bring innovative policies that enhance sustainability, productivity, and farmer welfare,” COFAAA’s statement read.
Ghana, the world’s second-largest cocoa producer, is at a crossroads. Challenges such as climate change, fluctuating global prices, and the need for greater local value addition require dynamic leadership and forward-thinking policies.
Abbey’s tenure is expected to prioritize solutions that not only secure fair pricing for farmers but also promote sustainable farming practices and industry modernization.
His appointment also comes amid renewed global focus on Africa’s role in the cocoa value chain.
The recent visit of ICCO Executive Director Mitchel Arrion to Yaoundé, Cameroon, for the 111th Ordinary Session of the International Cocoa Organization (ICCO) highlighted the continent’s collective push for better conditions for cocoa farmers.
COFAAA and other industry leaders have pledged their full support to Abbey, stressing the importance of partnerships, innovation, and policies that put farmers at the center of the industry’s growth.
As Abbey steps into this pivotal role, the expectations are high. His leadership will be measured not just by Ghana’s production output but by the tangible benefits felt by the farmers who form the backbone of the industry.
“We are eager to collaborate and drive meaningful change that ensures cocoa farmers get the recognition, support, and opportunities they deserve,” COFAAA reaffirmed.
Abbey’s tenure could mark a turning point for Ghana’s cocoa sector—one that moves beyond raw exports to a more value-driven, farmer-focused, and globally competitive industry. His ability to navigate these challenges and opportunities will define the next chapter of Ghana’s cocoa legacy.
West Africa
Obi Celebrates Mahama’s Return as Ghana’s President, Advocates for African Unity
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Nigerian statesman and former presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has congratulated Ghana’s President, John Dramani Maham, on his re-election and inauguration for another term in office.
In a statement issued via his X handle, Obi hailed Mahama’s victory in Ghana’s December 7, 2024, election as a resounding mandate for national renewal and inclusive governance.
Obi praised the Ghanaian leader’s triumph as a reflection of the people’s yearning for progress, stability, and development. He urged Mahama to prioritize policies that promote equity, accountability, and economic resilience, ensuring the welfare of all Ghanaians.
“May this new chapter be defined by peace, prosperity, and the fulfillment of Ghana’s collective aspirations,” Obi stated. He emphasized that Mahama’s leadership should inspire the rest of Africa to pursue unity, growth, and sustainable development.
Political analysts have interpreted Obi’s message as a call for closer collaboration among African nations to address shared challenges, including insecurity, poverty, and economic disparities.
Obi further invoked the legacy of Ghana’s founding father, Kwame Nkrumah, urging Mahama to uphold the Pan-African vision of integration and continental progress.
Observers note that the bond between Obi and Mahama symbolizes a shift toward stronger West African cooperation amid mounting socio-economic and security concerns.
Ghanaians now look to Mahama’s administration to deliver on campaign promises, particularly in areas such as job creation, education, and infrastructure.
Meanwhile, Obi’s remarks have sparked widespread praise across social media, with many commending his statesmanship and Pan-African outlook.
As Mahama begins his new term, all eyes remain on how his leadership will address Ghana’s pressing needs while serving as a beacon of progress for Africa’s future.
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