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Tinubu Hands Over ECOWAS Leadership to Sierra Leone’s President

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8 months ago

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President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Sunday officially handed over the leadership of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Authority of Heads of State and Government to President Julius Maada Bio of Sierra Leone. The handover ceremony took place in Abuja during the closing of the ECOWAS Authority’s 67th Ordinary Session.

Speaking at the ceremony, President Tinubu described it as a profound honour to have chaired the regional body, noting that he was deeply humbled by the trust and support of fellow leaders throughout his tenure. “As I now hand over the mantle of leadership to my great friend and dear brother, His Excellency President Julius Maada Bio of Sierra Leone, I do so with a deep sense of fulfilment and optimism for the future of West Africa,” Tinubu said.

Reflecting on the challenges of his tenure, Tinubu acknowledged the region’s political and security hurdles but expressed optimism that ECOWAS, under Bio’s leadership, will continue to advance peace, stability, and prosperity. “I remain confident that with the continued cooperation of all its members, ECOWAS will scale greater heights in our collective pursuit of peace, security, stability, and prosperity for our people and our region,” he added.

President Tinubu used the opportunity to urge regional leaders to remain committed to the evolving needs of West African citizens. He stressed the importance of inclusive governance and empowering vulnerable groups, including youth and women. “Let us deepen cooperation, uphold diplomatic principles, and foster inclusive growth that leaves no one behindespecially our youth, women, and vulnerable populations,” he stated.

He also emphasized that political stability and economic integration must go hand in hand for the region to achieve sustainable development. “Economic integration cannot be superimposed on an untenable political environment. That is why we must remain steadfast in our resolve to rise to these emerging challenges,” he declared.

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Tinubu commended the ECOWAS Commission, member state institutions, and technical staff for their commitment and professionalism in supporting the Authority’s operations. “As you return to your respective countries, let us remain resolute in our shared mission to deepen our integration, protect our people, and build a prosperous, secure, and united West Africa,” he concluded.

In his acceptance remarks, President Julius Maada Bio expressed gratitude for the confidence reposed in him by member states. He promised to lead a people-centered, action-oriented ECOWAS that prioritizes stability, democracy, and regional integration. “We must engage transitional governments constructively and support member states in building stronger democratic institutions rooted in the rule of law,” Bio stated.

The Sierra Leonean leader outlined four key priorities for his tenure: restoring constitutional order, revitalizing regional security cooperation, unlocking economic integration, and enhancing institutional credibility. “We must overhaul our collective security architecture—from intelligence sharing to rapid response capabilities—to confront new threats with unity and resolve,” he said.

President Bio further highlighted the need for economic policies that serve citizens and promote resilience. “The ECOWAS Trade Liberalisation Scheme, regional infrastructure, and cross-border value chains must become engines of job creation, trade, and resilience, especially for our women and youth,” he noted.

Acknowledging the achievements of his predecessor, Bio commended Tinubu for laying a strong foundation in regional dialogue, economic recovery, and peacebuilding. “I am humbled to build upon the strong foundation you have established,” he said, extending appreciation for Tinubu’s leadership and vision.

President Bio also addressed the complex realities facing West Africa, including terrorism, illicit arms flow, political instability, and transnational crime. He stressed the importance of reforming ECOWAS to meet the expectations of its people. “ECOWAS must reform itself to become more transparent, efficient, and responsive to the needs of its people. This is how we will rebuild trust in regional cooperation,” he added.

In his concluding remarks, President Bio called for solidarity and renewed commitment to the ECOWAS vision. “Across West Africa, citizens—especially our youth—are demanding not just elections, but also accountability, transparency, and a fair stake in national life,” he said.

In a statement by the special adviser to the President on information and strategy Bayo Onanuga said the handover marks a new chapter in ECOWAS leadership as the region navigates multiple security, political, and economic challenges with renewed hope and collective resolve.

 

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Tinubu’s Peace Move Takes Effect as Rivers Assembly Suspends Fubara’s Impeachment

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3 hours ago

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February 19, 2026

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By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa

The Rivers State House of Assembly has halted its impeachment proceedings against Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy, Professor Ngozi Odu, following President Bola Tinubu’s latest intervention in the state’s protracted political crisis.

The Assembly made the decision during Thursday’s plenary, TVC News reported.

The lawmakers had on January 8 initiated impeachment moves against the governor and his deputy, citing alleged gross misconduct . The notices of allegation were forwarded to the Chief Judge of Rivers State, Justice Simeon Chibuzor-Amadi, with a request to constitute a seven-man investigative panel as required by Section 188 of the 1999 Constitution .

However, the process was halted after a Rivers State High Court sitting in Oyigbo Local Government Area restrained the lawmakers and the Chief Judge from proceeding . Justice F. A. Fiberesima issued an interim injunction barring Speaker Martin Amaewhule, the Clerk of the House, and 31 other defendants from taking further steps toward impeachment .

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The court specifically restrained the Chief Judge from receiving, forwarding, considering, or acting on any request or resolution aimed at constituting an investigative panel against Fubara and Odu . The matter was subsequently adjourned indefinitely after parties informed the court that appeals had been entered at the Court of Appeal .

Thursday’s decision by lawmakers to discontinue the impeachment process followed President Bola Tinubu’s fourth intervention in the oil-rich state’s political crisis .

Two weeks ago, Tinubu met with key political actors, including Governor Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike—now Minister of the Federal Capital Territory—at the Presidential Villa in Abuja . The closed-door meeting aimed to resolve the lingering power struggle that has polarised the state since Fubara’s assumption of office.

Following the meeting, Wike publicly acknowledged the President’s intervention and directed lawmakers to comply .

“I have told the assembly to do the needful and obey Mr. President, which I know they will not hesitate,” Wike said after inspecting projects in Abuja. “I also believe the governor will carry out his own part to make sure that this is the final time Rivers people will hear this kind of discord” .

The latest intervention marks a significant de-escalation in the crisis, which stems from the political feud between Fubara and his predecessor, Wike, over control of the state’s political structure . Observers note that Thursday’s development suggests both parties may have reached a new understanding following the presidential mediation.

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CDS Oluyede Honored with National Award in Sierra Leone

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4 hours ago

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February 19, 2026

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By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa

Nigeria’s Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Olufemi Oluyede, has been decorated with the Grand Commander of the Order of the Rokel, one of Sierra Leone’s highest national honours. The award was conferred during a grand ceremony marking the 17th Armed Forces Day of the Republic of Sierra Leone.

In a statement released on [Date, if available], the Director of Defence Information, Major General Samaila Uba, confirmed that the honour recognises General Oluyede’s pivotal role in securing peace in Sierra Leone during his service with the Economic Community of West African States Monitoring Group (ECOMOG).

The statement highlighted that the award serves as a profound appreciation not only for General Oluyede’s personal contributions but also for the sacrifices of all Nigerian officers and soldiers who fought to restore peace and stability to the nation during its civil war.

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General Oluyede’s connection to Sierra Leone dates back to the early 1990s. Between 1992 and 1994, he was deployed as a Platoon Commander, tasked with securing the residence of the then-Head of State. During this period, he was lauded for his exemplary leadership, professionalism, and unwavering commitment to protecting the government in a time of intense turmoil.

Aside from Nigerian CDS, other distinguished personalities from Nigeria, Guinea, United Kingdom, United States and Kenya, among others, were equally awarded medals during the ceremony.

They included former Nigerian CDS, Gen. Martin Luther Agwai (rtd), Lt. Gen. Daniel Opande of Kenya (rtd), Lt. Gen. Ibrahima Sory Bangoura of Guinea, Maj. Gen. Paul Rogers of USA and
Brig. Gen. Edward Butler (rtd) of the UK.

The Armed Forces Day event also served as a solemn tribute to the courage and sacrifice of regional forces. Special recognition was reserved for the Nigerian Armed Forces, whose steadfast commitment under the ECOMOG banner was described as being at the forefront of regional peace enforcement.

The Nigerian contingent was particularly commended for its distinctive bravery, resilience, and dedication to the protection of civilians during Sierra Leone’s brutal civil war, cementing the nation’s legacy as a cornerstone of peace and stability in the West African sub-region.

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Troops Kill Senior Boko Haram Commander, Arrest Drone Supplier in Zamfara Operation

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4 hours ago

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February 19, 2026

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By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa

Troops of Operation HADIN KAI, operating in coordination with local vigilantes and hunters, have killed a senior Boko Haram commander during a mission in the Madagali axis of Zamfara State.

Security sources confirmed that the neutralised terrorist, identified as Abdullahi Mafa, was a former hybrid commander of the insurgent group. He was killed in a targeted operation on Thursday following a fierce encounter with security forces along the Visik River corridor.

According to security analyst Zagazola Makama, the troops came into contact with suspected Boko Haram fighters while laying an ambush in the area, leading to a gun battle that resulted in Mafa’s death.

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In a separate but related operation within the same Madagali Local Government Area, troops also arrested a suspected logistics and drone supplier linked to the terrorists. The suspect, Dauda Usman Gubula, was apprehended during a raid at the Madagali Motor Park.

Makama, citing official sources, revealed that security operatives recovered several items from the suspect, including two aerial drones and 20 solar power banks believed to be destined for terrorist use. Gubula is currently in custody as investigations continue.

The military has maintained sustained offensive operations across the region as part of ongoing efforts to dismantle Boko Haram cells and restore normalcy to affected communities.

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