Tinubu Urges World Leaders To Declare Theft Of Mineral Resources An International Crime. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has called on world leaders to recognise the stealing of countries’ mineral resources through illegal mining and smuggling as an international crime. Speaking at the 7th Annual General Assembly of the Network of Anti-Corruption Institutions in West Africa (NACIWA) in Abuja, the President said the illegal exploitation of Africa’s natural resources has become a global threat to economic stability and peace. Tinubu lamented that billions of dollars are lost yearly to mineral smuggling, corruption, and illicit trade, which he said fuel insecurity, kidnapping and banditry across the continent. “The stealing of our countries’ mineral resources should no longer be treated as a local issue. It is an international cr+me that undermines peace and stability,” he said. The President urged the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the broader international community to strengthen legal frameworks that criminalize illegal mining and resource theft. He also called for collective regional action to trace and recover stolen assets, while emphasizing transparency in their use. Tinubu disclosed that Nigeria has so far channelled over ₦100 billion in recovered proceeds into social intervention projects such as the Student Loan Scheme and the Consumer Credit Scheme. “No nation can win this fight alone. We must build stronger partnerships and ensure that those who profit from our collective wealth face justice,” he added. Tinubu further appealed to world leaders to support a global convention against resource theft, similar to existing international laws against drug and human trafficking.

U.S. Lifts Visa Restrictions on Ghana After Deportee Agreement; restores eligibility for five-year, multiple-entry visas. The United States has lifted visa restrictions on Ghana, restoring eligibility for five-year, multiple-entry visas and enhanced consular services. Ghana’s Foreign Minister, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, announced the development in a post on X after meetings with U.S. Undersecretary of State for Political Affairs, Allison Hooker, on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly. The decision follows months of diplomatic engagement and comes after Ghana agreed to accept West African deportees transferred by the U.S. from Nigeria and other countries. President John Mahama had earlier explained that Ghana’s move was consistent with ECOWAS free-movement rules, which allow citizens of West African states to enter Ghana without visas. The visa restrictions were first imposed in July as part of a broader U.S. review affecting Ghana, Nigeria, Cameroon and Ethiopia. The measures had cut down visa validity periods and limited entries, creating difficulties for travelers, students and businesspeople. By agreeing to take in deportees and engaging Washington diplomatically, Ghana has secured a reversal of the restrictions. Ablakwa described the development as “a big win for Ghana” and a reflection of improving relations between both countries.

“I Was Expelled and Silenced for Standing by My Principles” — Hon. Fatumata Speaks on Senator Natasha’s Suspension The controversy surrounding the suspension of Senator Natasha Ako Dwanga from the Nigerian Senate continues to draw widespread debate across the country and the African continent. Speaking during an Arise TV interview on September 11, 2025, Honorable Fatumata Nay, a member of the Pan-African Parliament and former ECOWAS Parliamentarian, condemned the prolonged suspension of the Kogi Central senator, stressing that her six-month suspension has already expired and should not be unlawfully extended. Drawing from her personal political journey, Fatumata recalled how she was expelled from her own party and removed from parliament for refusing to compromise her values. “I’ve been expelled from my party and removed from parliament for standing by my principles. I know what it feels like to be silenced,” she said, linking her experience to Senator Natasha’s plight. Legal experts have also weighed in, warning that keeping Natasha away from her legislative duties beyond the suspension period undermines parliamentary credibility. By law, once a suspension ends, a senator is free to resume duties unless a fresh motion is passed. Fatumata emphasized that this issue goes beyond Natasha as an individual — it reflects the systemic challenges women face in politics. She argued that arbitrary suspensions and administrative delays discourage women from aspiring to leadership and weaken the push for gender equality in governance. Observers are now calling on the Senate President to uphold due process, reinstate Senator Natasha, and restore proper representation to the people of Kogi Central. Many warn that failing to act will damage Nigeria’s image as a standard-bearer for democratic practices in West Africa. The case is seen as a test of Nigeria’s commitment to fairness, inclusivity, and the protection of democratic principles — with women’s political participation at the heart of the debate.

Nnamdi Kanu Petitions Trump, AU, Others, Seeks Release From ‘Captivity’. Leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, has petitioned the United States President Donald Trump, the African Union, and several foreign missions and international organizations, seeking urgent intervention for his release from what he described as unlawful captivity. In the petition sent to THE WHISTLER on Wednesday dated August 22, 2025, and jointly addressed to the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Germany, France, European Union, Netherlands, Sweden, Amnesty International, Red Cross, African Union, ECOWAS Court, Kenya, South Africa, Norway, Denmark, Japan, Brazil, Israel, Finland, and Austria, Kanu said he had been condemned to unlawful detention and solitary confinement since June 2021. “I, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, a dual Nigerian-British citizen and Leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), write this petition as a captive of the Nigerian State, condemned to unlawful detention and solitary confinement in Nigeria since June 2021. “The Nigerian Supreme Court’s perverse and unconstitutional ruling on December 15, 2023 (Appeal No. SC/CR/136/2022) reversed my lawful discharge and acquittal by the Court of Appeal on October 13, 2022, despite clear jurisdictional nullity and violations of my fundamental rights,” Kanu wrote. He urged the international community to compel the Nigerian government to respect the law. “By this letter, I respectfully implore your urgent intervention to compel the Nigerian government to adhere to its own laws, respect stare decisis, and uphold the constitutional supremacy enshrined in the 1999 Constitution. “The Supreme Court’s lawlessness, compounded by the Court of Appeal’s illegal stay of execution, undermines the rule of law, and I seek your assistance to restore justice,” he added. Kanu recalled that the Court of Appeal discharged and acquitted him on October 13, 2022, ruling that his abduction from Kenya, where he entered as a UK citizen, was unlawful and violated the Extradition Act 2004 and his right to a fair trial. He said the extraordinary rendition constituted a jurisdictional nullity that rendered the Federal High Court proceedings void.

Tinubu Signs Nigerian Insurance Industry Reform Bill 2025 Into Law President Bola Tinubu has assented to the Nigerian Insurance Industry Reform Act (NIIRA) 2025, aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s financial sector and accelerating the country’s drive toward a $1 trillion economy. The Act consolidates outdated insurance laws into a modern framework, introducing stringent capital requirements, compulsory insurance policies, digitisation of the market, zero tolerance for delayed claims, and dedicated policyholder protection funds. It also encourages participation in regional schemes like the ECOWAS Brown Card System. The National Insurance Commission (NAICOM) is tasked with implementing the reforms, which are expected to boost investment, consumer confidence, and position Nigeria as a leading insurance hub in Africa. #NigeriaEconomy #InsuranceReform #NAICOM #Tinubu

Ghanaian President John Mahama has assured Nigerians that there is no place for X+n@phobia in Ghana, reaffirming the country’s commitment to ECOWAS protocols on the free movement of people & goods. Mahama gave the assurance while receiving a special envoy from President Bola Tinubu led by Nigeria’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Amb. Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, at the Presidential Palace in Accra. In a statement released by Dr. Magnus Eze, Special Assistant on Communication & New Media to the Minister, Mahama dismissed concerns over recent protests targeting Nigerians in Ghana. He urged President Tinubu not to worry, emphasizing the strong historic ties between both nations. “Tell President Tinubu not to lose sleep. Nigeria & Ghana are brothers. We won’t let anything come between us,” Mahama said. He explained that a viral protest video circulating online was actually an old clip recorded over 10 years ago by a Nigerian resident in Ghana. Though it briefly stirred tensions, Mahama clarified that fewer than 50 people were involved and the matter was promptly addressed. The president guaranteed the safety of Nigerians and their businesses in Ghana, stressing that both countries must continue to foster unity and cooperation. Amb. Odumegwu-Ojukwu, on her part, appreciated President Mahama’s hospitality and reassurances. She said the Nigerian government was deeply concerned about the safety of its citizens in Ghana following the video’s resurgence. She also revealed that the visit aimed to push for the establishment of a permanent Nigeria-Ghana Joint Commission. According to her, the commission would tackle youth migration issues linked to unemployment, while also promoting responsible migration. “We encourage our youth to stay in Nigeria, and if they must migrate, to be good ambassadors,” she added.

Mahama: No Room for Xenophobia in Ghana Accra, August 1, 2025 – Ghanaian President John Mahama has reassured the Nigerian government that xenophobia has no place in Ghana, following recent protests targeting Nigerian nationals. During a meeting with Nigeria’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, Mahama emphasized Ghana’s commitment to ECOWAS protocols and the free movement of people and goods in West Africa. He urged Nigerian President Bola Tinubu not to worry about the unrest, attributing it to an old, recirculated video that sparked temporary tension. Mahama affirmed that the safety of Nigerians and their businesses in Ghana remains a priority. Odumegwu-Ojukwu, on a fact-finding mission, said the visit aimed to ease tensions and proposed the creation of a permanent Nigeria-Ghana Joint Commission to address migration and youth unemployment. She also urged Nigerians in Ghana to abide by local laws. She described the meeting with Mahama as “engaging” and praised the president’s dedication to peaceful coexistence.

Nigeria News‘We Are Not Criminals’ – FG Fires Ghanaians Protesting ‘Nigeria Must Go. The Federal Government, through the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM), has condemned the protest by Ghanaians calling on Nigerians to be deported from the West African country. Naija News earlier reported that some Ghanaian citizens staged a protest against Nigerians, accusing them of engaging in mass prostitution, ritual killings, kidnapping, and violent crimes in their country. In a viral video seen on Tuesday, the protesters, numbering in their hundreds, carried placards with inscriptions such as “Armed robbery and violent attacks must stop,” “Our health at stake due to mass prostitution,” “Nigerians are kidnapping and using people for rituals,” and “Our kids are getting missing because of Igbos.” Reacting in a statement to Naija News, Director of Media, Public Relations and Protocols, NIDCOM, Abdur-Rahman Balogun, disclosed that Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Chairman/CEO NIDCOM, said the blanket outrage against Nigerians living in Ghana and branding them as criminals should be condemned by all. She said: “Nigerians are not criminals. They are good ambassadors wherever they find themselves while those bad ones should be fish out and face the necessary sanctions. “Ghana and Nigeria are like siamese twins. They are brothers and such in the spirit of ECOWAS and regional integration should continue to live in peace like brothers.” The NIDCOM Boss appealed for calm and urged Nigerians living in Ghana not to be provoked or go into violence with anyone as the issue is being handled at the diplomatic level. She advised anyone using inciteful words to desist henceforth both from Nigerians and Ghanaians as that is capable of escalating the matter. Dabiri-Erewa also advised Nigerians to disregard the videos circulating that Nigerians’ shops and properties are destroyed by Ghanaians. “There is no evidence to that and we must at all cost prevent any reprisal attacks,” she said. She praised Ghanaian and Nigeria High Commissioners for their efforts to control the situation, adding that the Minister of State, Foreign Affairs, has also been in touch with Ghanaian authorities and had taken some pro- active measures.

Tinubu demands activation of ECOWAS Standby Force as he hands over to Sierra Leone’s Bio

Today, I handed over ECOWAS leadership to my brother, H.E. Julius Maada Bio, President of Sierra-Leone.

BREAKING NEWS: President Bola Tinubu has officially handed over the leadership of ECOWAS to Sierra Leone's President, Julius Maada Bio, who now assumes the role of ECOWAS Chairman.

President Tinubu has handed over ECOWAS leadership to Sierra Leone’s President Maada Bio at the 65th Ordinary Session in Abuja. Bio pledged commitment to peace, integration, and democracy across West Africa.

Leaders Gather For ECOWAS 67th Ordinary Session, Tinubu’s Second Term As Chairman Ends Delegates from member states of the Economic Community of West Africa (ECOWAS) are arriving at the Banquet Hall of the State House, Abuja, for the 67th Ordinary Session of the Authority of Heads of State and Government.

The Federal Government has destroyed 3,867 Small and Light Weapons. “Today, a total of quantity 3,867 different types and calibres of SALW will be destroyed by the initial burning process and subsequently, smelting of the remnant metal parts. “It is pertinent to state that the National Centre has in its custody some recovered/captured illicit SALW still undergoing tracing as well as investigations and legal processes. “These include the illicit weapons smuggled into the Country and intercepted at Onne Port and NAHCO shed at the Murtala Mohammed Airport, Lagos by the Nigeria Customs Service. “These categories of weapons would be destroyed on completion of the proceedings during subsequent routine destruction exercises,” he said. transparent documentation and destruction of decommissioned, unserviceable, captured, surrendered, and recovered illicit firearms. This, he said, is in line with the provisions of Article 17 of the ECOWAS Convention on SALW and the UN Programme of Action to Prevent, Combat and Eradicate the Illicit Trade in SALW. The NCCSALW boss said the centre would continue to push in the direction of generating ingenious strategies to reduce, if not completely eradicate, the availability of illicit arms in society. He expressed appreciation to the Service Chiefs and heads of other arms-bearing security and intelligence services for releasing the recovered weapons for the destruction exercises. “I am assured of your continued support to the Centre as we work together towards our shared vision of an illicit arms-free society,” he added.

ECOWAS Leaders Have Failed to Uphold the Rule of Law – Femi Falana Speaks Out Renowned human rights lawyer, Femi Falana (SAN), has criticized the leadership of ECOWAS, accusing them of neglecting their duty to uphold democratic principles and the rule of law across West Africa. According to Nigeria Stories, Falana emphasized that the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has repeatedly turned a blind eye to constitutional violations and electoral malpractice in member countries. He stated that this failure has contributed to the erosion of democratic institutions and civil liberties in the region. “ECOWAS leaders have failed woefully in their responsibility to defend the rule of law. They watch while constitutions are manipulated and citizens’ rights are trampled upon,” Falana said. His remarks come at a time when West Africa continues to grapple with political instability, military coups, and growing public distrust in governance. Falana’s comments add to the increasing calls for ECOWAS to shift from passive diplomacy to decisive action in addressing democratic backsliding within its member states. #FemiFalana #ECOWAS #RuleOfLaw

ECOWAS Leaders Undermining Rule of Law, Falana Alleges Senior Advocate Urges President Tinubu to Ensure Compliance with ECOWAS Court Rulings Prominent human rights lawyer and Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Femi Falana, has accused the leadership of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) of failing to uphold the rule of law and democratic principles in the region. In a statement titled “End Disobedience of ECOWAS Courts,” Falana said ECOWAS leaders have repeatedly shown disregard for the rulings of the Community Court of Justice, undermining its authority and the region’s legal framework. Falana disclosed that as of December 2024, a total of 154 judgements from the ECOWAS Court remained unenforced by member states. He noted that Nigeria tops the list with 44 outstanding judgements, followed by Togo (27) and Guinea (15). Other non-compliant countries include Mali (10), Sierra Leone (9), Niger (8), Côte d’Ivoire (8), Senegal (8), Ghana (6), Benin (5), Liberia (4), Burkina Faso (5), The Gambia (3), Cabo Verde (1), and Guinea-Bissau (1). “With respect, the ECOWAS leaders have failed to uphold democratic norms and the rule of law,” Falana said. “Without any legal or political justification, they have treated the decisions of the ECOWAS Court with disdain.” He emphasized that some of the same leaders — or their family members — who once defied the court have later turned to it for protection after leaving office. Notable examples include Charles Taylor (Liberia), Laurent Gbagbo (Côte d’Ivoire), Boni Yayi (Benin), Mamadou Tandja (Niger), Blaise Compaoré (Burkina Faso), and Mrs. Doe, widow of former Liberian president Samuel Doe. Nigeria’s Responsibility Falana, who previously served as President of the West African Bar Association, said Article 24 of the ECOWAS Court mandates each member state to designate a national authority responsible for enforcing court decisions. In 2014, Nigeria appointed its Attorney-General for this role. He called on President Bola Tinubu to instruct Attorney-General Lateef Fagbemi (SAN) to immediately begin implementing the court’s decisions. “It is the height of embarrassment that Nigeria, under the current ECOWAS Chairmanship of President Tinubu, leads in the number of unenforced judgements,” Falana said. “To restore credibility and regional leadership, Nigeria must comply without further delay.” Tinubu’s ECOWAS Legacy President Tinubu, who currently serves as Chairman of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government, recently praised the bloc’s achievements during its 50th anniversary celebrations, citing progress in election monitoring, mediation, and institution-building, including the ECOWAS Court of Justice. “ECOWAS has upheld democratic norms through election observation, mediation, and institutions such as the ECOWAS Parliament and Court of Justice — cementing accountability, rule of law, and people-centred governance,” Tinubu said. Falana’s remarks, however, suggest a stark contrast between rhetoric and reality, as he urged West African leaders to stop undermining the very institutions they claim to support.

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NIGERIA BANS BURKINA RALLY It appears that the 2 years Burkina Faso has spent under revolutionary leadership has sent jitters down the spines of Nigeria's leadership. Pan-Africanism is apparently now banned in Nigeria. Or at least that's what Nigerian activist Kola Edokpayi discovered when he organised a Pan-African solidarity rally in support of Burkina Faso. The rally was to be held in the spirit of countless other rallies around the world that took place on the same day in defence of Burkina Faso and its leader Ibrahim Traore against attacks from the US. He immediately received a cease-and-desist order from the Edo State Commissioner of Police. And cease he did, but that was just the start. The Department of State Services and the police stormed his office, detained about six individuals, and later released four, keeping Edokpayi and another associate in custody. The act has been condemned by the Edo State chapter of the Take It Back Movement, calling it a violation of constitutional rights. President Bola Tinubu's government has maintained a position of hostility against the Alliance of Sahel States, which Burkina Faso is a member of. Following the popular revolutionary coup against Western favourite Mohamed Bazoum in Niger, Tinubu, who then chaired ECOWAS, pushed firmly for an ECOWAS invasion to reinstate Bazoum. Solidarity from Mali and Burkina Faso with Niger is credited with eventually giving ECOWAS cold feet. Since then, there have been no conciliatory moves from Abuja. Let us know what you think. Why did Nigeria ban rallies in support of Burkina Faso?

Trump Warns Putin Is ‘Playing With Fire’ Amid Stalled Peace Talks U.S. President Donald Trump has issued a stern warning to Russian President Vladimir Putin, accusing him of “playing with fire” as diplomatic efforts to end the war in Ukraine struggle to gain traction. Trump’s comments came Tuesday via his Truth Social platform, where he expressed frustration over the lack of progress in peace negotiations. The warning follows his earlier remarks describing Putin as “absolutely CRAZY” after a large-scale drone attack in Ukraine left multiple civilians dead. "Putin doesn’t realize that if it weren’t for me, lots of really bad things would’ve already happened to Russia. And I mean REALLY BAD. He’s playing with fire!" Trump posted, without specifying what those consequences might have been. Moscow maintains that its military actions are in response to increasing Ukrainian attacks on Russian civilians and accuses Kyiv of deliberately undermining peace efforts. Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022, and despite a phone conversation eight days ago where Trump claimed Putin agreed to resume talks, no progress has been reported. Diplomatic pressure has grown in recent weeks, with Washington reportedly considering a new wave of sanctions. According to reports from The Wall Street Journal and CNN, Trump is weighing additional economic measures against Russia, which could be announced as early as this week. Speaking on Sunday, Trump confirmed he was “absolutely” considering sanctions. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said all options remain on the table. “President Trump has been clear in his call for a negotiated peace deal and is prepared to act decisively. This war is Joe Biden’s fault,” she told AFP. Trump has so far resisted harsh sanctions on Russian banks, arguing they could have devastating effects. However, his recent comments reflect a shift from his previously cordial tone toward Putin, with whom he often claimed to have a good relationship. Meanwhile, Russia continues its drone campaign. Between May 20 and 27, Russian forces claimed to have intercepted over 2,300 Ukrainian drones. On Tuesday night alone, nearly 150 drones were reportedly downed, including 33 targeting Moscow. The Russian defense ministry accused Ukraine—and its European allies—of attempting to sabotage peace efforts. In contrast, Ukrainian officials say it is Russia that is deliberately targeting civilians. “We need to end this eternal waiting — Russia needs more sanctions,” wrote Andriy Yermak, Chief of Staff to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, on Telegram. Calls for action are also growing in the U.S. Congress. Senator Chuck Grassley urged strong measures, while bipartisan voices, including Senators Lindsey Graham and Richard Blumenthal, pushed for secondary sanctions on countries continuing to do business with Russia. Former Trump national security adviser and Ukraine envoy Keith Kellogg told Fox News that Geneva may serve as the next venue for peace talks after Russia rejected the Vatican as a host. He expressed hope that Trump, Putin, and Zelensky could come together for direct negotiations. The Swiss foreign ministry declined to confirm Geneva as a host but reiterated Switzerland’s readiness to facilitate dialogue. Earlier this month, Russia and Ukraine held their first direct talks in over three years in Istanbul. #TrumpWarning, #PutinUkraineWar, #ECOWAS50Celebration

ECOWAS @50: Delegates Convene in Lagos to Mark Regional Bloc’s Golden Jubilee Delegates from across West Africa have gathered at the Eko Hotel and Suites in Lagos to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), a regional body committed to unity, peace, and economic integration. The golden jubilee celebrations, which were initially launched in Accra, Ghana, in April, continue in Nigeria’s commercial capital with a series of high-profile events. Nigeria’s President and current Chairman of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, joined other dignitaries, including the only surviving founding father of the organization, General Yakubu Gowon (Rtd), who was instrumental in the signing of the original treaty in Lagos in 1975. Earlier in the day, a special session reflecting on ECOWAS’ founding and progress took place at the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs (NIIA) in Victoria Island, Lagos. Following the session, regional leaders and top ECOWAS officials are expected to proceed to Eko Hotel for the main celebration. According to a statement by presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga, ECOWAS Commission President Dr. Omar Touray will deliver the welcome address. President Tinubu is scheduled to speak on the organization’s milestones over the past five decades. Also expected to give a retrospective analysis is Professor Bolaji Akinyemi, Chairman of the NIIA and former Minister of External Affairs, who will highlight the community’s 50-year journey—a topic that will also be explored in panel discussions. General Yakubu Gowon is expected to participate in all scheduled events and deliver a keynote address at the Eko Hotel ceremony. #Bola #Tinubu, #Regional #Integration