News
Niger: UN, AU, ECOWAS meet as ex rebel leader rises against coup plotters
Top diplomats from the United Nations, African Union and the Economic Community of West African States will Thursday (today) storm Abuja, the nation’s capital, to take major decisions at an Extraordinary Summit on the political development in the Niger Republic.
The summit, which is expected to plot the ouster of the junta, will be hosted by the Chairman of the ECOWAS of Heads of States and Government, President Bola Tinubu.
This came as the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs warned the Federal Government and ECOWAS against carrying out a military action in Niger.
The Deputy Secretary-General of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, Prof. Salisu Shehu in a statement on Wednesday, warned that sanctions, like the ones imposed by ECOWAS, would be counter-productive and would have “socio-economic negative implications for both Nigerians and Nigeriens especially as we share common history and borders.”
The warning came as a former emir of Kano, Muhammad Sanusi II, on Wednesday, met with Tchiani in Niamey to discuss the political impasse which resulted from the overthrow of President Bazoum.
Photos of the two men were circulated on social media but there was no information on the outcome of their meeting.
Also, it could not be ascertained if Sanusi was in Niamey at the instance of President Tinubu.
Sanusi meets Tinubu
Meanwhile, Sanusi also met Tinubu at the Presidential Villa on Wednesday following the ex-emir’s meeting with the junta leader. He however, refused to discuss details of his meeting with the President.
The former emir, who told journalists he was in the Villa to brief Tinubu on the outcome of his meeting with the military leaders of Niger, said he was well received in the landlocked country.
According to him, he went on the peace mission without any directive from the government.
“I came to brief him on the details of my discussions with leaders of Niger. We’ll continue to do our best to bring the two parties together to improve understanding. This is the time for public diplomacy, it’s not a matter that we leave to governments, all Nigerians, all Nigeriens need to be involved to find a solution that works for Africa, a solution that works for Niger that works for Nigeria and a solution that works for humanity”, he said.
Asked if he was a government emissary on the mission, he said “No, I was not sent by the government. Government officials were aware I was going, but it was my personal initiative, using my personal contacts to get there and I will continue to do my best. It is my duty as a leader to do that”.
Meanwhile, Tinubu, as the chairman of ECOWAS Heads of State and Government, met with leaders of various Islamic sects in the country, who sought his approval to intervene and negotiate with their counterparts in Niger Republic.
Sheikh Bala Lau of Izalla group and Sheikh Abdurahman Ahmad of Ansar ud Deen, flanked by leaders of other sects, addressed journalists after their meeting with Tinubu.
Sheikh Lau said, “we thank Allah that He gave us the opportunity to meet with Mr. President and the delegation of Ulama from here in Nigeria met with Mr. President on the issue of Niger Republic. We want to find a lasting solution, we want peace and harmony to reign, not only in Nigeria, but in the sub-Saharan region and in globe as well.
“The Ulama advised Mr. President that we want peace and reconciliation. If anything happens between you and your neighbour, the holy Quran commands you to reconcile, so we want reconciliation.
“That’s why we are here and our able leader and President accepted the offer that he wants us to intervene and to talk to our brothers in Niger Republic, the scholars also there on how we can come together and bring a lasting solution to this problem.
However, a former rebel leader and politician in Niger, Rhissa Ag Boula, launched a movement opposing the military government that took power in a July 26 coup, a first sign of internal resistance to army rule in the strategically important Sahel country.
Boula said his new Council of Resistance for the Republic aimed to reinstate ousted President Mohamed Bazoum who has been in detention at his residence since the takeover.
However, in line with the resolve to restore constitutional democracy in Niger, the UN, AU and ECOWAS will hold a joint meeting to fashion out a solution to the political impasse in the landlocked country.
A senior diplomat said that the Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General for West Africa and the Sahel, Leonardo Santos Simão, would be at the special session.
‘’The Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General for West Africa and the Sahel is the spokesman on the Niger issue and he is likely to be at the next ECOWAS meeting,’’ the source said on the condition of anonymity.
The junta led by Gen. Abdourahmane Tchiani had defiantly refused to yield to entreaties and diplomatic pressure to restore Bazoum to office.
Following the coup, the regional bloc imposed a battery of sanctions on the francophone country to compel the military leaders to reinstate the ousted president.
But the military leaders snubbed a one-week ultimatum to restore democracy issued by ECOWAS and also refused to meet with a delegation led by former military president Abdulsalami Abubakar last Thursday.
On Monday, the junta similarly denied the Acting United States Deputy Secretary of State Victoria Nuland access to the coup leader and Bazoum, who was being held in the presidential palace.
Also, plans by a joint UN, AU, ECOWAS delegation to visit Niamey on Tuesday was aborted after the coup leaders said they were unavailable to meet with the mission.
On Tuesday, Presidential spokesman, Ajuri Ngelale, told journalists in Abuja that more sanctions had been imposed on individuals and entities relating with the military junta.
This newspaper gathered that the new sanctions imposed by the Central Bank of Nigeria would prevent Nigerien banks from carrying out financial transactions with their Nigerian counterparts. The restriction also applied to the coupists and their collaborators.
As the opposition to the coup gains momentum, a former Niger rebel, Boula said in a statement Wednesday that his anti-coup movement would reverse the military intervention in his country.
“Niger is the victim of a tragedy orchestrated by people charged with protecting it,” the statement said.
Boula led uprisings by Tuaregs, a nomadic ethnic group in Niger’s desert north, in the 1990s and 2000s.
Like many former rebels, he was integrated into the government under Bazoum and his predecessor, Mahamadou Issoufou.
The rebel endorsed ECOWAS and any other international actors seeking to restore constitutional order in Niger, adding that his group would make itself available to the bloc for any useful purpose.
Another CRR member said several Nigerien political figures had joined the group but could not make their allegiance public for safety reasons.
While the extent of support for the CRR is unclear, Boula’s statement will worry the coup leaders given his influence among Tuaregs who control commerce and politics in much of the vast north.
Support from Tuaregs would be key to securing the military government’s control beyond Niamey’s city limits.
However, Reuters reports that a video statement by army spokesman Amadou Abdramane, on Wednesday, provided no evidence to such a claim.
Abdramane accused France of wanting to create an insecure atmosphere to undermine the credibility of the junta.
The lingering leadership crisis rocking the Enugu State chapter of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) took a dramatic turn on Tuesday as more than 80 party aspirants under the umbrella of the Enugu G80 formally declared their total support for the State Working Committee led by the Chairman, Dr. Johnpaul Anih.
The endorsement followed an extraordinary virtual meeting of the coalition held on Monday, August 3, 2026, where members unanimously resolved to recognize the Dr. Johnpaul Anih-led executive as the authentic leadership of the party in Enugu State.
The G80, described as a coalition of over 80 aspirants drawn from different political blocs within the party, said its decision was reached after a careful review of the circumstances surrounding the leadership dispute and extensive consultations with relevant stakeholders.
According to the communique adopted at the meeting, the coalition concluded that the executive led by Dr. Johnpaul Anih remains the only leadership produced through a valid state congress conducted on May 4, 2026, in compliance with the party’s constitution and monitored by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
The group maintained that the legitimacy of that congress cannot be displaced by any parallel arrangement or externally imposed structure.
The forum further announced the unconditional endorsement of the Anih-led executive, describing the decision as one driven by justice, equity, constitutional order and respect for internal democracy.
As part of the resolutions, members agreed to dissolve their individual political structures into the Dr. Johnpaul Anih-led leadership in order to build a united and formidable platform capable of strengthening the party across the 17 local government areas of Enugu State.
The aspirants also pledged financial, moral and political support to the State Executive in its ongoing efforts to consolidate the party and defend what they described as the democratic mandate freely given by party members during the state congress.
Addressing the forum, Dr. SKC Ogbonnia, who briefed members on the outcome of recent engagements with Dr. Johnpaul Anih and other stakeholders, urged party faithful to remain united in the interest of the party and the advancement of democratic values.
The coalition disclosed that it would immediately forward an official letter to the National Leader of the party, Senator Henry Seriake Dickson, formally communicating its endorsement while urging the national leadership to respect the outcome of the validly conducted congress and restore constitutional order within the Enugu State chapter.
In the letter signed by the group’s coordinator, Dr. SKC Ogbonnia, NDC Senatorial aspirant for Enugu West Zone, and Chief Charles Solomon Ako, NDC House of Reps aspirant for Igboetiti/Uzouwani federal constituency, the G80 appealed to the national leadership to reaffirm the Dr. Johnpaul Anih-led State Working Committee as the legitimate leadership of the party in Enugu State, reject attempts to create or sustain parallel executive structures and ensure that all party organs recognize the executive produced through the congress.
The coalition also called for the harmonisation of candidates produced by the two factions in line with the Electoral Act and the party’s constitution, insisting that any harmonisation process must be anchored on the executive that emerged from the validly conducted congress.
In a strongly worded warning, the G80 cautioned individuals and groups against actions capable of undermining the unity and stability of the party in Enugu State.
The coalition declared that it would resist every attempt to impose parallel leadership structures, insisting that only executives produced through constitutional processes possess the legal and moral authority to administer the affairs of the party.
The group further maintained that respect for internal democracy remains indispensable to the survival of the NDC, arguing that allowing unelected structures to supersede validly elected executives would erode members’ confidence and weaken the party ahead of future elections.
The latest endorsement adds to growing support for the Dr. Johnpaul Anih-led State Executive, coming barely weeks after party stakeholders, State Working Committee members and local government chairmen unanimously passed a vote of confidence on the leadership, citing its grassroots mobilisation efforts and commitment to strengthening the party in Enugu State.
…2027, The Last Chance To Unite Nigeria, Peter Obi
By Okey Maduforo Awka
Presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress ( NDC), Mr Peter Obi has warned that the 2027 general elections is the last time and opportunity to unite Nigeria noting that all hands must be on deck to change what he called the sad narrative of the Nation.
This is coming as the member representing Awka North and South Federal Constituency Prof Lilian Orogbu raises fresh alarm over an alleged plot to use fake security operatives to manipulate the coming elections stating that it would be resisted .
Peter Obi who was at the empowerment scheme convened by Orogbu in Awka Anambra state Capital lamented that NIgeria paints the picture of a meal spoilt by too much salt adding that he has been going about asking for the vote of Nigerians to guarantee the unity of the Country.
“Nigeria is like a meal spoilt by too much salt and a lot has collapsed in this country and wherever you go they tell you to be careful and don’t go there and when people get sick they have no hospitals to obtain treatment rather they go to church to pray because death is by the corner”
“We need leaders who are responsible, who have integrity and I challenge any of my contestants to come up for accessment and I can tell you that non of them is better than me”
“And that is why I have been going about the country asking for the support of Nigerians so that we can restore our country and this is the last chance to unite Nigeria and I want to unite Nigeria and that is why I am in the race for Presidency.
Speaking also Hon Liliana Oby Orogbu warned that the masses would not tolerate any act by some desperate politicians to use thugs dressed in security uniform to manipulate the electoral process adding that the masses would resist such plots .
“We are aware of the plans of some people to manipulate the coming election and we learnt that they are going to use thugs dressed in security uniforms to rig the election but our people have become wiser and it would be resisted .
Also speaking Sen Victor Umeh carpeted those according to him who have been going about campaigning that people should not vote for Peter Obi contending that such persons are not in their right senses .
“When the campaign proper begins we shall come down to Anambra state and the South East to campaign and we shall engage them and let us see why we should not support Peter Obi in the coming election ” he said.
State Chairman of the Nigeria Democratic Congress ( NDC) Hon Ikem Uzoezie described the trio of Obi , Umeh and Orogbu as most qualified for the positions that they are contesting for urging the Anambra electorates to vote massively for them .
The highlight of the occasion was the distribution of refrigerators , power generators , sewing and grinding machines , motorcycles , buses and cars to members of Awka North and South Federal Constituency.
Anthony Adeniyi (Niyi) Adeosun, husband of former Minister of Finance, Kemi Adeosun, has died at the age of 62.
He passed away on Wednesday, August 5, 2026, in Lagos State, according to a statement issued by the Adeosun family on Thursday.
The statement, titled “Announcement of the Passing of Mr Anthony Adeniyi (Niyi) Adeosun,” was signed by Rev. C. A. Adeosun on behalf of the family.
Describing the late Adeosun as a distinguished businessman and devoted Christian, the family said he lived a life marked by integrity, generosity, hard work, and unwavering commitment to God, his family, and his community.
“It is with profound sorrow, yet in total submission to the will of Almighty God, that the Adeosun family announces the passing of our beloved husband, father, and brother, Mr Anthony Adeniyi (Niyi) Adeosun, who was called home to glory on Wednesday, 5th August 2026, in Lagos,” the statement read.
The family said they were drawing strength from their Christian faith during the difficult period and requested prayers as they mourn their “irreplaceable loss.”
Funeral and burial arrangements will be announced at a later date.
Anthony Adeosun is survived by his wife, former Finance Minister Kemi Adeosun, his children, and his siblings, including Kuramo Capital founder Adewale Adeosun.
The family also expressed gratitude to everyone who has offered prayers, condolences, and support, praying that his soul rests in perfect peace.
The Commissioner of Police in Enugu State, Mr Mamman Giwa, has condoled wife, children and family members of late Insp. Ikechukwu Obodo, who died after being knocked down in a hit-and-run motor-pedestrian accident.
Obodo was knocked down in a hit-and-run motor-pedestrian accident along Bissala Road in Enugu on July 5.
Giwa gave the condolence on Wednesday during a visit to the wife of the deceased officer through a delegation led by ACP Oliver Odimega, the Assistant Commissioner of Police, Department of Operations.
The commissioner described the death of the officer, who is a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) degree holder, as a deeply tragic loss to the Nigeria Police Force, his family, friends and colcolleagues.
He prayed for the peaceful repose of his soul and for God to grant his loved ones the strength to bear the irreparable loss.
The state police boss assured the bereaved family that the command remained committed to ensuring the arrest and prosecution of the fleeing driver.
Giwa noted that the police share in their grief over the painful and untimely loss of the Inspector, whose life was cut short under such unfortunate and avoidable circumstances.
Police preliminary report released by the Spokesman of Enugu State Police Command, SP Daniel Ndukwe, said: “Preliminary investigations indicate that the deceased was travelling to his duty post at about 7p.m.
“The commercial bus conveying him failed to stop at his designated bus stop near Pascan Jake Bus Stop on Bisala Road, dropping him a few metres ahead instead.
“This led to an altercation between him and the bus driver after they alighted and in the process, an unidentified speeding vehicle struck the officer and fled the scene, while the bus driver also drove away immediately.
“Passers-by alerted operatives of the New Haven Police Division, who promptly evacuated the victim to Parklane Hospital, where he was confirmed dead.
“His remains were thereafter deposited in the hospital mortuary for preservation and post-mortem examination.”
He said that contrary to circulating rumours, investigations have not established that the late officer was struck by a government or security convoy vehicle.
Ndukwe, however, said that efforts to identify and arrest the fleeing driver remain firmly on course.
Enugu State Government-owned airline, Enugu Air, on Tuesday, August 4, 2026, signed a strategic partnership agreement with Jands Travel Business School (JTBS), an Enugu-based private travel, leisure and hospitality training institution, to promote Enugu State as a destination for leisure, business, investment and innovation.
The agreement was signed at Ifennia Court, Independence Layout, Enugu, ahead of the 2026 edition of the Domestic Tourism Festival (DTF), organised by Jands Travel Business School.
The three-day festival is scheduled to hold at Amadeo Event Centre, Enugu, from September 4 to 6, 2026, with the theme, “Innovation and Technology for Peaceful Domestic Tourism.”
The event is expected to attract about 2,000 delegates, including more than 300 travel agencies from across Nigeria, tourism boards, airlines, hospitality operators, investors and international guests.
Activities at the festival will include tourism exhibitions, business networking, cultural displays and performances, among others.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, which was attended by representatives of Enugu Air led by its Chief Operating Officer, Ugonna Agubuokwu, and members of the Jands Travel Business School Board of Trustees led by its Chairman, Chief Ben Etiaba, Etiaba described the partnership as an honour and an opportunity to promote tourism and aviation in Enugu State.
He said the agreement went beyond a Memorandum of Understanding, describing it as a shared vision aimed at building bridges between education and industry, tourism and aviation, as well as aspiration and opportunity.
“Tourism has become one of the world’s fastest-growing economic sectors. It creates jobs, stimulates entrepreneurship, preserves culture, strengthens national identity, and contributes significantly to economic growth.
“Yet, for tourism to thrive, it requires reliable transportation, skilled professionals, innovative partnerships and visionary leadership,” Etiaba said.
He said the forthcoming Domestic Tourism Festival would provide an opportunity to celebrate Nigeria’s rich cultural heritage while showcasing Enugu as a destination for leisure, business, investment and innovation.
Etiaba added that the partnership between Enugu Air and Jands Travel Business School demonstrated what could be achieved when government initiatives and private-sector institutions worked together.
He said the collaboration aligned with the vision of transforming Enugu into a leading destination for commerce, tourism, investment and ease of doing business.
According to him, improvements in infrastructure, security and connectivity across the state had created a solid foundation for partnerships that could drive tourism and economic growth.
He also commended Enugu Air for embracing the partnership at an early stage of the airline’s operations, saying its support for tourism and human capital development demonstrated its commitment to the development of Enugu State and Nigeria.
“I am confident that this partnership will become a model of successful collaboration and will contribute meaningfully to the growth of tourism, aviation and economic development in our state and our nation,” he said.
On her part, the Director of Jands Travel Business School, Mrs Chioma Obi, expressed appreciation for the partnership, saying it would help drive the development of tourism, aviation and hospitality in the state.
She said the collaboration reflected the shared commitment of both organisations to promoting tourism, improving connectivity and positioning Enugu as a preferred destination for tourism, business and investment.
Obi noted that the Domestic Tourism Festival, now in its third edition, had become a growing national platform for tourism development, bringing together government agencies, private-sector organisations, travel professionals, investors, academia and development partners.
She said last year’s edition attracted 1,287 participants, while the 2026 edition was expected to draw more than 2,000 delegates, including over 300 travel agencies from across Nigeria, tourism boards, airlines, hospitality operators, investors, media organisations and international guests.
“Enugu Air is more than an airline—it is a gateway to our destination. By becoming the Official Destination Airline Partner of DTF 2026, Enugu Air will help make travel to Enugu easier while connecting directly with hundreds of travel professionals, tourism stakeholders, corporate organisations and decision-makers from across the country,” she said.
Obi added that the partnership would strengthen Jands Travel Business School’s mission of showcasing Enugu’s tourism potential, attracting investment and creating new opportunities for businesses within the tourism value chain.
Also speaking, the Chief Operating Officer of Enugu Air, Ugonna Agubuokwu, expressed delight over the partnership and commended Jands Travel Business School for its efforts to promote tourism.
He assured the organisers that Enugu Air would work to ensure the success of the September festival.
“As an airline, we are honoured to be at this event. We all know what tourism brings to our economy. It promotes growth and development, tells the story of who we are and, above all, generates revenue.
“On the strength of this event, we shall use it as a gateway to showcase our routes and domestic destinations. That is why we are happy to be part of this great event,” Agubuokwu said.
He promised that the September 4–6 festival would be a major success for both Jands Travel Business School and Enugu Air.
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