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Israeli Protesters Demand Gaza Truce As Conflict Reaches 10th Month

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Israeli protesters took to the streets of Tel Aviv for a second consecutive day on Sunday, urging the government to secure a hostage deal with Hamas as the Gaza conflict stretches into its 10th month.

The “disruption day” began at 6:29 am, marking the exact time of the Hamas attacks on southern Israel on October 7, which ignited the ongoing war.

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Demonstrators, waving flags, blocked traffic at a major intersection in Tel Aviv, calling for new elections and greater efforts by the government to negotiate the release of hostages still held in Gaza.

In anticipation of a significant rally, police increased security measures around Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s residence in Jerusalem.

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The previous evening saw anti-government protesters clashing with police on horseback as they blocked a highway, prompting authorities to use water cannons to disperse the crowd.

Mediators have initiated new truce negotiations between Israel and Hamas, instilling a sense of renewed hope among the families of hostages.

Sachar Mor, a relative of hostage Ofer Kaderon, expressed optimism at a rally on Saturday, stating, “for the first time, we all feel that we are closer than ever to getting our loved ones back. This is an opportunity that cannot be missed.”

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The October 7 attacks resulted in the deaths of 1,195 people, predominantly civilians, according to an AFP tally based on Israeli data.

The militants also captured 251 hostages, with 116 still in Gaza, including 42 who the military believes are deceased.

In retaliation, Israel’s military offensive has claimed the lives of at least 38,153 people in Gaza, mostly civilians, as reported by the health ministry in the Hamas-controlled territory.

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As the war drags on, the call for a truce and negotiations for the release of hostages remains a central focus for the protesters and the international community.

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Sokoto Governor Orders Return Of Diverted Sallah Gifts, Threatens Punitive Measures

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Dailygazettenig
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Sokoto State Governor, Ahmed Aliyu, has issued a stern directive to Local Government and Local Government Education Authority officials to return the diverted ₦30,000 Sallah gifts meant for workers, or face severe consequences.

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Addressing a gathering of well-wishers and supporters at the Government House in Sokoto on Friday, following his successful Hajj pilgrimage, Governor Aliyu expressed his dismay over the actions of some finance officers at the local government level who allegedly withheld the funds allocated as Sallah gifts by the state government.

“I am appalled that some individuals would deny our workers the stipends provided to them to ensure their financial stability during the Sallah festivities,” Governor Aliyu stated.

“Those who diverted these funds must return them immediately, or we will implement serious punitive measures against them. We will ensure that the perpetrators face the full extent of the law to serve as a deterrent to others.”

The governor also instructed the heads of agencies involved in the corrupt practices to expedite the compilation of a list of affected workers and ensure that they are reimbursed promptly.

He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to accountability, transparency, and prudent management of public funds for the benefit of all residents of Sokoto State.

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“This administration is committed to zero-tolerance for corruption and any corrupt tendencies,” Governor Aliyu emphasized. “Anyone who believes they can embezzle public funds and escape consequences is gravely mistaken. Our administration is a true reflection of a government of the people, by the people, and for the people. We have a significant responsibility ahead of us, and we must fulfill it diligently, regardless of the challenges.”

Governor Aliyu also urged the people of Sokoto State to continue supporting his administration in its mission to deliver on campaign promises.

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He expressed gratitude to the All Progressives Congress leader in the state, Senator Aliyu Wamakko, for his guidance and leadership, as well as to the people of Sokoto State for their unwavering support and prayers.

“We are thankful for the continued support and fervent prayers from the people of Sokoto State,” he said.

“Let us maintain this momentum as we strive to achieve our goals and improve the lives of our citizens.”

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Governor Aliyu’s address highlights his administration’s dedication to eradicating corruption and ensuring that public funds are used for the intended purposes, reinforcing the state’s commitment to good governance and ethical leadership.

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Enugu Lawmaker, Raymond Ugwu Weds Heartthrob In Grand Style

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Dailygazettenig
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The lawmaker representing Enugu East Rural Constituency in the Enugu State House of Assembly, Hon. Raymond Ugwu, on Saturday wedded his heartthrob, Perpetual Jenifer Ohabuike.

The reception ceremony, which took place in Enugu, was attended by a host of dignitaries, family members, political associates, and well-wishers who gathered to witness the joyous occasion.

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The couple earlier exchanged marital vows in a Holy Mass presided over by Bishop Calistus Onaga, Catholic Bishop of Enugu Diocese, at the Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Independence Layout, Enugu.

It was a beautiful ceremony that highlighted their love and commitment to each other.

The event featured modern elements, reflecting the contemporary tastes of the newlyweds.

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Among the prominent guests were the Governor of Enugu state, Peter Mbah, former minister of Power, Prof. Bart Nnaji, former speaker of the state Assembly, Edward Ubosi, current speaker, Hon. Uche Ugwu, fellow lawmakers, government functionaries, and political associates, numerous friends from across the state.

The reception was filled with heartfelt speeches, music, and dance, creating a festive atmosphere that celebrated the union of the couple.

Speaking with a Daily Gazette correspondent, Hon. Ugwu expressed his gratitude to all who attended and supported the event.

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“I am overwhelmed by the love and support we have received from our friends, family, and colleagues. Today marks the beginning of a new chapter in our lives, and we are deeply grateful for the blessings and well-wishes,” he said.

The bride, radiant in her attire, also shared her joy and excitement, thanking everyone for being part of their special day.

“This is a dream true, and I am so happy to be surrounded by loved ones as we start this journey together,” she remarked.

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Governor Peter Mbah Receives NEAPS Award For Infrastructural Development

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Dailygazettenig
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Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State has been honored with the Distinguished Award for Infrastructure at the Nigeria Excellence in Public Service Awards (NEAPS).

This recognition, presented at the Aso Presidential Villa in Abuja, acknowledges his significant contributions to road infrastructure in the state.

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Just two weeks prior, Mbah also received a presidential award for his work in supporting Micro, Small, and Medium Scale Enterprises (MSMEs) at the 2024 National MSMEs Awards, organized by the Office of the Vice President.

President Bola Tinubu, addressing the event, emphasized the importance of public service as a trust and called on public servants to meet their responsibilities.

He highlighted NEAPS, an initiative by the private sector and the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (OSGF), as a strategic effort to inspire the nation’s workforce and create a ripple effect of positive change.

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In his acceptance speech, Mbah expressed gratitude to the NEAPS organizers and reaffirmed his commitment to further infrastructural improvements in Enugu State.

“We are grateful for this recognition of our efforts to revamp our roads. This award confirms that we are on the right path, but it also motivates us to do even more,” Mbah stated.

He outlined his administration’s plans to continue expanding the road network across both urban and rural areas.

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“Beyond the 71 urban roads already completed and the ongoing inter-local government roads, we are commencing work on 80 additional roads and targeting at least 10 kilometers of roads in each of our 260 electoral wards,” he added.

President Tinubu, in a speech delivered by Vice President Kashim Shettima, praised the awardees for their dedication to public service.

He stressed the need for accountability and integrity in public office, lamenting that some officials exploit loopholes despite measures to prevent irregularities.

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“Our public service must live up to its expectation as a public trust, and we must create an ecosystem where dedicated officials are recognized and stand apart from those who undermine our efforts,” he said.

Tinubu emphasized that recognition and reward are essential markers of a thriving institution and nation.

“Our workforce is the ultimate reflection of our principles, embodied by men and women committed to building a better future for all citizens. We owe these silent architects of our national progress more than just a debt of gratitude,” he concluded.

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Senator George Akume, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, in his welcome address, explained that NEAPS recognizes and rewards innovation, leadership, and hard work in both the public and private sectors.

He assured that the selection process for the honorees was based on verifiable empirical data.

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Court Orders Former Minister To Account For N729 Billion Payments

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Dailygazettenig
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A Federal High Court in Lagos has directed Sadiya Umar Farouq, the former Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management, and Social Development, to provide a detailed account of the N729 billion she approved for distribution to 24.3 million Nigerians over six months.

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The court’s decision, delivered in June by Justice Deinde Isaac Dipeolu, came in response to a Freedom of Information (FOI) lawsuit filed by the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP).

The suit, case number FHC/L/CS/853/2021, sought transparency regarding the disbursement of the substantial funds.

Justice Dipeolu ordered the former minister to supply SERAP with a comprehensive list of beneficiaries, the number of states covered, and the specific payments each state received.

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“The former minister is compelled by the provisions of the Freedom of Information Act to give information to any person, including SERAP. I therefore grant an order of mandamus directing and compelling the minister to provide the spending details of N729 billion to 24.3 million poor Nigerians in 2021,” the judge stated.

Farouq is also required to explain the criteria used in selecting the beneficiaries, the mechanisms employed for the payments, and the rationale behind the N5,000 payments to each of the 24.3 million recipients, which amounted to five percent of Nigeria’s 2021 budget of N13.6 trillion.

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Justice Dipeolu dismissed the objections raised by Farouq’s counsel, affirming SERAP’s argument that the minister failed to provide any valid reason for withholding the requested details.

The judge noted, “the minister did not give any reason for the refusal to disclose the details sought by SERAP. SERAP has reeled out the relevant sections of the Freedom of Information Act 2011 that the minister contravened and has, in line with sections 20 and 25(1) of the Act, prayed this Court for an order of mandamus to direct and compel the minister to provide the information sought.”

Kolawole Oluwadare, Deputy Director of SERAP, praised the ruling as a milestone for transparency and accountability in public spending.

He emphasized the importance of President Bola Tinubu addressing corruption allegations within the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and other government bodies.

“This ground-breaking judgment is a victory for transparency and accountability in the spending of public funds,” Oluwadare said.

“Justice Dipeolu’s judgment shows the urgent need for the Tinubu government to genuinely address the systemic allegations of corruption in the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management, and Social Development and other ministries, departments, and agencies, as documented by the Auditor-General of the Federation.”

Oluwadare commended Justice Dipeolu for her courage and wisdom and called on President Tinubu to comply with the court’s orders promptly.

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“No Going Back To ECOWAS” – Niger, Mali, Burkina Faso Declares

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Dailygazettenig
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On Saturday, General Abdourahamane Tiani, the military leader of Niger Republic, declared that Niger, along with neighboring Mali and Burkina Faso, has definitively severed ties with the West African regional bloc, ECOWAS.

Speaking at the opening of a summit in Niamey, which brought together the three Sahelian nations, General Tiani said, “our people have irrevocably turned their backs on ECOWAS.”

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This development comes despite continuous efforts by ECOWAS to re-engage the three countries.

Dr. Omar Alieu Touray, President of the ECOWAS Commission, expressed his disappointment on Thursday, noting that despite numerous attempts to facilitate dialogue and soften sanctions, the three nations have shown no intention of rejoining the bloc.

During the 92nd Ordinary Session of the Council of Ministers in Abuja, Dr. Touray highlighted the lack of a negotiation framework with the authorities in Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger since their collective exit from ECOWAS on January 28.

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“Despite our entreaties, in the form of softening of sanctions, invitation of the governments to technical meetings, and request for meetings, we have not yet gotten the right signals from these Member States,” he stated.

The withdrawal of these countries from ECOWAS has led to a divided West Africa, with two presidential summits being held this weekend.

The first summit, held on Saturday in Niamey, marked the inaugural meeting of the Alliance of Sahel States (AES), a new regional bloc formed by the three nations.

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The second summit, scheduled for Sunday in Nigeria, will see leaders of the broader ECOWAS community discussing their future relations with the AES.

The establishment of the AES in September came as Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger accused ECOWAS of being manipulated by France and failing to provide adequate support in their fight against jihadist insurgencies.

Consequently, the three countries have expelled French troops and pivoted towards new allies, including Russia, Turkey, and Iran, whom they refer to as their “sincere partners.”

The Burkinabe presidency emphasized that the agenda for the Niamey summit would focus on “the fight against terrorism” and “the consolidation of cooperation” among the AES members.

This summit is the first official gathering of the three Sahelian leaders since they came to power through coups between 2020 and 2023.

In mid-May, the foreign ministers of Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger met in Niamey to draft a text establishing the confederation, which is expected to be ratified by the heads of state at the summit.

Sunday’s ECOWAS summit in Abuja will provide an opportunity for the broader community to address their relations with the newly formed AES.

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NUJ Condemns Kidnapping Of Journalists, Their Families In Kaduna

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Dailygazettenig
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The Kaduna State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) has issued a strong condemnation following the abduction of two of its members and their families by armed bandits.

In a statement released on Sunday by the council’s Chairman, Asma’u Halilu, and Secretary, Gambo Sanga, the NUJ expressed shock and outrage over the incident.

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The attack took place on Saturday night in the Danhonu community, Millennium City, within the Chikun Local Government Area of Kaduna State.

The victims, Alhaji Abdulgafar Alabelewe of The Nation newspaper and AbdulRaheem Aodu of Blueprint Newspaper, were kidnapped along with their wives and children around 10:30 pm. Alabelewe also serves as the chairman of the Correspondents’ Chapel of the NUJ in Kaduna State.

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Describing the abduction as “brazen and barbaric,” the NUJ called on security agencies to act swiftly to rescue the captives. “We strongly condemn this ugly incident and appeal to the security agencies to swing into action with a view to rescuing the journalists and their families from the kidnappers’ den,” the statement read.

The union urged both federal and state governments to prioritize the safety of citizens and to address the resurgence of kidnappings in Kaduna and its surroundings.

“The ugly phenomenon of kidnapping in Kaduna and its environs is now resurfacing and must be checked to avert the experiences of the recent past,” the statement continued.

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Additionally, the NUJ advised journalists in the state to remain vigilant in their daily activities while also expressing hopes for the safe return of their abducted colleagues and their families.

“We implore the government at all levels to intensify efforts towards guaranteeing the security of lives and property of the citizens at all times,” the statement concluded.

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Bandits Abduct Journalists, Families In Kaduna

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Dailygazettenig
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Armed bandits have kidnapped two journalists along with their families in Kaduna State.

The attack occurred in Danhonu community, Millennium City, Chikun Local Government Area.

The victims include Alhaji AbdulGafar Alabelewe of The Nation newspaper, who also serves as the chairman of the Correspondents Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Kaduna State Council, and AbdulRaheem Aodu of Blueprint Newspaper. Both journalists, along with their wives and children, were taken during the raid.

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Taofeeq Olayemi, a family member of one of the abductees, recounted the harrowing events.

According to Olayemi, the bandits invaded the community around 10:30 pm on Saturday, firing shots indiscriminately before breaking into the homes of the journalists.

“Alhaji Abdulgafar, his wife, and three children were initially taken, but the bandits later released one child and a girl staying with them. They left with Abdulgafar, his wife, and two children,” Olayemi explained. The bandits reportedly broke down doors and windows, removing security barriers to gain access.

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In a similar fashion, the attackers forced their way into Aodu’s home, seizing him and his wife while leaving their sick daughter behind.

“They burst open Aodu’s door, took him and his wife, and then moved to Abdulgafar’s house by scaling the fence and entering directly into his bedroom,” Olayemi added.

The community’s vigilantes arrived shortly after the bandits had left, firing shots into the air in a belated response.

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Attempts to contact the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) in Kaduna, ASP Mansir Hassan, were unsuccessful as his phone was unreachable at the time of this report.

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Nigerians Can Expect Tomato Price Relief In July, Says TOPAN

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Dailygazettenig
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Nigerian consumers can look forward to a significant drop in tomato prices this July, according to the Tomatoes and Orchard Producers Association of Nigeria (TOPAN).

The assurance comes as Plateau State, a major tomato-producing region, is set to deliver a substantial harvest.

TOPAN’s National President, Oyeleke Bola, highlighted the factors contributing to the recent surge in tomato prices.

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“The delayed rains and the outbreak of tuta absoluta, also known as tomato ebola, severely impacted farmers, especially in Kano State, leading to the unprecedented price hike,” Bola explained.

He noted that the optimal planting period for tomatoes in Nigeria is between December and March, with harvesting typically occurring in the lean months from May to August when prices peak.

This year, however, farmers faced significant setbacks.

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“Climate conditions were unfavorable this year. Late rains and intense heat damaged large areas of tomato crops, particularly in Kano. The subsequent tuta absoluta outbreak further exacerbated the situation, making it challenging for farmers to sustain their operations,” Bola said.

Despite these hurdles, the upcoming harvest from Plateau State is expected to alleviate the high prices.

Bola expressed optimism that the influx of tomatoes into major cities like Lagos, Abuja, and Port Harcourt would help reduce prices by mid-July.

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Transportation costs have also contributed to the high prices.

“The cost of transporting tomatoes remains a challenge, but the new harvest will help mitigate this issue,” Bola added.

TOPAN is also focused on improving future production strategies.

“Farmers have learned valuable lessons from this year’s weather challenges. We plan to enhance land preparation and adapt our planting schedules accordingly,” he said.

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Bola emphasized the need for year-round tomato production to prevent future shortages and stabilize prices.

“Achieving continuous production requires significant investment from the private sector and collaboration with the government. Technological advancements in land preparation and mechanization for small-scale farmers are crucial,” he stated.

While some advocate for genetically modified (GMO) tomato seeds to boost yields, Bola prefers improving local seed varieties.

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“We should focus on enhancing local seeds, which can also provide high yields and support our growing population,” he argued.

Bola called on the government to establish a Federal Department for Tomato Development within the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security.

“This department should focus on seed development, technology deployment, farmer training, and infrastructure for processing and storage. Such initiatives would address the challenges in the tomato value chain and attract investments in seeds, fertilizers, irrigation, and processing,” he concluded.

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Tinubu Re-elected As ECOWAS Chairman

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Dailygazettenig
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Nigeria’s President, Bola Tinubu has been unanimously re-elected for another one-year term as Chairman of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government.

The decision was made during the 65th Ordinary Session of the Authority, held at the State House in Abuja on Sunday.

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Tinubu’s initial term is set to conclude on July 9, 2024.

His re-election was confirmed by unanimous consent from his fellow Heads of Government.

Accepting the new term, President Tinubu expressed his commitment to the role, stating, “I am honored to continue this democratic journey alongside the distinguished men and women of our region. Together, we will serve our collective interests and strengthen the democratic values we have inherited.”

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Speculation about Tinubu’s potential re-election had been rife, with sources within the Presidency indicating that there was a strong possibility he would be asked to continue.

One source, who spoke on condition of anonymity, revealed, “there were mixed opinions, with some advocating for a new leader and others supporting his continuation. Ultimately, the decision was made today.”

Tinubu initially assumed the role of ECOWAS Chairman during the 63rd Ordinary Session in July of the previous year, held in Bissau, the capital of Guinea-Bissau.

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