By Fortune Abang

The U.S. says it believes in democracy regardless of all its challenges and flaws because of the opportunities it offers to the electorate for wholesome change in a leadership that fails to deliver dividends of the system.

Chargé d’Affaires of the U.S, Embassy in Nigeria Mr David Greene expressed the thought during an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja.

Greene stressed that it is the duty of the Nigerian electorate and the political system to hold elected officials accountable, saying: “This is the magic of the democratic system.

“It is such that you have the opportunity after every few years – in our system it is four years – to throw the guys out if you think they are not delivering democratic dividends.

“One of the statements President Joe Biden made in a couple of contexts is that democracy needs to deliver.

“Democratic systems need to deliver to its citizens that are participants.

“It is up to citizens under democratically elected governments that are not delivering to create change. That is why we believe in democracy. For all its challenges and flaws, it is the best system of elected presentation.”

Responding to a question on whether the U.S. is considering going beyond imposing visa-ban on politicians who undermine the democratic process by exposing them, Greene said, “I am not in the position to judge these things. It is for the Nigerian people to judge.

“The electorate gets the chance every four years to judge the performances of the folks that are in power because that is inherent to any democracy.

“As U.S. Secretary of State Anthony Blinken announced, we do take it seriously when there are accusations that folks have sought to undermine the democratic process.

“We use the full strength of tools available to us to ensure that there are consequences.

“We announced on a couple of occasions, visa-bans, and ceasing the accord with individuals accused with evidence of interfering in elections and undermining the democratic process.

“Visa records are confidential. We do not publish their numbers or the names, but it is a tool that we use when you send a message. Those people know who they are,” he added.

The envoy explained that the U.S. does not get into hypotheticals but uses available tools to enforce its punitive measures.

He underscored the need for amicable resolution of electoral disputes to guarantee the legality of elections and electoral procedures as well as the sustenance of democratic rule.

Responding to a question on the practice by political actors to manipulate election results and the resultant litigations.

According to him, although disputes often arise from democratic processes, more should be done to amicably resolve election disputes in the aftermath of elections to ensure fairness of the process.

“We know as anyone else that democracy can be messy. Disputes arise and that is inevitable in the system.

“We are always working to improve, and I think that is the case in Nigeria.

“The key when confronted with a post-election dispute is that all sides should avoid violence and use the legal peaceful process.

“Such means have already been identified for the resolution of disputes. It may not be ideal to have an election that is won in a court of law, but it happens in the U.S.

“It happens around the world. It happens in Nigeria. So, one cannot take issues without the phase of it.

“What I do think is that the cause of such a legal process should transpire transparently, according to the constitution that is in place,” he said.

On the issue of violence that black people have been subject to, especially police brutality, the envoy gave an assurance that measures have been put in place to enable citizens to live under principles of democracy.

“Democracy is not a perfect system; we are seeking to approve an absolute measure. What we are trying to do is strive to live up to our aspirations and values as principles.

“The U.S. is a country founded on ideas but has the right to life, the body, and perceived happiness. We are always trying to achieve and pursue a system that allows folks to achieve those aspirations.

“Certainly, racism, police violence holding officials accountable for corruption and their behavior are great concerns in the U.S., and there are concerns that exist in any diverse society or proper democracy.

“They occur in ways the government needs to open debate to improve the situation, breach protocol, try and correct errors or try to improve the situation for everyone.

“In that context, one thing vital is the need for a free independent press, there is no way the society can identify, and address challenges faced other than through open debate with the airing of those challenges”.

He mentioned that sometimes such issues heated public discussions to chart the way forward, therefore the need for an independent press.

“This is why we take the independent press seriously. At the end of the day, we expect our citizens to hold us accountable.

“We have systems where there are challenges and flaws and we expect to be held accountable by the U.S. citizens through all the tools available,” Greened stated. (NAN)

Edited by Emmanuel Yashim

By Fortune Abang

The U.S. says it is committed to promoting sustainable peace between the Israeli and Palestinian people as well as the adoption of a two-state solution to the conflict between them.

Mr David Greene, Chargé d’Affaires of the U.S, Embassy in Nigeria, expressed the commitment in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja.

Greene, who was responding to a question on how the Israeli-Palestinian conflict appears to have divided the world, including Africa, said the crisis is a source of concern for the U.S.

According to him, the violence in Gaza is not only distressing but discouraging.

He, however, stressed that the U.S. remains committed to pursuing a two-state solution to the conflict based on the mutual agreement previously reached.

“I think that violence in Gaza right now with Israel is broadly very distressing and undermines everyone’s hopes and aspirations.

“I think what everyone in the world does or ought to be able to agree is that what we want is for the people of the region – Palestine and Israel – to live in peace and security, and safety with dignity.

“This is something we thought about for a very long time with our international partners. It is something we must agree on.

“I see for example the progress calls for a two-state solution. Secretary of State Antony Blinken restated our commitment to working toward the two-state solution based on the 1967 mutual agreement-plan on land swap.”

The envoy recalled that President Joe Biden has made statements a number of times as well as Blinken on the U.S., views about the conflict.

According to him, it is a formula that already exists, and everyone is aware of.

“It is a kind of violence that Nigerians are rather familiar with following the experience from Boko Haram and other terrorist organisations.

“It is those that do not agree that will abuse the dignity, peace, and security of life of the people in that region.

“So, the U.S. is committed to doing everything we can, and I think we have had a significant role in getting to the paths of what or whatever it may be right now. There have been exchanges of hostages.

“We are doing our part to find ways to move beyond this circle of violence and allow for Israelis and Palestinian and other people in the region to live in peace, security, and dignity.

“It is not to have their livelihood threatened by vile acts of terrorists who offer no reasonable alternative,” he added. (NAN)

Edited by Emmanuel Yashim

By Fortune Abang

The U.S. says it is set to invest $600 million in private investments and infrastructure in Africa as a partnership towards deepening global alliance.

David Greene, Chargé d’Affaires of the U.S. Embassy in Nigeria, disclosed this to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Sunday in Abuja.

The envoy spoke while fielding questions in view of the growing moves by countries to form global alliances towards introduction of new economic trade separate from the western systems.

According to him, every country has the right to choose who it has relations with and what other organisations, multilateral groups it associates with, saying each state has sovereign rights to do that.

“We believe that any multilateral gathering should be advancing the clearly articulated principle of the UN chatter with regard to territorial integrity and respect for sovereignty.

“Any multilateral group should take seriously the obligation to try and advance the principles and articulated universal declaration of human rights to improve the functioning of individual states or lead to greater success of any country, any multilateral group, in terms of meeting the aspirations of its people.

“So, the U.S. truly believes in multilateralism and whether Nigeria does not join the BRICS, that is a decision for Nigeria.”

He said the U.S. President, Joe Biden, had at several public functions reiterated his administration’s resolve to deepen its alliance with Africa.

He explained that the U.S. would do more to advance U.S.-Africa ties, U.S.-Nigeria ties, and global ties.

Greene further described global alliance as “the ability of countries that want to partner to advance their development and success in line with their aspirations.

“We believe that it is true that alliances and coalitions are international relations that can really help move the world forward in a better direction with regards to our engagement in Africa.

“The BRICS are not a factor in that regard, we have established strong strategic people-to-people ties across the continent.

“We have strongly been good since then and our commitment to deepen economic engagement are in particular, to advance and promote African voices on a global stage.

“We rallied the G-20 to include the African Union, the most recent G-20 meeting in India; we are working with partners to unlock the $200 billion in World Bank and IMF resources to address the kind of challenges that we all face.

“We are working to unlock $600 million, hopefully in private investments and infrastructure in the next couple of years, as part of our global partnership for infrastructure global investment,” he said. (NAN)

Edited by Taiye Agbaje/Idris Abdulrahman

By Maureen Okon

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) on Saturday condemned the violence that erupted in Guinea Bissau in the early hours of Friday.

The condemnation is contained in a statement issued by the ECOWAS Parliament in Abuja.

It stated that the community learnt with deep preoccupation, the violence that erupted in Guinea Bissau in the early hours of Friday.

ECOWAS strongly condemns the violence and all attempts to disrupt the constitutional order and rule of law in Guinea Bissau.

ECOWAS further called for the arrest and persecution of the perpetrators of the incident in accordance with the law.

Also, ECOWAS expressed its full solidarity with the people of that country and the constitutional authority of Guinea Bissau. (NAN) (www.nannews,ng)

Edited by Idris Abdulrahman

By Maureen Okon

Nigeria is pushing for the enhancing of regional security to guarantee peace and economic growth in West Africa.

Nigeria’s position is contained in its Country Report presented to the 2023 second Ordinary Session of the ECOWAS Parliament in Abuja.

It harps on the need for member countries to work together in addressing security challenges through various approaches to ensure stability.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the report was presented by Lynda Ikeazu on behalf of the Nigerian delegation.

Ikeazu said Nigeria would want to see the harmonisation of the regional security agenda geared towards a mutual linked security goals.

“Given the transnational nature of the threats, non-military peace efforts would take priority over an overly militarised approach to security.

“A military approach has had the unintended effect of protracted armed conflicts across West Africa.

“Given Chad’s proximity to Sudan, ECOWAS under Nigeria’s leadership will take on an active role in finding a solution to the crisis in Sudan.

“Which emphasises President Bola Tinubu’s July meeting with leaders of Niger, Guinea-Bissau and Benin to discuss the security challenges in the region at the Nigerian nation’s capital.

“A key element of Tinubu’s likely ECOWAS agenda is the prioritising of security.

“Tinubu said in his speech that, without a peaceful environment, progress and development in the region will continue to remain elusive,’’ she said.

NAN reports that Cabo Verde, Senegal, Cote d’lvoire and the Gambia, also presented their countries reports with key attention on regional security.

Cabo Verde expressed worries that the country is located at a crossroad of routes normally used by transnational organised criminals.

“It has numerous shelters on all the islands, which has been exploited with some intensity in the relatively recent past by drug traffickers.

“However, the state has invested heavily in securing its borders.

“Also, by relying on international cooperation, it has been determined and firm in combating the phenomenon of drug trafficking, and has been successful in doing so.

“With regards to internal security and organised crime, the state has adopted a series of measures based on the principle of zero tolerance of crime,’’ it added.

For Senegal, the country said though it has enjoyed political stability, it is however located in a sub-regional environment charactrised by instability and security challenges.

“The ranking of the country on the World Bank’s political stability and absence of Violence/Terrorism Index improved from -0.28 in 2011 to -0.17 in 2021, on a scale of -2.5 to 2.5.

“However, in terms of security, there are still pockets of hostilities around the borders with Mali, Guinea-Bissau and Gambia in the Casamance region,” it stated.

The Gambian report, on the other hand, indicated that the country has experienced relative calmness and peace, which enabled it to record major successes within the security sector including the Security Sector Reform.

It stated that the reform was centered on conducting series of trainings for the security sector particularly the Gambia Police Force, Immigration, Drug Law Enforcement Agency, and Prison Service.

“All these efforts are geared towards guaranteeing the protection of human rights and non-recurrence of the violation of fundamental human rights by security forces.’’

In another report, the International Academy for Counter-Terrorism (AILCT) has trained security and judicial personnel across countries on the fight against terrorism and prevention of radicalisation.

“AILCT offers three types of training; a unit training camp, a management training school and a research institute.

“To date, almost 1,000 trainees have been trained at the academy, including soldiers, gendarmes, police officers and judges from 26 African countries.”

All the reports were adopted during the session presided by the Speaker, Mr Sidie Tunis. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Maharazu Ahmed

By Maureen Okon

The President of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), Mr Omar Touray, has said that the situation in the Republic of Niger is of concern to the bloc.

The president said this on the sidelines of the ongoing 2023 second Ordinary Session, and when he visited the ECOWAS Parliament to deliver the Community State Report for 2023 in Abuja on Friday.

He said that ECOWAS Heads of States are very clearly against unconstitutional change of government in the Republic of Niger.

Touray said that ECOWAS would ensure that the provisions of the protocol are put in place as long as it is concerned.

“Niger remains a member of the ECOWAS Community and anything that affects the people of Niger is of concern to ECOWAS and to ECOWAS leaders.

“So, whatever measure that has been taken by ECOWAS that is affecting the population in Niger affects us as well,’’ he said.

Touray said that the ECOWAS single currency has been a major objective of the community, and it required political will as well as certain economic fundamentals.

“Inflation is one of them and we need to work on inflation and we need to work with the public debt to be able to make some of those conversion criteria.

“That is required for a single currency. Now inflation is a global reality and I think all the ministers of the finance of the community will tell you that inflation is a major concern.

“Am sure all the financial authorities are concerned about it and they are doing something about it, but it is a reality that is not unique to our region.

“If you travel around you will realise that inflation is certainly a problem in the ECOWAS region and elsewhere,’’ he said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Joseph Edeh

By Maureen Okon

The President of the ECOWAS Commission, Dr Omar Touray, on Thursday said debt, currency depreciation, inflation and other indices have slowed down the economies of countries in the sub region.

This is contained in the 2023 Annual State of the Community Report he presented to the ECOWAS Parliament in Abuja.

Touray said even though some member states have posted impressive economic growth, inflation, deteriorating fiscal balance and mounting public debts have continued to erode the welfare and standard of living of citizens.

“The period under review was characterised by the continuation of geo-political conflicts, persistent inflationary pressures, high and rising public debts as well as tightening of monetary policies in most regions.

“In this context, the global economic output growth is expected a slowdown to 3.0 per cent in 2023, compared to 3.5 per cent in 2022.

“However, global inflation is expected to moderate at 6.9 per cent in 2023, compared to 8.7 per cent in 2022 due to the fall in the international prices for commodities, and the easing of supply bottlenecks especially in the second half of the year.

“The performance of the ECOWAS economies in 2023 mimicked that of the global economy due to the strong linages, especially by trade, investment and financial services.

“Thus, their growth rate slowed to 3.7 per cent in 2023, compared to 3.9 per cent in 2022.”

Touray said this was accentuated by inflation and debt.

“The annual average inflation is expected to peak at 20.0, compared to 17.3 per cent in 2022 due mainly to imports and depreciation of national currencies.

“The public debt deteriorated further to 48.8 per cent of Gross Domestic Product (GDP), compared to 36.8 per cent of GDP in 2022,’’ the ECOWAS commission president added.

Touray, however, said the region’s budget deficit was expected to moderate slightly to 5.2 per cent of GDP, compared to 5.4 per cent of GDP in 2022.

He attributed this to increase in revenue administration and expense control.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that other areas covered by the report include the political stability of the region, peace and security.

It also looked at the political transitions in the three member states affected by coup d’etat, namely: Mali, Guinea, and Burkina Faso, the coup in Niger Republic, terrorism in the Sahel and elections.

Other areas looked at are the free movement of persons and goods, consolidation of the ECOWAS Customs Union, promotion of common market and private sector development, and the ECOWAS Monetary Union, among others.

After the presentation of the report, the Speaker of the ECOWAS Parliament, Mr Sidie Tunis said details of the report would be discussed at plenary.

The appraisal of the report is an important exercise in the Community’s agenda, and the parliamentarians are expected to review the past year and forecast for the year ahead.

This is to take stock of the Community’s political, economic, and social situation, reaffirm its objectives, and set out some broad guidelines for the coming months.

NAN also reports that the presentation of the report would enable the ECOWAS Parliament to have a wholesome appreciation of the level of implementation of the Community’s programmes and the challenges encountered. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Maharazu Ahmed

By Fortune Abang

The Policy Innovation Centre (PIC) of the Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG), has called for constant stakeholder dialogue on gender inclusion to advance youth development in the country.

The Chairman of PIC, Mr Udene Ufot, made this known at the two-day Gender and Inclusion Summit in Abuja.

The event with the theme: “Building Bridges: Advancing Gender and Inclusion Through the Intersection of Trade and Health”, begins from Nov. 28 to 29.

Ufot said the summit was conceptualised as a platform for dialogue where critical stakeholders from diverse sectors would reflect on new evidence and contextually relevant solutions to disparities in inclusivity, in Nigeria.

“This year, we are dedicating considerable time to discuss issues relating to Nigerian youth for many reasons.

“Nigeria has one of the largest populations of youth in the world, about seventy per cent of the population is under 35 years old.

“The median age of youth in Nigeria is 18.1 years and 42 per cent are under the age of 15. The size and youthfulness of the Nigerian population offer great potential for innovation, technological advancement and economic development.

“For this potential to be harnessed, strategic investments in health, education, infrastructural development and job creation are critical while leveraging technology to deliver sustainable development at scale.

“We have a collective responsibility to develop inclusive approaches to address barriers to quality education, job and internship opportunities and access to health services for Nigeria’s burgeoning youth population.”

Speaking at the event, Annett Gunter, German Ambassador to Nigeria, advised on the need for proper commitments to ensure sustainable growth.

“Our commitment extends beyond discussions, it is a call to action for comprehensive gender-sensitive healthcare that recognised and addresses the unique needs of every individual.

“Similarly, the creative and media industries are powerful channels of narrative and both have immense potential to seal conversations towards inclusivity,” she said.

On her part, Dr Charity Chenge, Senior Programme Officer, Global Development, Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, underscored the need to prioritise moves for women to guarantee women healthy and reproductive lives.

“We need to really focus on expanding opportunities for women to live healthy and reproductive lives.

“The Foundation works in partnerships and to improve health and productivity.

“We want to increase women’s economic opportunities by removing barriers, enabling decent work and supporting women’s enterprises to help them thrive in the economy,” she said.

Meanwhile, Mrs Ibukun Awosika, Convener, of the International Woman Leadership Conference, expressed appreciation to the Centre for the event, saying it promoted dialogue on gender inclusion and youth development as critical national conversation.

“This is not just a matter of women, it is a national economic issue. 50 per cent of our population is incapacitated.

“For not being educated properly and in the absence of adequate empowerment as well as lacking opportunities we put ourselves at a disadvantage,” Ibukun said.

The high points of the event were the exhibition tour, research presentation, plenary and presentation of prizes. (NAN) (www.nannews.com.ng)

By Maureen Okon

The Palestinian Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr Abu Shawesh, says only a just political solution based on international law will end the Israel-Palestinian crisis.

Shawesh made this known while addressing the media in commemoration of International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People.

The day, marked on Nov. 29 annually, was set aside by the United Nations General Assembly.

“Only a real and just political solution based on the international law facilitated by decent and honest moderators and not completely complicit on the current situation in Gaza.

“This will lead to the embodiment of the State of Palestine on the June 1967 boarders with East Jerusalem as its capital.

“And a fair solution to the Palestine refuges based on the UNGA Resolution 194, is the only way out,“ he said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the truce on the current Israel-Hamas war has been extended by a day for humanitarian purposes after the expiration of the six-day ceasefire. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Maharazu Ahmed

By Elizabeth Joseph/Sarfina Christopher

Xinhua News Agency of China has solicited deeper collaboration with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), saying it wants its long-standing relationship with NAN to be sustained.

Xinhua’s West Africa Director and Nigeria Bureau Chief, Mr Yang Zhe, made the request when he paid a congratulatory visit to the newly appointed Managing Director of NAN, Malam Ali Muhammad Ali in Abuja on Wednesday.

Yang said that China and Nigeria are faced with common experiences and challenges, especially the prevalence of fake news in the social media space.

According to him, both countries can work together to tackle the challenge.

“NAN is Xinhua’s most valued partner in Africa because it provides credibility, especially in the world of social media where there is an increase in fake news reporting.

“Nigeria is the biggest country in Africa and China is the biggest country in Asia. Both countries have the most population in each of their areas.

“We are all facing a lot of challenges in this changing world where there are lots of fake news, misinformation, and disinformation.

“I believe that in the future under your leadership, we will work together in combating the challenges of fake news, especially in the social media space.

“We owe our audiences the responsibility of credible reporting in order to put an end to fake news and with this visit, I believe there will be a big elevation in our relationship and steps towards curbing fake news,” Yang said.

He congratulated the NAN managing director on his new appointment and on his invitation to the World Media Summit in China as a VIP to share Nigeria’s views on what the media should do in the changing world space.

“This is a special arrangement and I hope that the NAN MD has a successful stay in China,” Yang said.

Responding, the managing director of NAN assured Yang of the agency’s readiness to work closely with Xinhua to deepen the existing cooperation between the two agencies.

“NAN has been collaborating with Xinhua for ages and we have signed two major exchange agreements over the years.

“This is a relationship that I hope, under my leadership, will be taken further in matters of factual reporting and exchange of ideas beyond the stories and training, among others.

“Certainly, Xinhua is a global news brand, and any media organisation that wants to see Asia, not just China reported accurately – I mean the whole world – must have a collaborative treaty with Xinhua,” he said.

Ali noted that Nigeria has something to learn from China’s rapid economic growth and development.

`Nigeria, like you rightly pointed out, is the biggest country in Africa just like China.

“But China is not just big in Asia, it is the biggest country in the world and right now one of the leading economies in the world.

“In terms of economic growth, every part of China is simply amazing. I believe strongly that Nigeria has a thing or two to learn from China.

“NAN also has a lot to learn from Xinhua. So, we look forward to a greater relationship with Xinhua.

“I also look forward to delivering my speech at the world media summit with more than 300 participants across the world attending and to also learn from others,” Ali said.

He described Xinhua and NAN as two very big news agencies, with the News Agency of Nigeria having offices in most parts of Africa including South Africa, Cote d’Ivoire, and Addis Ababa.

He added that NAN is one of the three resident news agencies in the United Nations building in New York. (NAN)

Edited by Emmanuel Yashim