The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has called for a shorter transition period from the junta in Niger. President Bola Tinubu, Chairman of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government, conveyed this message during a meeting with Ulamas. Tinubu emphasized that the proposed three-year transition by the military leaders was unacceptable to ECOWAS.
Addressing the 16,190 lawyers attending the Nigerian Bar Association’s Annual Conference, President Tinubu underscored the need for Nigeria’s prosperity to be built upon justice reform and investment promotion. He criticized the allocation of 90% of scarce revenue to external debt servicing and advocated for making difficult changes to drive growth.
Tinubu also highlighted his commitment to improving renumeration for legal professionals as part of comprehensive justice reform. He sought specific details from the junta regarding their transition program and urged for a concise timeline.
The Ulamas, Islamic clerics, had a meeting with the Niger junta to mediate discussions and avert military intervention for restoring democracy. General Abdourahamane Tiani, junta leader, expressed interest in dialogue to resolve the political situation following the July 26 coup.
President Tinubu’s focus on economic growth extended to resolving issues like electricity supply and poverty eradication. He committed to generating and distributing sufficient electricity for sustained economic development.
NBA President, Yakubu Maikyau, SAN, expressed confidence in President Tinubu’s governance capabilities, referencing his successful track record as Lagos State Governor. The conference was attended by prominent government officials and past NBA Presidents.
