Politics

Gulf of Guinea: Nigeria’s President Tinubu advocates joint maritime task force to boost regional security

Published

1 year ago

February 16, 2025

Nigeria’s President, Bola Tinubu, seized the opportunity at the 38th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of the African Union, AU, Heads of State and Government in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, to urge the African Union Peace and Security Council, AUPSC, to prioritise the establishment of a combined maritime task force.

He said the move would enhance security in the Gulf of Guinea.

Tinubu stated that Nigeria is open to hosting the task force’s headquarters in Lagos.

He conveyed Nigeria’s position as the AU considered the report on the AUPSC, focusing on peace and security in Africa, as well as the biennial report on the implementation of the Master Roadmap of Practical Steps to Silence the Guns in Africa (2023–2024).

The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar, delivered the statement on behalf of President Tinubu on Sunday.

According to the Nigerian government: “The time is right for the African Union Peace and Security Council to prioritise the creation of a Combined Maritime Task Force for the Gulf of Guinea.

“I wish to announce that Nigeria would like to host the headquarters of the task force in Lagos.”

Nigeria’s recommendation for a maritime task force coincided with the signing of an agreement with the AU to provide Strategic Sea Lift Services for AU peace support operations, natural disaster response, humanitarian missions, and personnel movement.

The Nigerian Minister of Defence, Badaru Abubakar, signed the agreement.

Under the agreement, the Nigerian Navy will provide a vessel for the operations on a cost-recovery basis.

Nigeria’s Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar, Naval Chief, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ikechukwu Ogalla, and Director-General of the Nigerian Intelligence Agency, Ambassador Muhammed Muhammed, witnessed the signing.

Ambassador Bankole Adeoye, the AU Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security, signed on behalf of the AU.

Tinubu welcomed the AUPSC’s decision to adopt the outcomes of a high-level meeting, including the upgrade of Nigeria’s National Counter-Terrorism Centre to a Regional Counter-Terrorism Centre.

He also commended the Peace and Security Council’s decision to renew the mandate of the Multinational Joint Task Force, which addresses the twin challenges of terrorism and violent extremism in the Lake Chad Region.

On Libya, the Nigerian leader expressed concern that instability in the North African country continues to exacerbate security challenges in the Sahel and urged the Assembly to support initiatives to restore law and order.

“The Sahel cannot enjoy peace as long as Libya does not,” he warned.

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Politics

David Mark Holds Secret Meeting With PRP Leaders as ADC Crisis Deepens

Published

3 days ago

April 12, 2026

Ekwutos Blog

The embattled National Chairman of the African Democratic Congress, David Mark, on Friday held a closed-door meeting with leaders of the Peoples Redemption Party in Abuja. The private consultation is seen as a fresh round of political moves as the ADC continues to battle a lingering leadership crisis and growing internal divisions.

Top figures from both parties were said to be present at the meeting, including PRP National Chairman Hakeem Baba-Ahmed and senior ADC officials. The development is already drawing attention as opposition parties continue realignments ahead of the 2027 political season, with many watching closely for possible alliances and next steps in the party crisis.

Politics

“ADC is a Holy Party, Cannot be used to Scam Nigerians Again” – Hon Success Opara tells David Mark

Published

4 days ago

April 11, 2026

Ekwutos Blog

ADC Party in Turmoil: Hon Success Opara Slams Leadership, Warns Against Scamming Nigerians

Abuja, Nigeria – The African Democratic Congress (ADC) is facing internal strife as Hon Success Opara, a prominent party official, has warned against attempts to use the party to deceive Nigerians. Opara specifically criticized the leadership of David Mark, stating that the party cannot be used to scam citizens again.

“ADC holy Party cannot be used to scam Nigerians again,” Opara said, emphasizing that those forming coalitions are hindering the party’s growth and denying youths opportunities to thrive.

“Those who are forming coalition don’t want to give the youths the chance to strive in the party,” she added.

Opara’s statement highlights the deepening divisions within the ADC, with concerns over leadership and the party’s direction.

Politics

2027: Bala declares aspirants over 55 years disqualified in ADC

Published

4 days ago

April 11, 2026

Ekwutos Blog

The factional National Chairman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Nafiu Bala Gombe, has announced that the party under his leadership will bar individuals above the age of 55 from contesting for political positions.

Gombe made the disclosure during an interview with BBC Hausa, where he outlined a vision centred on generational change and greater youth participation in politics.

“The African Democratic Congress (ADC) is a party that belongs to all Nigerians. What we are doing now is to ensure the party moves forward properly.

“We have decided that we will give the youths a real chance. The time has come for young people to take the lead in politics.

“If you are over 55 years old, you are not going to contest for positions in the ADC under our leadership.

“We want to bring in fresh blood, new ideas, and energy from the youth. Nigeria’s future depends on the young generation.

“The old ways have not worked well for the country. We need to open the door wide for youths to participate fully as candidates, leaders, and decision-makers,” he said.