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BREAKING: Niger Coup Leader, Tchiani Agrees To Dialogue With ECOWAS

Published

2 years ago

August 13, 2023

Editor

Niger Republic coup leader, General Abdourahmane Tchiani has agreed to dialogue with the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) after his meeting with Nigerian Islamic Scholars led by the national leader of Jama’atu Izalatil Bid’ah Wa Iqamatus Sunnah (JIBWIS), Sheikh Abdullahi Bala Lau in Niger Republic.

According to Niger Republic’s Prime Minister, Ali Mahamane Lamine Zeine, General Tchiani gave the green light for talks with ECOWAS and was optimistic the talks with ECOWAS would take place in the next few days.

“We have agreed and the leader of our country has given the green light for dialogue. They will now go back and inform the Nigerian President what they have heard from us…. we hope in the coming days, they (ECOWAS) will come here to meet us to discuss how the sanctions imposed against us will be lifted,’’ he said.

Meanwhile, a report published in Voice of Nigeria (VON) stated how the Nigeria’s Intervention Team, which included notable Islamic scholars from the country, met with the coup leaders in Niger over the weekend, and all parties decided to strengthen the option of dialogue in resolving the country’s political problem.

The Islamic Ulammas led by Sheik Bala Lau was said to have met with General Abdourahmane Tchiani for several hours in Niger’s capital Niamey during which they deliberated on all the issues including the demand by ECOWAS leaders that former President Bazoum be reinstated.

Bala Lau, who is the National Chairman of Jamatul Izalatu Bida Waikamatu Sunnah, said the clerics were in Niger on behalf of President Bola Tinubu who accepted their request to intervene.

Sheik Lau said the team had earlier told President Tinubu who is also the Chairman of Authority of ECOWAS Heads of State and Government that their position is that the political impasse in Niger is resolved through dialogue.

He, therefore, told General Tchiani that the visit to Niger was to engage in constructive dialogue to encourage him and other military leaders behind the coup to toe the path of peace instead of war to resolve the crisis. Responding, General Tchiani who accorded the team warm reception welcomed their intervention. He said their doors were open to explore diplomacy and peace in resolving the matter.

General Tchiani, however, said it was painful to the coup leaders that the ECOWAS leaders did not hear their side of the matter before issuing ultimatum to them to quit office.

He claimed the coup was well intended, stating that they struck to starve off an imminent threat that would have affected not only Niger Republic but also Nigeria.

He also apologised for not according the team sent by President Tinubu led by former Head of State, General Abdulsalami Abubakar (rtd) the required attention because they were angry about the ECOWAS ultimatum.

News

Things To Know About Late Ex-IG Solomon Arase

Published

4 minutes ago

August 31, 2025

Editor

The late Solomon Ehigiator Arase, former Inspector-General of Police, left a lasting impact on Nigeria’s policing and security landscape.

The news of his death was confirmed by his family in a statement on Sunday.

He died at age 69 after an undisclosed illness at Cedercrest Hospital, Abuja, on Sunday

Here are 20 key highlights from his life and career:

1. Arase was born on June 21, 1956, in Owan West Local Government Area, Edo State, and grew up in a family that valued education and discipline

2. He studied Political Science at Ahmadu Bello University, graduating in 1980, laying the foundation for his career in public service.

3. He later earned a Law degree from the University of Benin, enhancing his understanding of legal and civil frameworks.

4. He also obtained a Master’s degree from the University of Lagos, further strengthening his academic and professional credentials.

5. He completed advanced studies at the National Defence College, combining academic excellence with strategic and professional police training.

6. Arase was recruited into the Nigeria Police Force on December 1, 1981, marking the beginning of a distinguished law enforcement career.

7. He served as Commissioner of Police in Akwa Ibom State and Assistant Inspector-General in charge of intelligence, overseeing critical security operations.

8. Arase participated in a United Nations peacekeeping mission in Namibia, gaining international experience in law enforcement and security.

9. He was a Fellow of the Nigerian Defence Academy, reflecting his dedication to professional development and strategic leadership.

10. Arase was appointed Inspector-General of Police in April 2015, taking charge of the nation’s top policing body.

11. He introduced reforms including the Police Complaints Response Unit to address misconduct and improve public trust in the police.

12. He created the Intelligence Response Team to manage high-profile crimes and enhance operational efficiency.

13. He issued a directive banning officers from searching citizens’ phones, strengthening civil liberties and human rights.

14. He advocated for forensic development, community policing, and improved welfare for rank-and-file officers, modernising Nigeria’s policing approach.

15. He chaired a task force in Edo State enforcing anti-Community Development Association laws, ensuring accountability and compliance in local governance.

16. Arase was appointed Chairman of the Police Service Commission in January 2023, serving until June 2024, promoting merit and transparency in the Force.

17. He promoted merit-based recruitment and transparency, aiming to professionalise and depoliticise police appointments and promotions.

18. The deceased founded the Solomon Ehigiator Arase Foundation, providing scholarships in medicine, engineering, security studies, and other fields for youth development.

19. He focused particularly on supporting children of deceased police officers, ensuring they had access to education and opportunities.

20. Arase retired from the Nigeria Police Force on June 21, 2016, but remained active in public service until his passing, leaving a legacy of reforms, public service, youth empowerment, and dedication to improving policing in Nigeria.

News

Police Mourn Ex-IG Arase’s Death

Published

15 minutes ago

August 31, 2025

Editor

The Nigeria Police Force has confirmed the passing of Solomon Ehigiator Arase, the 18th indigenous Inspector-General of Police and former Chairman of the Police Service Commission.

Arase died earlier today at Cedarcrest Hospital in Abuja after a brief illness. Arase was 69 years old.

Confirming his death in a statement by its Public Relations Officer, DCP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, the Force said, “The news of the passing of IGP Arase was officially communicated to IGP Kayode Egbetokun, through his first son, Mr Solomon Osabohien Arase Jr, on Sunday.”

IGP Egbetokun paid a condolence visit to the family in Abuja, extending sympathies on behalf of the NPF and acknowledging the ex-IG’s indelible contributions to police reform and national security.

Born on June 21, 1956, in Owan West Local Government Area of Edo State, Arase was a highly educated officer with a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science from Ahmadu Bello University, a Law degree from the University of Benin, a Master’s in Law from the University of Lagos, and a Ph.D. in Public Law from Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma.

He joined the Nigeria Police Force on December 1, 1981, and rose through the ranks, serving in key roles such as Commissioner of Police in Akwa Ibom State, pioneer Assistant Inspector-General of the Force Intelligence Bureau, and Deputy Inspector-General of the Force Criminal Investigation Department.

Arase was appointed as IGP in April 2015 and served until his retirement on June 21, 2016.

Explaining his impact, the statement read, “During his tenure as the Inspector-General of Police, he introduced major initiatives for the reform and improvement of the Force, such as the Complaint Response Unit for swift responses to public complaints and adequate protection of citizens’ rights.

“IGP Arase exemplified the highest standards of professionalism, bravery, and leadership, while his contributions to national security and police reform continue to resonate within the Force and beyond.”

“Through the Solomon Ehigiator Arase Foundation, he supported academic excellence by awarding scholarships to outstanding Nigerian students, with particular focus on children of deceased police officers and indigent students.”

IGP Egbetokun, while paying a condolence visit to the family of the deceased IGP, extended heartfelt condolences on behalf of the Force Arase’s families.

Egbetokun described his passing as a “deep pain” to the force, praising his professionalism, bravery, and leadership.

News

JUST IN: BBNaija Season 7 Winner, Phyna, Loses Sister, Ruth Otabor After Accident

Published

2 hours ago

August 31, 2025

Editor

The sister of Big Brother Naija Season 7 winner, Phyna, Ruth Otabor is dead.

The family announced her death on Sunday through a statement by Eko Solicitors & Advocates, saying Ruth passed on to glory on Sunday, at about 6:30 a.m.

“With a heavy heart, the family regrets to announce the passing on to glory of their daughter, sister, and mother on this 31st Day of August, 2025 at about 06:30Hrs,” the statement read.

The family added that they are grieving and requested privacy to mourn Ruth.

“The family is presently grieving and will appreciate to be given a private moment to mourn the departed.

“The funeral arrangement will be communicated to the public in due course,” the statement added.

Ruth had suffered a tragic accident just weeks earlier.

She underwent a leg amputation after being hit by a truck linked to Dangote Group near Auchi Polytechnic, Edo State, on Wednesday, August 13, 2025. Eyewitnesses said the heavy-duty truck crushed her leg before it was eventually stopped by a bystander.

The accident occurred only six days after Ruth graduated from Auchi Polytechnic. Her sudden death has left the family and fans in mourning.