Featured

WACSOF Condemns Political Violence In Senegal, invites political gladiators for Peaceful Dialogue

Published

2 years ago

June 7, 2023

Joel Ajayi

The West African Civil Society Forum (WACSOF) has totally condemned political violence in Senegal that has led to death of many, loss of property and tension in the country.

In a statement issued recently by the Organization General Secretary the of WACSOF Mr Komlan Measie urges all political gladiators and their followers to sheath their sword and peace to reign in the country.
According to the statement, WACSOF has been monitoring the political events in SENEGAL with particular attention.

“We observed for several months a continuous deterioration of the political climate which results in a radicalization of political positions, a judicialization of political relationships and a sharp rise in the level of violence in SENEGAL.

“The recent violent events leading to the death of at least 09 people, following the sentencing of the political party leader of PASTEF, Mr. OUSMANE SONKO to 2 years in prison, is another episode in the series of political violence in SENEGAL. WACSOF is concerned with the reported use of live ammunition against protestors, the disproportionate use of force of security forces against protestors, the arrest and detention of several protestors by the state security forces.

“WACSOF condemns the destruction of property and use of violence by protestors whilst urging the state security to respect the rights of protestors in the exercise of the duty to maintain law and order.

“WACSOF presents its condolences to the families of the victims and condemns the cycle of political violence in which SENEGAL is plunged.

“We wishes to recall that, additional to its obligation to respect the AFRICAN CHARTER ON DEMOCRACY, ELECTIONS AND GOVERNANCE (ACDEG), the republic of SENEGAL is signatory of the ECOWAS PROTOCOL ON DEMOCRACY AND GOOD GOVERNANCE, especially the following excerpts: ARTICLE 22 :The use of arms to disperse non-violent meetings or demonstrations shall be forbidden.

“Whenever a demonstration becomes violent, only the use of minimal and/or proportionate force shall be authorised.
“All cruel, inhuman and degrading treatment shall be forbidden.ARTICLE 25: Member States agree that poverty alleviation and promotion of social dialogueare important factors for peace.

“ARTICLE 36: Member States shall institutionalise a national mediation system. In view of the foregoing and to respond to the legitimate aspirations of citizens for the right to peace, WACSOF Invites ECOWAS and the AFRICAN UNION and all partners to immediately trigger their preventive diplomacy processes, and to involve the national and regional Civil Society Organisations in them, in the spirit of the ECOWAS OF PEOPLE.

“We calls on the authorities and the opposition parties to demonstrate their maturity and to assume their historical responsibility before the Senegalese people and the African people to respect the legal frameworks available, to protect the citizens and to maintain a climate of peace, before, during and after the elections so that SENEGAL keeps its reputation as an island of democracy.

“We calls on the authorities and political parties to create the required conducive environment for: Frank, constructive and inclusive dialogue; Calls on all parties to refrain from the use of force or violence or the destruction of property; Invites civil society organizations, traditional and religious leaders to use their influence for a peaceful dialogue; Invites the Senegalese authorities to commence a transparent investigation into all deaths, especially following the death of civilians, including a minor, during demonstrations against the governmentWACSOF reiterates its availability to help and collaborate in any dialogue process to bring peace.”

Share on Facebook

Featured

RMAFC Concludes Strategic Retreat In Uyo

Published

3 days ago

May 1, 2025

The Gleamer

…Charts Path for Fiscal Reform

Joel Ajayi

The Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) has concluded a high-level, three-day retreat for its members and senior management staff at the Ibom Hotel & Golf Resort, Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.

The retreat, which was held from April 28th to 30th, 2025, was themed “Understanding the Role of RMAFC and Other Stakeholders/Agencies in Nation Building”_

The Chairman of the Commission Dr. Muhammed Bello Shehu OFR disclosed that the retreat was designed to enlighten the newly inaugurated members of the Commission and strengthen the operational focus of the organisation to align with the national economic realities so as to accelerate the actualization of the renewed hope agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

In a communique issued at the end of the retreat, which was presented by the Federal Commissioner representing Kwara State and Chairman, Public Affairs and Communications Committee of the Commission, Hon. Ismail Muhammed Agaka, the Commission emphasized the urgent need to review the revenue allocation formula to reflect changing realities as enshrined in the 1999 Constitution, considering the fact that the current formula has been in existence for about 16 years.

The communique also called for constitutional amendment to allow the inclusion of the Local Government Chairmen and Councilors among the beneficiaries of the remuneration package listed in the 1999 Constitution as ammended.

Its stated that Section 162 (6) of the constitution should be amended to ensure that the allocations of the Local Governments are paid directly to them from the Federation Account in line with the Supreme Court ruling delivered on July 11, 2024 on Local Government financial autonomy.

The communique called for the amendment of Section 162(2) to establish a clear timeline for presidential submission of RMAFC proposals to the National Assembly.

Other major highlights of the communique are:
Establishment of a National Revenue Dashboard for digital, real-time revenue tracking; The Commission should advocate the ammendment of the relevant sections of the Petroleum Industry Act, PIA to expand the composition of the Board of the NNPC Limited to include representatives of states, local governments, and the Central Bank of Nigeria;

Creation of a distinct Office of the Accountan General of the Federation, separate from that of the Federal Government.

The commission in the communique said it would intensify its constitutional mandate of monitoring revenue accruals to ensure that all revenue due to the Federation Account were remitted accurately and promptly by the Revenue Generating Agencies.

The communique also stated that according to the spirit and letter of the Constitution, the advice of the RMAFC on the Remuneration package of Political, Public and Judicial office holders is binding on the Federal and State governments.

“The retreat marked a significant milestone in repositioning the Commission to respond more effectively to Nigeria’s evolving fiscal realities,” Hon. Agaka concluded.

The retreat was attended by top federal and state officials, such as the Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima, GCON, represented by Dr. Ibrahim Muhammad Natagwandu, and the Executive Governor of Akwa Ibom State, His Excellency Pastor Umo Bassey Eno, PhD, who delivered a goodwill message, the Chairman of the Nigerian Governors Forum, His Excellency Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq, Chairman Senate Committee on National Planning and Economic Affairs Senator Yahaya Abdullahi and other distinguished personalities.

Share on Facebook