Politics
World urges Donald Trump not to dump Paris climate agreement
- As US ignores evidence of atrocities by blacklisted Iraqi military unit
World leaders, businesses, investors, scientists and development charities have joined in urging Donald Trump not to withdraw the US from the Paris climate change agreement.
The US president is due to announce his decision at 15.00 ET on Thursday and is expected to pull the world’s largest economy, and second greatest polluter, from the global accord agreed unanimously by almost 200 nations in 2015.
The agreement to fight global warming is based on voluntary pledges to cut greenhouse emissions but Trump has argued this could damage the US economy. However, a huge range of US business leaders argue the opposite, saying that the fast growing green economy is an opportunity for the US.
Twenty-five leading companies, including Apple, Facebook, Google, Levi Strauss and Unilever, are running an advert in the US media on Thursday, urging Trump not to abandon the Paris deal. They say the accord’s “stable and practical framework” creates jobs and is good for business.
Over 1,000 other US companies and investors, including DuPont, eBay and Nike, have also backed the Paris deal, saying: “Failure to build a low-carbon economy puts American prosperity at risk.” Tesla boss Elon Musk said he had urged Trump to back Paris and would resign from two presidential advisory bodies he serves on.
World leaders also stated their commitment to the Paris deal, with China’s premier Li Keqiang saying on Thursday that fighting climate change is a “global consensus” and an “international responsibility”. The EU and China have forged a new alliance on climate change, stating on Wednesday that the Paris deal had their “highest political commitment”.
Donald Tusk, the president of the European Council, tweeted at Trump on Thursday, asking him: “Please don’t change the (political) climate for the worse.” Trump was isolated on the climate issue at a recent G7 summit in Italy.
Malcolm Turnbull, prime minister of Australia, which has in the past opposed climate action, said the country would remain steadfast in its support for the Paris agreement. Russia has also said that it attaches “great significance” to the Paris deal. On Tuesday, the UN secretary general, António Guterres, warned if Trump withdraws from the Paris deal, there could be negative economic, security and societal consequences for the US.
Trump’s own secretary of state Rex Tillerson has said the US should remain in the Paris accord, as has the man who replaced him as CEO of oil giant ExxonMobil. Another key Trump adviser, Gary Cohn, director of the White House National Economic Council, noted recently the large rise in renewable energy in the US: “If you think about how much solar and how much wind power we’ve created in the US, we can be a manufacturing powerhouse and still be environmentally friendly.”
Trump himself once backed climate action, signing a 2009 letter to President Barack Obama that stated: “Please allow us, the USA, to serve in modeling the change necessary to protect humanity and our planet.”
Development NGOs warned that a US withdrawal from the Paris agreement would harm those in poor countries who had contributed least to the problem.
In the meantime, the U.S. military continues to work with a blacklisted Iraqi special forces unit despite overwhelming evidence that its officers have engaged in human rights abuses for at least two years.
In hours of footage captured by Iraqi photojournalist Ali Arkady, licensed by ABC News and broadcast on World News Tonight with David Muir and Nightline last week, officers of an elite Iraqi unit called the Emergency Response Division (E.R.D.) are shown directing the torture and execution of civilians in Mosul late last year. A U.S. military spokesman said that while an investigation of new evidence of atrocities committed by the E.R.D. is warranted, there is no legal reason the U.S. cannot continue to work with the unit.
The unit had already been blacklisted in March 2015 under the Leahy Act, which requires foreign military units to be banned from receiving U.S. military aid if there is “credible information that such unit has committed a gross violation of human rights.” Top American commanders, however, have continued to praise the successes of the E.R.D. and boast of a “fruitful partnership” between the U.S. military and the unit, including coordinating airstrikes on ISIS.
“The photos are sickening. They clearly depict war crimes,” Sen. Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.), who authored the federal law 20 years ago, said in a statement to ABC News. “That they were brazenly lauded by the unit’s leader suggests that they were far from aberrations. It is my understanding that the United States no longer supports the Iraqi unit involved, but we should insist that the individuals responsible, and particularly the leaders, be prosecuted and appropriately punished. The fact that U.S. military personnel praised the Iraqi unit’s cooperation is deeply disturbing and requires further investigation by the Pentagon.”
A spokesperson for the U.S.-led Operation Inherent Resolve in Baghdad said officials were not previously aware of the atrocities documented by Arkady, and the U.S. military has since contacted Iraqi officials to discuss the incidents exposed by ABC News. The spokesperson also defended, however, the U.S. military’s legal right to work with a unit deemed essential to the campaign to liberate Mosul.
“The Emergency Response Division was disqualified from receiving U.S. equipment and training in March 2015,” U.S. Army Col. Joe Scrocca, a spokesperson for the coalition, told ABC News. “Leahy vetting does not prevent the U.S. from working with the E.R.D., as we do with other elements of the Iraqi Security Forces, to help ensure a coordinated effort among different elements of the ISF in the fight to defeat ISIS in Mosul.”
A top adviser to Sen. Leahy, however, disagreed, questioning whether the military is adhering to the spirit of the law, given the credible evidence of human rights violations committed by E.R.D. soldiers.
“If we are providing advice or coordinating airstrikes, clearly we are assisting the actions of that unit,” Tim Rieser, senior foreign policy aide to Leahy, told ABC News on Tuesday. “One of Senator Leahy’s purposes in writing the law was to prevent the U.S. from being associated with or implicated in the actions of those who the law is intended to address.”
Sarah Leah Whitson, Middle East executive director at Human Rights Watch, who has worked in Iraq since 1991, agrees.
“The U.S. government is playing a clunky shell game, pretending to move its assistance away from abusive Iraqi units like the E.R.D., while still working with them, training them and coordinating with them,” Whitson said. “The bottom line is that the U.S. is dangerously close to complicity in the disgusting torture and violence these forces are perpetrating on Iraqi citizens, and in reality, ensuring that the fight in Iraq will not be ending any time soon.”
At a Pentagon press briefing in January, U.S. Army Col. Brett Sylvia, then the commander of Task Force Strike in Baghdad, told reporters that American officers had recently advised the E.R.D. and called them “a very effective fighting force.”
This month, even as officers at Operation Inherent Resolve were responding to questions raised by ABC News in its investigation of Arkady’s footage, a top U.S. commander in Iraq tweeted praise for the Emergency Response Division.
“Watch the #Iraqi ERD send a message to #ISIS on #saturdaymorning in Western #Mosul,” tweeted U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Joseph Martin on May 13, with a link to a battlefield video on the E.R.D.’s official Facebook page showing the Iraqi troops in combat.
Despite the ban, the E.R.D. was also included in the latest request to Congress for millions of U.S. taxpayer dollars for the Iraq Train and Equip Fund in March. Scrocca claims that request was merely designed “to keep options open in the event E.R.D. … overcame Leahy vetting issues.”
“Requesting funding for such a unit, when there’s been no action to hold people accountable, sends the wrong message,” Rieser countered.
Guardian with additional report from Abc
Sen. Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, on Thursday, filed contempt proceedings against Senate President Godswill Akpabio and others over alleged disobedience to the valid court order.
Natasha, through her counsel, filed for Form 48 at the Federal High Court (FHC) in Abuja, following her six-month suspension by the Senate against the order of the court.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Form 48 is a notice of consequence of disobedience of court order.
The Form 48 was issued by the FHC in Abuja in suit number: FHC/ABJ/CS/384/2025 filed by the embattled Natasha to enforce her rights.
The Clerk of the National Assembly (NASS), the Senate, Senate President and Sen. Neda Imasuem, Chairman, Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Code of Conduct, were all named as to 1st to 4th defendants/ contemnors respectively.
The notice of disobedience of court order was signed by the registrar of the court pursuant to Section 72 of the Sheriff and Civil Process Act, 2004, together with the notice of consequences of disobedience of order of the court made on March 4.
In the application, the defendants/contemnors were urged to take notice of their wilful disobedience of the order of the court made by Justice Obiora Justice on March 4.
It said the alleged disobedience rendered the senate president, the committee chairman and the NASS clerk “liable for contempt of court, for which you may be committed to prison unless you comply with the said order.”
It said:” TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that despite being duly served with the enrolled order on the 5th day of March, 2025, you, the defendants/contemnors, have deliberately and contumaciously disregarded its binding directive, proceeding with acts in flagrant defiance of the authority of this honourable court.”
The lawmaker, representing Kogi Central Senatorial District, had, in a motion ex-parte marked: FHC/ABJ/CS/384/2025, sued NASS clerk and the Senate as 1st and 2nd defendants.
Akpoti-Uduaghan also listed the President of the Senate, Federal Republic of Nigeria, and Sen. Neda Imasuem, who is the Chairman, Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Code of Conduct as 3rd and 4th defendants respectively.
Natasha, among others, sought an order of interim injunction restraining the Senate committee headed by Imasuem from proceeding with the purported investigation against her for alleged misconduct.
This is sequel to the events that occurred at the plenary on Feb. 20, pursuant to the referral by the Senate on Feb. 25, pending the hearing and determination of the motion on notice for interlocutory injunction.
Justice Egwuatu had, on March 4, granted all the prayers in Akpoti-Uduaghan’s motion, including an order declaring any action taken during the pendency of the suit as null, void and of no effect whatsoever.
The judge also granted leave to the lawmaker to serve the 2nd to 4th defendants the originating summons and all other accompanying processes in the suit by substituted means to wit: by serving same through the 1st defendant (Clerk of NASS) or pasting same on the premises of the National Assembly and publishing same in two national dailies.
Justuce Egwuatu subsequently made an order directing the 1st -4th defendants to come and show cause within 72 hours upon the service of the order on them why an order of interlocutory injunction should not be granted against.
The judge also made an order “declaring that any action taken during the pendency of the suit is null, void and of no effect whatsoever.”
Justice Egwuatu had, on Monday, ordered the defendants to file their defence in the suit and adjourned the matter until March 25 for hearing.
Latest News
IWD: Princess Adebowale Celebrates Women, Maintains Women’s Contributions Inadequately Recognised
As the world marks International Women’s Day, Princess Adebowale Olabisi Teniola Anike, Chairman of the Lagos Chapter of the New Nigeria Peoples’ Party (NNPP), has stressed the need to adequately recognise women, their strength, resilience, and achievements everywhere.
Princess Adebowale also honoured the incredible contributions women, which she noted in a statement, have continued to be remarkably felt in every field, from politics and business to healthcare and education.
She specifically acknowledged women like Late Dora Akunyili, who fought tirelessly against counterfeit drugs, saving countless lives and earning a reputation as a champion on public health.
The Princess paid glowing compliments to Okojo-Iweala, calling her a trailblazing economist and international development expert, who has excelled nationally and internationally, earning a prestigious position at the World Bank.
*Princess Adebowale Olabisi Teniola Anike, Chairman of the Lagos Chapter of the New Nigeria Peoples’ Party (NNPP
Similarly, she celebrated Oby Ezekwesili, a renowned economist and former Minister of Education, who has been a vocal advocate for women’s empowerment and education.
Furthermore, Princess Adebowale paid tribute to Late Margaret Ekpo, a pioneering female politician and women’s rights activist, who played a significant role in Nigeria’s struggle for independence.
“Ekpo’s legacy serves as a powerful reminder of the critical contributions women have made to shaping Nigeria’s history and future”, she stated, adding that her message was not only a celebration of women’s achievements but also, a call to action.
She described every woman as a pillar of strength and hope, encouraging them to continue shining brightly and inspiring those around them.
“Together, we will keep pushing boundaries, breaking barriers, and ensuring a brighter future for all,” Princess Adebowale declares. “Here’s to the women leading the charge today and inspiring the leaders of tomorrow!”
In conclusion, Princess Adebowale wishes the women of NNPP a joyful International Women’s Day, filled with appreciation, strength, vigor, and grace to move forward. Her message served as a powerful reminder of the importance of empowering women and recognizing their vital contributions to society.
“As Nigeria continues to strive for greatness, it is clear that the contributions of women will be instrumental in shaping the country’s future”, Princess Adebowale’s said, on the occasion of International Women’s Day, saying that the gesture serves as a testament of her commitment to empowering women and promoting a more inclusive and equitable society.
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IBILE EKO: Lagos Begins Process Of Creating Its Authentic History, Culture and Heritage Preservation
Lagos may have finally decided to unequivocally work, at writing its authentic history and preserving its unique cultural heritage.
This came to light as the concerned people of Lagos, under the umbrella of Ibile Eko, came together at the Musson Centre, Onikan to dissect the way forward.
Speaking during the Ibile Eko Summit, a Nonagenarian Prince, Pa Tajudeen Oluyole Olusi stressed the need for urgency, timeliness and proactiveness, noting that more and more people are pouring into Lagos, daily.
Focussing on the theme, “Greater Unity, Louder Voice”, the attendees specially observed the fact that the metropolitan city of Lagos has always been endowed for uncontrolled greatness, and this had carved a niche, which ensured it emerged as the oldest administrative area, amongst the entire States of Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Speaking further at the Summit, Prince Olushi urged the participants to understand that Lagos is spiritually, destined to accommodate visitors, unending, hence the need to prioritise the preservation of the people’s cultural heritage and history.
“The preservation of history, culture, and heritage is germane”, the Father of the Day, Pa Olushi emphasized
He recalled how an American Professor visited the Monarch, the Late Oba Oyekan of Lagos, who wanted to know about the History of Lagos, but was surprised when he gave him the picture of Ebute-Ero in the eighteenth century, which he got in France.
He also noted that some lawyers once had to travel to faraway Spain and Portugal to get documents on Land disputes, in a bid to buttress their case.
Speaking further, he therefore identified the need to set up two committees that will work to ensure the creation and preservation of authentic Lagos’ history and culture.
*L-R: The, Nonagenarian, Prince Oluwole Olushi, and, the President Ibile Eko Submit, Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Olasupo Shashore SAN at the event in Musson Centre, Onikan Lagos.
He emphasized that Lagos had been an entity before the creation of the Colony or the advent of the British in Nigeria, and encouraged the attendees to ensure that everything is done to guarantee the accurate preservation of the people’s history and cultural heritage.
He charged them to set up two committees that will assiduously work for the actualization of the mandate: that is, ensuring that the History and Culture of Lagos are preserved.
Meanwhile, a transportation and logistics expert, Dr. Kayode Opeifa, while speaking in the same vein, stressed that Lagos has a distinct and noteworthy history, which must be recognised.
“She has her rich history and culture”, Opeifa, who is also the Managing Director of the Nigeria Railway Corporation NRC said.
Dr Kayode Opeifa mentioned the need to carry along other divisions that made up Ibile Eko along, noting the need to also shun discrimination amongst the five major divisions.
Dr Opeifa, who spoke on “Lagos our Dream”, said Lagos indigenes deserve a Catchment in the University and other establishments in Lagos; and asked for a revisit of the 40-30-30 quota in admissions into the university.
He lauded the late Governor of Lagos State, Alhaji Lateef Jakande, who took the right step in the right direction in establishing the Lagos State University, which has helped in absorbing Lagos indigenes.
He also emphasized the right to land and ancestral ownership as vital, and adding that there is a need to be cautious of non-indigenes becoming an Oba or leader; as such is already gradually creeping in.
He harped on the importance of preserving the culture and heritage, highlighting that this was made mandatory during the time of Governor Raji Fashola.
Dr Opeifa said some of the historical buildings in the Brazilian quarters, Yaba, Ebute Metta, which shows Lagos’ rich heritage, have been pulled down. Hence, while they were shooting Esugbayi, a Lagos King in the eighteenth century, they had to use some buildings inside the Railway Compound in Ebute Metta, which had a similar structure to the ones pulled down.
He maintained that though it’s the indigenes’ rights and privileges, others should not be discriminated against, nonetheless, especially the people who come to join them in developing their prosperity. Rather, they should come together and not be ashamed to associate with themselves in demanding for what belongs to them all, without resorting to violence; but using peaceful and legitimate means.
A former Gubernatorial candidate for Lagos State, Prince Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour, later spoke with the Maritime First Newspaper in an interview, stressing his absolute support on everything said by the Father of the Day, Prince Oluyole Olusi.
*Gbadebo Rhodes- Vivour
However, some schools of thought, at the venue clamoured for a total removal of non indigenes in the policy making and day to day running of affairs of Lagos State, the articulate nonagenarian Prince Oluyole stood up and requested that he should be allowed to enlighten the audience; as he subsequently tasked them on the need to tow the path of caution.
Citing an example of an event that occurred while he was a Councilor at the age of 21 in 1952, he recalled the case of an Ibo woman with the name, Mrs Awunzie representing Ajegunle, Councilor Opara representing the present place where University of Lagos is now, and Mbonu Ojike who was a Lagos Mayor, as well as the late Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe as being among the five elected, into the Lagos House of Assembly.
He implored the participants on the need to set up the committee and find ways to improve the lot of Lagos indigenes, pointing out that Lagos State is currently the highest revenue earner in West Africa.
He was, however, of the view that the government could be advised to reserve 5 – 10 percent in land allocation, which serves as their permanent home, and ensure that scholarships are given to only indigenes.
He maintained that as an old man, it is natural to consequently warn against any uproar, as most Nigerians continue to come to live and trade in Lagos.
While many of the attendees showed signs of disagreement with his wisdom as words, the Nonagenarian further informed of the Spiritual information passed down by the ancestors of Lagos in the eighteenth century, stressing that when the Ifa Oracle was consulted, it indicated that Lagos was destined to accommodate visitors.
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