The Nation Newspaper

Author: The Nation

  • PDP’s attempt to discredit our victory dead on arrival – APC

    By James Azania, Lokoja

    The Kogi State government has said that efforts by the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to rubbish the outcome of the just concluded governership election in the state will not work.

    This is coming in the aftermath of the reelection of Governor Yahaya Bello of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the November 16 Kogi governership election and the stident condemnation of the entire process by the PDP.

    The PDP through its National Publicity Secretary, Kola Ologbondiyan, denounce both the governership election and the Kogi West Senatorial District rerun which held on the same day, saying that the exercise was more of a war than election.

    The PDP has also threatened to boycott the next Saturday’s Kogi West supplementary, saying that under the ruling party, the wish of the people can hardly count.

    The Kogi State government through the Director General to the Governor on Media and Publicity, Kingsley Fanwo, has however, said that the PDP antics will in no way diminish from the resounding victory of Governor Bello, at the poll.

    Fanwo, yesterday, in a press statement, said that the government will not miss a sleep over efforts by the PDP and its “propaganda machine” to rubbish the election.

    The statement read: “Our attention has been drawn to the orchestrated Peoples Democratic Party and its propaganda wing to rubbish the well deserved, herd earned victory of the All Progressives Congress in the November 16, 2019 governorship and National Assembly elections in Kogi State.

    “We are not miffed by the millions they are throwing about to raise false alarms and cover their disastrous outing in the Kogi governership election.

    “Though, we are much aware of the popular saying that ‘you cannot beat a child and not expect him to cry,’ as PDP is doing now, haven been beaten silly in the election, but the desperate dimension that the party is busy spewing outright lies, attributing APC’s victory to ‘guns’ and violence, in the media is alarming.

    Read Also: Kogi, Bayelsa polls demystify everyone

     

    “For purposes of clarification, APC’s victory did not come through the barrel of the gun nor through violence. The victory came via a combination of strategic factors ably marshalled and coordinated by the digital Executive Governor of Kogi State and leader of the party, Governor Yahaya Adoza Bello as analyzed below.

    “First, APC did a soul searching and realised it might not do too well in the election if it failed to come together as one united family. That led the leadership of the party to initiate a robust reconciliatory move that reunited the various factions within the party into one happy family.

    “Second, the APC went on an aggressive marketing drive across the state to showcase its achievements since it assumed power in 2016, and this endeared prospective voters to the party, haven seen the margin of difference in what APC achieved in less than four years compared with PDP’s 16 years of waste.

    “It is on record that PDP never visited any local government in Kogi Central to sell its programmes, yet the party wanted to clean up the votes from Ebiraland.

    “Even in Kogi West, the party succeeded in campaigning in only few places since its warped strategy was built on getting astronomic votes from Kogi East which never came.

    “Third, PDP failed woefully in the election because of internal crisis that tore the party assunder. All through the party’s primary election to the general elections, the leadership of the party were at each other’s throats over the bitter outcome of the party’s primary, where guns boomed to pave way for a particular candidate to emerge as the flagbearer.

    “We are at a loss as to how PDP intended to win an all- important election like governorship with a divided house. In any case, the main gladiators in PDP who could make a difference in any election had all decamped to APC as a result of irreconcilable differences of the major actors within the stable of PDP.

    “PDP should do some introspection and soul searching instead of its current laughable resort to lies and guile to justify its disastrous outing in Kogi elections. It beats anyone’s imagination how an already beaten, battered party like Kogi PDP thought it could win the governorship election. That would have amounted to the miracle of the century.

    “By the time we are done with statistics of the arrests made of PDP goons used to steal ballot boxes across the state, the world would see into the current propaganda of the PDP as nothing but a red herring intended to curry pity from unsuspecting public.

    “When APC wins any election, PDP propagandists and alarmists will consider it rigged, but when PDP wins, it is considered the people’s wish. PDP should desist from self deceit and face the reality on ground.”

  • 2023: Northerners will only vote for a northern presidential candidate – Ag ACF chairman

    By Donatus Nadi, Lafia

    Acting chairman of Arewa Consultative Forum, (ACF), Alhaji Musa Liman Kwande said Northerners will vote for a northerner presidential candidate to take over from Muhammadu Buhari irrespective of the party he belongs.

    Kwande stated this on Sunday in Lafia, Nasarawa State capital, saying that, “I am expressing my opinion as a full fledged Northerner and a citizen of Nigeria and not that of ACF”.

    “Northern Nigerians who are tested and trusted should contest for any political office with anybody from any part of Nigeria and the people should exercise their democratic franchise to vote for their candidate of choice.”

    Alhaji Musa Liman Kwande said, ACF and Northern Elders Forum, (NEF) are all pressure groups striving for the development of northern Nigeria in particular and Nigeria in general, just like Afenifere, Ohaneze Ndi Igbo and others in the South South region.

    Read Also: Arewa youths urge govt to tighten security

     

    Alhaji Kwande who is the Baraden -generalismo- of Lafia in Nasarawa state, however, call on Northerners to strive towards developing the region by voting for people who are pro-development and not those who are self-centered.

    He said, “Nigeria is our country, we must unite and develop it despite being from different geographical locations. We should not relent in the pursuit of growth and development as we are blessed with gifted people and many resources, as only Nigerians would develop the country to greater heights.”

    The acting ACF chairman however called on Nigerians to embrace peace and dialogue and denounce violence, which he said is against democratic norms and a treat to the federation.

    He called on politicians to accept election result and be statesmen and the youth to avoid being used as political thugs.

  • ‘We need a cleaner NDDC’

    By Frank Ikpefan, Abuja

    Ijaw Youth Consultative Forum has called on the people of Niger Delta region to support the forensic audit of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) ordered by President Muhammadu Buhari.

    The group noted that people of the region deserved a “cleaner NDDC, a better reforms.”

    Its Chairman/CEO, Comrade Ebizimor Preye in a statement in Abuja on Sunday.

    The statement reads: “This article is not presented to discredit or disrespect anyone but to draw the attention of the Nigeria people and the Niger Delta indigene specifically to come together and support government efforts.

    “If only we can all see the bigger picture of the ongoing forensic audit which is set up to strengthen transparency and accountability in the commission.

    Read Also: Cleaning NDDC Augean stables

     

    “No doubt, this move is part of the President Muhammadu Buhari agenda to curb corruption in all sectors and promote accountability and good governance. We call on all Niger Deltans and Nigerians at large to support the ongoing audit of the NDDC and allow the interim Board to manage the affairs of the commission.

    “Let the place be cleaned up, awaiting the new board. We need a cleaner NDDC, a better reforms. Let’s support Dr. Gbene Joi Nunieh-led interim Board for a Whole New Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) that will reposition and prioritise the development of the Niger Delta region.

    He noted that the NDDC, right from the beginning, had suffered from a “lack of ownership.”

    “Despite the formal existence of oversight mechanisms, corruption, transparency, lack of supervisory oversight, and the absence of performance evaluation guidelines essentially have also been major problems.

    “There have been recurrent concerns about fictitious projects and contracts being granted to friends and family members or used to prop up patronage for political or personal gains.

    “The same level of desperation is clearly been displayed by the new board who are in a rush to takeover the already damaged and dirty house without waiting for a clean up. These indeed shows to the world how and why the house got stinky dirty and rotten in the first place.

    “If allowed, the already dirty house will not only get worse, it may collapse,” the statement added.

  • APC kicks as Dickson appoints 35 permanent secretaries

    Mike Odiegwu, Yenagoa

    The All Progressives Congress (APC), Bayelsa State, has queried the decision of the state Governor, Seriake Dickson, to appoint 35 permanent secretaries three months to the end of his administration.

    Dickson at the weekend inaugurated 35 permanent secretaries and a Commissioner, Mr. Felix Sam-Ateki and charged them to work with the incoming administration to ensure full implementation of the civil service reforms.

    The governor said his administration would soon receive the formal report of the reforms which he noted would be one of the key documents to be handed over to the next government.

    While congratulating the new permanent secretaries on their appointment, Dickson called on them to avoid partisan politics and focus on the execution of policies and programmes of government.

    He said: “As you go to your various Ministries, Departments and Agencies to ensure the public/civil service is programmed and made ready to work and support policies and programmes of the next administration, you are not to dabble into the political squabbles of the day.

    “You are not to be part of the dust of political conflicts . I charge you all to maintain neutrality and focus on the execution of the policies and programmes of government.

    “I urge you all and the entire civil service to brace up to execute the policies of the government of the day loyally and as ably as you can.”

    But the APC in a statement signed by its State Secretary, Alabo Martins, chided the governor saying that the party was aware of many clandestine indiscriminate employment going on across various MDAs without recourse to due process.

    Read Also: Dickson tenders video of ‘electoral fraud’

    He said while they were not averse to such appointments, especially if they were in tandem with civil service rules and regulations, they had their reservations with regard to the timing of the appointments.

    Martins said: “If the outgoing administration was aware of the existence of these vacancies in the top echelon of the public service of the state and that the situation was creating a lull in the service, why were the vacancies left unfilled until the eventide of the administration.

    “No doubt, the appointments are in bad taste just as the motive is clearly political and an effort to put the popular in coming government on a bad light by ensuring that we are financially transgulated.

    “We appreciate the fact that until February 14, 2020, the present administration has the constitutional powers to hire and fire but this responsibility should be carried out in the best interest of the state and its people. We must say that the present scenario is just for the satisfaction of some political interests and therefore falls far short of the wider interests of the state.

    “We advise the Government to concentrate on completing uncompleted projects,such as the 8year old Isaac Boro express way. We also call on bayelsans to hold the restoration government response in the future if some of these decisions are reviewed for the betterment of bayelsa

    “We are aware that employment is a means of empowering citizens of the state, mostly the youths. It curtails restiveness and other social vices in the state.

    However, the employment of the the restoration government does not follow acceptable procedures, apart from the Forest Officers and few others.

    “The government did not lift embargo on employment until January this year when one thousand graduates were employed. But, pockets of employment were carried out from time to time with names directly forwarded by His Excellency the outgoing governor”.

    Martins said the appointments were supposed to be on geographical spread to the eight local governments areas but that they were one-sided with some local councils having more than others.

    “The rules and procedures do not allow applicants to apply for employment directly to the Governor. But, this is practice in the state. Integration of officers from the plastic industry was haphazardly done. It created avenue for irregularities in the system which allows illegal employments into the civil service.

    “This created irregular transfer of officers from one organisation or establishments to another under the governor’s directives. The officers are moved without promotions and were stagnated on grade level for example environmental sanitation authority staff moved to SUBEB, and from SUBEB to civil service. Then from SSSB/Radio Bayelsa etc to the international institute of tourism and hospitality and to the civil service.

    “Transferring officers to MDAS without considering the promotion prospects and headship of department by deserving or serving officers.

    No vacancy is sort in the relevant grade and cadre before the transfer is effected.

    No proper applications and routing of letters by applicants before transfers are effected for some officers”, he said.

  • Obaseki celebrates Elder Pius Omofuma at 70

    The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has joined friends and well-wishers to celebrate elder Pius Omofuma, as he marked his 70th birthday anniversary.

    Elder Omofuma’s 70th birthday coincided with his 40th wedding anniversary and 30 years of founding GT Plaza, a popular fast-food chain.

    Speaking at the occasion in Ekpoma, Esan West Local Government Area, of Edo State, Obaseki described Omofuma as an accomplished man at 70.

    He noted, “At 70, elder Omofuma has excelled and is accomplished in all ramifications as a family man, community leader, religious leader, businessman and politician.

    “We have every reason to celebrate him. Today is a day to thank you for all the sacrifices you have made for us and for the impact you have continued to have on this community, the entire state and the country as a whole.”

    “When we say he is a leader, he is a true leader,” Obaseki added.

    The governor also described the celebrant as an exemplar in politics, noting, “You are one of the few people I know who spends his resources to serve the community. It is a day to celebrate someone who stands out in our community and who is an exemplar for good leadership.”

    The governor prayed that the Almighty God would give the celebrant many more years to serve Him and humanity.

    Read Also: Buhari, Tinubu greet Mamman Daura at 80

    In his welcome address, the celebrant, elder Omofuma, expressed appreciations to the governor for gracing the occasion, noting, “There are better days ahead in the state with Obaseki being the governor.”

    He commended the developmental strides of the governor, noting that Governor Obaseki’s infrastructural projects were evident in every area of the state.

    He urged the governor to continue to deliver dividends of democracy to the people of the state regardless of the distractions.

    PHOTO CAPTION:

    Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki (right), Speaker, Edo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Frank Okiye (left), Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, GT Plaza, Mr. Pius Omofuma (2nd left), and his wife, Deaconess Elizabeth Omofuma (2nd right), during Omofuma’s 70th birthday and 40th wedding anniversary, at Ekpoma, Esan West Local Government Area, Edo State.

  • Understanding French NGO’S obsession with Nigeria’s war against terrorism

    By Richard Murphy 

     

    As a first, Nigeria is not a banana republic where everything goes. There are laid down rules and regulations. There is a Constitution that also guides our actions and inactions, just like in the majority of the world where there is a democracy.

     

    The piece by Bertrand Perrochet, the director of operations of Medecins sans Frontiers (Doctors without Borders) titled “Is Counter-Terrorism killing Humanitarian action in Nigeria,” portrays a picture of a deliberate attempt by the military authorities to deprive victims of the Boko Haram war in North-East Nigeria access to Medicare.

     

    Could that be true? And if yes, what purpose would it serve? These are some of the questions that ran through my mind when I laid my hands on the article. However, after reading, I was genuinely disappointed that such contradictions and half-truths could emanate from the stable of such an organization that should know better about the great efforts that have gone into humanitarian efforts by the relevant authorities in Nigeria.

     

    I can bet that Bertrand Perrochet was misled by his lieutenants supposedly on the ground in North-East Nigeria. And he acted erroneously too. Or just maybe he is acting out a script, with his French connection. Be that as it may, it is inexcusable for such half-truths to be peddled before the international community. This is my grouse with the write-up.

     

    In counter-terrorism operations, the number one rule is restriction and access only for medical aids as when necessary. But again, such access could be denied when there is a propensity for harm to come the way of humanitarian workers. We are witnesses to instances where humanitarian workers are abducted and in some killed by belligerent members of terrorist groups. Nigeria has had its fair share of it. And this is in line with one of the pillars of the United Nations Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy that stipulates “addressing the conditions conducive to the spread of terrorism.

    Read Also: Civil servant jailed seven years for culpable homicide

    You would agree with me that unhindered access is a conducive condition to the spread of terrorism. Back to Bertrand, the military authorities had denied access to towns outside their control called “Garrison,” and there are many children in those enclaves in dire need of medical attention. As a first, that is not a statement of fact as it was not backed with any empirical evidence. I thought that before such postulations could be made, there ought to be in the least, first-hand information, and not assumptions. They ought to know better that people could see through such propaganda easily.

     

    Secondly, the military authorities would not endanger the lives of humanitarian workers by granting access to areas not safe by all ramifications. Don’t forget that the lives of these humanitarian workers are as well important. For example, it is common knowledge that the remnants of Boko Haram fighters are littered around the fringes of the Lake Chad region. So would it make sense for the military authorities to grant access to Bertrand and his lieutenants? They would be probably be killed or abducted for ransom.

     

    Ironically, this much he alluded to. But he again contradicted himself by stating that “doctors should not be forced to make judgments on who is a good patient or bad patient.” I am not sure there is any such classification in the theatre of operations. Maybe he is talking about rendering medical services to wounded terrorists, who, in his words, do not want to have any form of interaction with humanitarian workers. “We are faced with fragmented armed groups that don’t want to talk to us, have indiscriminately assaulted civilians, attacked health structures, and kidnapped and killed aid workers.”

     

    If this is the case, there is a justification for some of the actions taken by the military authorities to preserve human life because it is only the living that can render humanitarian services.

    I am of the candid opinion that Bertrand wanted a situation where his team would go into the trenches and render humanitarian services like Father Christmas. If that is what he is canvassing, I am afraid that is the height of ignorance. And he must also understand that in counter-terrorism operations, and concerning Nigeria, humanitarian services have been one of the foundations on which the counter-terrorism strategy was built.

     

    There are no forms of discrimination, as he claimed. Maybe he is unaware of the various search and rescue operations carried out by the military authorities in the region. And the result has seen to the rescue of hundreds of women and children, mostly malnourished and in dire need of medical attention. These women and children are attended to by military medical personnel and subsequently taken to safety where access to robust medical services can be availed. And this is where Doctors without Borders and other humanitarian organizations come in.

     

    Lest I forget, this is a war situation and not a medical outreach. These are two different things and Bertrand, and his lieutenants must realize that taking back the “steering wheel of the ambulance” is a process and not an event because the ambulance had been hijacked by terrorist groups when they took up arms and killed and maimed unarmed innocent women and children. And that is why the military authorities are bent on reclaiming the hijacked ambulance so that Doctors can reach women and children without hinder.

     

    Counter-terrorism cannot kill humanitarian action in Nigeria even though there have been established cases of international humanitarian organizations, mostly of French origin, providing covet logistic support to Boko Haram terrorists in North-East Nigeria. Bertrand and his lieutenants must understand the true meaning of humanitarianism in the context of a war situation. It is not a cinema where Doctors without Borders would be seen manoeuvring dangerous terrains in return for a standing ovation.

     

    Tremendous successes are being recorded daily, and no amount of blackmail can deter the fighting troops. Like I said earlier, Nigeria is not a banana republic. There are laid down rules and regulations. And this French obsession with Nigeria’s counter-terrorism efforts must stop.

     

     

    Murphy is a security expert and wrote this piece from Calabar.

     

  • Be committed to nation building, ex Rep tells ASELGON

    Oziegbe Okoeki

    Former member of the Federal House of Representatives and an international lawyer of repute, Prince Ned Nwoko has urged members of the Association of Ex-Local Government Chairmen of Nigeria (ASELGON) to be committed to nation building.

    Nwoko spoke during his investiture as the Grand Patron of the Association in his mansion in Idumuje Ugboko, Delta State on Saturday 23rd November, 2019.

    The politician stated that the responsibility was big for him as the first grand patron of the association, adding that he would do his best to support their ideals.

    “I have no doubt that with little support and your zeal, you will play a lot of roles in nation building. I am a grassroots person also, even if you have 30% support across all the local governments, you can make a lot of difference,” he said.

    The former lawmaker told the members of the association that their job required consistency and commitment.

    He lamented that Nigeria is a country of survival of the fittest unlike Britain, which he said was different because, according to him, they understand that politics is all about service.

    “I will support your cause and join hands with you so that we can all move Nigeria forward.

    “My joy is to see that Nigeria catches up with the rest of the world and we can achieve a lot of things together with unity and commitment to our cause as a group and individually,” he said, while commending the members of ASELGON for coming up with such an association.

    Nwoko however, said that what was needed in Nigeria was a level of exposure and the zeal to do what is right.

    According to him, if we have 60% of the people in offices understanding why they were elected, Nigeria would be better.

    Read Also: Fashola tasks youth on nation building

    He regretted that the country had not laid the foundation for good governance, while saying that he was non-partisan within him.

    While saying that he could be more comfortable living abroad, he said that he preferred to stay in Nigeria and urged the people to live above religious sentiments.

    Earlier in his address, the National President of ASELGON, Hon. Albert Asipa said that the Forum was inaugurated in 2013 as an umbrella body for ex-local government chairmen to provide a platform for them as experienced individuals who still have a lot to contribute immensely to the overall development of the third tier of government in Nigeria.

    Asipa stated that the forum was of the opinion that the choice of Prince Ned Nwoko as a Grand Patron of the association would further enhance their resolve to reposition local government administration in Nigeria for good; “taking into cognizance, your unrelenting effort in the years past to get a share of the Paris refund to the coffers of local government councils across the nation.

    “This particular feat and other factors culminated in today’s Award of Excellent Service to Humanity and investiture as ASELGON Grand patron.”

    Also speaking, the National Organising Secretary of ASELGON, Hon. Abayomi Tella revealed that the name of Prince Ned Nwoko came up, when they had their NEC meeting in Abuja.

    “We discussed who could be our Grand Patron and we went into the internet and saw the name of Prince Ned Nwoko. We discovered that he sponsored about 20 bills as a member of the Federal House of Representatives within four years.

    “You will not only serve the people of Delta State, you will serve the whole Nigeria, where all of us would benefit.

    “We would want the Grand Patron to take us as partners in the development of Nigeria, and Africa as a whole and support us to deal with all our challenges,” he said.

    The investiture was attended by former local government chairmen across the 36 states of the federation representing the 774 local governments of Nigeria.

  • Two baby factories uncovered as Commissioner rescues pregnant teenagers in Anambra

    Emma Elekwa, Onitsha

    Two baby factories where pregnant teenage girls are kept till child birth and their children sold to childless couples have been uncovered by the Anambra state special anti-child trafficking task force.

    The factories, comprising of two houses in Obosi, Idemili North local government and Onitsha were uncovered by the task force led by the state commissioner for Women and Children Affairs, Lady Ndidi Mezue.

    The Nation gathered that two malnourished pregnant girls kept in a room pending their delivery were discovered at Obosi.

    The team however, rescued the girls and arrested the manager of the home, pledging to launch further investigation and action on the case.

    Read Also: Teenage ‘baby factory’ found in Ogun

     

    The Nation further learnt that another baby factory was also uncovered during the inspection of orphanage homes in Onitsha, the commercial city of the state.

    An insider who pleaded anonymity told our correspondent that only girls with unwanted pregnancies related issues were kept in the room to keep their identities and existence secret until delivery.

    “They are not properly fed because the home only managed to feed them to avoid much spending as they are only interested in having the baby.

    “It will also pay off for the young mother after delivery even if it is always a token,” the source disclosed.

    The source further alleged that the baby factory business had experienced boom in the area, attributing it to the special categories of persons the operators dealt with.

    “The operators deal majorly with unwanted pregnancies by young girls outside wedlock and they come here to avoid being exposed until after delivery.

    “Some indigent girls are lured with money by management of some baby homes and impregnated by men under the payroll of the baby homes,” the source further revealed.

    The inspection team, which also comprised operatives of the Nigerian Police Force, Department of State Service (DSS) and the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corp (NSCDC) and staff of the ministry have visited community orphanages in Ogidi, Nkpor, Obosi and Onitsha.

    Scores of suspected traffickers and their victims were also arrested at Onitsha by the commissioner.

    The inspection was targeted at inspecting the general environment, sources of water, hygiene and operational licence of facilities.

  • Bayelsa poll: APC, PDP shift battle to court

    Mike Odiegwu, Yenagoa

    The All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have shifted their battles for the soul of Bayelsa State to the Court of Appeal and the Federal High Court.

    The Candidate of the APC, Chief David Lyon, won the just-concluded governorship election in the state defeating his counterpart of the PDP, Senator Douye Diri, with a wide margin.

    But investigations at the weekend revealed that both parties have legal hurdles to surmount before the February 14, 2020 hand over date.

    The APC, Lyon and the Deputy Governor-elect, Biobarakumo Degi, were said to be wary of the three court cases challenging their qualifications and the process that led to their emergence as the candidates of the APC.

    It was observed that few days to the election, a Federal High Court sitting in Abuja and presided over by Justice Inyang Ekwo gave a judgment disqualifying Degi following discrepancies in his name.

    The case was instituted by the candidate of the PDP, Senator Douye Diri and his running mate Senator Lawrence Ewrujakpor.

    Read Also: Kogi poll credible, say observer groups

     

    But the APC immediately obtained a stay of execution of the judgment and immediately filed an appeal at the Court of Appeal.

    It was, however, gathered that the party and its national and state leaders were not sleeping over the matter as they had shifted their attention at vacating the judgement of the lower court.

    Investigations further revealed that Lyon and the party have shifted their focus to the Federal High Court Judgement that disqualified Lyon two days to the governorship poll in a case between the party and a frontline aspirant and a former Minister of State for Agriculture, Senator Heineken Lokpobiri.

    In a controversial judgement, the court presided over by Justice Kate Inyang, held that the governorship primary conducted by the APC in Bayelsa was not in compliance with the party’s guidelines.

    The court, which was said to have gone beyond the reliefs sought by the plaintiff thereby acting like a Father Christmas, ruled that both Lyon and Lokpobiri were not qualified to fly the flag of the APC.

    It was gathered that Lokpobiri, Lyon and the APC leadership were set to begin legal fireworks at the Court of Appeal.

    Besides the APC and Lyon were said to be paying attention to a suit instituted by another aspirant, Preye Aganaba challenging the emergence of Lyon.

    Aganaba asked the court to nullify the primary poll that produced Lyon alleging that the internal election fell short of the guidelines of the party.

    It was further observed that the PDP and its candidate, Douye Diri, had its fair share of litigations with a frontline aspirant and former Managing Director, Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Chief Timi Alaibe challenging the process that led to the party primary.

    It was gathered that the court would soon pick a date for judgement having adjourned the case sine die.

  • WHO, World Bank, applaud Obaseki on Edo Health Improvement Programme

     

    The World Health Organisation (WHO) and the World Bank have commended Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki on the launch of the Edo Healthcare Improvement Programme (EdoHIP), which is aimed at making healthcare affordable and accessible to residents across the state.

    Edo State under Governor Obaseki recently launched the state’s Social Health Insurance Scheme/Basic Healthcare Provision Fund (BHCPF) and revamped Primary Healthcare Centers under the Edo State Health Improvement Programme (Edo-HIP).

    Enrollment into the Edo Social Health Insurance Scheme has already commenced for residents in rural parts of the state, notably in Ovia North East Location Government Area of the state.

    Read Also: FG, WHO launch triennial plan to reduce prevalence of Noma

     

    Officer in-Charge of World Health Organisation (WHO) in Nigeria, Dr Peter Clement, said the vision of Governor Obaseki to consolidate the PHC agenda and the BHCPF is a demonstration of strong stewardship towards the attainment of the health-related Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

    He urged the Edo State Government to leverage on the Basic Healthcare Provision Fund as it will go a long way in enhancing the implementation of the Edo Health Improvement Programme.

    “Both the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) and National Primary Healthcare Development Agency (NPBCDA) gateway will be crucial in fostering social health insurance and revamping of the primary healthcare facilities respectively under Edo-HIP,” he added.

    Senior Health Specialist, World Bank, Olumide Okunola praised Governor Godwin Obaseki for the commitment to improve the wellbeing of Edo people, adding that the launch of the programme will provide Edo people access to Healthcare. He urged the people to embrace the programme.