A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Stanley Osifo, has advised that ethnicity, tribalism and religion should not be placed above competence and loyalty in choosing leadership of the 10th National Assembly which would be inaugurated on the 9th of June 2023.
He stated this in Benin-City, the capital of Edo State on Friday during his Sallah message to Muslim faithful across Nigeria on the completion of 2023 Ramadan.
The former presidential hopeful charged his party to look inwardly for a credible lawmaker who can reconnect the National Assembly with the other two arms of government – the executive and the judiciary and make sure that governance is not impeded or stalled at any point in time.
Reacting to the issues of zoning and religion that always take the front-burner in the distribution of political powers in the country, Osifo noted that every Nigerian regardless of faith or tribe has the right to any political position in the country.
He described agitation for Christian or Muslim to occupy certain positions as political lobbying by politicians, saying religion must be separated from politics.
The Benin-born politician discountenanced the general beliefs that Nigeria is made up of three major tribes of Hausa, Igbo and Yoruba, saying all ethnic groups in the Nigerian space are major.
Osifo expressed optimism that the APC will get it right in choosing the principal officers of the 10th legislature to avoid the 2015 imbroglio.
Category: Southeast report
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Competence should determine 10th NASS leadership – Osifo
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Abia School of Midwifery gets approval to admit students
The leadership of the Nigeria’s Nursing and Midwifery Council has granted the request by the management of Okezie School of Midwifery, Akhaba General Hospital, Abiriba in Ohafia Local Government Area of Abia State to admit two streams of students.
The approval came on the heels of the request submitted by the management of the Abia School of Midwifery on November 30, 2022 to the Nursing and Midwifery Council, seeking its approval to admit two streams of students in the school.
The Nursing and Midwifery Council in a letter dated April 12 (2022) which was signed by Ndagi Alhassan, Director (Nursing) and Head of Department (HOD) Standard and Accreditation Department for the Secretary-General/Registrar of the council; Dr. Faruk Umar Abubakar, which was obtained by our correspondent, directed that the approval for the intake of the two streams of nursing and midwifery students was with immediate effect.
Abubakar further charged the management of Okezie School of Midwifery to reciprocate the council’s gesture by continuing to promote and maintain the standard in nursing and midwifery education in their institution.
Reacting to the development, indigenes of Abiriba community, including the state Commissioner for Industry, Trade and Commerce, Chief John Okiyi-Kalu, who thanked the state government for citing the school in the area, also thanked the Nursing and Midwifery Council for giving approval for intake of students in the school, which they said has opened a new vista of opportunity for millions of Abians and Nigerians seeking to study nursing and midwifery.
The Nation gathered that this was the first time that all schools of nursing and midwifery in Abia were fully accredited by the Nursing and Midwifery Council.
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Ondo first lady makes case for women deputy gov in Imo
Ondo State First Lady and a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Chief Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu, has demanded for a deputy governor’s slot for women in Imo State, saying that women are intentionally being suffocated due to sexism and prejudice particularly in Imo State.
Speaking to The Nation in an exclusive interview, Mrs. Akereledolu, who contested the senatorial primaries of the APC for Owerri Zone, noted that women were suffocated politically in the just concluded elections in the state, adding that nothing short of a deputy governorship position would be acceptable to women in the next government.
“It is scandalous that Imo State, one of the educationally advanced states in Nigeria, is intentionally being suffocated politically due to prejudice against women.
While acknowledging the boldness of some Northern women vying for governorship position, she said their counterparts in Imo lack the audacity to contest even council chairman because of men’s intimidation.
“While Northern women are bold and daring, vying for governorship positions, Imo women lack the audacity to even contest for local government chairman because the knees of the men are on their necks. They are the ‘George Flyods’, they cannot breathe!
“Given my experience during the APC senatorial primaries, I say without any equivocation that Imo women have become endangered species on the Nigerian political landscape!”
Mrs. Akereledolu who spoke through telephone conversation, noted: “All the three Senators-elect for the three Senatorial Districts in Imo State [simply called Owerri, Okigwe, Orlu zones] are male. None is a female. This means that the voice of Imo women will not be heard in the Senate of the Federation for four years beginning from the time they will be inaugurated in June 2023 to their end of tenure in 2027.
“Meanwhile, none of the serving three Senators in Imo State is female. By the way, it was only in 2007 that Imo State elected the first female Senator, Senator Chris Anyanwu of Owerri Zone who served two terms between 2007 and 2015.”
“Out of the ten newly elected members of the House of Representatives in the ten constituencies in Imo State, only one is female. Meanwhile, there is only one serving female member of the House of Representatives out of the ten presently in office from Imo State,” she said. -
Ugwuanyi immortalises Eneja 15 years after, builds secretariat for his foundation
Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State in furtherance of his avowed commitment to things of God, on Friday, inaugurated and handed over to the Catholic Dioceses in the state, a befitting secretariat he built in Enugu for Bishop Michael Ugwuja Eneja Foundation (BIMEF).
Bishop Eneja, who was ordained a priest on July 29, 1951 and died 15 years ago, precisely on November 14, 2008, was well known for his exemplary spiritual life and uprightness as a servant of God.
Governor Ugwuanyi also opted to furnish the secretariat for the church, narrating his personal encounter with Bishop Eneja as a student and how the late cleric embedded sound moral and spiritual life in him.
Speaking at the event, the Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Enugu, Most Rev. Dr. Callistus Onaga, who represented two other Catholic bishops in the state, thanked Governor Ugwuanyi in a special way for his kind gesture, stressing that the governor’s commitment to God and the shepherded of His flocks is exemplary and commendable.
Read Also: Ugwuanyi, Mbah, others attend funeral rites of former Chief of Staff’s father
Bishop Onaga, who described Bishop Eneja as “a servant of God,” disclosed that the foundation’s secretariat built by Governor Ugwuanyi, is one of the programmes lined up to immortalise the late bishop, explaining that it is also a process towards “the fulfillment of the aspirations, mission and vision of this servant of God.
“It is a way of really giving hope to this idea of this foundation,” the cleric added.
Bishop Onaga, therefore, commended Governor Ugwuanyi for starting the process, saying: “Through the prayers of this servant of God, may everything you are going to do as a governor and as a politician continue to be as God has willed it, because you have always believed that all our doings are in the hands of God.
“Thank you so much. On behalf of the three bishops and the three dioceses of Enugu, Nsukka and Awgu that own, started and run this foundation, I say thank you very much for this great gift.”
Present at the event were Mr. Anthony Mogboh Jr. SAN, who represented Chief Anthony Mogboh SAN; Mrs. Vero Mogboh; founding members of BIMEF, Monsignor Anthony Anijielo and Barr Joe Asogwa; Secretary of the Foundation, Chike Ezugu, and a host of other members.
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ReachOut World Extravaganza holds May 5
Founder and President of Loveworld Inc, Pastor Chris Oyakhilome is set to host ReachOut World Extravaganza on May 5 to 6, an event celebrating the audacious move of the Church to fulfill Jesus’ mandate of spreading the Gospel to every part of the world.
He spoke at his periodic teaching programme tagged: ‘YourLoveworld’. It was held on April 18.
Pastor Oyakhilome said: ‘’From one generation to another, the work of world evangelization has been passed on uncompleted, but for the first time in history, we have the chance to take the gospel to the whole world.
‘’This is the first time that the Church has had such an extraordinary opportunity to finish this work which was started long ago by the Lord Jesus Christ himself and commissioned to His Apostles, and now to us through the generations.
‘’For the first time, the Gospel of Jesus is being preached in all the world’s known languages through Rhapsody of Realities. The blind and deaf are not left out; everyone has an opportunity. This is why we’ve organised Reachout World Extravaganza so you get to know what we are doing and how you can be a part of it.
Read Also: Pastor Chris Oyakhilome’s ex- wife, Anita in remarriage rumour, changes name
‘’This is the most significant opportunity the Church has had in about 2000 years, and we can’t miss or blow it. We must finish the work.
‘’We have Rhapsody for Children and teenagers, and for those who are visually impaired, we have the Braille version, which is also available in hundreds of languages.’’, he added.
Rhapsody of Realities is a daily devotional that contains teachings and messages from the Bible. It helps her readers grow spiritually in their walk as Christians. It has a one-year and two-year Bible study plan to help her readers read the Bible cover to cover in one calendar year. It is currently translated into 7,858 languages; the result of a 22-year-old project with many challenges which made it an uphill task.
One of the greatest challenges encountered was that 42% of the languages in the world are endangered and several were never recognized or documented before Rhapsody of Realities.
The ReachOut Extravaganza is for all Christians, and Christian organizations interested in taking the Gospel around the world, and it will hold online at reachoutworldorg on the aforementioned dates.
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Abia OPM Free Hospital delivers 4,892 babies in four years
- .Conducts 531 cesarian sessions
No fewer than 4,892 births have been successfully conducted in a healthcare facility built for residents and people of Ohanku community in Ndoki, Abia State by the General Overseer of Omega Power Ministries (OPM), in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Apostle Chibuzor Chinyere.
The Special Assistant to Apostle Chinyere on Speacial Duties, Kenneth Nwachi, said the facility was built to curtail the hitherto increasing cases of maternal and infant mortality rate.
The facility built in 2019 is reportedly the first hospital in the history of the local government area and community, despite being an oil producing community, hosting over 200 oil Wells.
The health facility widely known as “OPM Free Specialist Hospital”, conducts free antenatal, scan and all other necessary checks on expectant mothers within and outside of the community free of charge just as it dispenses drugs and performs caesarian session on mothers without complications..
In the same vain expectant mothers due for deliveries go to the facility to have their babies delivered free of charge as the hospital boasts of experienced and dedicated medical and administrative workers who are ever ready to assist the women through safe and successful delivery at all times.
He noted that the joy of the beneficiaries of the kind gesture knows no bounds as they express great relief and satisfaction at all times.
Nwachi noted that Abia facility is one of the healthcare facilities in Rivers and Abia and expressed his intentions to replicate same in some other rural communities where healthcare structures are not easily comeby.
Nwachi said: “More than half a billion naira have been expended to saving lives of expectant mothers and their children in OPM free specialist hospital, all monies are coming from tithes by church members.”
On the normal practice in conventional healthcare facilities (public and private), the SA recalled, “deliveries with complications caesarian session in hospitals goes for between N350,000 and N500,000 or even more depending on the hospital and their equipment, while normal deliveries go for at least N80,000.
“Multiply the various amount with the number of the deliveries so far carried out free of charge by the hospital, that will give you an idea of how much Apostle Chinyere and OPM is giving back to the society and how much he is saving for the government in particular.
“In a nutshell, OPM Free Specialist Hospital as at April 19, has saved government particularly Abia State and several families almost N600 million in a short period of time and still counting,” he said.
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Group to INEC Chairman: Obey Supreme Court judgment on APGA chairmanship
A pressure group in Abuja, the Elections Transparency Group (ETG) has warned the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Chairman, Prof Mahmood Yakubu, of the consequences of the commission’s disobedience to the judgment of the Supreme Court, reaffirming Chief Edozie Njoku as the National Chairman of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA).
The group, which gave the INEC Chairman seven days ultimatum to give effect to the judgment , threatened to initiate contempt proceedings against the INEC Chairman should he fail or disobey the judgment .
The ETG said in a statement on Friday, and signed by its Convener, Dr. Kazeem Adekunle, that it was strange that INEC, under Prof Yakubu, will keep going back and forth on a clear and unambiguous judgment delivered since March 24.
ETG said it is on record that the apex court gave a judgment on an application by Chief Njoku, wherein he sought the regularization of the amended judgment of Justice Mary Peter Odili delivered on May 9, 2022,
Njoku’s motion followed a letter from the Supreme Court to him on January 19, this year, wherein it had addressed him as the National Chairman of APGA and advised him to approach the Court by way of a motion to correct the slip.
In the Supreme Court judgment, Justice Garba Lawal held that it was Chief Edozie Njoku that was wrongly removed at Jigawa High Court without being joined as a party.
The implication of the accidental slip, which the Supreme Court corrected is that Chief Edozie Njoku, who was wrongfully removed by a Jigawa High Court in Suit No: JDU/022/2021 between Alhaji Garba Aliyu and Chief Jude Okeke & 2 Ors, has been restored as the actual National Chairman of APGA.
The ETG said having been duly served the Supreme Court judgment , INEC does not have any option than to accord recognition to Chief Edozie Njoku, as the National Chairman of APGA, since he was the one wrongfully removed in the Jigawa High Court judgment that has been set aside.
The group said it will not look the other way when INEC, a creation of the constitution is acting in contempt against the rule of law, adding that Prof Yakubu must either obey the Supreme Court judgment on APGA leadership or be ready to face the consequences.
To us, Nigeria is not a banana republic and we in ETG will not allow INEC under Prof Yakubu to turn it to one.
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Renewable energy to power Delta public hospitals
The Delta State Government said it has approved the installation of renewable energy (solar) in government hospitals across the state.
Delta Information Commissioner, Mr. Charles Aniagwu, who spoke to reporters in Asaba, maintained that the approval was given to mitigate energy deficit in the medical facilities especially in general hospitals in the state.
He said the renewable energy mix, when installed, would enable the hospitals to meet up with their energy needs as the cost of running a diesel generator had skyrocketed.
His words, “We know that our facilities, especially the hospitals are having challenges of inadequate power supply and the cost of running diesel generators have also skyrocketed.
“Consequent upon this development, we have decided to embrace renewable energy sources; this time around, solar energy, to ensure we have power in our hospitals.”
He said approval for the construction of a water front in Asaba as well as a six lane dual carriage road leading to the waterfront was given by the state Exco.
“Before now, we have seen the need to develop the waterfront here in Asaba. We also need to pay compensation to those who own lands by this waterfront; which is from this axis (Government House) to Anwai River.
“We are also going to construct a six-lane dual carriage road for us to be able to drive straight to the waterfront. All these were approved at today’s Exco,” Aniagwu stated.
He listed other approvals given by the state Exco to include the construction of the second phase of Umunede/Ogwashi-Uku Road, otherwise known as the Old Lagos/Asaba Road and the construction of the perimeter road of the Asaba International Airport, Asaba.
“Today, we approved the construction of the second phase of Umunede/Ogwashi-Uku Road, otherwise known as the Old Lagos/Asaba Road.
“The first phase was started not long ago and it started from Akumazi and terminated at Igbodo Junction in Obior. So, the second phase will start from the Igbodo Junction and terminate at Ubulu-Uku.
“Thereafter, we will take from Ubulu-Uku to Ogwashi-uku as the last phase of the construction of the old road. You do know that it is a federal road but we have to intervene in order for our people to have a much smoother corridor to ply.
“We have also approved the construction of the perimeter road of the Asaba International Airport. We know that where there is a perimeter fence, you need a perimeter road to help ward off animals that could have access to the runway.
“It will also improve general security and further raise the standard of our Airport,” Mr. Aniagwu stated.
The Commissioner further disclosed that the state Exco equally gave approval for the engagement of consultants to help the state reconcile its FAAC accounts.
“We also approved today, the engagement of consultants to help us reconcile our FAAC accounts. Sometimes, you may not have the remittance that we should from financial institutions.
“You have seen that the remittance we are getting now from the federal government on the 13 percent derivation is a product of reconciliation of accounts.
“Usually, the good thing about it is that, no recovery, no pay. If you engage a consultant with this clause, where the consultant does not recover anything, then we don’t have to pay,” he said.
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Residents cry out over dilapidated roads in Imo communities
Residents of Ihiagwa, Umuokpo, Emeabiam, Eziobodo and Okolochi communities in Owerri West Local Government Area of Imo State have expressed worries over slow pace of construction of Ihiagwa road and adjourning neighbouring roads and urged the state government to expedite on the roads before the rainy fully set in.
Phase one of the Ihiagwa road which links Federal Polytechnic Nekede Owerri, Federal University Technology Owerri (FUTO), Police College and Divisional Police Headquarters was completed by President Muhammadu Buhari last year.
The residents said the roads when constructed would ease traffic, enhance relaxation, development, as well as strengthen commerce at the communities.
One of the residents, a trader, Eberechi Okoro, regretted that the Ihiagwa road has become a nightmare.
“Residents and motorists suffer adversely due to the bad state of the road. I’m surprised that the road is still not completed after it was awarded many years ago by Emeka Ihedioha led Rebuild Imo short lived administration. This deficiency slows commercial activities in Ihiagwa and environs,” Okoro said.
A farmer and retired civil servant, Nze Oha, who frowned at the state of the road, urged the administration of Hope Uzodimma to ensure that the road is fixed before the rainy season fully begins.
“Farming will be enhanced when there is a quality road as farm produce would easily be conveyed to the markets. A farmer is always happy and at home when his or her produce is easily and profitably sold to willing and happy consumers”.
He wondered why the construction of Ihiagwa/Naze/Nekede road was being delayed or stopped near the Police Post Umuoma, Nekede.
“This lack of political will by rulers shows a nonchalant attitude on the plight and suffering of the people who produce the wealth of the state. It is bad that nothing is moving well in Imo State despite the huge economic resources herein. People are just suffering and smiling. No steady electricity and water supply. No healthcare service, poor education has been an issue.
Petrol, kerosene, cooking gas, diesel, inflation are factors that militate against good living and common existence,” he noted.
A teacher from Emeabiam community, Mrs. Theresa Ekeh, said the government should “extend road construction to Emeabiam, Umuokpo, Okolochi and Eziobodo in their rural road project to enable the people to effectively engage in productive activities like farming, trading and artisanship.”
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Enugu guber: Groups unveil movement to defend Mbah’s mandate
Various interest groups in the Enugu State have launched ‘Mandate Protection Movement’ to defend the victory of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate in the state, Peter Mbah in the March 18 governorship election.
The groups, which include Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Police Community Relations Committee (PCRC), the Obidient Movement, NCFront, Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC), Conference of Nigeria Political Parties (CNPP), Coalition of Registered Political Parties (CRPP), Transition Monitoring Group (TMG) and League of Women Voters, among others, unveiled the Mbah Mandate Movement (M3 GROUP), stating it was basically to “safeguard the mandate of Mbah against all forms of potential threats or distractions.”
The Convener and Lead Speaker of the group, Kennedy Iyere, told the gathering that it was necessary to defend the mandate given to Mbah to fast-track development in the state.
Iyere affirmed that Mbah’s administration would engender responsible government whose priority is to accelerate social and economic development for sustainable well-being of the state.
He said: “Tell me which of the three key candidates in the just concluded Enugu governorship election is most acceptable, considering the record of their past performances, if not Mbah.
“His victory was well deserved, and the results of the poll reflected the will of the people.
“Look at his achievements in the private sector where he distinguished himself as a pacesetter. His Pinnacle Oil and Gas proudly has over 8,000 employees. His ‘Peter Mbah Foundation’ has shown compassion to thousands of persons through various humanitarian interventions.
“Mbah has come to serve and to move Enugu to its next realm of development. Therefore, those who are making efforts to distract his focus are advised to distance themselves from him. This is the reason stakeholders have gathered to launch the ‘Mbah Mandate Movement.’ It is a widespread advocacy group whose aim is to safeguard the mandate of Mbah.
“We must defend Mbah’s mandate, because of his passion to serve and develop the state
“Leadership is all about commitment and competency. That’s why we have no other option but to support and defend Mbah’s mandate, because we believe he will do everything possible to move Enugu forward.”Various interest groups in the Enugu State have launched ‘Mandate Protection Movement’ to defend the victory of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate in the state, Peter Mbah in the March 18 governorship election.
The groups, which include Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Police Community Relations Committee (PCRC), the Obidient Movement, NCFront, Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC), Conference of Nigeria Political Parties (CNPP), Coalition of Registered Political Parties (CRPP), Transition Monitoring Group (TMG) and League of Women Voters, among others, unveiled the Mbah Mandate Movement (M3 GROUP), stating it was basically to “safeguard the mandate of Mbah against all forms of potential threats or distractions.”
The Convener and Lead Speaker of the group, Kennedy Iyere, told the gathering that it was necessary to defend the mandate given to Mbah to fast-track development in the state.
Iyere affirmed that Mbah’s administration would engender responsible government whose priority is to accelerate social and economic development for sustainable well-being of the state.
He said: “Tell me which of the three key candidates in the just concluded Enugu governorship election is most acceptable, considering the record of their past performances, if not Mbah.
“His victory was well deserved, and the results of the poll reflected the will of the people.
“Look at his achievements in the private sector where he distinguished himself as a pacesetter. His Pinnacle Oil and Gas proudly has over 8,000 employees. His ‘Peter Mbah Foundation’ has shown compassion to thousands of persons through various humanitarian interventions.
“Mbah has come to serve and to move Enugu to its next realm of development. Therefore, those who are making efforts to distract his focus are advised to distance themselves from him. This is the reason stakeholders have gathered to launch the ‘Mbah Mandate Movement.’ It is a widespread advocacy group whose aim is to safeguard the mandate of Mbah.
“We must defend Mbah’s mandate, because of his passion to serve and develop the state
“Leadership is all about commitment and competency. That’s why we have no other option but to support and defend Mbah’s mandate, because we believe he will do everything possible to move Enugu forward.”arious interest groups in the Enugu State have launched ‘Mandate Protection Movement’ to defend the victory of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate in the state, Peter Mbah in the March 18 governorship election.
The groups, which include Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Police Community Relations Committee (PCRC), the Obidient Movement, NCFront, Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC), Conference of Nigeria Political Parties (CNPP), Coalition of Registered Political Parties (CRPP), Transition Monitoring Group (TMG) and League of Women Voters, among others, unveiled the Mbah Mandate Movement (M3 GROUP), stating it was basically to “safeguard the mandate of Mbah against all forms of potential threats or distractions.”
The Convener and Lead Speaker of the group, Kennedy Iyere, told the gathering that it was necessary to defend the mandate given to Mbah to fast-track development in the state.
Iyere affirmed that Mbah’s administration would engender responsible government whose priority is to accelerate social and economic development for sustainable well-being of the state.
He said: “Tell me which of the three key candidates in the just concluded Enugu governorship election is most acceptable, considering the record of their past performances, if not Mbah.
“His victory was well deserved, and the results of the poll reflected the will of the people.
“Look at his achievements in the private sector where he distinguished himself as a pacesetter. His Pinnacle Oil and Gas proudly has over 8,000 employees. His ‘Peter Mbah Foundation’ has shown compassion to thousands of persons through various humanitarian interventions.
“Mbah has come to serve and to move Enugu to its next realm of development. Therefore, those who are making efforts to distract his focus are advised to distance themselves from him. This is the reason stakeholders have gathered to launch the ‘Mbah Mandate Movement.’ It is a widespread advocacy group whose aim is to safeguard the mandate of Mbah.
“We must defend Mbah’s mandate, because of his passion to serve and develop the state
“Leadership is all about commitment and competency. That’s why we have no other option but to support and defend Mbah’s mandate, because we believe he will do everything possible to move Enugu forward.”