Shaibu, others boycott Edo PDP congress, Makinde dumps committee.

Shaibu, others boycott Edo PDP congress, Makinde dumps committee.

The Peoples Democratic Party in Edo State, on Sunday, conducted an election (congress) to pick delegates that will participate in the party’s February 22 governorship primary.

The exercise was, however, trailed by an uproar as nine out of the 11 PDP governorship aspirants boycotted the exercise.

Also, the Governor of Oyo State, Seyi Makinde, who was the chairman of the three-man committee in charge of the Edo delegates election, withdrew from the exercise.

But the Governor of Enugu State, Peter Mbah, who is said to be the deputy chairman of the committee, commended the large turnout of party members for the delegates election.

Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki, described Makinde’s withdrawal from the process as unfortunate but said it would not undermine the credibility of the exercise, which, he said, witnessed a large turnout of party members.

The nine governorship aspirants, who boycotted the delegates election, were Edo State Deputy Governor, Philip Shaibu, Omoregie Ogbeide-Ihama, Anselm Ojezua, Felix Akhabue, Ambassador Martin Uhomoibhi, Hafia Hadizat Umoru, Omosede Igbinedion, Dr Earl Osaro Onaiwu and Arthur Esene.

They wrote a protest letter to the PDP acting National Chairman, Umar Damagum, and sent a copy to the National Vice Chairman South-South, Chief Dan Orbih.

The nine aspirants complained about the composition of the committee conducting the delegates election.

Speaking to party members at the George Idah Primary School, GRA, Benin, the collation centre for Ward 2, the Enugu State Governor said, “This is democracy where our people come to exercise their franchise. We appreciate this turnout. Our party is known for the principles of fairness, equity and justice. I wish you to all conduct yourselves properly as we hold this election.”

In Ward 7 at Ugbekun Primary School in Ikpoba-Okha Local government, Dr. Major Itemowe led others to conduct the exercise while in Oluku Ward, Kunle Koya from Lagos State conducted the exercise.

Speaking to journalists in his Ward 4 collation centre, Idia College, Governor Obaseki said the crisis in the party was being blown out of proportions and that it would not affect the outcome of the governorship election.

He said, “You can see from the crowd here that it is a lot of success due to the huge turnout. We had over 600 people coming out to participate here; our people are very politically aware and we are happy with this turnout to elect delegates for a our governorship primary. We are also expecting this huge turnout in the main election.”

On the resignation of Makinde, Obaseki said, “It is unfortunate that Makinde withdrew. There are three governors and he is only one of the three that withdrew, which does not remove the credibility of the process. What makes a process credible is the quality of the participation. You can see the turnout; so it is unfortunate that Governor Makinde had to take such a decision. I hope that all our efforts to continue to unify the party and pacify all stakeholders will continue. We are not deterred at all, we are going to make sure that the PDP plays its role in the politics of this country.”

Speaking on the non-participation of members of the Legacy Coalition of the PDP, he said, “You cannot have a 100 per cent participation. You can see the crowd here. When we were in the APC before we joined the PDP, we didn’t have these numbers. So, it is clear that the people we met in the party are still in the party.

“The crisis is hyped; it is not as fundamental as it is made to look. There is very little crisis, the crisis is fanned from outside and our people are smarter than that. You will see during the main election, we are not going to allow ourselves to be sold.”

When contacted to react to the Edo situation, the PDP National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, said,”It is publicly known that Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, for personal reasons known only to him, resigned as Chairman of the PDP Edo State Ad Hoc Delegate Congress Electoral Committee. We are not aware of any other person who boycotted.”

Also, when contacted, the Chief Press Secretary to Makinde, Sulaimon Olanrenwaju, said he was not aware that his principal resigned.

“I’m not aware that he resigned. I’m not aware,” he said.

Tinubu mourns Namibian president’s death.

Tinubu mourns Namibian president’s death.

President Bola Tinubu has mourned the death of the Namibian President, Hage Geingob who he described as a veteran in the struggle for democracy.

The 82-year-old leader who revealed he was receiving treatment for cancer last month, died on Sunday, a statement from acting president, Nangolo Mbumba revealed.

The Nigerian leader in a condolence statement released on Sunday by his Special Adviser Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale, noted Geingob’s passing came at a time when the continent of Africa needed his visionary qualities.

“President Tinubu mourns the painful loss of this veteran in the struggle for democracy; proponent of good governance, and advocate of economic, social, and political solidarity among African peoples.

“The President notes that this tragedy comes at a time when Africa needs more visionary leaders who believe in the common destiny of the continent, and who can strengthen bonds across borders and spread the tendrils of cooperation across all fields of human endeavour.

“As Namibia mourns, President Tinubu assures the Republic that his thoughts and prayers, and indeed those of Nigerians, are with them,” the statement read in part.

First elected president in 2014, Geingob was Namibia’s longest-serving prime minister and third president.

In 2013, Geingob underwent brain surgery, and last year he underwent an aortic operation in neighbouring South Africa.

Up until his death, he had been receiving treatment at Lady Pohamba Hospital in Windhoek.

Otti pledges to offset medical bills of 30 Abians in need of urgent surgery.

Otti pledges to offset medical bills of 30 Abians in need of urgent surgery.

Abia state government has offered to foot the medical expenses of 30 residents of the state who were in urgent need of surgery for various ailments.

The state government has concluded a six-month-long period of providing free medical treatment to residents throughout the state.

Abia state governor, Alex Otti, made the commitment following an appeal by a visiting Bulgarian non-governmental organisation; Revive, which was on a medical outreach to the state.

At the end of their 13-day medical outreach, the Revive medical team, led by Smart Oriaku, a Nigerian from Abia, paid a visit to the governor to express gratitude for the support extended by the government and the people of the state during their activities.

Their services ranged from consultations, diagnosis, laboratory tests, and scans to prescriptions and surgery, among others.

Governor Otti told the visitors, among whom were nurses, doctors, surgeons and other support medical professionals, that his administration was committed to ensuring the comprehensive overhaul of the healthcare facilities in the state, including building new ones, in order to improve the overall well-being of the citizens.

The governor said his administration takes healthcare delivery seriously, hence the focus on renovating and retrofitting the health outfits as well as the prompt measures taken to ensure the restoration of accreditation for the Abia State University’s medical school and Abia State University Teaching Hospital, Aba.

Both the university and the teaching hospital lost accreditation over two years ago.

The governor revealed that the government is presently rehabilitating approximately 15 general hospitals throughout the state.

He also emphasized that his administration remains committed to establishing a ‘Medical Village’, aimed at attracting medical tourists to Abia and stemming the flow of people seeking medical treatment abroad, particularly in countries like India.

Governor Otti commended the efforts of the visiting medical team, and particularly Oriaku, for single-handedly bringing the Revive team to Abia.

“I’m pleased to receive you and commend you for your labour of love. It is interesting that a single individual can do this.

“If all of us who have been blessed in one way or the other do what you’re doing, I’m sure this place would be a better place for everyone,” the Governor observed.

In an address earlier, the leader of the team, Oriaku, said that the medical mission was solely sponsored by his family, the late Rev. David Ukeje Oriaku family of Okaiuga Nkwoegwu, Umuahia North LGA, in the spirit of giving back to the society.

Oriaku said that the team had within the 13 days they held their outreach performed over 700 consultations, conducted over 60 successful surgeries, ranging from Goiter, Hernia among others, and had kept check on patients to ensure there were no complications.

He said that all laboratory tests and scans, from CT Scan, Echography and other laboratory tests as recommended by the surgical team were paid for by his family.

Also, the medical bills of all women, who gave birth at the Okaiuga Nkwoegwu Health center, venue of the consultation, were paid in addition to ten thousand Naira gift to the new mothers.

Oriaku informed Governor Otti of a new discovery in the cure of breast cancer without the victim going through the pains of chemotherapy, and pointed out that the team would want to use Abia as the base for the pilot, a request the Governor responded to in affirmation.

Oriaku, who said he was among those, who had almost given up hope on Abia before the assumption of the present administration, expressed fulfilment that the medical mission which could not hold under the past administration, despite persistent requests and efforts, had been made possible under Governor Otti.

The Revive team, according to the team lead, focuses on carrying out medical outreaches for the poor and the most vulnerable of the society, and is currently active in several African countries and beyond.

Wike: More things will happen in Rivers.

Wike: More things will happen in Rivers.

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, at the weekend declared that more things will happen in Rivers state.

Wike, accompanied by prominent politicians and former rivals from the state, attended the coronation of Dr. Kelly Fred George as Chief Diagbani (Fred) George Amachree II, Head of Diagbani Amachree Group of Houses in Buguma, Asari-Toru LGA. 

During the event, he expressed optimism about ongoing developments and hinted at further progress.

Dr. Kelly George, a staunch supporter of Wike, resigned from Siminalayi Fubara’s cabinet but later reinstated his position during the political turmoil in the state.

Wike made the statement with particular reference to the presence of his former rival and erstwhile chairman of the state chapter of APC, Ojukaye Amachree, in his team. 

Addressing the newly coronated chief, he said: “Everybody is here from Akuku Toru to Degema to Asari Toru. The former rival Ojukaye is here. That is to tell you that a lot of things are happening and more things will happen”.

Wike, who was received by the crowd that attended the event, expressed confidence in the ability of Dr. George to unite and attract development to his area of authority.

He said: “Use your position for the interest of your people. Do not use your position to divide your people. Use it to unite them, use it to bring development to your people, knowing you well I believe you would do the right thing.”

Wike described George, a two-term commissioner under him and current commissioner of Works as “a dependable friend and ally”. 

He referred to him as a “first class brain” and  “one of those you can give an assignment and go and sleep.”

He said:  “This is another important assignment, to keep villages and communities together is not an easy task.

“You have been given another onerous task to keep the values and culture of your people when education and modernisation is trying to take away all our culture. It’s a very high assignment but I know you are equal to the task.”

In the entourage of Wike were Martin Amaehule, Speaker of Rivers State House of Assembly; Chief Victor Giadom, National Vice-Chairman APC, Southsouth;  Chibudum Nwuche, former Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives; Tony Okocha, Caretaker Chairman of Rivers State APC.

Others were Amb  Desmond Akawor, former Chairman of Rivers State PDP;  Ojukaye Amachree, former APC state Party Chairman;  Frank Owhor, Member North East Development Commission; Frank Ogiri, Commissioner, National Population Commission; Ken Chikere, Kenneth Kobani, Ephraim Nwuzi, Emeka Woke, Chidi Amadi, Marcus Nle-Eji, Isobo Jack,  Sam Oge, Gift Worlu,  Shy Olu, Deinma Iyalla, Sampson Parker among others.

Expose religious groups sponsoring insurgency, Shari’ah council tells EFCC.

Expose religious groups sponsoring insurgency, Shari’ah council tells EFCC.

The Supreme Council for Shariah in Nigeria has challenged the Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, Ola Olukoyede, to expose the religious groups sponsoring insurgency in the country.

Recall that the EFCC Chairman recently revealed that the anti-graft agency had uncovered how a religious sect in Nigeria is laundering money for terrorists.

Olukoyede said, “A religious sect in this country had been found to be laundering money for terrorists.”

Reacting, the SCSN, in a statement by its President, Sheik AbdulRasheed Hadiyahtullah, and Secretary, Malam Nafi’u Ahmed, on Sunday, demanded proper legal action against those found complicit in financing activities undermining the nation’s security.

The group said, “Regarding the recent disclosure by the Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) about religious groups sponsoring insurgency in Nigeria, the Council demands the Commission to disclose the identity of the religious body allegedly sponsoring terrorism/insurgency with N7 billion out of N13 billion traced to its account.

“This revelation has sent shockwaves across the nation, raising concerns about potential fund misuse for activities threatening Nigeria’s peace and security. The gravity of the situation calls for immediate public clarification of the group and decisive action to address the disturbing nexus between religious groups and insurgency.

“Accordingly, we urgently call upon the EFCC to publish the list of all sponsors involved in criminal activities. The alleged disclosure of N7 billion linked to a religious group’s account is a matter of grave concern, and citizens demand proper legal action against sponsors and those found complicit in financing activities undermining the nation’s security.

“We further call on the EFCC to expedite the release of the list of sponsors and collaborate with relevant authorities to ensure prompt legal actions are taken.”

Regarding the insecurity situation in Plateau State, the SCSN demanded a comprehensive and impartial approach.

The group stated that “The total exclusion of Muslim representation in the security committee not only disregards the diverse fabric of the state (with at least 40 per cent Muslims) but also jeopardises the effectiveness of the committee in addressing the root causes of the ongoing conflicts.

“We urgently call for a reevaluation of the committee’s composition to ensure that it is truly representative of the entire population. The current imbalance not only undermines the principles of justice but also hinders the development of a united front against the challenges faced by the state.

“We, therefore, demand, as a right and in the interest of equity, the Governor to heed this call for justice and equitable representation, as his action is sending a disturbing message to the world and creating a recipe for compounding the crisis.”

Economic hardship: Bear with Tinubu, lawmaker urges Nigerians.

Economic hardship: Bear with Tinubu, lawmaker urges Nigerians.

A member representing Yagba Federal Constituency of Kogi State in the National Assembly, Leke Abejide, has called on Nigerians irrespective of political and religious inclination, to bear with the administration of President Bola Tinubu for at least two years to enable its policies to manifest and benefit from their good results.

Abejide made the call on Saturday during a grand reception organised in his honour by the Yoruba community in Kano State.

The event also featured his conferment of the title of Asiwaju of Yoruba Kano by His Royal Highness, the Oba Yoruba of Kano, Dr. Murtala Otisese.

”I have the confidence that the Tinubu administration will make the economy better for the country. I have said it before, it is like when a woman is in labour there is a lot of pain pending when she delivers.

“If You are looking at the policies the government is making, you will know that we should give at least two years, I know it is a long time for people who are in hardships, but in less than two years you will see the impact, the economy is going to be transformed. I have that belief,” he said.

Abejide who is also the Chairman of the Customs and Excise Committee of the House of Representatives, said, “My advice to the people is that we remain patient and the result will be good for all of us.”

The Asiwaju Yoruba Kano then promised the 4.5 million Yorubas in Kano that he would complete the building of the palace of Oba Yoruba of Kano.

In his remarks, the Oba Yoruba of Kano, Dr. Alimi Otisese, while conferring the title on Elder Abejide, lauded the celebrant for his immense contributions to the Yorubas resident in Kano through the empowerment of widows and orphans, which he said were part of the reasons he conferred on him the title of Asiwaju of Yoruba Kano.

Speaking on behalf of the Kano State Governor, Abba Yusuf, his Special Adviser on Yoruba Affairs, Alhaji Abdussalam Abdullatif, said the present administration in the state would continue to run an all-inclusive government in delivering the dividends of democracy to the people of the state.

Abejide grew up in Kano before he went to his native Kogi State and contested and won elections into the House of Representatives on the platform of the African Democratic Congress in 2019 and 2023.

Kwara LG health workers receive 100 per cent consolidated salary.

Kwara LG health workers receive 100 per cent consolidated salary.

Health workers across the 16 Local Government Areas of Kwara State have started receiving  salaries commensurate with a 100 per cent Consolidated Health Salary Structure.

The payment took effect from January 2024 in line with the agreement between the state government and organized labour.

The Chairman, Nigeria Labour Congress, Kwara State Council, Comrade Saheed Olayinka, confirmed the implementation of CONHESS for local government health workers in an interview with Punch correspondent in Ilorin on Sunday.

Recall that the Joint Labour Unions at a media briefing in Ilorin on January 12, 2024, had issued a 14-day ultimatum to the state government to address unmet demands of state workers with a warning that it could not guarantee industrial harmony in the state.

They listed some of the grievances of workers as non-implementation of the N35,000 wage award for all categories of workers in the state following fuel subsidy removal, refusal to domesticate and implement 40 per cent peculiar allowance in line with the approval of the federal government, non-implementation of consequential adjustment to pensioners since the approval of the current new minimum wage in 2019, unwillingness to pay local government workers outstanding arrears and non-implementation of 100 per cent Consolidated Health Salary Structure and 100 per cent hazard allowance for health workers at local government level.

Others include outstanding arrears of promotion for 2020, 2021 and 2022, inadequate funding of our state-owned tertiary institutions, unwillingness to absorb and proper placement of Kwara Hotel workers without any condition and proper placement of the redeployed Kwara Water Corporation Staff into the core civil service.

In a swift response, the state government raised a team headed by the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Prince Mahe Abdulkadir, to hold a fresh negotiation with the organized labour as a measure to avert likely industrial disquiet.

Sequel to the recent negotiation with the labour movement, the state government had approved the implementation of the allowance in the local government areas.

Olayinka said health workers, whose bank accounts have been credited for January salary were excited to receive the pay.

The NLC chairman added that the state government also directed payment of hazard allowance to all categories of local government health workers.

He said the approval of CONHESS and hazard allowance to workers at the third tier of government was part of the ongoing organized labour’s negotiation with the state government over the latter’s catalogue of demands for the workforce.

The NLC chairman also noted that the government also agreed to, from January defray arrears of the salary of local government workers and teachers under the State Universal Basic Education Board ranging from 20 per cent to 50 per cent.

Olayinka explained that the backlog of arrears of promotions for workers in the state also formed a discussion between the state government and the labour movement.

He added that letters would be released to affected workers and financial benefits would follow subsequently.

“Following our negotiation with the state government, 100 per cent CONHESS and hazard allowance have been approved for implementation and payment to health workers in local government areas starting from this month (January).

“The government will also defray payment of LGA workers and SUBEB teachers arrears this month ranging from 20% to 50% for LGAs.

“During our meeting, the issue of promotion received top attention while letters will be released to affected workers and financial benefit will follow.

“While the meeting on other demands will be discussed on better ways to meet up with them this week”, Olayinka said.