IHEDIOHA VISITS ABIA GOVERNOR ALEX OTTI, DAYS AFTER DUMPING PDP
IHEDIOHA VISITS ABIA GOVERNOR, ALEX OTTI, DAYS AFTER DUMPING PDP Former Governor of Imo State, Emeka Ihedioha, has visited the the Abia state Governor, Alex otti, at his resident at Isiala Ngwa The visit to Governor Otti who is leading Abia under the umbrella of the Labour Party has created tension on the political party the former Imo Governor might go. Emeka Ihedioha, the former governor of Imo State, resigned from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) citing a conflict between his personal convictions and the party’s current direction. Ihedioha wrote on X; Delighted to have met with my esteemed brother and friend, Governor @alexottiofr, at his residence in Isialangwa.We had a convivial discussion, even as I commend his giant strides in Abia State.
NORTHERN GROUPS UNCOVER PLOT TO STOP TINUBU IN 2027
NORTHERN GROUPS UNCOVER PLOT TO STOP TINUBU IN 2027 Northern groups under the aegis of the Arewa Youth Consultative Forum (AYCF) and the Northern Awareness Network (NAN) over the weekend expressed concerns over plots by self-seeking politicians to weaken President Bola Tinubu’s support base and his re-election bid in 2027 through interference in his cabinet. AYCF President, Yerima Shettima and NAN Chairman, Salifu Suleiman, commended President Tinubu’s administration for its achievements so far, attributing them to his dedicated team of ministers and officials. According to the groups, while some ministers and officials have achieved remarkable success in their respective roles, it was important for President Tinubu to remain vigilant and cautious against the machinations of self-seeking politicians. They specifically mentioned Tinubu’s Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajamiala, who they said has been instrumental in coordinating the President’s agenda and ensuring smooth communication and collaboration within the administration. “His strategic leadership and organisational skills have streamlined decision-making processes and enhanced efficiency in governance. “The Federal Capital Territory Minister, Nyesom Wike has been instrumental in the development and improvement of infrastructure in the Nigerian seat of power. “His innovative projects and policies have transformed the FCT into a modern and dynamic city, attracting investments and creating opportunities for its residents. “The Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji Ojo has been leading efforts to improve security and law enforcement in the country. “His initiatives have led to a significant decrease in crime rates and enhanced the safety and well-being of Nigerian citizens. “The Minister of Aviation, Festus Keyamo has been driving reforms and modernization efforts in the aviation sector. “His initiatives have enhanced safety standards, improved infrastructure, and promoted efficiency in air travel. Keyamo’s vision for a world-class aviation industry in Nigeria has positioned the country as a regional hub for air transportation. “The Minister of Budget, Abubakar Bagudu has been instrumental in managing the nation’s finances and ensuring fiscal responsibility. “His strategic planning and budgeting skills have helped steer the country towards economic stability and growth. Bagudu’s prudent financial management has earned him respect and admiration within the administration. “The Minister of Defence State, Bello Matawalle has been pivotal in strengthening the nation’s security and military capabilities. “His leadership and proactive measures have led to significant gains in the fight against terrorism and insurgency. “The Minister of Art and Culture, Hannatu Musawa has been promoting Nigeria’s rich cultural heritage and artistic diversity on the global stage.“Her initiatives have brought recognition and acclaim to Nigerian artists and performers, showcasing the country’s creative talents to the world”, they added.
NNPP GOVT IN KANO BEHIND PROTESTS AGAINST ME – GANDUJE
NNPP GOVT IN KANO BEHIND PROTESTS AGAINST ME – GANDUJE The National Chairman of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Abdullahi Ganduje, has alleged that the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) administration in Kano State was behind the various protests against him in Abuja. He said in a statement by his special assistant on civil society and support groups, Comrade Okpokwu Ogenyi, that the state government had been hiring people from the streets, mostly Kwankwasiyya members, some of whom are from the North Central geo-political zone to protest and demand his resignation. “We are privy to credible information that Governor Yusuf is working with some persons from the North Central zone and has doled out huge sum of money to some persons to sustain campaign against the Ganduje’s led working committee in his desperate but fruitless mission to remove Ganduje as the national chairman of the APC. “They have now resorted to using some persons in the North Central geo-political zone to demand Ganduje’s removal after they failed woefully to achieve their satanic agenda in Kano State. What is of concern to us is the wastage of state resources badly in need in Kano State for the provision of basic amenities to our people. This is politics taken too far.”“While calling on security agents to be vigilant in order to ensure security of lives and property, the APC chieftain said, “Some of the hired protesters also forgot that they were dressed in Kwankwasiyya T-shirts and caps during the protest to the APC national secretariat, yet claimed to be members of the APC; what a dangerous move to scuttle peace of our party,” the statement said. The state government has however denied the allegation.
GALE OF DEFECTIONS THREATEN FATE OF PDP IN SOUTHEAST
GALE OF DEFECTIONS THREATEN FATE OF PDP IN SOUTH EAST The gale of defections from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the Southeast region and other disenchantments within its fold, might spell doom for the party in the zone in the coming days, writes LAWRENCE NJOKU Main opposition political party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) may not have bargained for what is currently playing out in the Southeast region. The party, which lost control of power at the national level after 16 years in 2015, has literally become a leper in the Southeast geopolitical zone as it is being avoided by politicians and people of the region, including those that had benefitted from it. The mass resignation from the PDP to other political platforms, which started last year, took another dimension last Tuesday when a former governor of Imo state, Emeka Ihedioha dumped the party. Ihedioha had been with the party since 1998. But he announced his resignation in a letter dated April 23, 2024, addressed to the PDP chairman in Mbutu ward, Aboh Mbaise Local Council of the state. The letter read in part: “Since 1998, I have contributed my quota to the development and transformation of PDP as one of the founding members. All these years, I have taken pride in the fact that the PDP is a party that will always look inward for internal reform and provide credible leadership for the people, whether in power or outside power. I have had the benefit of serving and benefitting from the party at various levels. “Regrettably, in recent times, the party has taken on a path that is at variance with my personal beliefs. Despite my attempt to offer counsel, the party is sadly no longer able to carry out internal reforms, enforce its own rules or offer credible opposition to the ruling All Progressives Congress.” Operation Follow Your Leader IHEDIOHA did not leave alone. Twenty-five other members of the party, who had served in various capacities at the zonal and state levels, joined him to quit the same day. Those involved were BoT member, Chris Okewulonu; zonal officer, Stanley Ekezie; Zonal Publicity Secretary, Austin Okeke; former House of Reps member, Obinna Onwubuariri; State Legal Adviser, Kissinger Ikokwu; State Publicity Secretary, Emenike Nmeregini; Zonal Organising Secretary, Emeka Nwokeke; Aboh/Ngor Okpala Federal Constituency candidate in the 2023 elections, Chibuzo Agulana and Secretary, Imo PDP Elders Council, Prof. Obioma Iheduru. Others are state Assistant Treasurer, David Abanihi; Zonal Secretary, Mrs. Amarachi Owuamanam; Obowo Local Council Chairman, Sambazz Ihearureme; Zonal Woman Leader, Ruth Nkwocha; Ezenna Okoro, Mishael Ozoemena, Ajuluchkwu Eze, Chimezie Onuoha, Ezeagwula Emeka Sunday, Ikemba Columbus Akalonu, Johncee Nwaiwu, Modestus Ezekwe, Marcel Nwankwo, Ozioma Agu, Emma Nwaebo, among others. A day after the resignation of Ihedioha, the State Chairman of the party, Chief Charles Ugwu, also resigned. Aside from the state chairman, former Deputy Governor, Gerald Irona; former Vice Chancellor, Prof. Placid Njoku; former lawmaker, Ikenga Mayor Eze, former Chief of Staff, Vin Udokwu; Youth Leader, Anozie Udenwa; state Assembly candidates, Unachukwu John and Pius Omah also left the party. Others include former commissioner, Sly Enwerem; Nkiruka Ibekwe, Martin Opara, Ann Njoku, Angus Okorie, Edward Ezeh, Ben Mere, MacDonald Enwerem, Chibuike Maduike and Ike Uche. There were also Jonathan Onyeneke, Getrude Iloemeh, Chidi Ugochukwu, Goddy Nwabekee, Chisom Dominic, Anselm Ikwu, Emeka Amajirionwu, Patrick Okoro, Emeka Udeh and Okoronkwo Rex, among others. Resignation Foretold THE resignation of these members from the Imo State chapter of the party was the height of the power struggle and silent ‘war’ over the control of the soul of the party in the state that started in 2020. Sources stated that soon after he lost his office to the incumbent Governor, Hope Uzodimna, in January 2020 by the verdict…
APC CHIEFTAIN SLUMPS, DIES IN CHURCH
APC CHIEFTAIN SLUMPS, DIES IN CHURCH A top chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Abia State, Chief Obinna Atuonwu has passed away. He died on Sunday, 21st April, 2024 during a church service at the age of 65. The late Atuonwu had attended a church service in Aba; the commercial capital of the state and was addressing the congregation when he collapsed. Narrating how the incident happened, the only brother of the deceased, Dr. Chiedozie Atuonu said that on that fateful day, he got a call to rush to Aba from Umuahia where he was. According to him, the caller told him that his late brother was feeling critically ill and needed urgent medical attention. According to him, upon arrival, he discovered that his brother’s condition was critical and he was rushed to hospital where he was confirmed dead.He added that his remains has been deposited at the morgue.
IT’S A LIE! 2023 POLL DIDN’T REFLECT NIGERIANS’ WILL – LP, PDP FAULT US REPORT
IT’S A LIE! 2023 POLL DIDN’T REFLECT NIGERIANS’ WILL – LP, PDP FAULT US REPORT The opposition Labour Party, LP, and Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, have expressed shock over how the United States 2023 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices arrived at its conclusion that the 2023 polls reflected the will of Nigerians, despite widespread irregularities. However, the All Progressives Congress, APC, and the Presidency hailed the report, but said the party did not need external validation of its victories at the polls. The report published by the Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labour, US Department of State, highlighted human rights practices and violations in different countries, including Nigeria. It said the last general elections in Nigeria reflected the will of the populace, despite widespread irregularities. Picking holes in the conclusion, LP and PDP said they are committed to deepening democracy in Nigeria and averting a one-party state. The report stated that supporters of the All Progressives Congress, APC, suppressed votes in Igbo-dominated areas during the March 2023 governorship election in Lagos. “National elections were widely reported to have reflected the will of voters, despite technical and logistical difficulties, and some irregularities. “Many independent observers who assessed the results of the presidential, legislative, and state-level elections during the year reflected the will of voters despite reports of voter suppression and vote-buying, campaigning at polling stations, lack of ballot secrecy, violence, and intimidation. “During the March 18 state election in Lagos, All Progressives Congress (APC) supporters reportedly intimidated and suppressed voters in Igbo-dominated areas, which Labour Party Presidential Candidate, Peter Obi, won in the February 25 national election. “Viral videos on social media showed APC supporters in Ojo (LGA in Lagos) threatening to attack ethnic Igbo voters presumed to be pro-Obi. “In Eti-Osa, APC supporters also attacked journalists and, in some cases, shut down voting and prevented non-Yoruba voters from accessing polls. They similarly destroyed property and physically blocked voters in Amuwo-Odofin.“According to videos posted on social media, police officers were present but failed to respond to attacks,’’ the report read. It said there was no evidence that individuals who perpetrated violence in Lagos during the election were arrested or prosecuted. The report also stated that the Nigerian government has not “consistently” implemented anti-corruption laws.It said there was “widespread” corruption across the country, including the judiciary. “In August, President Tinubu appointed former Governor Abubakar Bagudu, the Minister of Budget, despite Bagudu’s widely reported history of helping then-President Sani Abacha steal hundreds of millions of dollars from the government in the 1990s,’’ the report stated. However, the two main opposition political parties, the PDP and the LP, in reaction to the report, restated their commitment to the development of democracy in Nigeria, despite its shortcomings. National Publicity Secretary of the PDP, Debo Ologunagba, in a telephone chat with Vanguard said: “I am yet to read the report but one thing we, as a party, can assure Nigerians is that we remain committed to the advancement of democracy in our country.“We are also committed to ensuring that our country does not become a one-party state or slide into dictatorship.” Speaking in a similar vein, his counterpart in the Labour Party, Obiora Ifoh, said: “With all said and done, we take solace in the fact that the report was fair enough to admit that there were irregularities, including but not limited to vote buying, ballot box snatching, intimidation and physical attacks on our party supporters, especially in Lagos. “The report was magnanimous enough to note that supporters of the All Progressives Congress, APC, suppressed votes in areas dominated by our supporters during the March 2023 governorship election in Lagos. “To say the outcome of such an election reflects the majority view of Nigerians is left for…
Dons Eze
- Foreign Affairs
- April 26, 2024
- 65 views
THOUSANDS OF DOCTORS CONSIDERING LEAVING UK – GMC
THOUSANDS OF DOCTORS CONSIDERING LEAVING UK – GMC Factors driving thousands of doctors to consider leaving the UK have been revealed in new research published by the General Medical Council (GMC). The GMC had commissioned independent research into the reasons doctors may be considering, or have already made, a move abroad. The report, Identifying groups of migrating doctors, also makes recommendations for interventions that may persuade more of them to stay. Feeling undervalued, a lack of progression opportunities and disillusionment with the UK’s healthcare systems, are just some of the motivations researchers identified that make doctors want to leave. A survey of doctors asked how likely they were to move abroad to practise medicine in the next 12 months, to which over 13% of those practising in the UK answered ‘very likely’. A further 17% said they were ‘fairly likely’. “This is a stark reminder of the challenges we face in the UK, but it also presents valuable insight into how healthcare leaders, employers and workforce planners can target interventions to improve conditions.” More than 3,000 doctors – including those who have left the UK to practise abroad, had left and since returned, or are currently still working in the UK – answered questions on how satisfied they felt day-to-day, their experiences of working in the UK and their attitudes towards migration. Following analysis of the data, researchers split doctors into six distinct groups based on shared attitudes and experiences towards work and life as a doctor in the UK: -1). Deep discontent: the most negative and most likely to say they will leave in the next year. These are doctors who are dissatisfied on multiple fronts with the political environment, UK healthcare systems and its effects on their wellbeing. -2). System sceptics: concerned about the direction of the health systems and dissatisfied with their own working conditions, these doctors feel undervalued and unsupported. Most likely to be attracted to English speaking countries where they feel there are better conditions. -3). Burnt-out: working in the UK has left this group exhausted and unsatisfied with a low level of personal wellbeing and work-life balance. -4). Mobile career developers: neutral about working in the UK but obstacles to career progression could tempt this group to leave. A high proportion qualified overseas. -5). Open to opportunity: a relatively happy group of doctors, who may consider working abroad for a new challenge. -6). Happy in the UK: the most positive, this group has a high proportion of doctors who qualified overseas and who are happy working in the UK but may return to their home country at some point due to those connections. The report recommends targeting the top three categories of ‘deep discontent’, ‘system sceptics’ and ‘burnt-out’ as a priority, viewing these as having the greatest chance of significant impact to the workforce. The report highlighted general improvements to workplace conditions could have the biggest impact on retention. Doctors in the largest three groups reported feeling overworked and under-supported. A negative view of UK practice was also a key factor estimated to impact the three largest groups of doctors. The report showed a widespread perception that the UK’s health systems are ill equipped to provide patients with the care they need. Over 75% of doctors reported feeling under-valued professionally, demonstrating a concern with pay. The research said increasing pay would reduce its importance as a reason to move abroad. ‘This is a stark reminder of the challenges we face in the UK, but it also presents valuable insight into how healthcare leaders, employers and workforce planners can target interventions to improve conditions. Though the number of doctors actually leaving to practise abroad in 2023 was comparably low, these findings are a warning to all should conditions…
- Foreign Affairs
- April 26, 2024
- 45 views
US CRITICIZES ‘ARBITRARY ARRESTS’ OF EMEFIELE, NNAMDI KANU
US CRITICIZES ‘ARBITRARY ARRESTS’ OF GODWIN EMEFIELE, NNAMDI KANU The United States Government has criticized the arbitrary arrests of Godwin Emefiele, the former governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, and Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), by security personnel in Nigeria. In its ‘2023 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices: Nigeria,’ published Tuesday on the U.S. Department of State’s website, the U.S. highlighted concerns about lengthy pre-trial detention, denying detainees access to court, and frustrating the country’s judicial system. The report revealed that in the prosecution of corruption cases, law enforcement and intelligence agencies did not always follow due process, resulting in the arrest of suspects without appropriate arrest and search warrants. Regarding Emefiele’s case, the report detailed that he was detained by the Department of State Services (DSS) “for investigative reasons” on June 10. Although a Federal High Court in Lagos granted him bail on July 25, ordering him to be held at the Ikoyi Correctional Centre until bail was made, the DSS attempted to arrest him again, leading to a confrontation between DSS agents and Nigerian Correctional Service officers. Similarly, Nnamdi Kanu, designated as a leader of a government-designated terrorist organization, IPOB, was detained by the DSS on national security grounds. Despite being charged with treason, terrorism, and illegal possession of firearms, Kanu fled abroad in 2017 after skipping bail, only to be arrested and returned to Nigeria in 2021. In 2022, an appeal court in Abuja dropped all charges against Kanu and ordered his release, but the federal government appealed. The Supreme Court overturned the appeals court ruling on December 15, stating that Kanu faced terrorism charges despite acknowledging rights violations during his arrest and extradition. Kanu remained incarcerated at the year’s end. The report also highlighted challenges within Nigeria’s judicial system, including a shortage of trial judges, trial backlogs, endemic corruption, bureaucratic inertia, and undue political influence. It said delays in cases were exacerbated by logistical issues, such as the need for more vehicles to transport detainees to court and authorities losing case files.Overall, the U.S. expressed concerns about Nigeria’s judicial system’s inadequacies, emphasizing the need for fair and transparent legal processes to uphold human rights.
- Foreign Affairs
- April 26, 2024
- 66 views
APC SUPPORTERS ATTACKED, PREVENTED IGBO VOTERS FROM VOTING DURING 2023 ELECTION – US REPORT
APC SUPPORTERS ATTACKED, PREVENTED IGBO VOTERS FROM VOTING DURING 2023 ELECTION – US REPORT The United States Government has analysed how supporters of Nigeria’s ruling party, the All Progressives Congress (APC), attacked and prevented supporters of opposition parties, particularly Igbo people, from exercising their voting rights during the Lagos State governorship election in March 2023. In a report titled, ‘2023 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices: Nigeria’, the US Department of State noted that the recent 2023 general election in the most populous African country was characterised by irregularities and violent incidents. The report mentioned that several observers who were present during the election opined that the results of polls largely reflected the wills of the voters despite voters’ intimidation and suppression in some parts of the country. It says, “Abuses or Irregularities in Recent Elections: National elections were widely reported to have reflected the will of voters, despite technical and logistical difficulties, and some irregularities. “Many independent observers assessed the results of the presidential, legislative, and state-level elections during the year reflected the will of voters, despite reports of voter suppression and vote buying, campaigning at polling stations, lack of ballot secrecy, violence, and intimidation. “During the March 18 state election in Lagos, All Progressives Congress (APC) supporters reportedly intimidated and suppressed voters in Igbo-dominated areas, which Labour Party presidential candidate and ethnically Igbo Peter Obi won in the February 25 national election. “Viral videos on social media showed APC supporters in Ojo threatening to attack ethnic Igbo voters presumed to be pro-Obi. In Eti-Osa, APC supporters also attacked journalists and, in some cases, shut down voting and prevented non-Yoruba voters from accessing polls.”“They similarly destroyed property and physically blocked voters in Amuwo-Odofin. According to videos posted on social media, police officers were present but failed to respond to attacks. There was no evidence that alleged perpetrators were arrested or prosecuted,” it added.
WIKE, FUBARA WAR GETS HOTTER AS FOUR COMMISSIONERS QUIT GOVERNOR’S CABINET
WIKE, FUBARA, WAR GETS HOTTER AS FOUR COMMISSIONERS QUIT GOVERNOR’S CABINET Four Commissioner serving in the administration of the governor of Rivers State, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, have since resigned their appointments into the State Executive Council. Whereas the Commissioner for Works, George Kelly, and the Commissioner of Power, Henry Ogiri, had earlier resigned, the Attorney General and Commissioner of Justice, Prof. Zacchaeus Adango, and the Commissioner for Finance, Isaac Kamalu resigned yesterday. Kelly and Ogiri had resigned following their appointment by the federal government, while Kamalu and Adango, resigned following their redeployment out of their ministries to another. The state governor had in a circular signed by the Secretary to the state government, Dr Tammy Danagogo, approved that the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Prof. Zacchaeus Adangor, be moved to Ministry of Special Duties (Governor’s Office). The governor also ordered that the Commissioner for Finance, Barr. Isaac Kamalu, be redeploed to the Ministry of Employment Generation and Economic Empowerment. The two redeployed commissioners had rejected their transfer to other ministries, noting that the peace sought for in the state was yet to be attained. The Attorney General and Commissioner of Justice, Rivers State, Prof. Zacchaeus Adango, who rejected his redeployment from the Ministry of Justice to that of Special Duties (Governor’s Office) noted noted that his decision was for the sake of his integrity. Adango, had earlier in the wake of the political war between Fubara and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Chief Nyesom Wike, resigned his position, but later was restored to his position following the intervention of President Ahmed Bola Tinubu. It was gathered that after the restoration of Adango, that he has not been in the good books of the governor of the state, following his continuous loyalty for the FCT Minister. Adango in his resignation he captioned, ‘Cabinet Reshufflement: Notice of Rejection of Deployment and Resignation from the Rivers State, Executive Council, noted that he was not consulted before his deployment. It read: “My attention has been drawn to your letter dated 23rd April, 2024 and widely circulated on social media whereby I was “deployed to the Ministry of Special Duties (Governor’s Office). “Further to the referenced letter, I hereby give you notice of my rejection of the said deployment and resignation from the Rivers State Executive Council with effect from 24th day of April, 2024. “I wish to state for the record, that I am no longer willing to continue to serve in the administration of His Excellency, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, GSSRS, Governor of Rivers State, in any capacity whatsoever. “It is important to mention that the Governor of Rivers State had in the past couple of weeks willfully interfered with the performance of my duties as the Honourable Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Rivers State by directing me not to defend, oppose, or appear in suits instituted against the Honourable Attorney-General and the Government of Rivers State by persons admittedly hired and sponsored by the Government of Rivers State. “That having served the Government and good people of Rivers State dutifully as member of the Rivers State Executive Council for the past five (5) years, it has become imperative for me to quit the administration in order to preserve my reputation.” However, on Wednesday, Kamalu tendered his resignation from the cabinet, noting that the peace instituted by President Ahmed Tinubu is not yet in sight. He faulted the governor his position on the improvement of the revenue of the state from N12 billion to N27 billion, adding that the claim was erroneous. He wrote: “Your Excellency would recall that I served under the Administration of His Excellency, Chief Nyesom Ezenwo Wike, CON, GSSRS, POS (now Honorable Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja) originally…