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Osun Govt Douses Tension Over Plan Sack Of Workers

By
Ayodele Oni
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Ademola Adeleke

By Ayodele Oni

Osun State Government has doused tension and anxiety raised by rumour of possible job loss by some public service workers.

Government has assured  that it has no plan to either demote civil servants in the State or to reintroduce modulated salaries, also known as half salaries.

The Government in a statement signed by Olawale Rasheed, the spokesperson to  Governor Ademola Adeleke on Saturday, described as outright falsehood and wicked fabrication, the fake news about demotion of workers and alleged plan for half salaries for state workers.

The statement explained that the May Day event also saw confirmation by all stakeholders that Governor Adeleke was the first Governor in Osun state to have workers’ welfare as the first item on his governance agenda.

“It is therefore a failed hatchet job by the defeated All Progressives Congress (APC) to allege that a solution provider, a workers’ governor and a performing leader of a peoples’ government is planning any anti-labour agenda

“Let us remind the sponsors of fake news that the Adeleke administration inherited over N400 billion debt from the previous administration, a very low allocation from the Federation account, a demoralized public service, vastly looted public facilities, a very deep state infrastructure deficit and a disillusioned citizenry due to a government of deceit under the former Governor.

“Governor Adeleke has since been working round the clock to restore public confidence in government, to bridge the infrastructural gap, to clear backlogs of salaries owed to workers, to rebuild the public service, to sanitize public finance, and to digitalize Osun economy.

“Osun people rewarded the Governor by massively voting for PDP in all recent Federal and State elections.

“And across Osun state, citizens are undergoing intense prayers for the validation, confirmation, prevalence and sustenance of their governorship choice by the Supreme Court.

“The prayer of Osun voters is that good governance they are enjoying and the Peoples Governor they voted for will continue in office by God, man and the Lord Justices of the Supreme Court.

“We, therefore, urge members of the public to ignore the fake news about demotion of workers and re-introduction of half salaries.

“Governor Adeleke is an apostle of good governance and grassroots development who upholds workers’ rights and aspirations of Osun people.”

NLC Tackles Onyema, Air Peace Chair, Asks FG To Note How Much He Says He Makes, And Tax Paid; Accuses Him Of Deceit

By
The Source
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Joe Ajaero and Barrister Allen Onyema

By Charles Igbo

The Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, has taken an exception to the allegations of the Chairman of Air Peace Airline, Barrister Allen Onyema against the Union.

Onyema had in a statement, accused the NLC, led by Comrade Joe Ajaero, of disrupting the schedules of the Airline, and causing it to lose the sum of N700 million within two hours of grounding its flight to Owerri from Lagos and Abuja.

But a shocked NLC, in a statement on Friday, drew the attention of the Federal Government to the amount of money Onyema said his Airline makes in two hours, multiply it by seven days, and then by one month, and compare it to the amount Onyema and the Airline pay in taxes.

It also accused Onyema of banning unionism at Air Peace, and gave him two weeks to lift the ban, allow freedom of association, and pay workers’ check-off dues to the NLC for two years.

Beyond that, the NLC accused Onyema of being economical with the truth in its allegations against the NLC.

Trouble started when the NLC, in reaction to the disruption  of its May Day celebration in Owerri, Imo State, allegedly, by thugs sent by the State Government, who also, allegedly, beat some workers up, declared a strike action against the State Government. The strike action affected flights to Imo Airport, as the NLC warned that it would not allow any flights to Owerri.

However, in the morning of Wednesday when the action began, Air Peace had told NLC members who arrived the Lagos Airport to see to the success of the strike that the Airline waa boarding  flights to Porthacourt. It was later discovered that the flights were headed to Owerri and not Porthacourt. This angered the NLC which then decided to picket the Airline’s Counters at the Lagos Airport. It resulted in an attack, allegedly, against the NLC members, and the smashing if the eye-glasses of its Lagos State Chaiman, Agnes Sesse.

Following is the full text of the NLC statement titled Call Allen Onyema of Air Peace to Order

“We at the Nigeria Labour Congress and the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria are disappointed by the utterances and behaviour of Mr Allen Onyema, CEO of Air Peace who has put his personal business interest above the lives, welfare, safety, freedom and  businesses of Imo State  people.

“We had thought Mr Onyema was a reasonable  citizen but like the rest of them, he has shown his hand rather too early.

“His desperate attempt to personalise the strike action (by over 70 unions) and present Comrade Joe Ajaero as scuttling the business of a fellow Igbo is a familiar refrain of scoundrels who take refuge in primordial sentiments.

“We find it  disgusting that rather than address the fundamental issues that led to this avoidable strike action, Mr  Onyema has  called for sanctioning of Comrade Ajaero and manacling of the Labour Unions but such is the psyche of those who come upon wealth suddenly or have wealth thrust upon them.

“If the ordinary Nigerian has knowledge of the rights of citizens to peaceful protest as enshrined in the 1999 Constitution (as amended), corpus of Labour Laws, and  African Charter on Fundamental Rights, Mr Onyema, a Lawyer is presumed to even  more knowledgeable about the operation of these laws/rights.

“How ever, it inevitably puts a  question mark on his claims to  his credentials if he is bereft of this basic knowledge of  the law.

“The same law allows for unionisation of the staff the Air Peace Airline which have been denied this basic right by Onyema from 2016 to date.  In light of this, Mr Onyema is given two weeks to allow the staff of Air Peace unionise. He should equally calculate and remit check-off  dues from 2016 to date.  If he fails to do this, he should be prepared to  keep a date with the entire labour movement soon.

“The society Onyema canvasses is that of unquestioning submission to illegal acts, impunity, crime, and bestiality. While this might be helpful to him in the pursuit of his wealth, we find it  despecable, immoral and  dishonourable. We assure him such society has no place in our democracy as we continue to hold leaders to account for their conduct.

“Mr Onyema says he lost N700 million Naira in two hours of the strike action. That is a lot of money by any  standards as that means he makes N5 billion a day and N150 billion a month on the average. We would want to know how much tax he pays. The last time he made tax returns was in 2020. Ordinarily, what he paid should be in the public domain but it is not. We therefore invite the tax authorities to avail us and the general public the tax returns of Air Peace. We also ask them to note the earnings of Air Peace as proclaimed by its owner.

“It was so convenient for Onyema to be  hysterical about his financial  lossess that he forgot to mention the  violence his goons visited on workers including the Lagos State Council Chairperson, Comrade Agnes Sesse who sustained an eye injury after Onyema’s goons smashed  her glasses.

“Onyema also forgot to mention the deceit in their flight operations. For instance, after claiming a flight was bound for Port Harcourt, it actually went to Owerri. There were other instances like that which made total enforcement inevitable.

“Since Allen Onyema has decided to pitch his tent with  Governor  Hope Uzodinma in oppressing, intimidating,  exploiting, violating and visiting mindless violence on workers, we wish him well. But we advise he be called to order.

“For the benefit of those not in the know of this matter, the unions have exercised utmost restraint in the face of provocations and violations by Mr Hope Uzodinma.

“The abridged chronicle of what transpired is as follows:

“The meeting of the Joint Central Working Committees of the Nigeria Labour Congress and Trade Union Congress of Nigeria held  at the Olaitan Oyerinde Auditorium of the Nigeria Labour Congress, Abuja on Monday , May 1st 2023.

“The meeting took a report  on how the Governor of Imo State, Mr Hope Uzodinma, using thugs and agents of the state,  interfered with, disrupted and scattered the commemoration ceremony of May Day  organised by workers of Imo State after workers in protest of violations of their rights by the Governor,  refused to be part of the Governor’s May Day ceremony.

“The meeting also took a report on how in the course of the violent disruption by  the thugs and agents of Uzodinma,  several workers sustained injuries and had to flee for their lives.

” In the course of  deliberations, it was noted that:

“*The Governor had crossed the ultimate red line;

“*His latest act of violation being consistent with the  previous ones which included but not limited to invasion and destruction of NLC State Council Secretariat built by Rochas Okorocha, his refusal to recognise the Caretaker Committee put in place by the Congress, his insistence on foisting on the Congress a state council chairperson in the state against all rules of decency and constitution of the Congress, his serial acts of intimidation of labour leaders and workers  forcing some of the former  to flee the state, his declaration of 15 thousand  workers as ghost workers even after they had been verified, non-payment of pensions and gratuities for 7 years,etc;

“*In the history of labour movement, no governor  had so brazenly assaulted the rights of workers;

“*It is an unpardonable affront that if left unchallenged would become a contagion.

“In light of this and the gravity  of the situation, the meeting resolved to:

“*Resume the suspended strike action in the state from Wednesday, May 3rd, 2023 (the strike action was suspended in March following interventions by leaders of thought as well as to  enable the citizens of the state  perform their civic duties during the local elections on the one hand and to enable  the Governor undo the damage he had done on the other. However, rather than do this, the Governor has compounded the situation);

“*Direct all the unions and workers of NLC and TUC in the state to shut down the state until such a time the Governor purges himself of his abusive and unlawful  behaviour as well as redress the situation;

“*After seven days if no appreciable progress is made, all the affiliate unions of NLC and TUC will march down on Imo to enforce their  rights;

“*Sanction compromised State Council executives or workers, adding the days are over when state council executives pander to the wishes of Governors.

“The meeting also resolved to report the Governor to the Federal Government and the International Labour Organisation (ILO).”

How Ex-International, Mike Onyemachara, Died

By
Akinwale Kasali
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Mike Onyemachara

By Akinwale Kasali

The Nation’s football enclave has once again been thrown into mourning following the demise of Mike Onyemachara.

Onyemachara was a prominent figure in the heart of the Flying Eagles defence at the 1989 FIFA Under-20 World Cup in Saudi Arabia where the team won the Silver Medal losing to Portugal in the final.

He was said to have died on Thursday, May 4th, 2023, at his home in Ajegunle, Lagos.

His Wife disclosed that the ex-international was hale and hearty before he suddenly gave up the ghost.

Recounting how her husband passed, she said she had left for work and the kids left for school only for them to return and see that the food served him on the table was not touched and he was found dead.

The cause of his death remains sketchy, though some of his colleagues that were part of the ‘Daman Miracle’ squad in 1989 revealed that the deceased had always complained of consistent back pain which was taken cognizance of.

Details of the burial of the late Onyemachara is yet to be announced by members of hist family who are still in shock over its suddenness.

The defender played most of his Club career with First Bank Football Club and made his debut for the National side in an away match against Zaire at the qualifiers for the 1989 Under-20 World Cup.

Northern Group Supports Ajaero, Slams AYA’s Comment On Presidential Inauguration

By
The Source
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Joe Ajaero

The Concerned Northern Forum has condemned the allegation made by the Arewa Youth Assembly (AYA) against President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Joe Ajaero, on his purported plot to stop the President-Elect’s inauguration.

The Deputy Spokesperson of the forum, Comrade Mohammed Abbas disclosed this during a Press Conference on Saturday.

Abbas reiterated that the current leadership of the NLC was duly elected at the recently held elective congress of the NLC by its members and not by politicians.

He said that NLC remained the only vibrant and cohesive labour union in the country, hence the last hope of the Nigerian worker and by extension, the common masses.

”We are here today to express our disappointment over the recent press conference organised by our sister association, the Arewa Youth Assembly (AYA).

”We watched with total dismay and disappointment the accusations and allegations made by AYA against the President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Joe Ajaero, on his purported plot to stop the President-Elect’s inauguration.

”The Arewa Youth Assembly should stop and retract its baseless accusations and blackmail.

”We are particularly concerned that AYA would allow itself to be used for disunity and cheap blackmail by dragging the NLC into politics.

”It is important to note that the Nigeria Labour Congress is a pan-Nigerian organisation and cannot be governed by primordial sentiments such as religion and ethnicity.

Abbas emphasised that the NLC being a pressure group had invited all other presidential aspirants and the President-elect to its May Day (Labour Day) celebration.

He added that the sitting President was also invited, who then sent the Minister of Labour to the occasion, condemning AYA allegation on the NLC President for refusal to invite the President-elect. He was invited, the Group said.

”We want to state unequivocally that we have no knowledge of any plans by the NLC to scuttle the inauguration of the President-elect, Senator Bola Tinubu, on May 29.

”As a peaceful and law-abiding organisation, we would not support any action that is capable of disrupting the peace and stability of our dear nation in whatever guise.

”Mr Ajaero is a refined and dogged activist of note whose loyalty to the NLC and the nation is undoubted. He is a promoter and firm believer in democracy and the principle of separation of power and shouldn’t be dragged or accused of any separatist or ethnic agenda,” he said.

He, however, called on Nigeria and the security agencies to disregard the baseless and unfounded allegations by Arewa Youth Assembly as Nigerians remained resolute and committed to the peace and unity of our dear nation.

South-east Loses First Four Top Postions; Umahi Comes Out Empty-handed, Steps Down For Akpabio

By
The Source
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Dave Umahi and Godswill Akpabio

By Gideon Njoku

The South-east will come out empty-handed in the new Government that will be inaugurated on 29th May, 2023. The Zone is not in the calculation to hold any top position, at least, the first three top positions for now, it has lost the first four top positions, and will not head any arm of Government.

The Presidency is headed by Asiwaju Bola Tinubu. The Vice President is Kashim Shettima, and now the Senate President has just slipped from the Zone’s hands and so did the Speaker of the House of Representatives.

The Senate President is going to a South-Southerner, Senator Godswill Akpabio, for whom the outgoing Governor of Ebonyi  State, Engr Dave Umahi, has just stepped down for. Umahi revealed that he stepped down for Akpabio because the President-elect has endorsed Akpabio for the position and appealed to him, Umahi, to step down.

The office of the Speaker of the House will go to Honourable Tajudeen Abass from Kaduna State.

Umahi, after failing, woefully, in his bid to clinch the Presidential ticket of the All Progressives Congress, APC, set his eyes on the Senate. He managed to clinch the ticket in controversial circumstances, but won overwhelmingly on February  25 at the General Elections.

On winning, he set his eyes on the Senate Presidency. He seriously lobbied for it, including lobbying the President-elect, Tinubu.

But all the hopes and struggles have come to a sudden halt. Both his Party and the President-elect have chosen Akpabio over him.

Said Umahi on Friday: “By yesterday (Thursday), I met the President-elect on his invitation. He said he is already committed, and said, ‘please, hold on’. And I have accepted, and I stepped down for Akpabio. He is my concensus Candidate.”

Umahi and Akpabio have the same story, almost, to tell in their journey to the APC. Both were foundation members of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP. Both won the Governorship seats of their States, twice, under tye PDP. But both, inexplicably, dumped the PDP for the APC.

While Akpabio dumped the PDP for the APC after he climbed on its back to, also, win his first tenure as a Senator, and was appointed the Senate Minority Leader, Umahi dumped the PDP midway into his second term in office as Governor.

In their mission to the APC, Akpabio has come out smelling of roses.

Umahi dumped the PDP, allegedly, because he wanted to be the President and felt it was better for him under the APC. But, he failed. He has also failed in his bid for the Senate President. Yet, unlike Akpabio, he delivered the Governorship seat of Ebonyi  State to the APC. Akpabio’s Akwa Ibom State is PDP. Yet, he got it.

Umahi lost the Senate Presidency seat the same way the Senate Chief Whip, Orji Uzor Kalu, lost it, even with his serious lobbying. Orji was, also, a two-term Governor under the PDP before he dumped the PDD for the APC.

It is alleged that Kalu lost  because he has a case against him at the Economic Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC. But so does Akpabio. As recently as a week ago, the EFCC was on the neck of Akpabio, and, asked him to come in for interrogation.

Akpabio is the immediate past Minister for Niger Delta. Like Umahi, he aspired to the office of the President, but was smart enough to step down for Tinubu when he saw he didn’t have the delegates to make a headway. Umahi was not that smart to read the handwriting on the wall.

APC: Tinubu Tips Akpabio, Abass As Senate President, Speaker

By
James Orji
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Godswill Akpabio and Tajudeen Abass have received the endorsement of the All Progressives Congress, APC, and Bola Tinubu for the positions of Senate President, and Speaker of the House of Representatives.

Except for any last minute change of plan the duo are expected to replace Ahmad Lawan and Femi Gbajabiamila, sources told the Guardian.

The choice of Akpabio and Abass has sealed the fate of other candidates vying for the positions, experts say, particular Orji Uzor Kalu and Ado Doguwa, from Kano state who once said his lifetime ambition is to become Speaker, and is currently facing charges for alleged murder during the last election.

According to the newspaper, the decision to this effect was reached yesterday during the parley of the President-elect, and selected members of the Senator Abdullahi Adamu-led National Working Committee, NWC, at the Defence House, Abuja, the nation’s capital.

In attendance at the parley which lasted for over an hour were Lawan, his deputy, Ovie Omo-Agege and  Gbajabiamila.

Among those at the parley were the APC Secretary, Sen. Iyiola Omisore; the Deputy National Chairman, North, Sen. Abubakar Kyari and his counterpart from the South, Chief Emma Eneukwu.

A member of the NWC who pleaded anonymity confirmed the development to The Guardian, saying, “The Tinubu had made up his mind on the issue long ago except if he changes his mind before the inauguration of the National Assembly next month.

“It is true he has endorsed them for the leadership of the National Assembly after meeting with representatives of the NWC and other stakeholders of the party.”

When contacted, APC National Publicity Secretary,  Felix Morka, who promised to get back to The Guardian on the issue neither confirmed or deny the endorsement of Abass representing Zaria Federal Constituency of Kaduna State.

Akpabio who was a two-term governor of oil-rich Akwa Ibom State was the first to step down for the President-elect during the presidential primaries held in Abuja last year.

It is understood that the former Minister of Niger Delta Affairs is to be deputised by Kano-born Senator Barau Jibrin, who chairs the Senate Committee on Appropriation.

Abass who enjoys the full support of Governor Nasir Ahmad el-Rufai is credited to have sponsored 75 bills within the life of the National Assembly. It’s unclear who is billed to deputise Abass who chairs the House Committee on Land Transport Committee.

The 10th National Assembly, NASS, is expected to be inaugurated on June 6.

Eulogies For Buhari, Uzodinma As FUTO Teaching Hospital Is Unveiled

By
The Source
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Hope Uzodimma unveils FUTO Teaching Hospital

Nigerians from different parts of the country on Friday poured encomia on President Muhammadu Buhari and Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State as they gathered at the premises of the former Federal Medical Centre, Owerri to formally unveil the place with its new status as Federal University Teaching Hospital, Owerri.

Those who spoke – the now Chief Medical Director of Federal University Teaching Hospital, Dr. Kingsley Achigbu, the Vice Chancellor of the Federal University of Technology Owerri ( FUTO), Prof (Mrs.) Nnenna Oti, the Chairman Governing Board of FUTO, Sen. Jack Tilley- Gyado, the Chairman of the Board of the Federal University Teaching Hospital, Senator(Dr) IsHaq Salman, the Minister of State, Health, Barr. Joseph Nkama-Ekumankama, among others, lauded the good relationship between President Buhari and Governor Uzodimma that made the unveiling possible.

Even Governor Uzodimma in his remarks did not hide his feelings regarding the unusual attention President Buhari gave to him while he was seeking to have the former FMC upgraded to a Teaching Hospital that will serve the needs of FUTO medical school and the medical and other people of Imo State.

Governor Uzodimma said: “Today’s event which is the formal inauguration of the Federal University Teaching Hospital, Owerri, is a product of our collaboration with the federal government. It was planted and nurtured by our administration as a sign of our commitment to offer quality healthcare to Imo people. Before now, our people have had to travel long distances to enjoy some of these services with the attendant difficulties with distant travel and dislocation from one’s comfort zone.

“it is therefore with a heart full of gratitude that I commend the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, President Muhammadu Buhari, the Honourable Minister of Health, and his colleague the Minister of State for Health, who is also a brother and other officials who have made this dream a reality.

” In addition to complementing our efforts at Imo State University Teaching Hospital, Orlu, this institution offers Imo people the much needed employment opportunities with commensurate impact on the economy of the state.

“This institution, therefore, brings with it lots of opportunities to Imo residents, aside the traditional benefits of first class healthcare which we hope will complement the policies of the Imo State government. In addition to supporting the College of Medicine of FUTO, this establishment is also empowered by law to run a number of other training schools most of which provide the much needed skilled manpower for health institutions within the State and beyond. These include the School of Nursing, School of Anaesthetic Technology, School of Dental Technology, etc. These schools offer mostly OND equivalent certification and provide career pathways for our young people.  By the affiliation with FUTO, the University can now introduce more graduate courses in health disciplines such as the BNSC degree in nursing.

“We do know that while it remained a Federal Medical Centre, the hospital’s performance was top notch in all areas of its tripartite mandate. Its reputation was comparable to that of other tertiary hospitals of its kind. In fact, it could easily have been ranked about the biggest FMC in the country both in stature and scope of services offered.

“However, its upgrade to a teaching hospital offers a bigger platform for collaborations and the ability to attract and retain the highest level of skilled manpower in health. This is easily because most of the specialists, especially those who have attained the cadre of Medical Consultants, often desire the academic fulfilment which can only be gained from a teaching hospital such as this.

“Since its inception about a century ago, this institution has undergone some metamorphosis. Over this period, it has been quite pivotal in the delivery of good quality healthcare to residents of Imo State and neighbouring States. I must, therefore, commend the present management of the hospital under the leadership of the Chief Medical Director, Dr. Kingsley Achigbu and the Board of Management for restoring peace and order to this institution. They also deserve commendation for their achievements in the area of human capital development and for attracting vital infrastructure to the institution.

“As a Government, we have enjoyed a cordial and collaborative relationship with the Federal Teaching Hospital even while it was a Federal Medical Centre. A good example is the collaboration in the fight against the COVID-19 scourge which confronted the state soon after my assumption of office. To the glory of God, this collaboration was instrumental to the relatively excellent showing by our state in handling the COVID-19 pandemic.

“The long history of its existence, growth in clientele and expansion of services expectedly throws up some unique challenges in the form of inadequate infrastructure, ageing equipment and old buildings. It is worthy of note that a number of colonial – style buildings still dot some parts of the hospital. The infrastructure deficit is expected to be further compounded by the requirements of the medical school. For example, clinical students will not only be quartered in the hospital, but will need other facilities, including lecture halls, library and cafeteria. It is, therefore, reassuring that one of the activities for today is the foundation laying – ceremony of an e-library project for the medical school.

“In that regard, I urge the Honourable Minister of Health and the Hon. Minister of Education to take cognizance of the aforementioned challenges and take steps to address them. I want to thank the Federal Ministry of Health for their support for the hospital so far, especially with the kind donation of a new oxygen plant to the centre among other initiatives. But I am made to understand that there is a need for certain sophisticated equipment like CT Scan, MRI, CAT Lab. and many others required by the hospital to be able to deliver 21st century health care delivery. It is my hope that you will adopt this particular hospital as your baby, especially for its unique history and symbolism.

“At this juncture, let me appreciate some Imo sons and daughters who have supported the hospital in the past by attracting projects to the Centre. Let me add that your support is even needed more today. I am told by the CMD of a plan to erect a hall of fame to showcase and acknowledge these individuals for their gestures.

“The issue of brain drain of some of our best professionals is a painful reality. Tertiary hospitals that employ most of our best hands are, therefore, mostly affected. As painful as it may seem, these movements of staff are often without warning or at best at very short notice. This way, hospitals are almost helpless at times, depending on the quality of staff lost. I, therefore, call on the FMOH and Office of the Head of Service of the Federation and budget to enable such sensitive institutions as FUTH to replace cadre for cadre so that such exited staff can be replaced with minimum delay.

“The management of the Teaching Hospital had requested a land space to accommodate some infrastructural development to meet the needs of the FUTO Medical School and accommodate the expansion of other services. Let me end my address, by re – assuring you that my government will continue to be favourably disposed to assisting the institution in achieving its core mandate.”

The Governor, thereafter, proceeded to lay the foundation of the E-library, accompanied by Dr. Achigbu, Prof Oti, Senator Tilley-Gyado, Dr. Salman, Barr Nkama- Ekumankama, among other dignitaries.

Earlier, the dignitaries had taken turns to appreciate President Buhari and Governor Uzodimma.

In his welcome address, the Chief Medical Director of the hospital, Dr Kingsley I. Achigbu announced that the event was quite remarkable “as it will offer the much-needed support for the Federal University of Technology Owerri Medical School to complete its accreditation process, train and enable licensing of its medical graduates without which these will not be possible.”

Dr Achigbu noted the significant role played by the Governor in attracting the new teaching hospital to Imo state.

His words: “Anyone who understands the workings of government and the painstaking process of getting approval for such an upgrade by Mr President knows that this could not have happened by just mere application. What we are witnessing today took the political sagacity and push of the Governor of Imo State, the Distinguished Senator Hope Odidika Uzodimma and his team.”

The Chief Medical Director continued:  “The ancillary training schools to be established by our teaching hospital will in no small measure contribute to education, training and empowerment of Imo youths and Nigerians in general, a key focus of the present administration in Imo State under our amiable Governor. It is not in doubt that the anticipated impact of the Teaching Hospital coupled with the present policy thrust of your administration in health promises to give Imo State a quantum leap in health and human-related developmental indices very shortly.”

Dr Achigbu reminded the audience that “Under the hands-on leadership style of the hard-working Imo State Governor, the performance of Imo State in the Covid-19 era attracted wide commendation with Imo State posting arguably one of the best outcomes in the country. When the full story shall be told, Governor Uzodimma will have his place in history.”

In her speech, the Vice Chancellor of FUTO, Prof. Oti noted that she feels humbled that the many years of efforts to have FUTO also function as a medical college was realised under her watch, s development she described as “epic achievement.”

She lauded President Buhari and all those who made it possible in the health and education ministries and more importantly, Dr. Osagie Ehanire (Health) and Mallam Adamu Adamu (Education).

“The President’s approval was personally and passionately facilitated by His Excellency, Dist. Senator Hope Uzodimma. The Governor of Imo State, has continued to demonstrate incredible affinity and robust support to the cause of FUTO.”

In his remarks, Senator Tilley-Gyado who is the Chairman of FUTO Governing Board thanked the President for trusting the leadership capacity and judgement of Governor Uzodimma, insisting that the Governor is not used to failure.

“Uzodimma’s chemistry is very universal. He is so charming. If you see him, you love him. Without him, it would not have been possible to get this teaching hospital.”

The Chairman of the Board of the Federal University Teaching Hospital, Senator (Dr) IsHaq Salman views were in sync with what the others said earlier regarding President Buhari and Governor Uzodimma.

Dr. Salman said that Imo State is blessed to have someone like Governor Uzodimma who loves his people passionately and pursues anything about his people with zest.

He said President Buhari was attracted to the Governor due to his commitment to the courses of his people.

The Minister of State, Health, Barr. Joseph Nkama-Ekumankama who said the Teaching Hospital is already classified as a Tier One institution had this to say: “It was as a result of the doggedness, commitment and passion of Governor Uzodimma that led to the upgrading of this institution from FMC to a teaching hospital.”

He said the documents on the approval given by Mr President for the teaching hospital happened to be the first assignment he handled and thanked President Buhari for speedly facilitating the processes.

The occasion was also attended by the high and mighty from Imo State such as the former Imo State Governor, Chief Ikedi Ohakim, the President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, former INEC Chairman, Prof Maurice Iwu, the Chairman of Imo State Elders Council, HRM Eze Cletus Ilomuanya and his deputy, Prince Lemmy Akakem, the Eze Imo, HRM Eze Dr. EC Okeke, the Chairman of Ben Uwajimogu College of Education Board, HRH Eze Oliver Ohanwe and the Imo State Chairman of CAN, Dr. Divine Eches Divine.

Tinubu’s Promise To Fight Corruption ‘Assault’ On Nigerians -PDP

By
James Orji
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0

Promise by the president-elect Bola Ahmed Tinubu to fight corruption is an assault on Nigerians, according to the People’s Democratic Party, PDP.

On Thursday, Tinubu who is expected to take over power from the incumbent, President Muhammadu Buhari in a few weeks said in Port Harcourt, Rivers state during a project commissioning visit that he will fight corruption when he assumed office.

While commissioning the magistrate courts built by Governor Nyesom Wike, the former Lagos state governor said judges are not expected to fight corruption in ‘squalor’, noting that war against graft will be one of the policy thrust of his administration.

He is billed to be sworn in on May 29.

Reacting, the opposition party said Nigerians cannot expect Tinubu to fight corruption because of his antecedents.

A corrupt Tinubu cannot fight corruption, the PDP said.

Debo Ologunagba, the PDP National Publicity Secretary, told journalists in Abuja that  the President-elect was not competent to speak on corruption, describing Tinubu’s comments as “ludicrous”.

Ologunagba said “It is ludicrous that an individual who has been widely alleged to be an enabler and beneficiary of corruption can attempt to put himself forward to Nigerians as a champion of anti-corruption. Of course, corruption cannot fight corruption.

“The PDP and indeed all sensible Nigerians are alarmed, scandalised and embarrassed by the recent claim by the All Progressives Congress Presidential Candidate, Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu, at the inauguration of some judiciary projects in Rivers State that he will fight corruption in the country.

“This statement by Senator Tinubu is completely sacrilegious and an assault on the sensibility of Nigerians.”

Tinubu has denied allegations of corruption against him, and has not been convicted of graft.

Organ Harvesting: Victim Calls Ekweremadus “Bad People”; Fears For His Life; Says “Their Money Is Cursed”

By
The Source
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David Ukpo Nwamini and Ike Ekweremadu

By Gideon Njoku

The victim of the human organ trafficking for which former Deputy Senate President, Dr Ike Ekweremadu and his wife Dr Beatrice Ekweremadu were jailed by a London Court on Friday, 5th March, 2023, says there is no way he would go back to Nigeria because he fears for his life. He also said he feared for the life of members of his family because those who dealt with him are powerful people.

He was not present in Court, and was not named because victims of modern slavery are strictly protected.

But in a statement he made which was read in Court, the victim said he feared for his life and will not go back to Nigeria because of his fears. He revealed that his Father came under tremendous pressure to force him, the victim, to drop the case against the Ekweremadus and Dr Obinna Obeta, the 51 year old London-based, Nigerian-born doctor who was the go-between for the Ekweremadus and the victim.

“I can’t think about going home to Nigeria. These people are extremely powerful and I’m worried for my safety.”

He, also refused to accept any compensation from the Ekweremadus insisting that receiving any money from them would be a curse.

He submitted: “receiving anything from the bad people would be cursed.”

Hugh Davies KC, the Prosecutor, said that the Ekweremadus  exploited the victims poor background and vulnerability to perpetuate the crime. “Kidney donation for reward is a substantial, internationally prohibited commercial industry that exploits economically vulnerable individuals.”

Senator Ekweremadu, he said, knew all that because as the Deputy Senate President, “he played a significant role in the 2014 legislation that prohibited the very activity he then engaged in. This legislation was specifically directed at protecting economically vulnerable people in Nigeria, from exploitation by those such as him with power and wealth.”

Painting Senator Ekweremadu as insensitive to the after-care of the victim, had the transplant taken place, Davies said of the former Deputy Senate President:

“He was an active and essential part of this conspiracy. He knew and approved a high degree of economic and physical control that was used against the victim throughout. He was totally indifferent to after-care for the victim.”

The Metropolitan Police’s Modern Slavery Team was full of praises for the victim. One member of the team, DI Esther Richardson said of him:

“He showed tremendous courage to come forward to give evidence against powerful people. He is innocent and naive. Having never been on a flight, he was petrified the plane would fall from the sky. When he fled Obeta’s flat, he slept on the streets fearing that snakes might bite him.

“Our victim was treated as a commodity and this was a transactional process just like any drugs or firearms deal. Had this been successful, the victim would have had long-term medical implications and may even have had the requirement for dialysis.

“The welfare and wellbeing of the victim was of little consequence to Sonia getting a kidney. The sentences send a message globally that no matter your power and entitlements, you are not above the law and that we listen to victims and safeguard them.”

The Ekweremadus were arrested at the London Heathrow Airport in June 2022 for transporting the victim to London, in connivance with Dr Obeta for the sole purpose of harvesting his kidney for the benefit of Sonia, 25, their daughter, who is suffering from a serious kidney disease that has condemned him to dialysis, three times a week.

Senator Ekweremadu was sentenced to a- 10 year jail term,  his wife, Beatrice got six years, while Dr. Obeta got a sentence of ten years.

Nollywood Actress, Mercy Johnson Loses Father

By
Akinwale Kasali
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Mercy Johnson Okojie and Father

By Akinwale Kasali

Kogi State born popular Nollywood Actress, Mercy Johnson Okojie, is bereaved.

She has lost her Father, Daniel Johnson, a Navy Warrant Officer,  to the cold hands of death.

The talented Actress broke the news of her Father’s death on her Instagram Page describing his demise as unacceptable and would continue as a question before God in her mind.

Mercy said that the pain of losing her dad is the hardest that has hit her.

Consoling herself, she said that God must love him more than they do.

She wrote on her page; “For the rest of my life Daddy, I will keep asking God why? I don’t think I will ever understand why he has taken you from me. And if he responds, I don’t even think I will accept it.

“They say love saves but my love did not keep you here with us. The great pain I feel now is the greatest pain of all.

“Rest In Peace my gentle father, NWO Johnson Ametuo Daniel. D.A Johnson, God clearly loves you more, that’s the only explanation that makes any sense to me.”

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