Anambra State Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Welfare has been described as examplary in helping to deliver the vision and mission of Governor Chukwuma Soludo, especially in giving dignity to human beings and upholding the values of women and rights of children.
Therefore, in continuation of its recognitions aimed at spurring public officers to do more for the benefit of humanity, Freenews magazine; based in Port Harcourt, has bestowed “African jewel of integrity, human dignity and social justice” award on the Anambra State Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Welfare, Mrs Ify Obinabo.
Presenting the award, the Chairman of Editorial Board of the firm, Mr Obinna Mbonu explained that Mrs Obinabo, just like others, has been instrumental in driving developmental solutions of the Governor for the benefit of Ndi Anambra and residents of the state.
Speaking on integrity and compassion at work, Mr Mbonu recalled when Mrs Obinabo rejected bribery attempt on her by a woman who was discovered using girls for prostituion in the state, and described the award as a way of telling the Women Affairs Commissioner that the world is taking note of her activities in office, urging her to keep them up.
He commended the Commissioner for working in the areas of women empowerment and helping to resolve issues that may lead to broken marriage.
Expressing joy over the recognition, Mrs Obinabo dedicated it to the Anambra first lady, Nonye Soludo, describing her as one with discerning spirit, and who believes in people based on what they have done.
She described the award as source of moral support and motivation to do more, and promised to continue to deliver on expectations.
Pro-Biafran group, Biafra Defacto Customary Government, BDFCG has said that “Most Biafrans with their own feelings of “Nigerianess” were never bias to expect the continual contradiction of rule of law by the Nigerian judiciary” in the PEPT judgement delivered on Wednesday, 6th September.
It said the ruling demonstrated grave inconsistencies in merit, substance and technicality, and raised questions about the integrity and independence of the Nigerian judicial system.
Alleging obvious political influenced while reacting to the ruling in statement by BDFCG Spokesperson, Prosper Odinga, the group said the judgment was all about showing the world how the will of Nigerians can be ignored by not considering important aspects, such as irregularities in voter registration, vote tampering, manipulation of figures, INEC signing of blur results sheets and misconduct by electoral officials.
It noted that the ruling has far-reaching implications on physical and psychological wellbeing of the Nigerian populace, particularly the young first time voters, as promised to continue to monitor the situation closely, provide support and resources, and advocate for the protection of democratic values, as well as pursuit for economic and political freedom for all Biafrans living in Nigeria.
In the light of these concerns, BDFCG called on Biafrans to remain resolute in their quest for Biafra restoration by embracing the rule of law.
Read the statement below:
PRESS STATEMENT
Thur, September 7, 2023
NIGERIA PEPT JUDGEMENT SHOCKED THE FOUNDATION OF RULE OF LAW – BDFCG
https://bhradvocates.com/post.php?post=127
We, the Biafra De Facto Customary Government (BDFCG), followed diligently the proceedings that culminated in the televised ruling of 6 September 2023 held by PEPT Judges at Abuja Court.
It was a symbolic case as it stands for redress of rights and rules which are indispensable elements in the pillars that hold any nation. There were great expectations not only to the parties but also among the populace.
Most Biafrans with their own feelings of “Nigerianess” were never bias to expect the continual contradiction of rule of law by the Nigerian judiciary this time.
The ruling demonstrated grave inconsistencies in merit, substance and technicality. In short, it calls into question the integrity and independence of the Nigerian judicial system.
The respective rulings of the five Judges were suffocated with flawed reasoning, inadequate evidence evaluation and failure to uphold the principles of justice and fairness. PEPT Judgement shocked the foundation of rule of law.
The PEPT ruling clearly demonstrated to the whole world how regardless of rule of law, that the judicial technicality must be instrumental in letting electoral fraud go unpunished. It was all about showing how the will of the people can be ignored. We all saw how important aspects, such as irregularities in voter registration, vote tampering, manipulation of figures, INEC signing of blur results sheets and misconduct by electoral officials, were not given due consideration. It was so obvious that political bias influenced the judgement.
Regrettably, the lack of conviction about the impartiality and neutrality of the Nigerian tribunal persists.
Of course, there have been mixed feelings of victory and defeat among the parties and populace but all with an undeniable hidden sense of hopelessness not only among the parties involved but also has far-reaching implications on physical and psychological wellbeing of the Nigerian populace particularly the young first time voters.
In the light of these concerns, the BDFCG therefore calls on Biafran to remain resolute in their quest for Biafra restoration by embracing the rule of law.
Injustice to one is same to all.
We believe it is essential for the Nigerian public to exercise their rights and stand up for rule of law.
BDFCG stands in solidarity with Biafrans and the Nigerian public in their pursuit of justice and fairness. We will continue to monitor the situation closely, provide support and resources, and advocate for the protection of democratic values as well as pursuit for economic and political freedom for all Biafrans living in Nigeria.
Ohanaeze Ndígbo commends the Presidential candidates of the Labour Party, LP and the Peoples Democratic party, PDP, Mr Peter Obi and Alh Atiku Abubakar respectively, for their maturity and patriotism by restraining their supporters from resorting to violent protests but rather resolving to appeal judgement of the Presidential Election Petition Tribunal at the Supreme Court.
Furthermore, yesterday’s ruling by their lordships are quite ‘weighty’ in terms of their implications on Nigerian jurisprudence and political development.
For instance, the ruling on the status of the FCT is very crucial based on the court’s interpretation of a candidate having to score ” majority in 2/3 of the states AND the FCT”. We aver that to avoid ambiguity, that constitutional stipulation should not include “AND the FCT” since by implication, the FCT is regarded in this context as “the 37th State whose residents have no special status over and above residents of the other 36 states”
Also, to introduce more transparency in the electoral process, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) implemented biometric technology and IReV, a centralized system for real-time result uploads as well as the BVAS (Bimodal Voters Accreditation System).
Therefore, the ruling that the “use of BVAS by INEC is discretionary” is indeed a wake up call for the National Assembly to amend the extant Electoral Act to ensure that, BVAS, a technological innovation touted by Prof Mahmoud Yakubu’s INEC as a ‘game changer’ , becomes mandatory not discretionary.
Equally notable is the court’s ruling that “the issue of membership is an internal affair of a political party, which is not justiceable and that only the LP has the prerogative of determining who is its member, adding that the Respondents(APC) were bereft of the legal basis to query Obi’s membership of the LP.”
Nevertheless, all hope is not lost, as the Supreme Court is still there to address any perceived miscarriage of justice. We therefore implore the revered justices of the Apex court to handle the forthcoming appeals from the petitioners(LP and PDP) with patriotism and utmost sense of duty.
Signed
Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro
Secretary General, Ohanaeze Ndígbo Worldwide
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the Labor Party (LP) have rejected the verdict of the Presidential elections and while both parties, who were petitioners in the case are mulling their next line of action, President Tinubu has called on their candidates – Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi – to support his government and welcomed his victory at the Tribunal.
In a marathon judgement on Wednesday, the five-member panel of judges dismissed petitions against Tinubu, candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2023 election.
But in a swift reaction, both parties in separate statements faulted the verdict, saying they would consult their lawyers to know the next line of action.
LP’s spokesman Obiora Ifoh said the judgement “did not reflect the law and the desire of the people”.
“Nigerians were witnesses to the electoral robbery that took place on February 25, 2023, which was globally condemned but the Tribunal in its wisdom refused to accept the obvious,” he added.
“What is at stake is democracy and we will not relent until the people will prevail. We salute the doggedness of our team of lawyers who fearlessly exposed the wrath in our system. We can only weep for democracy in Nigeria but we refuse to give up on Nigerians.
Prof. Mike Ozekhome (SAN), a human rights activist on Thursday described the 2023 Presidential Election Petition Court pronouncements in the petition filed by the Labour Party and its presidential candidate, Peter Obi, challenging the election of President Bola Tinubu as a ‘Judocracy’ against Nigerians.
Prof. Ozekhome stated this while delivering the 2023 and 22nd edition of the annual Bishop Mike Okonkwo lecture at the Shell Zenith Bank Hall, MUSON Centre, Onikan, Lagos tagged: “Nigerianisation Of Nigerians: A Look Inward”.
The Bishop Mike Okonkwo annual lecture forms part of activities to mark the birthday of the Presiding Bishop of The Redeemed Evangelical Mission (TREM).
The guest speaker who said the word ‘Judocracy’ was coined from his Neologism called ‘Ozekpedia’ lamented that politicians have deformed democracy in Nigeria where ‘Selectocracy’ of leaders has become the order of the day.
He described ‘Selectocracy’ as a ploy used by politicians to arm thugs who snatch ballot boxes to select leaders.
He decried the unchanging situation in Nigerian politics where people are encouraged to vote in elections, where their votes will not count and the votes are counted they do not count.
Ozekhome emphasised the need to cure the country of political drawbacks, saying Nigeria has continued to regress politically affecting the economy of the country.
The guest speaker described the term Nigerianisation as a deliberate policy by which governments take over the control and ownership of private enterprise due to economic, political, social and strategic reasons, saying it was designed to fight against discrimination and colonialism.
Regrettably, he said the reverse was the case in the country “Where nothing is ever fair, where anything is possible, and where you have to pay your way through life by offering and taking bribes to facilitate many of life’s processes.”
He lamented that the only way to survive in Nigeria, where there is so much distance between the government and the people in the form of widespread poverty, is incompetence in high places and established disregard for the rights of citizens.
Chairman of the occasion, Pat Utomi, a professor of political economy described democracy as practiced in Nigeria as lacking in character.
Prof Utomi decried the inability of the country to have a rationale public communication, saying when wealth is lost, nothing is lost, when hell is lost, something is lost and when a character is lost, everything is lost.
Utomi added, “The tragedy of Nigeria is that character is lost at all levels of government. “
He frowned at the degeneration in character among Nigerians, especially the political class, saying many users of the Twitter space should have their heads examined when contributing to national issues.
Bishop Okonkwo in his remark expressed disappointment in the attitude of the government and the governed, saying the tide of political backwardness in the country must be reversed for the good of the masses and the country.
The event featured the presentation of an award plaque of N500,000 to Miss Ike Destiny from VIK International School, Akere Alagbado, in Ogun State who emerged winner of the Essay Competition.
Alexander Chibuzor of Archbishop Heerey Technical College, Ogidi, in Anambra State emerged as second in the 2023 Mike Okonkwo National Essay Competition.
The duo emerged winners from the 795 entries received for the 18th Bishop Mike Essay Competition for Secondary School students in Nigeria with the theme: “Nigerianisation of Nigerians: A Look Inward.”
The Nigeria Labor Congress (NLC) has said it would deploy the same energy used for its two-day warning strike to implement an indefinite strike if the federal government fails to address its demands.
The labor movement had earlier given the federal government 21 days ultimatum to resolve the dispute over palliatives to cushion the impact of fuel price hike or face total and indefinite strike. However, in a statement issued on Wednesday, to mark an end to the two-day warning strike, NLC President, Joe Ajaero, said the workers have made significant strides in achieving the goals set during the National Executive Council (NEC) meeting, which prompted the initiation of the warning strike. He urged the workers to return to their respective duty posts today, in accordance with the initial plan.
While commending Nigerians for their invaluable contributions and steadfast dedication to the cause, Ajaero vowed that, the, “NLC will continue to work tirelessly to ensure that the voice of the people is heard and that our country moves in the right direction.”
In the statement NLC said: “As we mark the end of the two-day nationwide warning strike today, at the stroke of midnight, we earnestly call upon you all to gracefully conclude the strike and return to work tomorrow, in accordance with our initial agreement.
“We would like to take this moment to express our profound appreciation for your unwavering determination and dedication, which played a pivotal role in the resounding success of this action.
“In the event that the government fails to provide the appropriate responses to our demands, we encourage you to maintain your steadfast resolve. The same passion and determination that fueled this warning strike will be crucial if we find ourselves compelled to embark on an indefinite nationwide strike.”
The NLC said it was not unmindful of the actions of detractors and fifth columnists, but would remain undaunted and more committed to the defense of Nigerian workers and people at any given time.
The Chief Medical Director of Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University Teaching Hospital, COOUTH, Amaku Awka, Dr. Joe Akabuike has encouraged staff of the institution to embrace modern developments in patient management
Speaking at an interactive session with the staff of the hospital; where he enumerated successes recorded by the hospital in the last quarter of the year, including improved power supply, Dr. Akabuike explained that the manual mode of operation in the hospital are gradually giving way for the digital mode, adding that his administration is committed to ensuring sustainability in all positive ventures.
He further stated that the automated time attendance for staff was not introduced to witch-hunt anyone; as job specifications are being considered, but however urged staff to take their duties serious, bearing in mind that people that work in a hospital are people who value life and use their works in serving humanity.
He disclosed that efforts are being made to renovate the entire hospital, especially the Administrative, Accident and Emergency buildings, adding that the new health insurance building; which is still under construction, will house both the Anambra State Health Insurance Agency, ASHIA, and the National Health Insurance Scheme, NHIS, and assured staff that efforts are also in the pipeline to activate workers’ health insurance scheme.
He assured the staff that going forward; the result of the recent promotion exercise for members will reflect in their remuneration, adding that the recent payment of hazard allowances to staff was done across board, and would be revisited.
Announcing that a voluntary social welfare committee was being constituted for staff, Dr. Akabuike called on well-meaning members who have the interest of the hospital and patients at heart to identify with the committee, and thanked all for their unalloyed support towards the growth and advancement of the hospital.
In his remarks, a staff of the hospital, Mr Dennis Okoye thanked the CMD for his love and commitment to improving the welfare of staff of the hospital.
A statement by an Information Officer of the hospital, Lovelyn Ezeakunne indicates that the Chiarman of Medical Advisory Committee, CMAC, of the hospital, Dr. Emmanuel Mba; his Deputy, Dr. Nnaemeka Umedum, HOD Administration, Mrs Chioma Ibekie, and other Heads of Departments were among staff present at the interactive session.
Credit: Joseph Egbeocha
After ruling that Mr. Peter Obi and the Labour Party failed to list the specific polling units where the rigging took place and, therefore, knocked out Obi’s allegation of massive vote rigging, the Presidential Election Petition Court (PEPC) has also struck out the evidence of 10 out of the 13 witnesses called by Peter Obi and the Labour Party (LP) in support of their petition against the election of President Bola Tinubu.
In a judgment, the court noted that the witnesses, who were subpoenaed at the instance of the petitioners, had their written statements, which contained their evidence, were not filed along or frontloaded with the petition within the 21 days allowed by the Electoral Act 2022.
The court, in the lead judgment currently being read by Justice Haruna Tsammani, also rejected the documents, including the report of analysis, tendered by the petitioners through the affected 10 witnesses.
The court also held that some of the witnesses are not only persons with interest in the outcome of the case, the reports they tendered were made during the pendency of the case.
This is also coming after the PEPC threw out the double nomination petition of the Allied Peoples Movement (APM) against the All Progressives Congress (APC) Vice Presidential candidate and current Vice President, Kashim Shettima, for being incompetent.
The election petition tribunal sitting in Lokoja has declared Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan as the winner of the February 25 Kogi Central Senatorial election.
The tribunal Chairman, Justice K.A. Orjiako in his ruling on Wednesday said Uduaghan scored 54,064 votes to defeat his closest rival Sadiku-Ohere who polled 51,291 votes.
He urged Ohere to pay Akpoti-Uduaghan N500,000 for the cost of the petition.
Ohere is of the All Progressives Congress, APC.
JOURNALIST101 recalls that on Tuesday, the same judge sacked Sen. Jibrin Isah, the Senate committee chairman on customs, excise, and tariffs, on the ground that elections were cancelled in some 94 polling units.
The tribunal ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to conduct a supplement election in the affected 94 polling units.
The Allied Peoples Movement (APM)’s petition challenging double nomination of vice-President, Kashim Shettima has just been struck out by the Presidential Election Tribunal in Abuja.
Justice Haruna Tsammani, chairman of the panel, read out the ruling.
The tribunal held that the issue of double nomination of any candidate was a pre-election matter.
According to Tsammani, the APM lacks the locus standi to challenge the nomination of the candidates of another political party.
Peter Obi and the Labour Party had also challenged the same double nomination of Shettima.
On the issue of invalid nomination, Justice Tsammani said the claim in the petition that the vice president was invalidly nominated is in variance with the constitution as there’s no ground for the disqualification of a candidate on invalid nomination is unknown to the 1999 Constitution of Nigeria.
