News
Nurses Jubilate As Oborevwori Sacks Gloria Igumbor
…say Oborevwori is an epitome of justice
Nurses in Delta State, under the auspices of National Association of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives, (NANNM), Monday, described Governor Sheriff Oborevwori as a leader who epitomises justice in leadership.
The Nurses, who were on a solidarity thank you match to Governor Oborevwori for resolving their years of bondage under the leadership of the former Director of Nursing Services, Mrs Gloria Igumbor, pledged to use their privileged positions to ensure sustained health and wellness of Deltans.
The Nurses, who bore placards with various inscriptions such as “Governor of Destiny, Delta Nurses say Thank you”, “Thank you, our Governor for restoring the hope of Nurses”, “Victory for Nurses will better the health of Deltans”, “The Iroko Governor, Your Commissioner for Health is doing well” “Thank you, sir!”, “Thanks, our amiable Head of Service, ” “We are grateful to the Ukodo of Delta State for good governance, NANNM”, “Our Governor, Your Head of Service (HOS ) is very competent,” among others, commended Governor Oborevwori for resolving the age-long oppression affecting Nurses in the state.
Speaking on behalf of the Nurses, NANNM Public Relations Officer in the state, Comrade Julie Eto, said; “we are here today on a solidarity march and it is all about thanking the governor and all the stakeholders who have redeemed Nurses in Delta State.
“Governor Oborevwori has also redeemed the education of Nurses in Delta State. We are here to say thank you to the Secretary to the State Government because he was the mediator of the meeting that brought in this victory.
“We call it victory because the Nurses in Delta State had been in bondage for many years and now we have been liberated. The only thing we have to say to the governor is that he is an epitome of justice and justice will continue to follow him and his team.
“Because Delta State Nurses are just vessels standing in for God to treat, Governor Oborevwori will never know sickness. His team will never know sickness. You have set the pace for justice and other states will learn from Delta State.”
The Nurses further lauded Governor Oborevwori, saying, “he was taken to court and came back victorious and he asked if there was any injustice in Delta State and he did the same thing that was done for him in court. Within twenty-four hours, he mediated and we got the victory.
“This is just a cross-section of the nurses in Delta State. We love him so much and would not want to close down the hospitals for this march. We are the middle men between the sick and God. We are very appreciative of the Governor and we say a very big thank you to him because we are very happy.”
Responding, Governor Sheriff Oborevwori thanked the Nurses for conducting themselves very well throughout the period, assuring them of his commitment to ensuring justice in all sectors of the state.
Governor Oborevwori who spoke through the Secretary to the State Government, Dr Kingsley Emu, thanked the Nurses for the solidarity march, and urged them to use the opportunity of their liberation to commit themselves further to the job to ensure that more lives were saved in hospitals across the state.
He said; “We like to welcome you here, and, as a state, we will remain steadfast in what we do. We were not pushed by stories told by anybody, including your stories. We were pushed by the facts of the matter and things that will make the state stable and standout.
“Health is a very important sub-sector of our economy and we can’t afford to meddle with it. You have a big responsibility to sustain the commitment you have made here; even your anthem speaks volume.
“I have looked at all the placards; they are all commendable but your actions should be more commendable. What we have tried to do is to look at all the challenges and agreed to make some amendments to suit you.
“We enjoin you to go back and show deeper commitment to your job and do less of unionism. Unionism is good but everything cannot become a union business because your job will suffer. Like you said, you are the middle men between the ailing people and God. Therefore, you must stand in the gap for the people.
“So, we commend you for your efforts and we enjoin you to go back and do you your job just exactly the way you sang it in your Nurses’ anthem. We appreciate your solidarity and effort”.
The Centre for Credible Leadership and Citizens Awareness, has condemned the manner in which Martins Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan was arrested and maltreated by the EFCC.
In a statement issued and signed on Monday by its Director General, Dr
Nwambu Gabriel noted that:
“We are compelled to issue this press statement in response to the distressing reports surrounding the recent arrest of human rights activist Martins Ortse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
The manner in which VDM was apprehended and treated is not only unacceptable but reflects a disturbing trend of impunity and abuse of power that undermines the human rights of Nigerian citizens.
VDM’s arrest, reportedly executed in a manner reminiscent of a military-style operation, stands as a stark violation of his basic human rights. Accounts of his treatment—being blindfolded, subjected to physical assault, and detained without adherence to lawful arrest procedures—are deeply troubling and invoke the principles enshrined in the Nigerian Constitution and international human rights laws. These actions are not merely procedural errors; they represent a fundamental disregard for the rule of law and human dignity.
*Key Concerns:*
1. *Violations of Human Rights*: The treatment meted out to VDM—torture, humiliation, and unlawful detention—contradicts fundamental rights guaranteed under the Nigerian Constitution, particularly the right to dignity, liberty, and fair hearing. Such actions are incompatible with both the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (2015) and international legal standards.
2. *Lack of Justification for Arrest*: The EFCC has failed to provide any legal justification for the reported actions against VDM. It is essential to remember that no individual is to be punished without due process. If the EFCC has evidence of wrongdoing, they must adhere to legal protocols and ensure that VDM is charged in a court of law, affording him the opportunity for defense.
3. *Repercussions on Nigeria’s Global Image*: The actions of the EFCC in this case potentially disgrace Nigeria on an international level. Such behavior can undermine the country’s reputation and portray it as a place where dissent is met with repression rather than dialogue. The importance of upholding human rights cannot be overstated in preserving Nigeria’s standing in the community of nations.
In light of these grave concerns, we call upon the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission to take immediate action by:
1. *Releasing Martins Ortse (VeryDarkMan) forthwith* if there are no formal charges against him.
2. If charges exist, the EFCC must promptly charge him in a competent court, ensuring that all legal rights are upheld and that he receives just treatment in accordance with the law.
3. Ceasing all forms of intimidation and harassment against individuals who engage in constructive criticism or activism, as this undermines the democratic values that Nigeria purports to uphold.
The Centre for Credible Leadership and Citizens Awareness stands firmly against any form of dehumanization and violence perpetrated against citizens, particularly those exercising their fundamental rights to freedom of expression and assembly. We urge the EFCC to rectify the current situation, display accountability, and restore faith in the institutions meant to serve the Nigerian people.
Sincerely,
Nwambu Gabriel, Ph.D.,
Director General
Centre for Credible Leadership and Citizens Awareness
By Gloria Ikibah
Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rep. Tajudeen Abbas has said that Nigeria is taking a frontline role in the push to expand electricity access across Africa, to help power about 300 million people on the continent by 2030.
The Speaker disclosed this while delivering the keynote address at the First Legislative Conference and Expo on Renewable Energy, organised by the House Committee on Renewable Energy, in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) held in Lagos on Monday.
The conference brought together lawmakers, industry stakeholders, and development partners to explore renewable energy solutions and legislative frameworks for boosting access and affordability.
Abbas praised President Bola Tinubu’s approval of a $1 billion funding package for Nigeria’s Rural Electrification Agency in December 2024, and described it as a major boost for energy inclusion.
According to him, Nigeria’s participation in the Mission 300 initiative, a joint effort with the World Bank and African Development Bank demonstrates the country’s growing commitment to clean, sustainable energy for underserved communities.
He said: “This initiative speaks to Nigeria’s readiness to lead by example on the continent. It is about more than power, it is about development, opportunity, and progress.
By Kayode Sanni-Arewa
A Federal High Court in Port Harcourt has dismissed a case brought by lawmakers loyal to Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara, challenging the positions of 27 State House of Assembly members that defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
The ruling was delivered by Justice Emmanuel Obile, who explained that the lawmakers, led by Speaker Martins Amaewhule, remain valid members of the House.
This follows an earlier Supreme Court decision in February that had also refused Governor Fubara’s push to remove the defected lawmakers.
Governor Fubara’s legal team, headed by Yusuf Ali, had already withdrawn the appeal at the Supreme Court, stating that new developments had overtaken the matter.
The Rivers Assembly, represented by Wole Olanipekun, did not oppose this withdrawal.
The case at the Federal High Court was filed by three pro-Fubara lawmakers — Victor Oko-Jumbo, Adolphus Orubienimigha, and Sokari Goodboy Sokari — who asked the court to declare the seats of the 27 lawmakers vacant since they left the PDP, the party under which they were elected.
But the court ruled that their defection did not break any constitutional rule that would force them out of office.
“This court cannot close its eyes to the binding precedent of the Supreme Court, which in February recognised the leadership of the Rivers State House of Assembly under Speaker Martins Amaewhule. That decision, being from the apex court, is final and conclusive,” Justice Obile ruled.
Speaker Martins Amaewhule reacted positively to the judgment, saying it confirmed their right to stay in the Assembly.
Meanwhile, Governor Fubara’s supporters were disappointed by the decision.
This ruling marks another chapter in the political struggle between Governor Fubara and the pro-Wike faction of the Assembly, a conflict that has been ongoing since the December 2023 defections.
For now, the pro-Wike lawmakers have secured some breathing room, even as tensions continue between both camps.
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