Politics

Optometric Association Reaffirms Their Support For Godwin Obaseki

Published

6 years ago

August 16, 2018

Sahara Weekly

By Elvis Omoregie

The association of Nigerian Optometric (NOA) Edo state charter yesterday reaffirmed their readiness to partner and support the administration of Godwin Oboseki in delivery of its Health care promises to the good the people of Edo state.

The association stated this during press briefing and inauguration of its committee members to mark the association 50th anniversary in Benin City the Edo state capital.

Chairman of the association Edo state charter Dr Joe Owie, who briefed journalists commended Governor Oboseki on his developmental strides in all nook and cranny of the state including the health sector were the association primarily belong.

Dr Owie highlighted the areas currently in dying need of the governor attention, which include the approval of the state governor for the payment of allowances for interns at the Stella Obasanjo Women and Children Hospital and approval for the employment of optometrists in primary health care centrers across the state.

According to the chairman, “we also want to appeal to the Chief Medical Director of UBTH to put a framework that will cater for intern optometrists in his hospital and payment of all other allowances to optometrists working in UBTH”.

Dr Owie stated that, as part of the association’s Corporate social responsibility, they have lined up activities to celebrate NOA at 50 for the children between the ages of 5- 14 years, and Other comprehensive programs have also put in place for the 2018 World Sight Day with the theme: Universal Eye Health, A Call to Action, Eye care everywhere, slated for October 11, 2018.

The Chairman congratulate all the members of the association for their believe and strength for tolling the part of peace in resolving the internal crises that have hitherto robbed the association.

speaking after the inauguration, chairman committee Glaucoma Education week and World Sight Day, Prof. (Mrs.) Gladys George, Dr. Godwin Ovenseri and Dr. Gloria Edo, thanked the state NOA Executive for their appointment and promised their determination in making sure continuous education is being done to enhance the skills of members in their various clinic.

The association used the opportunity to called on government and the media as well as law enforcement agencies to collaborate with them towards eradicating quackery.

Other Executive members present at the event, Dr. Oma Vice Chairman, Dr. Onoriode Atekha Secretary, Dr. Uwamarin Isonah Financial Secretary, Dr. Amune Gomina Treasurer, Dr. Osazee Osayomwanbor Assistant Secretary and Dr. Charles Eguavoen Public Relation Officer.

Politics

Edo LG Chairmen Reject Suspension, Urge Adherence to Court Judgments By Ifeoma Ikem

Published

8 hours ago

December 18, 2024

Sahara Weekly

Edo LG Chairmen Reject Suspension, Urge Adherence to Court Judgments

By Ifeoma Ikem

Edo State local government chairmen have denounced their alleged suspension by the State House of Assembly as illegal, urging the governor and lawmakers to respect court rulings affirming their tenure and authority.

On December 17, reports emerged that the Assembly suspended all 18 council chairmen and their deputies following Governor Monday Okpebholo’s petition alleging gross misconduct and insubordination. The petition cited Section 10(1) of the Edo State Local Government Law (2000) as its basis.

However, the chairmen, through their legal counsel, Ogaga Ovrawah (SAN), contend that this provision had been declared unconstitutional in a judgment by the Edo State High Court in Suit No. B/257OS/2024. The court established the chairmen’s tenure as a three-year term commencing September 4, 2023.

The council leaders also referenced a Supreme Court judgment voiding state governors’ and assemblies’ authority to interfere with local government administration. They emphasized that their suspension contradicts existing judicial rulings and remains a legal nullity.

A recent interim order from the Edo High Court further restrained the government from obstructing the councils’ operations, assets, and funds. Despite being served notices of these judgments, the chairmen argue that the governor and assembly acted in defiance of the judiciary.

The embattled chairmen called for the governor to withdraw his request to the Assembly and for the lawmakers to rescind their resolution, warning of potential constitutional crises if the orders are ignored.

They urged security agencies to enforce court rulings, safeguard local government properties, and ensure the continuity of governance.

“The rule of law must prevail,” they stated, pledging to remain committed to their constitutional duties.

Politics

Kaduna Governor Uba Sani Restores Abacha Family Lands Revoked by El-Rufai

Published

23 hours ago

December 18, 2024

Sahara Weekly

Kaduna Governor Uba Sani Restores Abacha Family Lands Revoked by El-Rufai

Kaduna State Governor, Uba Sani, has reinstated two parcels of land in Kaduna city to the family of the late Head of State, General Sani Abacha. The lands had been revoked two years earlier by former governor Nasir El-Rufai.

The reinstated properties include one at No. 9 Abakpa GRA, Kaduna, measuring 2,284 square meters (Certificate of Occupancy No. 30575), and another at No. 1 Degel Road, Ungwan Rimi GRA, Kaduna, measuring 3,705 square meters (Certificate of Occupancy No. 11458).

Reuben Atabo (SAN), the Abacha family’s lawyer, disclosed that the lands were initially revoked in 2022 under Governor El-Rufai’s administration, citing contraventions of terms under the Land Use Act of 1978. The state government had published a notice on April 28, 2022, announcing the revocation of various plots, with Sani Abacha’s name listed as No. 34 among affected title holders.

In response, Atabo filed lawsuits at the Kaduna State High Court, seeking to address the embarrassment caused to the Abacha family name and pursue other claims.

Governor Uba Sani, in two letters dated December 10, 2024, reinstated the titles to the Abacha family through Mustapha Haruna, Deed Registrar, on behalf of the Director General of Kaduna Geographic Information Service (KADGIS). The letters, addressed to Mohammed Sani Abacha via the family’s legal counsel, required the title holders to pay outstanding ground rent fees.

The move marks a reversal of El-Rufai’s decision and restores ownership of the disputed lands to the Abacha family.

Politics

Kano Governor’s Aide Claims Fortification Against Arrest

Published

4 days ago

December 15, 2024

Sahara Weekly

Kano Governor’s Aide Claims Fortification Against Arrest

Sanusi Bature, the Director General of Media and Communication to the Kano State Governor, Alhaji Abba Yusuf, has claimed he is fortified to resist police arrest. Bature made this declaration on Saturday while addressing attendees at the PR Nigeria Young Communication Fellowship in Kano.

The governor’s aide revealed that he spent five days taking refuge at the Kano State Government House to evade arrest by the police. He alleged that at least 40 officers from the Inspector General of Police Monitoring Team were deployed to Kano with the specific mandate of apprehending him.

Bature stated that he remained within the Government House due to the constitutional immunity it provides, which prevents law enforcement from effecting arrests within its premises without the governor’s permission.

“I obtained a court order restraining the police from arresting me,” he explained, adding that the document, though not yet served to the police, had circulated widely. “I’m confident they must have seen it,” he said.

Despite the looming threat of arrest, Bature insisted on attending the event, citing three key reasons.

“Firstly, I felt it was important to be part of this event, even if it meant being arrested,” he said.
“Secondly, the court order gives me some legal cover, and lastly, I ventured out with confidence because I am well fortified to resist arrest if it happens.”

According to Bature, the arrest attempt stemmed from a petition that he claimed was being handled directly by the Inspector General of Police. He, however, did not disclose the nature of the allegations against him.

While addressing the gathering, Bature reiterated his belief in his legal protections and expressed confidence in his ability to navigate the situation.

The episode highlights the ongoing tensions between political figures and law enforcement agencies in Nigeria. It also raises questions about the use of immunity provisions and court orders to counteract police actions.