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Panic grips LUTH

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Panic grips LUTH

Panic grips LUTH

 

 

Anxiety has gripped the management of the Lagos University Teaching Hospital, LUTH, Idi Arabs, following the decision by the Presidency to probe the emergence of Prof Wasiu Lanre Adeyemo as the Chief Medical Director of the hospital.

 

The decision followed a rash of protests and petitions against the appointment, which was allegedly done without proper authorization.

 

Panic grips LUTH

 

Recall that the selection process of who to succeed erstwhile LUTH CMD, Prof Chris Bode, whose tenure ended on March 24, 2023, remained inconclusive till the exit of former President Muhammadu Buhari on May 29, of this year.

 

 

 

 

Curiously however, some highly connected officials of the Federal Ministry of Health were alleged to have hurriedly despatched a letter appointing Prof Adeyemo as substantive CMD, acting on a purported Presidential approval signed on Sunday, May 28, 2023, at a time Buhari had already performed official hand over to President Bola Tinubu two days earlier on Friday 26th May.

 

 

 

 

 

What remained more baffling to The Presidency was that out of the six Federal Teaching Hospitals in Nigeria which had interview processes for CMDs conducted same day and remained inconclusive, only LUTH was hurriedly finalized by the concerned top echelon of the Health Ministry, taking advantage of the transition of government.

 

 

 

 

 

Miffed by the development, President Tinubu through his Chief of Staff, Rt. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila directed a full probe to establish the culpability of officials of the Federal Ministry of Health and former key Presidency top shots connected with the development.

 

 

 

 

 

A memo dated 17th October, 2023 referenced: 58787/S.1/C.1/300, which emanated from the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, demanded a written report from the Coordinating Minister of Health, Prof Ali Pate, on what transpired throughout the interview selection process.

 

 

 

 

In the said letter signed on the SGF’s behalf by the Permanent Secretary, Dr Nnamdi Maurice Mbieri, the SGF directed that the Health Minister should be prompt in his response to “enable government take further necessary action on the matter”.

 

 

 

 

Upon receipt of the memo, the Health Minister directed the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Dr Daju Kachollom to explain why the Ministry hurriedly issued a letter of appointment to the LUTH CMD in a substantive capacity when the relevant due-diligence agencies of government especially the Independent Corrupt Practices and other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) had not yet given final clearance on the process.

 

 

 

It was gathered that the PS, Dr Kachollom said that none of the present actors in the Ministry was in office when the alleged infractions leading to the LUTH leadership tussle took place.

 

 

A source in the Health Ministry promised that justice would be done and that laid down administrative procedures would be followed.

With the development, a news selection process could be in the offing with Adeyemo and Prof. Femi Fasanmade, a former Chairman of, the Medical Advisory Committee (CMAC), slugging it out.

Through various petitions addressed to The Presidency and the Health Ministry, Prof Fasanmade had stridently challenged the emergence of Prof Adeyemo, first as the Ag. CMD since he, Fasanmade, was the most senior at CMAC, while Adeyemo also served as his Deputy.

The main plank of his argument is that the foundational error committed by the now dissolved Governing Board of LUTH, led by Alhaji Sali Bello, whose four-year tenure already expired more than six months ago when it still went ahead to appoint Prof Adeyemo as Ag. CMD and even though he was not the most Senior Consultant in LUTH.

 

 

 

 

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We followed legacy of my Late Father-Prince Akintoye Akinrinade.

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We followed legacy of my Late Father-Prince Akintoye Akinrinade.

 

Prince Akintoye Akinrinade have described a 3-day free medical outreach organised by him which we hold between Friday,16th to Sunday 18th of May,in Agbado and its environs as a part of legacy they followed from their father, Oba Anthony Adetunji Akinrinade.

He stated this in his own tribute to mark 3rd years anniversary remembrance of his late father, Oba Anthony Adetunji Akinrinade.

Akintoye said that the outreach, which provided free consultations, medications, health education, eye test and screenings, was a demonstration of continued commitment to the values of compassion and community service that defined the life of the late Kabiesi.

He further said” The program orgaized by his son as a reflection of the late Kabiesi’s philanthropic spirit, the initiative aimed not only to address pressing health needs in the community but also to inspire others to embrace a lifestyle of giving and service”.

He emphasized that the outreach is a direct continuation of his father’s legacy—a man who lived for the well-being of others and whose memory continues to inspire meaningful change.

Prince Akintoye also said “Service to humanity is a value I deeply inherited from my father, Kabiesi was more than a mentor—he was a beacon of generosity. This outreach is one of many ways we intend to uphold his legacy and ensure his kindness continues to touch lives.”

When he recounting past efforts, he highlighted that during the 2nd-year remembrance last year, solar-powered streetlights were donated and installed across the Agbado community to improve security and quality of life. These acts of service stand as testaments to the late Kabiesi’s enduring influence and the family’s resolve to keep his vision alive.

He then concluded with a call to the good people of Ogun State to continue walking the path of compassion and communal support.

He then urged “Let us not allow this legacy to fade, together, we can build stronger, healthier, and more united communities, just as my father always dreamed.”

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From Chicago to the Chair of Peter: Pope Leo XIV Makes History

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From Chicago to the Chair of Peter: Pope Leo XIV Makes History

By George O. Sylvester

On May 8, 2025, history was made within the walls of the Vatican as Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, a Chicago-born prelate with deep roots in Latin America, was elected the 267th pope of the Roman Catholic Church. Taking the name Pope Leo XIV, he becomes the first American-born pontiff in the Church’s two-millennia history, a milestone that underscores the evolving global nature of Catholicism.

From Chicago to the Chair of Peter: Pope Leo XIV Makes History
By George O. Sylvester

A Historic Election
The conclave that elected Pope Leo XIV was notable not only for its outcome but also for its efficiency. The College of Cardinals, comprising 133 electors, the largest in history convened in the Sistine Chapel and, after just four ballots over two days, signaled their decision with the traditional white smoke. The swift consensus reflects the cardinals’ shared vision for the Church’s future, seeking a leader who embodies both continuity and renewal.

In his first public address from the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica, Pope Leo XIV greeted the faithful with the words, “Peace be with all of you!” This simple yet profound message set the tone for a papacy aiming to bridge divides and promote unity within the Church and the broader global community.

A Life of Service and Scholarship
Born on September 14 1955 in Chicago, Robert Francis Prevost entered the Order of Saint Augustine and was ordained a priest in 1982. His academic pursuits led him to earn advanced degrees in canon law from the Pontifical College of St. Thomas Aquinas. However, it was his missionary work in Peru that defined much of his ecclesiastical career. Serving as bishop in the Diocese of Chiclayo, he became a naturalized Peruvian citizen in 2015, reflecting his deep commitment to the communities he served.

His tenure in Peru was marked by a focus on social justice and outreach to marginalized populations. This experience informed his later work in the Vatican, where he was appointed Prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops in 2023, overseeing the selection and appointment of bishops worldwide.

A Papal Name with Purpose
Choosing the name Leo XIV, the new pope aligns himself with the legacy of Pope Leo XIII, known for his 1891 encyclical “Rerum Novarum,” which addressed the rights and conditions of workers and laid the groundwork for modern Catholic social teaching. This choice signals Pope Leo XIV’s intention to continue advocating for social justice, labor rights and the dignity of the poor and oppressed.

Navigating Contemporary Challenges
Pope Leo XIV inherits a Church grappling with numerous challenges, including declining attendance in Western countries, debates over doctrine and social issues and the need for continued reform in the wake of clerical abuse scandals. His background suggests a leader prepared to address these issues with both compassion and resolve.

While maintaining traditional Catholic teachings on matters such as the priesthood and marriage, Pope Leo XIV has shown a willingness to engage in dialogue on contentious issues. He has emphasized the importance of pastoral care and inclusivity, particularly concerning immigrants and the marginalized.

A Global Reception
The election of an American pope has been met with enthusiasm across the United States and Latin America. In Peru, where he served for many years, celebrations erupted, with many expressing pride in his elevation to the papacy. In the U.S., Catholics see his election as an opportunity to reinvigorate the Church’s presence and address local concerns, such as priest shortages and declining participation.

World leaders have also extended their congratulations. Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez expressed hope that Pope Leo XIV’s pontificate would “contribute to strengthening dialogue and the defense of human rights in a world in need of hope and unity.”

Looking Ahead
As Pope Leo XIV begins his papacy, he faces the monumental task of guiding the Catholic Church through a complex and rapidly changing world. His unique blend of American roots, Latin American experience and Vatican leadership positions him to address both internal Church matters and broader global issues.

His commitment to peace, unity and social justice, coupled with a deep understanding of diverse cultures and communities, offers a hopeful vision for the future of the Catholic Church. As he embarks on this new chapter, Catholics worldwide will look to Pope Leo XIV for leadership that honors tradition while embracing the need for renewal and inclusivity.

In the words of Pope Leo XIV himself: “Peace be with all of you!” A simple greeting that carries the weight of a new era for the Catholic Church.

From Chicago to the Chair of Peter: Pope Leo XIV Makes History
By George O. Sylvester

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Nigeria’s Real Political Party: The Party of Defectors

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Nigeria’s Real Political Party: The Party of Defectors By George Omagbemi Sylvester

Nigeria’s Real Political Party: The Party of Defectors

By George Omagbemi Sylvester

In the ever-chaotic theater of Nigerian politics, there is one political party that has never lost a single election, one party whose membership transcends ideology, region or religion: The Decampee Party. Call it satirical, call it tragic, but it is the harsh and honest reality of Nigeria’s political ecosystem. This unofficial but most dominant party is powered not by vision or values, but by opportunism, betrayal and a deep-rooted contempt for the Nigerian electorate.

Across Nigeria’s political spectrum, party affiliation has become a farce. Politicians jump ship more often than they deliver basic amenities. The concept of loyalty to a party manifesto, ideology or principle has eroded. Instead, politicians dance to the rhythm of self-preservation, defecting whenever personal ambition or legal battles threaten their current status.

A Culture of Defection: A Brief History

Defection in Nigerian politics dates back to the First Republic, but it has become a normalized tradition in the Fourth Republic. The 1999 Constitution under Section 68(g) provides a loophole: legislators can defect if there is a division in their party. Nigerian politicians have weaponized this provision to justify shameless defections that have little to do with principle and everything to do with political survival.

In 2014, five PDP governors—Rotimi Amaechi (Rivers), Rabiu Kwankwaso (Kano), Abdulfatah Ahmed (Kwara), Murtala Nyako (Adamawa), and Aliyu Wamakko (Sokoto) defected to the APC, a defection that laid the foundation for Muhammadu Buhari’s victory in 2015. By 2018, some of them returned to PDP when the tides changed.

Who can forget the spectacle of Femi Fani-Kayode, Nigeria’s master of U-turns, who once described the APC as a “Satanic party” and President Buhari as “a curse to Nigeria,” only to later join the APC with the fanfare of a prodigal son returning to his father’s mansion?

A Game of Survival, Not Service

Political parties are supposed to be vehicles for policy direction and ideological clarity. In developed democracies, parties represent core values. The Democrats and Republicans in the U.S., the Labour and Conservative parties in the UK, each has a distinct identity. In Nigeria, however, the only ideology is power and the only constant is greed.

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo once said, “There is no political party in Nigeria; they are all platforms for capturing power.” That quote, though stinging, is spot-on.

The average Nigerian politician does not defect because of a disagreement with policy or a change in personal ideology. No, They defect to escape corruption trials, reclaim lost political relevance or align with the federal might ahead of an election.

From PDP to APC and Back Again: Who’s Fooling Who?

In Nigeria, it is common to hear phrases like “I have returned to my political family.” But what family changes every four years? The PDP ruled Nigeria from 1999 to 2015 and was dubbed the “largest party in Africa.” Then came the APC, a merger of desperate opposition forces, including disgruntled PDP members. As soon as the APC took power, the PDP was declared dead. Yet, like a zombie, it came back to life as more APC members became disillusioned.

Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Nigeria’s current president, himself is a classic product of this decampee culture. A one-time PDP supporter in the early 2000s, Tinubu eventually became the brain behind the APC. Today, his administration is filled with recycled PDP members, proving once again that the Nigerian political class is just one extended family quarrelling over control of the national pot/cake.

Power for Power’s Sake

Nigeria’s economy has been crippled by leaders who see public office as a meal ticket. Unemployment stands at over 33%, inflation at nearly 30% and over 133 million Nigerians live in multidimensional poverty. Yet, politicians spend billions campaigning and cross-carpeting, while hospitals decay, universities strike and roads kill.

They defect from the party they helped destroy to join the one they once condemned, only to resume the cycle of looting and neglect. They promise “CHANGE,” then deliver “CHAINS”. They preach “RENEWED HOPE,” but all they offer is “RECYCLED FAILURE”.

The PEOPLE as COLLATERAL DAMAGE

The biggest losers in this culture of defection are the Nigerian people/masses. With no real ideological compass, the masses are dragged along in confusion. A politician elected under PDP defects to APC mid-term and expects his constituents to accept the change without question. Votes are rendered meaningless as parties are no longer platforms of choice, but mere logos to print on ballot papers.

Political campaigns have become carnivals of lies. One day, a politician is fighting corruption under the EFCC’s radar. The next day, he defects to the ruling party and all investigations mysteriously vanish.

We Must Judge Leaders, Not Labels

So many a citizen(s) with a conscience, have long abandoned party loyalty. Many allegiance is to performance, not platform. They evaluate every leader based on their stewardship. If you build roads, equip schools, secure lives and create jobs, you earn their respect, regardless of the party that sponsors your ambition.

According to Hon. Sam Iweka (BoT chairman PDP-SA) “This may sound anti-party, but it is the only logical position in a political landscape where parties mean nothing and politicians belong to all and none”.

As Nigerian author and Nobel laureate Wole Soyinka once said: “The man dies in all who keep silent in the face of tyranny.” We must stop enabling incompetence just because it wears the color of our preferred party.

Time for the Electorate to Defect Too

The tragedy is not just the defections by politicians, but the tribal, religious and party-blind loyalty of the electorate. Nigerians must begin to defect from the politics of ethnicity and emotion to the politics of accountability and metrics.

Enough of “HE IS OUR SON,” “IT’S OUR TURN,” or “NA OUR PARTY.” Ask: DID HE/SHE SERVE? DID HE/SHE DELIVER? DID HE/SHE LOOT or LEAD?

To quote Chinua Achebe, “The trouble with Nigeria is simply and squarely a failure of leadership.” But that failure thrives because we, the people, have accepted mediocrity as destiny. We must break this spell and become citizens, not spectators.

By and Large: Rebuilding the Broken System

The cure to this sickness is institutional reform. Nigeria needs independent political parties built on ideology, backed by enforceable party constitutions and run by patriots, not godfathers. The judiciary must stop legitimizing sham defections. INEC must stop rewarding political prostitution with automatic tickets.

Above all, the Nigerian voter must rise. The real power lies not with the defector-in-chief, but with the citizen. When we begin to judge politicians by results and not slogans or party colors, then and only then, will we reclaim this republic from the hands of serial defectors.

Let it be known today: Nigeria’s biggest political party is not APC, PDP or LP, it is the Decampee Party. And unless we reform our democracy, it will remain the only party that always wins, while the people continue to lose.

Nigeria’s Real Political Party: The Party of Defectors
By George Omagbemi Sylvester

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