Politics
Tinubu recounts how ex-Governor Obaseki frustrated establishment of National Obstetrics Fistula Centre in Edo
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Tuesday recounted how the immediate past governor of Edo State, Godwin Obaseki, frustrated the establishment of a National Obstetrics Fistula Centre in Benin City, the state capital.
Ekwutosblog reports that a statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Fred Itua, made available to newsmen, said President Tinubu gave this account during the signing of a memorandum of understanding for the establishment of the centre in the state.
Tinubu spoke through the Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr Ishaq Salako, who led a delegation to the State Government House for the signing of the MoU.
According to him, in May 2023, just before President Tinubu assumed office, the National Obstetrics Fistula Centre was established in Benin City.
“The centre did not receive the necessary cooperation from the then government of Edo State, led by Godwin Obaseki.
“We struggled from May 2023 till November 2024 before you became the Governor of Edo State, but in about three months, we have achieved what we could not achieve in about 24 months.
“All thanks to your administration. We appreciate your support, as we have been able to secure a temporary centre to begin operations in Benin City.
“His Excellency has also allocated 24 hectares of land for the permanent centre. You have demonstrated that you are a political son of the President, who is prioritising healthcare at the federal level, while also doing the same in Edo State,” he said.
The President, who noted that fistula is a serious health challenge, added that Nigeria has the highest burden of fistula cases in the world.
He said about 12,000 cases of the disease are recorded annually in the country.
He further stated that fistula is not just a medical condition but also a social and psychological issue, as some individuals with the condition resort to suicide.
The President noted that the Federal Government has launched a free fistula management programme, which also provides social support and rehabilitation.
He disclosed that, as of today, about 1,700 cases have received free treatment, expressing hope that the programme will continue to expand.
In his remarks, Governor Okpebholo commended the President for transforming Edo State, stating that the people would continue to appreciate him for the various development-oriented projects he has initiated.
Okpebholo emphasised that healthcare is a priority for the people of Edo and that the centre would serve not only the state but also the wider South-South region and neighbouring states.
“The Chief Medical Director of the centre has been struggling for the past two years. This centre belongs to the South-South, but it is located in Edo, and Edo people will benefit from it.
“I have no excuse but to support the establishment of the centre. The hospital will commence operations soon, as the Edo State Government is committed to supporting it, and we thank the Federal Government for choosing Edo State,” he added.
Chairman, Policy Manifesto Committee of the African Democratic Congress, ADC, John Odigie-Oyegun, says former president Muhammadu Buhari gave him the shock of his life, six months into his administration as Nigeria’s leader.
Oyegun made this disclosure on Friday when he featured in an interview on Arise Television’s ‘Prime Time’.
He revealed that as National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, APC, he went to tell Buhari that he was not delivering his election promises to Nigerians but that the late president told him he would not rule with strictness, but rather wanted to show Nigerians that he is a true civilian president.
The former APC National Chairman lamented that it became business as usual, from there.
“I was national chairman of the APC. Six months or less into our assuming office, fairly alarmed, I went to the late President Buhari for a one-on-one talk. I said Mr President, this is not what the people were expecting. They wanted a bit of the old president Buhari.
“And he explained to me, Mr Chairman, I have learned my lesson. I was shocked. And don’t forget at that time, a lot of prominent Nigerians took their holidays abroad, just to be sure and see what this new sheriff in town will be.
“Buhari told me he wants to now show the people that he’s a true civilian president in Agbada. And by the time we finished the conversation, I said Oh God, we are finished. Because, if he’s not ready to be strict, what’s the point?
“Weeks later, months later, years later, I was proven correct. And of course, it became business as usual, only that they are a new set of tenants in Aso Rock. That was a shocker,” he said.
Former lawmaker, Dino Melaye Esq, has raised concerns over the Senate’s reported rejection of the electronic transmission of election results.
The move, according to Melaye, is a clear endorsement of election rigging and an indication of a sinister plan to rig the 2027 elections.
In a statement on Friday, the former lawmaker criticized the Senate’s decision, stating that it undermines the credibility of the electoral process.
The African Democratic Congress, ADC chieftain, also stated that the move opens the door for electoral manipulation and fraud.
He further warned that the rejection of electronic transmission of results is a step backwards for democracy in Nigeria.
Melaye called on lawmakers and citizens to stand up against “this blatant attempt to undermine the will of the people and ensure that future elections are free, fair, and transparent”.
Former Minister of Education, Oby Ezekwesili, has said Nigerians have every reason to be mad at the Senate over the ongoing debate on e-transmission of election results.
Ezekwesili made this known on Friday when she featured in an interview on Arise Television’s ‘Morning Show’ monitored by DAILY POST.
DAILY POST reports that the Senate on Wednesday turned down a proposed change to Clause 60, Subsection 3, of the Electoral Amendment Bill that aimed to compel the electronic transmission of election results.
Reacting to the matter, Ezekwesili said, “The fundamental issue with the review of the Electoral Act is that the Senate retained the INEC 2022 Act, Section 60 Sub 5.
“This section became infamous for the loophole it provided INEC, causing Nigerians to lose trust. Since the law established that it wasn’t mandatory for INEC to transmit electoral results in real-time, there wasn’t much anyone could say.
“Citizens embraced the opportunity to reform the INEC Act, aiming to address ambiguity and discretionary opportunities for INEC. Yet, the Senate handled it with a “let sleeping dogs lie” approach. The citizens have every reason to be as outraged as they currently are.”
How Buhari shocked me 6 months into his administration – Oyegun
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