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.
Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Nyesom Wike, on Friday declared that he’s still a member of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP.
Wike’s comment followed his expulsion from the party by the faction led by National Chairman, Kabiru Turaki.
Turaki had formally dispatched expulsion certificates to 11 prominent party chieftains, including Wike, former Ekiti State governor, Ayodele Fayose, Senator Samuel Anyanwu, Umaru Bature, Kamarudeen Ajibade, SAN, Abdurahman Muhammad Senator Mao Ohuabunwa.
He said their expulsion was aimed at sanitising the party ahead of the 2027 elections.
Reacting to the development on Friday, Wike dismissed the claim while assuring that he would continue to work with other party members in making PDP a relevant opposition party.
The minister spoke while addressing journalists after inspecting the Interchange bridge and road linking Gwarinpa with Jahi and direct to Katampe, Gishiri and Maitama.
He said, “Those that are factionalized are bound to leave the party, I’m still in PDP and you can see that not everybody has left.
“We still have good numbers and we will continue to work together and that’s what I have said to the party. Put your house in order because at the end of the day, if you don’t put your house in order, it’s the party that is losing.
“So those who are worried, we can work together to see how the party can remain a relevant opposition.”
The governments of Abia and Imo States have announced the launching of a joint security taskforce and surveillance along the Aba-Owerri expressway, starting from Owerrinta in Abia State all the way to Owerri, Imo State.
The launch followed recent attacks by criminals on the expressway, including kidnapping, armed robbery and other criminal activities.
The formation of the joint security taskforce and surveillance was announced by Ferdinand Ekeoma, the Special Adviser to Governor Alex Otti on Media and Publicity.
His statement read in part: “Arising from a strategic emergency security meeting held today, 4th December, 2025, by the Governors of Abia and Imo Sates at the Imo State Government Owerri House, His Excellency Governor Alex Otti and His Excellency Senator Hope Uzodinma resolved to set up a joint security Taskforce that shall consist of Soldiers, Naval Personnel, Police Officers , DSS Personnel, and other Government Security Agencies.
“The joint security Taskforce shall, starting from tomorrow 5th December 2025, patrol the road 24 hours nonstop, while carrying out massive surveillance in the surrounding bushes using sophisticated drones and other modern security equipment.”
According to the statement, Governor Alex Otti commended the Governor of Imo State for arresting the criminals who carried out an attack on His advanced team and other passengers a few days ago.
“The two Governors, while assuring citizens plying the road on a daily basis and those returning home for Christmas of their safety and security, warn that there would be severe consequences for any criminal caught on the road going forward”, Ekeoma concluded.
President Bola Tinubu has transmitted to the senate two lists of 34 career and 31 non career ambassadors nominees for screening and confirmation.
Prominent names listed as non career ambassadors include Reno Omokri, Femi Fani-Kayode, Gen. Abdulrahman Dambazau, Victor Ikpeazu and Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi.
Also listed as non career ambassadors nominees are Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, Vice Admiral Ete Ibas, Senator Jimoh Ibrahim, Senator Nora Daduut, Fatima Ajimobi, and Senator Ita Enang among others.
The two lists brings to 68 number of persons nominated so far as ambassadors awaiting confirmation by the Senate.
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