Niger Delta

Rivers Rerun: Resign Now, Secondus Tells INEC Chairman

Published

10 years ago

July 4, 2016

As the Independent National
Electoral Commission (INEC) prepares to conclude the rerun elections in Rivers State, the former National Deputy Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Prince Uche Secondus has called on the National Chairman of the INEC to resign immediately for failure to conduct any free and fair election in the country so far.
The Rivers State INEC, had recently announced its preparation to conclude the legislative re-run elections it abandoned since April 19, and had asked the various political parties to sign undertaking to keep the peace.
Reacting to the INEC plans for the re-run elections, Prince Secondus, while speaking with the press at the Port Harcourt International Airport, Omagwa, pointed out that Nigerians have lost faith in the State INEC to conduct a free and fair election, and that the only option left for the INEC National Chairman and Mrs Amina Zachari, was to resign now to restore the confidence of Nigerians in the electoral body.
According to Prince Secondus, the inability of the INEC to conduct any free and fair election across the country so far; was a shame and sign of incompetence.
The INEC he further said, had so far, conducted the worst elections in the country and that he was still in doubt, if anything good could come out of the present electoral body because of its attachment to the ruling party, the APC.
“The present INEC is currently a parastatal of the APC and therefore was being tele guided and playing the scripts of the APC”.
On the re-run elections in Rivers State, the PDP strongman advised the state INEC, to ensure that it was open, transparent, free and fair to avoid plunging the state back to another crisis.
He accused the State INEC of being responsible for the crisis that erupted in the state in the past because of its inability to conduct a free and fair election and its determination to donate some constituencies to the APC.
On the refusal of the State INEC to release the already collated results on the April 19 re-run election, the PDP former National Deputy Chairman, described it as pure injustice and an unconstitutional act and called for the immediate release of the results before the planned re-run elections, in Rivers State.
Prince Secondus commended the people of Rivers State for their stand and vigilance during the last elections and further urged them to still turn out in their large number to defend their votes, which he said was their right.
Rivers State he explained, belonged to the PDP and not to any other party and that the people should rise up and defend their votes because the re-run elections was between the PDP versus the INEC, the Federal Government and various security agencies.
He used the occasion to invite the foreign observers, the United Nations, the embassies and foreign missions in Nigeria to come and observe the re-run elections in the state.

Niger Delta

Oborevwori Launches Medical Outreach For Children With Special Needs

Published

2 days ago

February 16, 2026

The Tide

The Wife of Delta State Governor, Mrs. Tobore Oborevwori, has launched a free medical outreach for children with special needs in Delta South.

The event, which attracted scores of caregivers, medical professionals, and government functionaries, took place at Dom Domingos College, Warri.

It was organised by the governor’s wife’s pet project, “You Matter Charity Foundation”, in partnership with the State Ministry of Health.

In a speech at the event, Oborevwori said the initiative sought to promote public awareness about autism and other notable infants’ developmental conditions.

She said the programme also aimed ”to eliminate stigma and encourage inclusion of persons living with disabilities.”

According to her, the outreach is structured to cover the state’s three senatorial districts.

She noted that the programme took place earlier in Ughelli, Delta Central, where beneficiaries received medications and assistive devices, including educational materials to support learning among children with special needs.

Oborevwori, who thanked residents and local government chairmen in Delta South for their cooperation, also commended the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Joseph Onojaeme, and medical teams for their dedication to the success of the programme.

She admonished parents and caregivers to continue to show patience, compassion, and understanding towards children with special needs.

The Tide’s source reports that health workers from the ministry and Primary Healthcare Development Agency participated in the programme.

In her remark, the Director-General of the foundation, Mrs. Lawrentta Ogbedo, said the outreach would reduce financial pressure on families that have children with special needs.

She underscored the importance of early diagnosis and consistent medical attention for such children.

The Chairman of Warri South LGA, Mr. Isaac Agbateyiniro, thanked the governor’s wife for the initiative, and described her kind intervention as ”timely and beneficial to struggling families”.

Also, the Chairman, Post Primary Education Board, Mr. Samuel Mariere, applauded the foundation’s effort in extending support to children with special needs in society.

Mariere said the programme had provided hope and practical support to many households.

The source reports that the event featured free medical consultations and treatment for children.

Also, health experts delivered talks on autism awareness, care strategies, and social acceptance.

Participants were also enlightened on the legal protections against discrimination for persons with disabilities.

Other highlights included the distribution of wheelchairs, medications, and assistive materials, among other items, to the beneficiaries.

Niger Delta

UniCal Commits To Nursing Education Dev In C’River

Published

2 days ago

February 16, 2026

The Tide

The Vice Chancellor, University of Calabar (UniCal), Prof. Offiong Offiong, has reiterated the institution’s commitment towards supporting the growth of nursing education in the state.

Offiong, who made the statement recently in Calabar when members of the Basic Nursing and Midwifery Sciences Certificate Affiliation Committee visited him in his office, said as a federal university located in Cross River State, the institution would remain committed to the development of the state and the wellbeing of its residents.

The Vice Chancellor said UniCal would strategically collaborate with the state government to ensure improved healthcare education, professional training and standards.

“I commend the state government for expanding nursing institutions, this development has stimulated youth interest in health-related careers.

“We shall revisit the affiliation process to ensure compliance with national and international academic standards,” he said.

Offiong continued that curriculum review, adequate academic staffing and strict quality assurance measures would be given priority attention in the process.

He urged the state government to provide logistics support to students undertaking clinical postings in health facilities.

Leader of the delegation, Dr. Henry Ayuk, congratulated Offiong on his appointment as the Vice Chancellor of the university.

Ayuk, who’s also the Commissioner for Health in the State, commended the university for its contributions to the growth of the health sector.

He said the Bassey Otu-led government was committed to deepening collaboration with the university in order to strengthen nursing education and healthcare delivery.

The team leader expressed optimism that the partnership would boost professional training, institutional development and healthcare outcomes in the state.

Niger Delta

Agency Demolishes Illegal Roadside Structures In Delta N8 by … Clears Street Traders

Published

2 days ago

February 16, 2026

The Tide

The Delta State Capital Territory Development Agency has commenced the removal of illegal roadside structures and street traders across Asaba.

The enforcement drive targeted areas where traders and makeshift stalls have taken over roads, walkways and drainage channels.

Speaking during the exercise, the Director-General of the agency, Mr. Patrick Ukah, said the action was necessary due to the growing safety concerns caused by unchecked roadside trading.

Ukah said the action formed part of a broader urban renewal programme aimed at improving sanitation, reducing traffic congestion and enhancing road safety.

He noted that the activities had disrupted traffic flow and exposed motorists and pedestrians to avoidable dangers.

According to him, the agency’s action is not directed at individuals but aimed at restoring order and enforcing existing regulations.

Ukah warned that the agency would not tolerate activities that deface the capital or threaten public safety.

He reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to maintaining a clean, safe and orderly capital, saying a well-managed Asaba remains vital to the image of the state and its development.

Urging affected traders to relocate to approved government markets across the city, Ukah said the operation would continue and might be extended to other locations if violations persist.

Major locations affected include Akpu Junction, Marble Hill Junction, and the Arcade near Ogbeogonogo Market.

The Tide’s source reports that in addition to dismantling illegal structures, the agency intensified sanitation efforts along major roads.

Special attention was given to the Mammy Market and Traffic Light axis of Asaba to sustain cleanliness.

The agency’s Head of Environment, Mr. Isaac Nwosu, said the teams would ensure compliance and prevent a return of illegal roadside activities.

Nwosu called on residents and traders to support the agency by adhering to environmental regulations.