Niger Delta

Adventist Elders Drag INEC, FG To Court Over Polls On Saturdays

Published

7 years ago

October 31, 2018

Four elders of the Seventh Day Adventist Church in Rivers State have dragged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the Federal Government and the Attorney-General of the Federation to court over the continuous holding of elections on Saturdays.
The applicants in the matter, Chief Emeka Anyabelem, Elder Asonye Onwudebe, Felix Minikwu and Chinedu Omesurum said conducting of elections on Saturdays amounts to the violation of their right to worship and disenfranchisement of other members of their church.
In the suit PHC/2836/2018, the applicants are asking the court to declare that holding elections on Saturdays, the worship day for the denomination, was a violation of the right to worship of the members of the Seventh Day Adventist Church.
The suit read in part: “A declaration that the applicants’ known day of worship being Saturday, applicants are entitled to their freedom of religion and worship on Saturdays unhindered or by any means whatsoever, under the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended).
“A declaration that the fixing/scheduling of the 2019 Presidential and National Assembly elections on Saturday, 16th February, 2019, and the Governorship and State Assembly elections/Federal Capital Territory ,FCT council elections on Saturday, 2nd March by the 1st respondent in concert with the 2nd and 3rd respondents constitute a violation of the applicants fundamental rights to freedom of religion”.
They noted that the rights being violated were guaranteed under Section 38 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999, and Article 8 of the African Charter on Human and People’s (Enforcement and Ratification) Act, Cap A9.
The applicants further prayed the court to make an order of injunction restraining the 3rd Defendants, INEC, from conducting the 2019 election as scheduled or scheduling any other elections on Saturday.
However, counsel for the applicants, Ahamefule Owurre, when court began proceedings on the matter, yesterday, prayed for adjournment to allow him reply for counter affidavit of the defence on point of law.
He stated that the desire of the applicants that elections be fixed between Mondays and Thursdays was to allow many people participate in the electioneering process.
Meantime, the trial judge, Hon Justice M.W. Danagogo has adjourned the matter till December 18 for motions.

Niger Delta

Oborevwori Launches Medical Outreach For Children With Special Needs

Published

1 hour 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

1 hour 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

1 hour 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.