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PDP Caucus Unites To Boost Party’s Fortunes In 2015

Published

13 years ago

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Leaders of the Peoples’

Democratic Party in the South South geo-political zone have resolved to put their differences aside and put their house in order ahead of the 2015 general elections in the country.

Speaking at a meeting of its South-South Caucus at Asaba, Delta State, Chairman of the party’s Board of Trustees (BOT), Chief Tony Anenih, admitted that all is not well with the ruling party, urging the party’s stalwarts in the zone to be part of the solution to the challenges currently rocking the party, enjoining them to work out how best to forge a common front that would yield maximum benefits for the people.

“This meeting is taking place at a very critical period in the political history of the South-South zone and indeed in Nigeria. It must have been prompted by certain social and political events of recent which has brought to the fore the issues concerning the political future of our country.

That 2015 is already in the national consciousness can no longer be hidden. It is therefore the duty of our zone to work out how best to partake in the enterprise of charting the course that will bring maximum benefits for our people”.

Chairman of the PDP Governors’ Forum and Akwa Ibom State Governor, Obong Godswill Akpabio, expressed optimism that the party would grow stronger, assuring that “as the new Chairman of the PDP Governors Forum, I assure you that come 2015 our rank and file will not be depleted,” noting that “this kind of meeting will afford us the opportunity to put our house in order before we go to the elections in 2015. So I’m assuring you that once we put our house in order I believe strongly that the PDP governors in Nigeria will increase”.

Senate Leader, Senator Victor Ndoma-Egba, observed that “this meeting is very timely because there are so many issues confronting the nation in general and the zone in particular that require our very deep thoughts and analysis,” expressing the hope that “we can find solution to these challenges not only in the interest of the zone but in the interest of the nation at large”.

Acknowledging that “the challenges that we have are unprecedented, and, therefore, I will urge that as we address them, we think outside the box, and be as strong as possible,” Senator Ndoma-Egba, stated that “we can find true solutions so that Nigeria can realize her full potentials,” assuring the party of the support of the National Assembly, pointing out that “the National Assembly like any other parliament is a very peculiar institution. We are usually torn between several loyalties.

But I want to assure you all that inspite of the peculiarities of our institution we remain true party men and true patriots and everything we do, think, or say is in the best interest of Nigeria and Nigerians. I want to reassure you of our loyalty to the party. We assure you of our loyalty to our government and we assure you of our loyalty to the Nigerian people”.

Also speaking, the member representing Isoko Federal Constituency and Deputy Majority Leader in the House of Representatives, Hon. Leo Okuweh, appreciated the essence of the meeting as according to him “this is one event that would foster wonderful relationships among leaders of this zone,” saying that “it is important we keep such a concept going on a continuous basis”.

Elder statesman and former Federal Commissioner for Information, Chief Edwin Clarke, enjoined the party faithful to “trust one another,” saying “let us be truthful,” adding that “it is important for us to meet to agree and disagree. Let us come together to discuss our issues and resolve them”.

Speaking, Chairman of the South-South Governors’ Forum and Cross River State Governor, Senator Liyel Imoke, expressed gratitude to the leaders of the party from the zone for making the event a success, noting that their contributions have bolstered the essence of the meeting, reiterating that the zone which has produced the President would continue to stand fully behind him.

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Niger Delta

850-bed UCTH overstretched, services 5m patients – CMD

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6 days ago

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May 18, 2026

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The Chief Medical Director (CMD) of the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital (UCTH), Prof. Ikpeme Ikpeme, has said the 850-bed hospital is overstretched, as it currently serves over five million patients.
He disclosed this on Friday during a media tour of the facility to showcase ongoing renovations and facelift in the hospital.
The CMD noted that, aside being the only tertiary healthcare facility servicing the state, UCTH also serviced neighbouring states of Akwa Ibom and Ebonyi.
He said the hospital also received referrals from neighbouring countries, including Cameroon, Equatorial Guinea and Central African Republic.
According to him, the 850-bed hospital faced persistent space constraints because of increasing patients inflow and expanding healthcare demands.
“This hospital currently operates 62 clinical and non-clinical departments as well as  between 30 and 38 wards covering medical, surgical, paediatric, orthopaedic and specialised services.
“Most wards have undergone facelift, remodelling, or complete renovation to improve patient care and working conditions for healthcare professionals”, he said.
He disclosed that the hospital was constructing a new 106-bed emergency medicine facility to address the rising demand for healthcare services.
According to him, the facility will include trauma bays, intensive care units, neonatal wards, and three fully equipped trauma theatres.
Speaking on the remodeled wards, Ikpeme explained that they followed modern nursing principles, allowing one nurse to attend to a maximum of 10 patients.
He said relatives would be restricted to designated waiting areas to reduce interference with medical procedures and improve emergency response efficiency.
The CMD noted that the hospital had strengthened specialist services in orthopaedics, neurosurgery, obstetrics, radiology, and minimally invasive surgery.
“UCTH now performs hip and knee replacements, arthroscopy, sports medicine, and complex brain tumour surgeries.
“Our surgeons also conduct keyhole procedures for appendectomy, hysterectomy and other conditions with faster patient recovery periods,” he said
In power, the CMD said the hospital relied on solar power from a seven-megawatt plant, constructed by the Federal Government at the University of Calabar, as well as public power supply, and generators to sustain its operations.
He appealed to governments, organisations, and philanthropists to support infrastructure expansion, equipment procurement, and specialised healthcare projects.
The CMD said the hospital required additional incubators, ward expansions, and a stand-alone amenity facility for private healthcare services.
He used the opportunity to dismiss allegations of ethnic discrimination, insisting that the hospital does not reject workers or patients based on tribe or origin.
According to him, the institution recently honoured an Igbo pioneer physician by naming a ward after him in recognition of decades of service.
The CMD said the hospital maintained strict disciplinary procedures to address negligence, poor attitude, and unethical conduct among staff.
The Tide’s source reports that some of the units visited include, intensive care unit, Department of Radiology, Urology Clinic, and Opthalmology Clinic.
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Niger Delta

Police Burst Child Trafficking Syndicate In A’Ibom … Nab 3 Suspects

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6 days ago

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May 18, 2026

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The Police Command in Akwa Ibom State says it has busted a child trafficking syndicate and arrested three suspects for conspiracy and unlawful sale of a newborn baby in the State.
The State’s Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), DSP Timfom John, who disclosed this in a statement in Uyo on Friday, said the three female suspects were arrested on Wednesday at about 1900hrs.
She said a complainant reported that his wife gave birth to a baby boy on May 7 and shockingly, shortly after delivery sold the newborn child to one of the suspects for N145, 000.
“Upon receipt of the report, operatives immediately swung into action, leading to the arrest of the suspects and the successful recovery of the baby boy.
“The suspects reportedly confessed to the crime during interrogation, while investigation has been expanded to identify and apprehend all individuals connected to the trafficking syndicate”, John said.
She said the State’s Commissioner of Police, Baba Azare, reiterated the Command’s commitment to sustaining aggressive intelligence-led policing in the state.
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Niger Delta

A’Ibom Launches Operation Crack Down Scrap Dealers 

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6 days ago

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May 18, 2026

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The Akwa-Ibom State Government has launched a statewide crackdown on unregistered scrap dealers and scavengers, shutting down illegal operations and arresting operators accused of violating environmental and public safety regulations.
The enforcement operation, led by the Akwa Ibom State Environmental Protection and Waste Management Agency (AKSEPWMA), followed the implementation of the state’s Waste Metal Scrap Law 2026, officials said.
AKSEPWMA Chairman, Obong Prince Ikim, said the exercise was aimed at regulating the scrap sector, protect the environment, and prevent criminal groups from operating under the guise of waste collection and metal trading.
“If you want to do scrap business, you must register,” Mr. Ikim said during the operation in Uyo, the state capital.
“Many people now hide under scrap trading to perpetrate nefarious activities”, he said.
According to him, dump site operators and scrap dealers who failed to register with the government risked closure and prosecution.
Authorities accused some operators of involvement in vandalism of public infrastructure and indiscriminate waste disposal, adding that investigations had uncovered criminal activities linked to several dump sites across the state.
“Some people vandalise government facilities in the name of scrap business and encourage indiscriminate dumping of refuse,” Mr. Ikim said.
He added that the state government and security agencies would continue efforts to enforce compliance and maintain public order.
“The Commissioner of Police has zero tolerance for criminality, and the Governor wants Akwa Ibom people to sleep with their eyes closed. We will fish out every defaulter”, he said.
Police officials involved in the operation said investigations showed that some criminal suspects used scrap yards and refuse dump sites as cover for illegal activities.
CSP Okwuzulike Vincent of the Itam Police Station said some suspects pretended to be mentally unstable while hiding ammunition and other suspicious items in makeshift shelters around dump locations.
The police officer praised the environmental agency for what he described as proactive efforts to sanitise the sector and pledged continued cooperation between law enforcement and the agency.
Officials said some first-time offenders arrested during the operation were released after profiling and signing undertakings, while repeat offenders would face prosecution.
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