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Fulfill Promise On Restructuring, Afenifere, Ohanaeze Tell Buhari

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Regional socio-political groups; Afenifere and Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, have called on President Muhammadu Buhari, to leave a lasting legacy for Nigerians by overseeing the process that would lead to a fresh constitution and thereafter the restructuring of the country.
The two groups stated their demands, yesterday, while sending greetings to Buhari on the occasion of his 79th birthday on December 17, 2021.
Afenifere leader, Pa Ayo Adebanjo, said changing the 1999 Constitution should come first before the politicking of the 2023 presidential elections.
He said, “For him (Buhari) to leave a legacy for Nigeria, he should change the Constitution now before the next election; if not, he would leave Nigeria in chaos. Changing the Constitution should come before dangling the Presidency before anybody. That should not even arise now at all.”
The Aare Onakakanfo of Yorubaland, Gani Adams, urged the President to embrace restructuring and fiscal federalism, saying the move would solve the secessionist agitations rocking the country.
Adams said, “I congratulate Mr President as he clocks 79, but I also use this opportunity to call on him to solve Nigeria’s problems before leaving at 80 plus.
“Insecurity, poor economy, everything that affects the country today needs political solution and by this, I mean we should go back to the basics and allow the federating units to govern themselves.
“The President should write his name in the space of history as one of the Presidents that solved the problems of this country finally because if he refuses to do that, there is no way he can stop those agitating for secession because people want change and they want to leave in a an environment that is conducive to them.
“He should call his team, and with the cooperation of the National Assembly resolve the issue of this country.”
Also, Ohanaeze’s National Publicity Secretary, Chief Alex Ogbonnia, said the President should use the occasion of his 79th birthday to serve as “a turning point in renewing his relationship with the Igbo”.
The Ohanaeze spokesman said Buhari’s relationship with the people of the South-East “is not enough; we are not satisfied. He should do more in all ramifications like standing for an Igbo man to be the President of Nigeria.”
Buhari, from Katsina State, was Nigeria’s head of state between December 1983 and August 1985 before his return as civilian President in May, 2015.
During his campaign as the flag-bearer of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2015, Buhari had promised to restructure the country along the line of regional autonomy.
The party had also included the issue in its Constitution to convince Nigerians of its seriousness about the issue.
Specifically, Article 7(ii) of the April 2014 APC Constitution (as amended), said its aims and objectives was “to promote true federalism in the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”
The party then set up the Governor Nasir El-Rufai-led 23-member committee on true federalism, which submitted its report on January 14, 2018.
But four years after its submission of the report, the Buhari regime has yet to act on the recommendations of the committee on true federalism.
A founding member of APC and ex-Interim National Chairman of the ruling party, Chief Bisi Akande, in an attempt to defend the unwillingness of the Buhari regime to pursue restructuring, in his recently released book, ‘My Participations’, flatly denied that the President and the APC promised to do so as part of campaign promises.

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Acting Provost Dismisses Alleged Missing Equipment Claims At Rivers Health College

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The Acting Provost of the Rivers State College of Health Science and Management Technology, Dr. (Mrs.) Peace Chigozirim Amadi has refuted claims circulating in the media suggesting that laboratory equipment went missing from the college.
In a recent statement, Dr. Amadi described the reports—particularly those attributed to certain publications—as false and misleading. She emphasized that all laboratory equipment at the college remain intact.
“I am here to set the record straight. No laboratory equipment disappeared from my college. Nothing is missing,” Dr. Amadi said, challenging anyone with contrary claims to provide evidence, including the names of the equipment and their supposed locations.
She further noted that the college recently underwent an accreditation exercise, during which significant investments were made in laboratory equipment. According to Dr. Amadi, these items are fully accounted for, and the college maintains a robust security system to protect its assets.
“Everything is intact. Nothing disappeared. The information being circulated is false and should be discarded,” she reiterated.
Beyond addressing the allegations, Dr. Amadi also called on media practitioners to exercise professionalism and verify stories before publication. “I want to plead with journalists to always verify their stories. Junk journalism does not help anyone. No matter the information you receive, it is important to hear the other side before publishing,” she said.
While social media posts have occasionally raised concerns about various issues in the region’s health education sector, including extortion and examination malpractice at related institutions, there is no independent evidence from credible news sources confirming that equipment went missing from Rivers State College of Health Science and Management Technology.
The college, a public tertiary institution based in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, is accredited to offer a variety of health-related programs, including Nursing, Midwifery, Laboratory Technology, and Environmental Health. It has consistently emphasised integrity, safety, and transparency in its operations.
Dr. Amadi’s statement seeks to reassure the public, students, and stakeholders that the college remains secure, well-managed, and free from the alleged equipment losses, while urging journalists to prioritise accuracy in reporting.

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Hausa Leader Lauds Fubara For Sustaining Peace, Security In Rivers

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The Chairman of the Arewa Traditional Council of Chiefs in Rivers State, Alhaji Hussaini Isa Madaki, has commended Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State for his efforts in sustaining peace and security of lives and property across the state.
Madaki, who is also the Sarkin Hausawa in Rivers State, described the governor as a leader who has embraced the Hausa community as part of the larger family in the state.
Speaking with journalists at his office in Port Harcourt during the 2026 Eid al-Fitr celebration, Madaki noted that Governor Fubara has demonstrated fairness and inclusiveness by not segregating any ethnic group, particularly the Hausa community.
He added that the governor’s peaceful disposition has positioned Rivers State as one of the most accommodating and peaceful states in the country.
Madaki further assured that the Hausa community would continue to give maximum support to the Fubara-led administration until the end of its tenure.
He also urged members of the community to remain peaceful and law-abiding as they go about their lawful activities.
On community development, Madaki disclosed that district and ward heads have been appointed and crowned across Hausa settlements in the State to ensure proper coordination and profiling of residents. According to him, the initiative is aimed at strengthening security, enhancing identification, and improving crisis management at the grassroots level.
He explained that the move became necessary due to recurring security concerns, including disturbances allegedly caused by some scavengers and cart pushers.
Madaki called on the newly appointed leaders to promote inclusiveness, harmony, and peaceful coexistence in the discharge of their responsibilities.
Those appointed include Alhaji Abubakar as Port Harcourt City District Head; Alhaji Buba Usman (Eleme axis); Malam Adamu (Eagle Island); Alhaji Tanlasuki (Gborokiri Yam Zone); Abdullahi (Rumukwurushi); Adamu Suleiman (Aboloma); and Useni Umaru (D-Line).
He appealed to Governor Fubara to formally recognise the efforts of the Hausa leadership structure in the State and extend further support in the spirit of inclusivity and unity.

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Spread RIVCHPP Message, Dr Agala Urges Rivers Residents

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Residents of Rivers State have been called upon to actively promote the programmes of the Rivers State Contributory Health Protection Programme (RIVCHPP) to enhance awareness and boost enrolment across the state.
The Executive Secretary/Chief Executive Officer of RIVCHPP, Dr. Vetty Agala, made the appeal during a sensitisation and enrolment engagement held at the palace of the Eze-elect of Oyigbo, Eze Samuel N. Azuh, on Wednesday, March 25, 2026. Dr. Agala was represented at the event by the Head of Planning of the agency, Dr. Juliet Aleme.
She emphasised that increased awareness of the health insurance scheme would enable more residents to understand and benefit from the initiative, which is designed to provide access to quality healthcare services without financial hardship at the point of need.
According to her, RIVCHPP is a comprehensive health insurance scheme open to residents across the 23 local government areas of Rivers State. She noted that the programme reflects the commitment of Governor Siminalayi Fubara to improving the welfare of citizens, particularly by ensuring accessible and affordable healthcare.
Dr. Agala further disclosed that both the federal and state governments have already covered health insurance premiums for a segment of the population classified as vulnerable, urging more residents to enrol and take advantage of the scheme.
In his response, the Eze-elect of Oyigbo, Eze Samuel N. Azuh (Eze Oha III), expressed appreciation to RIVCHPP and Pamo University for bringing the sensitisation and health outreach to the community. He commended the state government for sustaining the initiative and assured that his people would embrace the opportunity to enrol.
The traditional ruler, however, appealed for an expansion of the vulnerable category to accommodate more citizens. He also urged the agency to include coverage for eye-related ailments and surgical procedures in its benefit package.
Earlier, the Head of Community Medicine at Pamo University, Iriebe, Dr. Chidinma Opara, revealed that research conducted by 600-level medical students indicated low awareness of RIVCHPP programmes and poor utilisation of primary healthcare centres in Oyigbo Local Government Area.
She explained that the findings prompted the institution to collaborate with RIVCHPP to intensify awareness campaigns, particularly targeting underserved communities, to ensure wider access to the scheme’s benefits.
As part of the collaboration, a facility visit was conducted to the Pamo University Teaching Hospital, Port Harcourt, for an on-the-spot assessment of its facilities. Discussions are currently underway between RIVCHPP and the hospital’s management to onboard the facility as a service provider for enrollees under the scheme.
The engagement forms part of ongoing efforts by RIVCHPP to expand its reach and strengthen healthcare delivery across Rivers State.

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