Flowerbud News

Month: November 2023

  • NNPP debunks merger talks with other parties

    NNPP debunks merger talks with other parties

    By Adeyemi Adeleye

    The New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) said on Thursday in Lagos that it is not engaging in merger talks with any political party.

    This is contained in a statement issued by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Alhaji AbdulRazaq AbdulSalam.

    “NNPP is an independent political group as such we stands firm in our commitment to respect all political parties and refuses to engage in merging with any party to combat another.

    “Our party values inclusivity and maintains a non-partisan approach.

    “It is crucial to note that those engaging the merger talk have been expelled from NNPP, and the party currently faces internal conflicts, pending court resolution.

    “Until proven otherwise, these internal matters take precedence,” the NNPP spokesman said.

    According to him, the resolution of the NNPP Board of Trustees (BOT) remains that the Abba Kawu- led National Working Committee (NWC) is dissolved and Sen. Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso is expelled from the party.

    “While we note the merger proposal, the stance of our party is clear: we are not interested in the merger offer at this point,” AbdulSalam said.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the crisis within the NNPP started when the NWC of the party loyal to Kwankwaso, announced the suspension of the NNPP founder, Dr Boniface Aniebonam and the National Publicity Secretary, Dr Agbo Major on August 24.

    Consequently, the National Executive Committee of the party announced the expulsion of Kwankwaso, the party’s 2023 Presidential Candidate, following his alleged refusal to appear before the party’s disciplinary committee.

    The crisis within the party has continued to fester.

    NAN

  • Egypt says no limit to number of patients it will accept from Gaza

    Egypt says no limit to number of patients it will accept from Gaza

    By Flowerbud News

    Nov. 16, 2023

    Egypt sees no upper limit to the admission and treatment of injured people from the embattled Gaza Strip for the time being.

    The head of the hospital in al-Arish ,near the border crossing, has told journalists.

    Ahmed Mansur said on Wednesday that Egypt was prepared to accept any number of injured people as long as they could  reach the Rafah border crossing.

    He added that other hospitals were also still prepared to admit Palestinians.

    Egypt’s Health Minister ,Khalid Abdel Ghaffar, had already stated that all injured people travelling to the country would be treated.

    “We are ready to treat all medical cases that come through the Rafah border crossing, but the Israeli side is controlling their numbers,’’ he said recently.

    Since the border was reopened on Oct. 21, around 150 injured people from the sealed-off Palestinian coastal area have crossed it, according to Egyptian figures.

    Among them were people with broken bones, severe burns, injured organs and severed limbs, Mansur said.

    The number of injured people treated in Egypt is negligible compared to the number of those wounded in the Gaza Strip.

    According to an information office in the Hamas-controlled administration, the number of Palestinians killed there has risen to 11,500, while 29,000 people have been injured since the war began on Oct. 7.

    The information could not initially be independently confirmed.

    The war started when militants from Hamas and other organisations attacked Israel, leaving around 1,200 dead.

    They took about 240 people as hostages back to Gaza.

    dpa/NAN

  • LAST week, Kepala Batas MP Siti Mastura Muhammad ‘revealed’ that veteran DAP politician Tan Sri Lim Kit Siang allegedly had familial ties with the former Singapore Prime Minister, Lee Kuan Yew and the Communist leader, Chin Peng.
    She also implicated other DAP leaders, including its Secretary-General and Transport Minister Anthony Loke, National Vice Chairman and Housing and Local Government Minister, Nga Kor Ming; Beruas MP, Ngeh Koo Ham and Seputeh MP Teresa Kok had familial relations.

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    Bersatu Information Committee member Badrul Hisham Shaharin, also known as Che’gu Bard, also revealed that the same material was found in the Barisan Nasional (BN) Communication Campaign Materials book which was labelled ‘secret’ for the 15th General Election (GE15).
    So far, Mastura is still keeping her mouth sealed. No correction. No apologies.
    There have been no apologies or counter statements from Pas or Perikatan Nasional (PN) and now Kit Siang’s son, Lim Guan Eng
    There was no statement from Pas or PN until Kit Siang’s son, Guan Eng recently initiated legal action against her after the 48-hour deadline given to the Pas lawmaker to substantiate her claims lapsed.

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    It was the same for the leadership of Umno and Barisan Nasional (BN), where no one came forward to deny CheguBad’s accusations or apologise.
    Accusations and fake news are not new in Malaysian politics, and certainly not limited to Umno and Pas.
    What attracts my attention is how the propaganda of these political parties is presented.
    I am not at all surprised that Pas and Umno until GE15 want to convince Malay voters that DAP will harm their interests if they come to power. To win votes, political parties always need to emphasise their strengths to diiferentiate themselves from their competitors.
    This is the same for a variety of instant noodles of different brands and different tastes, where its the same product but they need ti differentiate themselves in the market.

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    What appeals to me is that DAP has been in power as a component of PH in Penang and Selangor since 2008 and joined the Federal government twice in 2018 and 2022.
    If it is true, how hard is it to find solid evidence that DAP’s policy has harmed the Malays? The think tank of the parties opposing DAP did not do research or there is no evidence?
    Creating a false story of familial ties and conveying it in a confident tone actually shows the party’s lack of confidence in trying to find a difference in output so it has to ride on fear.
    Fear is a human instinct. Without fear, we will sleep, do not know how to avoid danger, and do not know how to think about the future. However, fear can also be played by evil elements. One of the best examples is the phone scammer gang. They steal our money by triggering our fears about the safety of our loved ones or the safety of our accounts.

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    Just as we reject telephone ‘scammers’ who are hidden at the other end of the line, we should also reject political ‘scammers’ who are in front of our eyes.
    It doesn’t matter which party, it doesn’t matter who the individual is, it doesn’t matter what kind of phobia they want to trigger, whether it’s phobia against China, against Muslims, against Arabs, against the West, let us reject the fear based politics rooted in stupidity.
    Parties and politicians should be professional in highlighting their differences from their competitors. Don’t be lazy to research and communicate policy differences. Don’t fool the supporters who trust you. Deers are not cousins ​​of donkeys. Compete smartly. Don’t make people feel ashamed.

  • 20-year-old kills father in Kaduna

    20-year-old kills father in Kaduna

    A 20-year-old man, David Felix, has allegedly killed his father for appearing in his dream.

     

    He was said to have committed the crime at their residence in Madakiya village, Zango-Kataf Local Government Area of Kaduna State.

     

    He claimed that his father appeared in his dreams as a bird with a human face, attempting to harm him, hence he had no choice but to kill him.

     

    The incident, according to police, occurred on September 30, 2023, before the boy was apprehended.

    It was gathered that during an interrogation at the State Police Command Headquarters, the suspect admitted to the crime, expressing regret for his actions.

     

    He narrated that he took the step after waking up from sleep, using a pestle to assault his father while he was asleep.

     

    The state Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Mansir Hassan, who presented the suspect to journalists on Wednesday announced that charges would be filed once the investigation was concluded.

  • Student blames fatigue as OAU lecturer slumps, dies

    Student blames fatigue as OAU lecturer slumps, dies

    The academic community of the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Osun State has been thrown into mourning following the death of a lecturer in the Faculty of Education, Dr. Ayo Ojediran, who reportedly slumped in his office.

     

    Sources on the campus said Ojediran was rushed to the institution’s clinic immediately he slumped on Tuesday, but could not make it.

     

    Speaking on the incident during an interview with the PUNCH Online on Wednesday, the President, Faculty of Education Students Association of Nigeria, Victor Adesokan, said he was with Ojediran the night before his death.

     

    According to him, the deceased, whom he described as a father, complained of headache, adding that the lecturer appeared very weak.

     

    Adesokan, who complained of inadequate academic personnel in the faculty, noted that Ojediran’s demise is the fourth death among the lecturers in the faculty in the outgoing year, and called for recruitment of more hands to ease the burden of the current staff members.

     

    He said, “On Monday night, he complained of headache and stress. We told him to rest. They (lecturers) have too much workload on them. The school needs to recruit more lecturers most especially that Faculty of Education.

     

    “For example, a lecturer that is supposed to be a level adviser will now be doing the work of 6 to 7 lecturers.

    “Throughout last week, they couldn’t rest, all of them almost 70% of them. This is the fourth death that will be recorded this year in that faculty. Government and the school management should stop wasting our lecturers’ lives

     

  • Strike: Labour lists 6 conditions before suspension of action

    Strike: Labour lists 6 conditions before suspension of action

    The Labour union delegation comprising NLC and TUC members on Wednesday met with the National Security Adviser and government team including the ministers of Labour and Employment have said that they received several appeals and assurances from the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu on promises of what they are going to do regarding the attack on NLC President, Joe Ajaero and other demands.

    President of the Trade Union Congress, Festus Osifo who spoke on behalf of Labour after the meeting said however that the delegation will take every discussion and conversation they have had with the government, back to the organs of labour and inform them before a decision can be taken on whether the strike should be called off or not

    He said, “We came here for a discussion. The NSA invited us in furtherance of a press release he issued disclosing that some persons have been arrested in connection with the brutality meted out to the NLC President. At the end of the day, he made several promises of what they were going to do and several appeals for the strike to be called off.

    “We had a robust conversation and we told him our side of the issue. The strike was caused by something and the strike is a symptom of the problem. Every conversation we have had, we are taking it back to our organs.

    “The NSA promised to coordinate all the steps and issues involved. We will go back, and reappraise the conversations we have had, with all the assurances they have given us, before coming out with a decision.

    On his part, the minister of Labour and Employment, Mr Simon Lalong disclosed that labour and government representatives had very fruitful, genuine and frank discussions of the issues involved.

    “It is an ongoing discussion. We have not received any commitment on when the strike will be called off. We have appealed to them. We don’t expect the strike to take a long time”.

    Six conditions

    Meanwhile, the national leadership of NLC on Wednesday listed six conditions that must be met before suspending the action.

    NLC, in a post on its official X handle, said the conditions include the arrest and prosecution of Chinasa Nwaneri, a Special Adviser to the Imo governor on special duties who allegedly led the attack on the NLC president and other workers in the state.

    It also said all police officers as well as thugs involved in the attack on the labour leader should be arrested, prosecuted and dismissed.

    Other demands include the arrest, prosecution and dismissal of the Chief Security Officer in Imo State Government House, simply identified as SP Shaba.

    “He led, participated and provided cover for thugs to brutalise workers in Imo State,” the NLC alleged.

    The labour union also demanded the arrest, prosecution, and dismissal of an unnamed police area commander who, it claimed, oversaw the brutalization of the NLC president and other workers in the state.

    The final condition is that Ahmed Barde, the former Commissioner of Police in Imo State, be investigated and prosecuted for his alleged involvement in the assault on the NLC chief.

    “Our demands are simple. We want justice” the union demanded.

    The Minister of Labour and Employment, Simon Bako Lalong, and the Minister of State for Employment, Hon. Nkeiruka Onyeajeocha, were in attendance at the meeting held at the Office of the National Security Adviser, ONSA.

    Also, in attendance were labour leaders led by TUC President, Festus Osifo, NLC Secretary General, Emmanuel Ugboaja, and other Labour leaders.

    Recall that the NLC and the TUC had declared an indefinite nationwide strike on Tuesday, to protest the arrest and brutalisation of NLC President, Joe Ajaero, by Policemen, in Owerri, Imo State on November 1, 2023

  • Breaking: Labour suspends strike

    Breaking: Labour suspends strike

    The Joint National Executive Council, NEC, meeting of the Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, and Trade Union Congress of Nigeria, TUC, have suspended the ongoing strike over the battering of the NLC President, Joe Ajaero, among other pending issues.

    The strike was suspended following the intervention of the Federal Government through the Office of the National Security Adviser, NSA.

    However, discussions on the labour demands would continue.

     

  • BREAKING: Air Peace passengers didn’t meet entry requirements – Saudi Embassy

    BREAKING: Air Peace passengers didn’t meet entry requirements – Saudi Embassy

    The Royal Embassy of Saudi Arabia said the visas of Air Peace passengers were cancelled because they did not meet the entry requirements of the country.

     

    The Saudi Embassy disclosed this in a statement issued in Abuja on Wednesday.

    It said the applicable rules and regulations of Saudi Arabia were not met, as they submitted incorrect information.

    Recall that on Monday, 264 passengers on an Air Peace flight arrived in Jeddah after leaving Nigeria on Sunday, but Saudi authorities cancelled their visas, ordering the airline to take them back to Nigeria.

     

    However, 87 passengers were later allowed to remain in Saudi, while 177 passengers were flown back to Nigeria by Air Peace.

     

    The Saudi embassy said upon the passengers’ arrival in Jeddah, it was discovered that incorrect information was submitted to obtain a category of visa that doesn’t apply to them.

     

    “The Royal Embassy of Saudi Arabia in Abuja would like to make a clarification about the media reports and Social Media releases concerning the deportation of Nigerian citizens at the point of entry into the Kingdom,” the embassy said.

     

    “The passengers whom were denied entry, and subsequently deported to their initial destinations, didn’t fulfill the entry conditions and requirements in accordance with the applicable rules and regulations of the Kingdom, as they submitted incorrect information to obtain a category of visa that doesn’t apply to them, which was discovered upon their arrival.

     

    “The Royal Embassy would like to stress the importance of following the procedures and laws enacted by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for all visitors.

     

    “Furthermore, all passengers should review all the documents to determine their conformity with the conditions prior departing from their countries to the Kingdom.”

    The Saudi embassy said the procedure was not limited to Nigerian citizens only, but rather to citizens of other countries.

  • Enugu Govt introduces HPV vaccine into routine immunization in PHC facilities

    Enugu Govt introduces HPV vaccine into routine immunization in PHC facilities

     

    By Flowerbudnews
    Enugu:  The Enugu State Government has successfully introduced Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) vaccination into routine immunization in Primary Healthcare Centres (PHCs) facilities within the state.

    The government had designated 10 PHCs in each of the state’s 17 council areas as facilities for administering the newly introduced HPV vaccine after a successful statewide campaign on the vaccination that lasted over a week.

    The Executive Secretary of ENS-PHCDA, Dr Ifeyinwa Ani-Osheku, told newsmen in Enugu on Wednesday that the introduction as a routine immunisation followed successful conclusion of a comprehensive statewide HPV vaccine introduction campaign.

    Ani-Osheku said that the groundbreaking statewide campaign on HPV vaccination, spanning five days with an additional three-day mop-up phase, introduced the life-saving Gardasil vaccine to young girls between the ages of nine and 14 in the state.

    According to her, the introduction of the HPV vaccine in Enugu State was marked by a series of high-level pre-implementation activities that brought together various stakeholders, including religious, traditional, media and civil society leaders.

    “These collaborative efforts culminated in a spectacular flag-off ceremony at Enugu State Teaching Hospital, Parklane, Enugu on Oct. 24, which was graciously performed by His Excellency the Executive Governor of Enugu State, Dr Peter Mbah through the Deputy Governor, Chief Ifeanyi Ossai.

    “This historic day set the stage for a groundbreaking initiative that would improve the lives of countless young girls.

    “This momentous campaign, which took place from Oct. 24 to Oct. 29, simultaneously covered all 17 Local Government Areas within Enugu State.

    “The Gardasil vaccine, which has been in existence for over 17 years, has been scientifically proven to be both safe and effective in preventing cervical cancer.

    “The vaccine has also received certification from the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) as safe and effective,” she said.

    She noted that state government demonstrated its commitment to this vital public health effort by being among the first states to promptly release the required counterpart funds as requested by the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA).

    The executive secretary said that the state government’s dedication to the programme was further exemplified by seven council chairmen who organised simultaneous flag-off events in their respective areas.

    She said: “Enugu State received a total of 244,707 vials of the HPV vaccine and, to date, has successfully vaccinated over 218,651 eligible young girls.

    “The programme achieved a remarkable success rate, with over 66 per cent of the target population now protected against cervical cancer.

    “In light of this remarkable success, the Gardasil vaccine has been seamlessly integrated into routine immunization services, ensuring easy access at the PHC facilities across the state.

    “These facilities can be found in various locations (PHC centres within the 17 council areas) to accommodate every resident, making the vaccine widely accessible to all at no cost and close to their doorstep.”

    Ani-Osheku noted that the HPV vaccine remained free, safe and effective, adding: “I strongly urge everyone to dismiss baseless claims/misinformation by individuals who lack scientific evidence to support their allegations regarding the vaccine’s safety”.

    She said that parental consent is of paramount importance before administering the vaccine to eligible girls, and therefore encourages all parents and guardians to participate actively in this life-saving endeavor.

    “Enugu State has taken a significant step towards protecting the health and future of our young girls, and we remain committed to promoting overall well-being and public health.

    “We extend our deepest gratitude to all stakeholders, healthcare workers, and the people of Enugu State for their unwavering support in making this initiative a resounding success,” she added.

    The ENS-PHCDA is a government agency dedicated to improving healthcare delivery at the PHC level within Enugu State.

    The ENSPHCDA is committed to providing quality and accessible healthcare services to the people of Enugu State and working towards the overall health and well-being of communities in each 17 council areas. (Flowerbudnews)