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The Post Covid-19 Era Is Pregnant, How Will The Offsprings Look Like?

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The Post Covid-19 Era Is Pregnant, How Will The Offsprings Look Like?

By Dr. Buhari Habibu

[dropcap]C[/dropcap]ausative agents of most diseases are so small that they cannot be seen with an unaided eye. Still, they cause disease in humans and animals that greatly affects the way humans live for centuries. Many infectious diseases have significantly affected how and where we live, our economies, our cultures and daily habits. Many of these changes remain long after the diseases have been eradicated. For instance, the European bubonic plague of 1348-1350 that eliminated about two-thirds (at least 20 million people) of the European population at that time, slowed urbanisation, industrial development and economic growth as people left cities and settled for rural and agricultural life.

Under-development in a given country can be viewed in relation to how the citizens think, the tools they use in their daily activities and what they eat. These thought of the citizens give them a certain mindset. If the mindset of the citizens favours corruption or socio-economic development, same will be reflected in all structures that make up the country. Undoubtedly, any nation whose citizens believe solely in the use of foreign tools in their daily activities, such country remains at the bottom when technologically developed nations are ranked and such a nation will continue to waste its locally generated wealth in importing technology from foreign nations. Furthermore, the food a nation consumes, especial dietary protein, reflects its level of development. A nation that has made the appropriate investment, technology and policy wise in indigenous crops and livestock development will produce healthy citizens ready to take the country from great to the greater heights always. Thus, the citizens will feed with ease as food will be cheap and even if there is poverty, there won’t be much hunger.
Almost all factors related to the development of a nation were challenged during the early days of Covid-19 pandemic, especially in Africa. The opportunities to fly abroad for medical treatment and other luxuries were no more. Facilities and materials required for medical diagnosis, research, construction, agriculture, industrial activities and other national emergencies were scarce in countries like Nigeria that depend heavily on importation. Thanks to the Almighty, the present government in Nigeria has been able to significantly cut down the importation of rice by encouraging the production and consumption of local rice. Nonetheless, the pressure and demand was high on the indigenous rice producing industries as governments, politicians and some wealthy citizens were in dire need of rice for distribution as palliatives to the poor. Multi-national companies in many countries could not sustain production for export due to the lockdown and fear of spread. Thus, only try to ensure self-sufficiency in essential commodities, locally. The implication of being a consuming nation became very obvious in Nigeria that even the mediocre member of the society could easily comprehend what was happening. Everyone started shouting ‘we have learnt our lessons and will correct our mistake when the dust of Covid-19 is settled’. We saw the need to start having what is truly ours and have some levels of independence and self-sufficiency. The emptiness in our hospitals, universities, diagnostic and research laboratories became very apparent and echoed like an empty warehouse, loud enough to be perceived by the deaf. Moreover, the level of poverty among the lower class became very glaring even to the visually impaired as many of such citizens could not feed themselves even for a day without leaving their houses to trade or do miniature jobs. In some communities where Covid-19 palliatives were distributed, some of the persons involved in the distribution of such palliatives were attacked by hungry, angry and greedy youths and the palliative food carted away.

Infectious diseases, as well as the search for cures, have had great influence on economies over the centuries. No nation had its fortunes from heavens or on a platter of gold. Every intervention or discovery is through sincere commitment of leaders and dedicated readiness of the follower to work. For instance, despite the age-long challenge of malaria, it was in 1623 when ten cardinals and hundreds of their attendants died that Pope Urban VII declared that a cure for malaria must be found. Jesuit priests travelled from Europe to South America to learn about local treatments. In 1631, they identified quinine, made from the bark of the local cinchona tree in Peru, as a cure. For the first time, probably, both the government and the citizens sincerely acknowledge the need to look inward for solutions to the challenges of Nigeria, that even the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) that was on a nationwide strike gave its members the green light to start participating in activities that will alleviate the pains associated with Covid-19 pandemic and, possibly bring it to an end. Equally, the government and the citizens remembered that indigenous scientists, medical doctors and other professionals are of value and could at any time, be called to save the nation. However, prolong dependence on foreign services and products make this quite difficult in an urgent situation due to chronic neglect of these sectors as a result of our inability to painstakingly develop what is truly ours. Notwithstanding, institutions of higher learning and individuals started making some efforts to rescue the ugly situation. Medical doctors were busy in the hospital and researchers in physical and life sciences in our universities and other institution were busy in the laboratories, all making efforts to alleviate or end the menace of Covid-19.

As at now that the impact of Covid-19 pandemic is sagging in many developing nations, especially Nigeria, little or no lesson has been learnt by the leaders and the followers. There is yet to be a solid plan to sustain and boost the little technological development achieved so far. One technological device that attracted a lot of attention during the early days of Covid-19 pandemic is the ventilator. Nigeria can now boast of a viable indigenous prototype of ventilator which needs to quickly go into commercial production. With or without Covid-19, a ventilator is critical in any serious hospital. Only God knows the number of patients that have struggled with difficulties for their lives or even lost their lives due to lack of ventilator even in our tertiary health care centres across the country. Governments at all levels and the citizens as well should never forget the socio-economic crisis and lessons associated with Covid-19 pandemic. There must be intentional and sincere efforts to sustain the little we have started and exploit more fields of science and technology for indigenous development. From available indicators and well known attitude of most Nigerians and other Africans, indigenous development as a social negative feedback in relation to the menace of Covid-19 pandemic is not realistic. As even at the peak of the Covid-19 pandemic in Nigeria, allegations of corruption, malpractice and dishonesty still marred the distribution of palliatives and managing of infected patients at the state and federal levels. Nigerians and our governments are gradually forgetting about the challenge of the early days of Covid-19 crisis. Moreover, African is less affected. As the cases of Covid-19 confirmed in the laboratory and unconfirmed case as a result of community infections never amounted to high mortality. The perception of the average citizens as they have been made to believe in the early days of Covid-19 crisis is that, the disease is only real if there is higher fatality. There is no intentional and sincere efforts to keep reminding ourselves of the fear of a closed system where every nation can only consume or utilise what it can produce locally. This on the side of the government involves enforcement of existing laws, implementation of existing policies and creation of new laws and policies to guide the nation.

What is apparent is that, the governments and citizens of the county are praying and waiting for a dramatic rise in the price of crude oil so that we can continue importing toothpick, pizza, pencils, exercise books and if possible, the oxygen to inhale. We sincerely hope that the challenge of Covid-19 pandemic will produces a set of transformed citizens and leaders that will work towards a post-Covid-19 era in which Nigeria will become truly self-reliant and economically independent. The global socio-economic rest associated with Covid-19 lockdown took everyone by surprise and its negative impacts may continue to annihilate many for a long time. Nigerians and citizens of other underdeveloped countries must take up the challenge of Covid-19 pandemic to transform their nations scientifically. If we refuse to lockdown our national borders to advance our nations and resist being dumping grounds for ever exportable product, we should know that another Covid-19-like menace may visit us unannounced. The impact may last longer and no one may be safe.
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Dr. Habibu is a Lecturer with the Department of Veterinary Physiology, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, and can be reached via email at buharihabibu@rocketmail.com

Rape: The Rise of a Strange Culture Breaking the Gate locks

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Rape: The Rise of a Strange Culture Breaking the Gate locks

[dropcap]T[/dropcap]he history of Rape almost equaled the history of man’s creation. Multiple Records of the first recorded incidence of rape in the Bible was also in the Book of Genesis.

Unarguably, biblically, rape was a constant feature among men and at a point it was taken as a thing of shame not on the victim but on the family of the master of the person raped.

In Nigeria, the offence of rape is a heinous offence and the drafters of the Criminal Code created window for life imprisonment upon conviction.

Culturally, it is an offence which stands on the same pedestal with the offence of murder since a suspect accused of rape is expected to go into hiding while his people make efforts to cleanse the shame on the face of the family of the rape victim.

Despite all these, the offence of rape in Nigeria seems to be on the increase and the question on every lip is, what is the cause?

Does it mean that the punishment stipulated for it in the extant laws is no longer heavy enough to deter would-be rapist or are there factors which ostensibly offer more incentives for rape than the risk of its punishment?

It goes without saying therefore, that if the offence of rape will be on the increase instead of on the decline, certainly the legal system in Nigeria is not doing what it is expected to do.

It has become habitual that anytime we Tune on our information sets the trend is unknown behavioural news breaking faster than the speed of a triggered bullets piercing the targeted objects.

Everyday greater percentages of women live in abject fears of anticipated attacks from either sexual harrassment, abuse or rape of some sorts perpetrated by some losed men who can bearly control their sexual urges.

For Sexual immorality, the age variance is no longer tied to below thirty years but grandfathers have also been mentioned in the forbidden act.

The reoccurring decimal of the scourge is tearing apart the originality of the Societal decodence and everyone seems to be looking for permanent ways to abate it.

The Society needs to be awake to it responsibility beyond those who have been entrusted with the responsibility of protecting life and property since they have either become overwhelmed or subjected to act the script of their paymasters.

Despite ascribing rapes as a violation of the most demeaning kind that produces fear to many victims for life, it prevalence in the country is no more a surprise because those saddled with the responsibility of providing protective measures have obviously created a society that permits the seemingly strong to seek ways to exhibit their superiority over ‘weaker’ people.

Therefore, rape may become a more blatant manifestation of a deepened deviation from our social mental factors governing a situation or activity.

Rapes have become a rising culture in our restive Society breaking fabrics of gate locks.

It is however permissive saying that, when positive means of personal identification and legitimate expression are suppressed, the devil is empowered.

The simple truth is that, no sane society should condone rape which regrettably, is fast becoming a social epidemic, with children now successive victims of the growing bestiality.

Over the years, we have seen pathetic sights in hospitals of some minors whose urinary and rectal passages have been ruptured so that they are uncontrollably leaking urine and faeces.

Although surgical operation may repair such injuries, then, most mothers whose daughters are victims cannot afford such health interventions.

By so doing, many homes are left with several vulnerable underage girls who are permanently damaged for life.

In the aftermath of a sexual assault or rape, survivors can face extremely difficult and painful emotions and experiences with every survivor responding to traumatic events in their own way.

The effects of the trauma can be short-term or last long after the sexual assault or rape.

The unpleasant death of a University of Benin female undergraduate, Vera Uwaila Omozuwa, has renewed the several calls to ward off all attempts allowing the menace to continue to perforate the halo values.

Seemly the assault has brought to limelight, once again, the issue of gender-based violence in the country.

However, Groups have assembled across the country to protest unanimously against the ‘allienic’ crusher seen as worst than the pandemic spread of Covid-19 in recent times.

In the time past, angry Nigerians have taking to the street demonstrating their frustrations why successive Governments have maintained a mute in openly prosecuting offenders with higher penalties to stermoff it occurrence.

Another organized number of protesters on Friday stormed the Nigeria Police Headquarters in Abuja, police commands in Lagos, Ibadan, Jigawa and Edo states, where the rising spate of rape, sexual violence, assault against women and incest in the country have become predominant.

Key in their agreements and demands was the declaration of state-of-emergency on gender-based violence in the country.

Domestication of the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Act and Child Rights Act in all states of the federation.

“Establishment of Sexual Assault Referral Centers (SARC) in every state, backed with a coordinated, sustainably-funded support system”.

“Criminalisation and prompt state-led prosecution of SGBV cases within, regardless of requests or interference by the victim’s family or interested parties; Implementation of functional Family Support Units and Force Gender Units at the state level that are well equipped to address SGBV cases”.

“The imposition of public disciplinary measures against officials of the Nigeria Police and state Prosecutors that mishandle cases of SGBV”.

The protesters who demanded justice for the rape and killing of Vera Uwaila Omozuwa, Bello Barakat and other victims in the country, called on the police and other security agencies to devise effective strategies to checkmate the rising cases of sexual assault in Nigeria.

Such acts of sex-related violence are not only perceived as barbaric but criminal, as the Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed said during the week while highlighting the case where 14 men allegedly gang-raped a 12-year-old girl in Jigawa State.

In Edo State, Government has assured the parents, relatives and friends of late Vera Uwaila Omozuwa, as well as the student community in the State of thorough investigation to unravel the circumstances that led to the death of the 100 level student of the University of Benin (UNIBEN).

In a recent call by the Commissioner for Social Development and Gender Issues, Hon. Maria Edeko, gave the assurance when she addressed protesting students, who stormed Government House, Benin City, to register their displeasure over the gruesome murder of the undergraduate.

She assured that the Police has been mandated to fish out, arrest and prosecute the masterminds of the heinous crime.

She said the Governor Godwin Obaseki-led administration is resolute in ensuring the perpetrators of the crime are made to face the full weight of the law,

She noted that the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) law has been domesticated in the state to deal with such crimes.

According to her, “On behalf of the governor, I express deep pain over this incident. We are saddened over the matter because the deceased represents the old and the young. In this age and time when so many persons do not even think about studying, Vera Uwaila went to the church to read.

Her death is disheartening, more so that the heinous crime was committed in a sacred place of worship.”

Edeko added that an Edo State Government delegation has visited the family of the deceased student to
commiserate with them and extend the governor’s deepest condolences.

Spokesperson for the protesters, Stephen Uzochukwu, urged the state government and other relevant stakeholders to ensure justice is served for late Vera Uwaila Omozuwa and other persons who are victims of rape and violence.

Sex crimes have attracted national attention over the past weeks after the high-profile rape and murder of Uwaila Omozuwa, a 22-year-old first year student of the University of Benin.

The Jigawa State Police Command also announced the arrest of 11 men who had, at different times and on many occasions, allegedly raped a 12-year-old girl.

This was then followed by the rape and murder of Barakat Bello, 18, at the home she shared with her family on Monday, June 1.

Many Nigerians have called for stiffer penalties for rapists, as well as the faithful implementation of current laws

In a dramatic session in the lower chambers of the national Assembly, A majority of the members of the House voted against another member’s recommendation to castrate rapists.

James Faleke, representative of Ikeja Federal Constituency, Lagos, made the recommendation during plenary on Thursday, June 4, 2020. The recommendation comes on the heels of strings of vicious sex crimes that have attracted national attention over the past weeks.

Rotimi Agunsoye, representative of Kosofe Federal Constituency, Lagos, raised a motion of urgent public importance on the need to condemn the rising cases of sexual violence and other social vices against women, including police brutality.

However, The Senate has also initiated moves to actualise capital punishment for persons convicted for rape.

At its plenary recently, the Senate said that the need for stiffer penalties including death sentence for anyone convicted of rape-related offences, was imperative.

The senators warned that the rising cases of rape of minors and infants must be taken seriously by the federal government with majority of them canvassing death sentence.

They argued that stiffer penalties on rapists of minors and infants in Nigeria would help curb the menace.

The Senate came to the position following a motion of urgent public importance sponsored by Senator Rose Oko (PDP, Cross River North), entitled “Rising incidences of rape of minors.”

After considering the motion, the Senate directed its committees on Judiciary, Police Affairs, Women Affairs and Social Development, when constituted to interface with the relevant stakeholders in order to evolve ways to enhance the enforcement and implementation of all legislations and policies aimed at protecting minors from rapists and other forms of violence.

The Upper House also directed the aforementioned committees to review the relevant legislations with a view to providing stiffer penalties against sexual abuse on infants and minors in the country.

The offence of rape in Nigeria was an isolated incident. It occurred once in a while and when it did it was greeted with incredulity and surprise.

However, despite the fact that the offence carries a life term imprisonment, it has now become a daily occurrence in Nigeria.

It seems that the law as it is, is incapable of deterring the naked and raw urge to subdue and abuse a woman.

There exists a conspiracy of silence whenever the offence of rape is committed.

It is this conspiracy of silence in relation to rape that all must seek to unravel with a view to pointing out the areas where the law appears to be encouraging the offence.

The criminal justice system encourages the crime of rape in Nigeria.

In Nigeria, the fear of stigma (or persecution) discourages victims of sexual violence from formalising the reports of incidents involving them.

Many of the policy briefs of the National Crime and Safety Survey have always depicted how prevalent sexual violence is, as well as the fact that our society seems to be living in denial about this crime.

The conclusion is that victims of rape hardly lodge reports for fear that their cases would not be treated seriously, that they would be stigmatised or that corruption would hinder effective investigation.

To fight the menace, a point of safe, protective and comforting recourse must exist for victims of sexual violence to address their immediate needs as well as to enable them summon the courage to pursue the ends of justice. While diligent prosecution and swift and exemplary sanctions would certainly send a strong signal to the perpetrators to desist, the media remains a necessary partner in sustained efforts to curb these wanton acts of evil.

While human rights violations of this nature occur everywhere in the world, as the sick, the evil and the deranged exist in all societies, the only manner in which citizens can feel safe and secure is where the response to crime is swift, efficient and effective.

That is what the current situation demands from the relevant authorities. We must all be ready to stand up to fight this menace which violates the dignity of minors and women.

It is therefore important a need for the review of the law on rape in Nigeria to expand the definition and make it an offence for both sexes.

Moreso, the process of the trial of a rape offence should be reviewed. The State should make provisions for the victims of rape and provide counselors for them.

Hospitals especially general hospitals may be designated as rape test centers and the employment of nurses or other health care providers to render assistance.

Furthermore the state should set up special courts to try offences of rape and where possible in camera to protect the virtues or dignity of the victim.

Prosecution for the offence of rape should be wholly state sponsored and the victim should remain what she is in law and that is a witness.

It is my thinking that if these measures are adopted, the rising incidents of rape
may be reduced.

Delta NMA To Begin Strike Over Kidnapped Member Monday

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Gov. Ifeanyi Okowa

[dropcap]T[/dropcap]he Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) has directed its members to withdraw medical services across Delta State beginning Monday May 8, 2020 over the kidnap of a medical doctor, Dr Wisdom Iboyitete, at the General Hospital, Ojobo in Burutu Local Government Area of the state.

NMA, while condemning the abduction of the medical doctor, lamented that its members have become endanger species in the hands of criminal elements across the state.

The association in a statement signed by its state chairman, Dr. Ekeneam Omo and secretary,  Dr Jude Ugbechie, called on the state governor, Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa and security agencies in the state to intensify efforts to ensure their abducted colleague regains freedom.

Dr. Iboyitete, a Principal Medical Officer at the General Hospital, was kidnapped in the earlier hours of Monday by arms-wielding gunmen at the hospital premises before whisking him to unknown destination.

The kidnappers had pretended to be patients seeking medical help at the time they struck.

The National Association of Government General Medical aand Dental Practitioners (NAGGMDP), association medical practitioners in government hospitals in the state, had already declared indefinite strike.

The Delta NMA in the statement, however, lampooned the Governor Ifeanyi Okowa-led administration over its silent since the medical doctor was abducted from his place of work.

According to the statement, “In the early hours of Monday the 1st of June 2020, we received the sad news of the kidnap of our colleague Dr Wisdom Iboyitete at his workplace, General Hospital Ojobo in Burutu LGA, Delta state. He was abducted in the line of duty when he heeded an emergency call to attend to a patient, not knowing that the so called patients he rushed down to attend to were kidnappers.

“We have had countless cases of kidnap of doctors in the past but for them to now come in the guise of being patients in need of emergency care in the wee hours of the night is to say the least the height of desecration of the noble profession by taking advantage of our humane disposition to duty. How will we answer to emergency calls at night when kidnappers now pose as patients?

“The events of the last 5 days have been very traumatic for us and to the immediate family in particular. The silence of the State Government, the Ministry of Health and the Hospitals Management Board since the incident occurred is worrisome.

“This unfortunate incident has brought to the fore once again the need for Government to provide adequate security in our hospitals. In addition to kidnapping, we have had incessant cases of harassment and assault of Healthcare workers by patients, patient’s relatives and host communities within the hospital premises while discharging their duties.

“We have observed with keen interest the resolve of the National Association of Government General Medical and Dental Practitioners (NAGGMDP) to withdraw their services indefinitely until our colleague is released unconditionally. We wish to state that this is in congruence with the provisions of the Physicians oath we swore to, which enjoined every doctor to attend to their own health, well being and abilities in order to provide care of the highest standard.

“As an association, the welfare and security of our members remain sacrosanct. We therefore wish to express our total support of the actions taken so far by the doctors in state hospitals to draw the attention of the State Government, Ministry of Health, the Hospitals Management Board as well as the security agencies of the need to speed up efforts to secure the release of our colleague from captivity unhurt and improve on the security within the hospitals to forestall a reoccurrence of such unfortunate incident.

“The Delta State NMA is currently mobilising her members to commence phased withdrawal of service and peaceful protest walk from Monday 8th of June 2020.

“We are however optimistic that His Excellency will prevail on the security agencies to do the needful to ensure the release of Dr Iboyitete from the clutches of his kidnappers.”

Idumuje-Ugboko Palace crisis: The untold story

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Idumuje-Ugboko Palace crisis: The untold story
His Royal Majesty, Obi Albert Nwoko III (left) and Prince Justice Chukwunonso

[dropcap]T[/dropcap]he ugly tale of taboo and atrocities inside the revered palace began early in August 2016. You could call it a shameful and indeed tragic drama in Idumuje-Ugboko Royal Theatre. The distinguished and indeed venerable king, His Royal Majesty, Obi Albert Nwoko III, JP, MON, was still alive. But now in his late 90s, he had become weak and inactive.

His son, Prince Justin Chukwunonso Nwoko was shockingly acting as de facto king according to Palace insiders. This, for the folks, was an abomination as no one could play king while the Obi still lived. But Prince Nonso as he is widely known was not ready to allow social custom to impede his vaulting ambition. He received all messages meant for the Obi and acted on them without consultation with the Chiefs that formed part of the Obi’s cabinet.

Tension was mounting. Prince Nonso was increasingly displaying desperation according to these Palace insiders. And this did not come as a surprise to the indigenous people of this forestry village. Nonso’s mother according to them is from Ubulu- Uku and you cannot be king of Idumuje-Ugboko if both of your parents do not hail from this rustic village.

Nonso’s frustration cum desperation is worsened by the hard fact that he had other siblings whose mother is from Idumuje-Ugboko. These are Prince Stephen Uche and Princess Sharon Chidinma Nwoko in addition to their four other siblings. They are Nonso’s half brothers and sisters from Queen Ifeoma Nwoko, their mother, the second wife of Nonso’s father who hails from Idumuje-Ugboko. This therefore makes Uche a bonafide contender for the throne in line with Idumuje-Ugboko tradition.

However, despite the palpable tension especially after the violence unleashed on Ugboko by suspected supporters of Prince Nonso, Prince Uche confessed that he had a good relationship with his elder brother, Prince Nonso, until early in August 2016 when his sister went through a terrible experience in the Palace. At this point, he beckoned on the sister to opened up to this writer.

On that fateful day according to Princess Chidinma, Uche’s younger sister, she was in her room in the palace as it was night time. The palace was bustling with youths who troop in and out.

“I was lying down on my bed when I heard a deafening bang on my door. And about three or four boys burst into my room. I couldn’t see them well because it was night”, she said. Before she could scream they descended on her with slaps and blows. Weakened and blind folded, she passed out as they crudely violated her innocence. And she was only 15. A minor.

Over five hours later when she opened her eyes, everything looked surreal and bizarre. “It was like a nightmare until I tried to stand up”, she added. “I felt an excruciating pain. I couldn’t raise my feet”, she said recalling the horrific pain.

But she felt even worse pains between her legs. Every part, inside and outside her womanhood was terribly bruised. She was horrified. It finally dawned on her that she had been raped, gang-raped.

The question then is who and who could have perpetrated this heinous crime? Prince Uche responded. In his words, “we do not know all of them because there is a whole lot of drama going on. Criminals being shielded and protected. But they are people I call friends of the palace. How could they gain access to my sister’s room if they had no access to the palace. And the only person that decided who came into the palace was my senior brother, Nonso”.

What irked Uche all the more however was the handling of the rape incident. There was no serious attempt to investigate the crime and punish the culprits. According to him, his little sister bore the pain, the psychological trauma and the humiliation alone.

Chidinma was sneaked into St. Joseph’s Hospital at 142 Nnebisi Road, Asaba. Her Registration Number 3688/16 and Records show that little Chidinma underwent an Abnormal Scan test at the Ultrasound Scan Centre of the hospital on August 9, 2016. Her laboratory report form with Laboratory Number 2078 also indicated she had a second test on August 17,2016.

While Chidinma grappled with physical, emotional and psychological ordeal, no serious steps were taken by Prince Nonso to arrest the culprits to face the full weight of the law. As an American trained lawyer, Dr Ikechukwu Nweze puts it, this is in gross violation of Section 24 (E) of the 1999 Constitution and Section 59(1) of the Criminal Procedure Cap C 22 of Delta 2006.

He stressed that the seeming passivity, if not cold complicity of the Palace, still violates Section 88 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act 2015 which enunciates the duty of every citizen to report crime to the Law Enforcement Agencies.

“Prince Nonso as an elder brother to a minor whose life, spirit and whole being were crudely violated did not take any concrete steps to redress this reprehensible criminality by some outlaws against his little sister, going by the evidence at my disposal”, said an irritated Dr Nweze.

“Instead they set up a ludicrous secret family meeting, brought out one of the criminals and ridiculously fined him four live goats plus N100,000 which was allegedly the cost of Chidinma’s medical treatments”, Dr Nweze lamented.

Elders of Idumuje-Ugboko, responsible adults, men of integrity stood with mouth agape and in dizzying shock at the way a monstrous and satanic gang rape perpetrated against a minor was being shabbily and disgracefully handled.

“We had never seen that kind of injustice in Ugboko”, said a man who doesn’t want to be named. “We are honourable people with strong sense of justice. And our king was a man of proven integrity. He didn’t know what was going on at that time and his son Nonso, a terrible young man, didn’t allow anyone to see him. He blocked every access to the Obi. All he was waiting desperately for was for his father to die so that he could usurp the throne because he knew too well that by tradition, he would never be crowned Obi of Idumuje-Ugboko”, he stressed, his voice carrying acoustics of fury.

But one man that could not stand Prince Nonso’s betrayal of his own blood, took Chidinma’s case to the police and pronto two of the mindless rapists were arrested.

There was jubilation in Ugboko. But alas, an influential Prince Mbanefo Nwoko went to the police. There, he like a pathological liar, told the police it was a family affair, a consensual romance gone sour but was being amicably resolved. By this singular act, the once much respected Prince Mbanefo became an ugly symbol of shame according to some of the distressed village women.

The International Federation of Female Lawyers waded into the matter and two vicious members of the savage rapist gang were arrested and charged to the Magistrate Court, Issele-Uku. Since then however, there’s been a worrying silence.

“But this is one evil act, one despicable case that civil society organisations and women groups in this country must not allow to die unceremoniously”, said Chief Chris Ogu, a veteran journalist, the Iyase, traditional Prime Minister, who performs the ritual of coronation for a new king. “They must demonstrate eloquently that the weak and vulnerable also deserve justice in this country”, he said.

The king, HRM Obi Albert Nwoko passed on in 2017 and since then little Chidinma, her mum and six siblings have been yanked off, thrown out of the palace according to sources, as Prince Nonso crowned himself king without the Iyase, Odogwu, the traditional war Lord and other eminent chiefs of the Palace. The throne is now a subject of litigation in court with three Claimants, Prince Nonso, Prince Uche and Prince Solomon Nwoko.

It took the intervention of one noble scion of Ugboko royalty, Prince Ned Nwoko, to save the Queen and her children from homelessness.

He gave them a decent accommodation and scholarship to all the seven children with three of them presently in the University.

This same Prince, a business magnate and International Lawyer described by many of the Ugboko men and women as humane and extremely kind is the brain behind the STARS University under construction in Idumuje-Ugboko, an institution that he remarkably gave 40% of the shares to the village, the Idumuje-Ugboko community because of the land the village provided and for which he still paid some huge money to farmers who initially cultivated the land.

“It is also a well established fact that his foundation, Prince Ned Nwoko Foundation, has awarded scholarships to hundreds of students of Idumuje-Ugboko and Nigerian students irrespective of tribe or religion, students in secondary and tertiary institutions both in Nigeria and abroad”, said Prince Walters Eziashi, a former President-General of Idumuje-Ugboko Development Union.

Despite this crystal show of altruistic love for his people, Prince Justin Chukwunonso Nwoko’s relationship with Prince Ned Nwoko, his cousin, remains anything but amiable.

A man of about 60 years of age who gave his name simply as Peter ventured reasons for this strained relationship. Hear him.

“My brother, the simple reason is that Nonso wants to be the Obi of our village at all cost. And a man of substance and integrity like Ned will never support him because he knows it will be a taboo and an evil act against our culture and tradition.

“Nonso’s father had to marry a second wife from Ugboko before he could be crowned king so that that wife will give us a Prince to succeed him. That was because we wanted to avoid succession crisis.

“Nonso knows he cannot be a king because his mother is from another village. It is the same tradition that you find in Ubulu-Uku. If your father and mother are not from Ubulu-Uku, you can’t be their king even if you are the first son of the king.

“Even Prince Solomon Nwoko is more qualified than Nonso. His grand father and Nonso’s grandfather were the same parents and both of Solomon’s parents were from this land.

“Anyway, the case is now in court and we will leave the judiciary to do their job. However, we know those that cannot be king of our Idumuje-Ugboko. What we may not know is who will become our Obi.

“But let me assure you, even if Nonso’s sponsors give him one billion dollars, he cannot buy Prince Ned neither will he buy the Iyase nor the Odogwu, the highest ranking and most prominent chiefs in this village. He knows he is just wasting time in the palace. But let the court decide and we will accept the judgement”, he concluded.

No question, time ticks for Idumuje-Ugboko. Will it bring justice for Princess Chidinma? And triumph for her brother, Prince Uche, their siblings and their mother, the Queen? Will it usher in the awaited peace in Ugboko?

In the timeless words of Martin Luther King Jnr, “Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere. Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter “.

Culled from PM NEWS

Peter Okocha Celebrate Fred Ajudua at 60

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Peter Okocha Celebrate Fred Ajudua at 60
Chief Fred Ajudua

[dropcap]T[/dropcap]he Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Youths leader of Oshimili North Local Government Area,Chief Peter Okocha aka (BoBo Nikit)has congratulated High Chief(Barrister) Fred Ajudua on his 60 years old birthday.

The Youths Leader, Chief Peter Okocha in a Press Statement made available to our correspondent in Ibusa, Delta State on behalf of the entire Youths of Oshimili North described Onwa Oyoko as incredible leader, charismatic and endearing icon and wished many fruitful years ahead.

According to the statement; “Indeed, the Anioma nation is very proud to have such a selfless and courageous leader as you. You have not only written your name in the history books, but your indelible footprints are in the hearts of the people”.

“The entire Youths of Oshimili North are delighted to mark this auspicious day with you as you have been a role model and a source of inspiration to us as a Youths”, he said.

Anioma people keep saying and loudly too that your type is rare. A warrior that frontally confronts his enemies and each time comes out victorious.You are a man loves by everybody, even those who hates you often cannot decipher why they so do. You are a man of uncommon philanthropy and gifted by God of Ibusa.

Onwa Igbudu has seen the valley and been to the mountain in the course of life. We must always be ready to brace up for the valley, much as we are enthusiastic about ascending the mountain. We must always ask God to put us at the centre of His will whichever way life’s vicissitude takes us.

For Chief Fred Ajudua, I extend to you my hearty congratulations on your birthday and urge You to keep up with the well defined life of FAITH that you live and the charity that you so generously exude.
We wish you long life and prosperity. Once again, Congratulations.”

Chief Peter Okocha
PDP Youths Leader
Oshimili North LGA

Elofu-Dike has felicitated with Onwa Igbudu on the occasion of his 60th birthday

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Elofu-Dike has felicitated with Onwa Igbudu on the occasion of his 60th birthday
Chief Fred Ajudua

[dropcap]O[/dropcap]NWA IGBUDU! You lead the way and light up the path for all of those who follow you. I just want to thank you for everything you have done and let you know how much I appreciate the incredible changes you have made in the Society today.

Onwa’s life underscored the importance of vision, focus, tenacity, wisdom and courage in leadership,Your attributes had propelled you for the outstanding successes that you recorded in every role you played in life. “As you reach the milestone of three scores in your life, may God, the Most Beneficent and Most Merciful, continue to imbue you with good health, wisdom and long life for continued tireless and inspirational service to our fatherland, Ibusa and Delta State.

Igbudu, you are one of the most innovative person in Delta politics today! Not only do you seamlessly adapt to address the emerging challenges from the persistent ones that we face in our society today, but you are also always striving to make things better with new approaches and such unfaltering determination.

I just want to thank you for all of your amazing efforts in touching peoples lives over the years!
You have been a great role model both inside and outside the Anioma Nation. I’m so glad I get to celebrate with you today and wish you all the best in life.
Thank you so much for your hard work, encouragement, and care. I hope you have a very happy birthday — next drink is on me!
I have learned so much from your example. Happy birthday to a great role model! Wishing you many happy returns.

Ambrose Elofu-Dike

IFEANYI ODITA GREETS FRED AJUDUA @ 60

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IFEANYI ODITA GREETS FRED AJUDUA @ 60
Chief (Barr.) Fred Ajudua

[dropcap]F[/dropcap]lt.Lt Ifeanyi Odita (rtd) a gentle,humble and discipline retired officer from Ward one,Akwuukwu-Igbo,has felicitated with Onwa Oyoko, Igbudu of the whole Universe Chief (Barr.) Fred Ajudua,on his 60th birthday.

Odita in his birthday message spoke on the enduring quality of  Chief (Barr.) Fred Ajudua over the years as he had in his person as a political leader and mentor who has touched lives of many through empowerment.

Flt.Lt Odita described the Onwa of Ibusa as a dependable Lawyer and patriot, whose contributions to Ibusa, Oshimili North and Delta state remains indelible in the sands of time.

Odita encourage Onwa Oyoko to continue to touch lives, and not to relent in his passion to always help humanity, as his
love for the welfare of man can only be compared to Mother Teresa of Calcutta, who was so passionate about uplifting the
sick,the poor and the elderly to a better life.”
The God of Anioma will continue to give Chief (Barr.) Fred Ajudua wisdom,understanding to continue to touch the lives of those around him.

Igbudu of the whole Universe, as we join your family, friends and well-wishers to thank Almighty God for your life and to pray that He continues to bless you with robust health and imbue you with his continued guidance, protection, and enduring provision as you celebrate your Diamond birthday my Brother DIKE- DI-ANIOMA.
Happy Birthday to one of Anioma finest.

Flt.Lt Ifeanyi Odita (rtd)

Edo Police Arrest Alleged Killer Of UNIBEN Student Who Was Raped To Death In Benin

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Edo Police Arrest Alleged Killer Of UNIBEN Student Who Was Raped To Death In Benin
Late Vera Uwaila Omozuwa

[dropcap] E[/dropcap]do State Police Command of the Nigeria Police Force have arrested suspected killer of the 100-level undergraduate of the University of Benin, Miss Vera Uwaila Omozuwa.

Uwa, a microbiology student, was allegedly raped and smashed to death with a fire extinguisher at the Ikpoba Hill Branch of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) where she had gone to read.

The Inspector-General of Police, Mr Abubakar Adamu, had deployed tactical team of operatives to track her killers.

The State Police Command confirmed the arrest of the suspect to our correspondent.

Confirming the arrest, Spokesman of Edo Police Command, DSP Chidi Nwabuzor, said that the suspect was arrested following screening of the finger prints on the fire extinguisher allegedly used to smash the deceased.

Nwabuzor revealed that operatives of the command arrested the suspect after the Area Commander of Ikpoba Hill mobilized his men to take action.

“The item used in the assault, which was a fire extinguisher, was recovered, immediately the operatives who were with some specialists screened the finger prints which led to our suspect.

“Around the place of the incident, the suspect was arrested,” Nwabuzor said.

Okowa is building a better, stronger and smarter Delta- Aniagwu

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Okowa is building a better, stronger and smarter Delta- Aniagwu
Hon. Charles Aniagwu, Commissioner for Information and Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Mr Olisa Ifeajika with ACNPN Chairman,Comrade Jude Obiemenyego during a courtesy visit to ACNPN Secretariat in Asaba

[dropcap]D[/dropcap]elta State Commissioner for Information , Hon. Charles Aniagwu on Tuesday said Gov. Ifeanyi Okowa remained purposeful in his quest to build a stronger and united Delta in spite of challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Mr Aniagwu who was accompanied by the Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Mr Olisa Ifeajika, Senior Special Assistant to the governor on Media, Mr Nelson Egware and two others for the interaction, said Governor Okowa is focused on building a lasting legacy for the people of Delta, urging media practitioners and all Deltans to key into all programmes of the governor.

According to him, a better, stronger and smarter Delta will benefit all the people of the state and that is what Okowa’s administration is determined to give to citizens.

Aniagwu stated that the government had taken steps to develop the state in the last five years, adding that a lot of the electoral promises by the governor had been achieved.

He commended members of the Association of Community Newspaper Publishers of Nigeria (ACNPN) for publicizing the activities of the state government, saying the governor, Senator Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa, is happy with what members of the forum are doing for the state.

Members of Association of Community Newspaper Publishers of Nigeria (ACNPN)

While reeling out numerous achievements of the state government for the past years,the Commissioner said the state government under Governor Okowa has built schools and over 400 roads across the three senatorial districts of the state, adding that the state is contributing immensely to the contributory health scheme, thereby making health care affordable and accessible to all Deltans.

“In the days ahead we are counting on same support, if not more, because your report has so far culminated in the rating of Delta as second in terms of standard of living in the country.

“We plead with you Association of Community Newspaper Publishers of Nigeria (ACNPN) to continue to assist us in the sensitisation of our people,’’ he said.

On COVID-19, the commissioner said there was the need for all hands to be on deck to “flatten the curve’’.

According to him, we need to flatten the curve so that we can go back to our normal life; but the more we are able to observe the existing protocols, the better we are able to exit the pandemic on time.

“For us to return to our normal life, we need your assistance to enlighten the people because this scourge is real. We will remain focused and not be distracted by any criticisms.

“As of today, our total confirmed cases stand at 88; 17 patients have so far been discharged and unfortunately, we lost eight persons to the pandemic due to underlying ailments.

“We had a situation yesterday where somebody who was being treated left the facility in controversial circumstances.

“We have put in place machineries to bring him back and we have told the general public and all those who know him to stay clear from him because he actually tested positive,” he stated.

Aniagwu, who was in company with the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Mr Olisa Ifeajika, thanked the Grassroots Publishers (Association of Community Newspaper Publishers of Nigeria )for their reports and urged them to always cross-check unverified reports, particularly in the social media, to avoid sensationalism and falsehood.

“I thank you for the wonderful work you have been doing by reporting the activities of government at all times.

“It is not by accident that the media were termed the fourth estate of the realm, because of the role it plays in the development of every nation.

“As key stakeholders, I commend you for your developmental publications, which have showcased the numerous activities of the state government.

“Okowa runs a very transparent government and will always welcome constructive criticisms from any quarters,” he added.

Mr. Ifeajika, the CPS to the governor, told the ACNPN members that Delta state is for all Deltans, hence every resident should join hands to build a state that will be the envy of all, both within and outside the state.

He said the state government has nothing to hide from anyone insisting that the state is open and the government is transparent in its dealings with the people and called on the media to verify all reports available to them before publishing.

He agreed that the ACNPN members which is already beating the mainstream media in the distribution of news and other information, has come to stay. He, however, called for media practitioners to watch and ensure stories are credible before publishing.

In their separate remarks, ACNPN State Chairman, Comrade Jude Obiemenyego, welcomed the commissioner and his entourage and assured that the publishers would remain committed to the development of the state.

Obiemenyego said the group had resolved to ensure that only well verified reports were published by members of the association. He assured the visitors that his colleagues will always seek clarification before making any publication to ensure balanced reports, adding that the group worked hard to publicise activities of government, including COVID-19 pandemic.

Ibang Bassey Etang, Director of Finance of the NDDC Died of COVID-19 Not Food Poisoning – RSUTH

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Ibang Bassey Etang, Director of Finance of the NDDC Died of COVID-19 Not Food Poisoning – RSUTH

[dropcap]A[/dropcap]gainst the backdrop that the Director of Finance of the NDDC died of food poisoning, preliminary reports from samples collected by Rivers State University Teaching Hospital before the deceased was transferred to a private hospital in Uyo where he gave up the ghost revealed that he died of COVID-19 related illness. According to RSUTH showed that Mr Ibanga Bassey Etang died of COVID-19 and not food poisoning as previously reported.

But the major debate becomes will the NDDC probe go on? What evidence could Senate probe achieve now that the Director of Finance who was in-charge with the books is no more? Put in a succint form, what will happen to the NDDC 40B Probe as Director of Finance in charge of the financing records and major signatory of NDDC account is not evidential avaialble for questioning to determine any potential fraud in NDDC?

It is clear, that the senate would continue with the probe at least to determine the authenticity of any financial mismanagement in the NDDC. Also, the death of Ibanga Bassey Etang might not give the auditors enough auspices to perform. Mores so, the probe may not be thorough basically because records would be distorted. The other management IMC staff of the NDDC would try and exonerate themselves.

Given the foregoing, it is therefore imperative that senators approves the 2020 budget of the NDDC so that the interventionist agency would carry-out developmental projects in the region which comprises of eight states namely viz core states: Rivers, Bayelsa, Delta, Akwa Ibom, and peripheral states viz Ondo, Edo, Abia, and IMO states.

The withholding of NDDC funds no less implies that the region would be denied of meaningful projects despite been the region that lays the golden egg.

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