IMO BREAKING NEWS BLOG

In a bid to boost morale, foster family cohesion, stability and provide additional care for the newborn, the Imo State House Of Assembly has urged His Excellency Distinguished Senator Hope Uzodimma, Executive Governor of Imo State, to  approve the introduction of paternity leave for male officers in the State Public/Civil Service.

This was the outcome of the Motion, during Plenary on Thursday 20th February 2025, Chiefly sponsored by the Deputy Speaker, Rt Honourable Amara Chyna Iwuanyanwu.

Moving the Motion, Rt Honourable Amara Chyna Iwuanyanwu, who is also the Member Representing Nwangele State Constituency, explained that the Motion was borne out of necessity. He specifically stated that newborns rely strongly and heavily on bonds with parents who influence their emotional, social,  environmental bonding growth and development.

The Prolific lawmaker, while highlighting the vital role fathers play in a child's emotional, social, environmental and cognitive growth and development stressed that introducing paternity leave for male officers would allow them to provide the much needed support to their wives who came out of the labour room. 

In his words, Rt Honourable Amara Iwuanyanwu, who is also the House Committee Chairman On Youths and Sports, Rules, Business and Public Petitions noted thus, "Imo State is a progressive State with a progressive Governor, who is willing to better the lot of Public/Civil Servants. Therefore, If this Motion is given the required nod, it will help to resolve a lot of marital issues. The Federal Government and some states like, Enugu, Oyo, Ondo and Lagos have implemented paternity leave policies, and it has geometrically improved Public/Civil Service morale, while strengthening family bond and unity".

The Nwangele lawmaker further noted that the Federal Government had earlier in a circular issued on the 25th of November 2022 through the Head of Service of the Federation, Dr Folasade Yemi-Esan approved paternity leave in the Public Service of the Federation, noting that 14 working days was approved.

The Popular Motion which was seconded by the Chief Whip And Member Representing Oru-East State Constituency, Hon Chigozie Nwaneri, was co-sponsored by the following lawmakers :

1. Hon Kanayo Onyemaechi.

2. Hon Chigozie Nwaneri.

3. Hon Johnleoba Iheoha.

4. Hon Okey Ernest Udeze.

5. Hon Chisom Ojukwu.

6. Hon Obinna Ambrose Egu.

7. Hon Innocent Ikechukwu Ikpamezie.

The following lawmakers supported the Motion with commendable submissions :

1. Hon Kanayo Onyemaechi, Majority Leader (Owerri-west).

2. Hon Chigozie Nwaneri, Chief Whip (Oru-East).

3. Hon Barrister Chisom Ojukwu, (Nkwerre).

4. Hon Okey Ernest Udeze (Ideato-North).

5. Hon Prince Obinna Ambrose Egu, PhD (Ngor/Okpala).

6. Hon Sam Ikechukwu Osuji (Isiala Mbano).

7. Rt Honourable Barrister Kennedy Chidozie Ibeh (Obowo).

8. Hon Dr Uzoma Francis Osuoha (Ohaji-Egbema).

9. Hon Engr Gilbert Chiedozie Nwosu, FNSE (Oguta).

10. Hon Chief James Uba Esile (Onuimo).

Impressed and satisfied with the superlative submissions of his Honourable Colleagues, the Speaker, Rt Honourable Chike Olemgbe, who presided, put it to vote and it was unanimously adopted. Thereafter, he Ruled as follows :

BE IT RESOLVED BY THIS HONOURABLE HOUSE To Urge The Governor Of Imo State, His Excellency Distinguished Senator Hope Uzodimma To Approve The Introduction Of 14 Working Days Paternity Leave Policy In The Imo State Public/Civil Service And Subsequently, Direct The Head Of Service Of The State To Issue A Circular To That Effect.

The Clerk was directed to communicate the Resolution of the House to the Appropriate Quarters.

Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central, has claimed she has faced numerous challenges in the Senate.

Speaking during an interview on Brekete Family, a Human Rights Radio and Television program hosted by Ahmed Isah, popularly known as "Ordinary President," Natasha opened up about her struggles.

Her remarks come after a heated exchange with Senate President Godswill Akpabio during a plenary session on Thursday over a seating arrangement.

The dispute began when Natasha discovered that her designated seat had been reassigned. Refusing to accept the change, she challenged the decision, leading to a tense confrontation. In a viral video, she was seen boldly telling Akpabio, "I’m not afraid of you."

Addressing the incident on Brekete Family, Natasha alleged that many of her privileges had been revoked.

"I have been going through a lot but remained silent to avoid misinterpretation or legal issues. I just want the opportunity to work," she stated.

She further revealed that she had been excluded from several international engagements, including a United Nations event for which she was nominated.

"Since the nightclub incident last year, I have been pulled out of many international activities. My name was even removed from a UN event, with claims that I would not be promoted internationally. Every event I have attended since then has been self-sponsored."

Regarding the Senate clash, she clarified, "I did not speak out of order. He was reading my suspension, and I had to invoke Order 10, which is an order of privilege."

Meanwhile, senators from Kogi State have apologized to Senate President Akpabio following the altercation. 

Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has reaffirmed that the local government elections scheduled for Saturday will proceed as planned, despite an appeal from the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, to suspend the polls.

In a statement on Friday, Adeleke’s spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, stressed the importance of upholding the rule of law, stating that no individual has the authority to override court decisions.

“My advice to all parties, including local and national stakeholders, is to abide by democratic norms. For me and my people, we stand by the rule of law, not illegal self-help. The election will hold, and its outcome will accelerate development at the local level. I urge our people to remain peaceful—Osun is a truly peaceful state,” the statement read.

The AGF, in a Thursday statement, had urged Adeleke to direct the Osun State Independent Electoral Commission to halt the election, arguing that it would be unconstitutional and invalid.

Fagbemi cited a recent Court of Appeal ruling in Akure, which reinstated sacked council chairmen who had been removed following an earlier Federal High Court decision. According to him, their tenure remains valid until October 2025, making any fresh election an unconstitutional act.

He further cautioned against actions that could incite violence and urged Governor Adeleke to prioritize peace and uphold the Constitution. 

Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives and Chairman of the Constitution Review Committee, Hon. Benjamin Kalu, has revealed that none of the 31 proposals for new states met the constitutional requirements. As a result, the submission deadline has been extended to March 5, 2025, for applicants to fulfill the necessary provisions.

Speaking at a two-day retreat in Akwa Ibom, Kalu disclosed that over 200 bills seeking amendments to the 1999 Constitution have been received, covering areas such as federal structure, local government autonomy, revenue allocation, security reforms, and electoral processes.

To enhance transparency and public participation, the committee plans to establish a situation room in collaboration with the Policy and Legal Advocacy Centre (PLAC) to track and address public concerns during the amendment process. Additionally, zonal public hearings will be held across the six geopolitical zones to gather further input from stakeholders.

The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has adopted a new Regional Development Master Plan to replace the previous 15-year plan, which expired in 2020. The decision was made during the NDDC 2025 Board and Management Strategic Retreat in Lagos, where stakeholders evaluated past progress and outlined strategies for improved regional development.

The communiqué, signed by Chairman Chiedu Ebie and Managing Director Samuel Ogbuku, emphasized stronger collaboration with Niger Delta states, ensuring projects align with community needs. It also called for budget discipline, adherence to statutory tenures for board members, and digital transformation in governance.

Additionally, the retreat adopted the KPMG Corporate Governance Report, advocating for international best practices and sustainable development. The participants commended President Bola Tinubu for fully implementing the NDDC Act, ensuring consistent funding for the Commission. 

.. By GOC Nwadike, NDSF-IMO-SLC, PH.

The Main Organizing, And the Local Organizing Committees Required For The Successful Hosting Of The Meiden Edition Of The Niger Delta Sports Festival Have Been Inaugurated In Port Harcourt, The City Capital Of Rivers State.

The Niger Delta Sports Festival; A Flagship Sport Development Program Of The Niger Delta Development Commission NDDC, In Partnership With Dunamis Icon Limited; the Consultants, Is Aimed At Harnessing Talents For Human Capital Development In The Niger Delta Beyond Oil.

Performing The ceremony at the NDDC Headquarters on Friday, the Executive Director, Finance And Administration At The NDDC, A Former Commissioner of Sports In Rivers State and Chairman of the Main Organizing Committee of the Festival, Alabo Boma Iyaye Enjoined members of the various committees to see their nominations as opportunity to serve their region, while appealing to them to show commitments and seriousness in their charges.

Iyaye noted that the festival which is the first of its kind in the country must not fail to leave up to its expectations which is, the discovery of talents in all sporting segments from the Niger Delta region.

Members Of The Central/Main Organizing Committee inaugurated today are selected from both the NDDC and The Consultants as follows; Alabo Boma Iyaye - Chairman, Itiako Ikpokpo - Co-Chairman, Davies Okerevu, Barr. Salami Okogie, Barr. victor Arenyeka, Mrs. Seladi Wakama, Allwell Egwurugu, Onome Obruthe, Ono K. Akpe, Eniofioke Udo-Obong, Ochuko Igbigbisie, Fred Edoreh, Mr. Paul Bassey and Lady Rose Bassey.

Also inaugurated as Chairmen of Sub-Committees of the Local Organizing Committee are; Mr. Enefiok Udo-Ubong - Technical; Engr. Evong Moduck Evong - Accommodation; Mr. Isreal Ummerri - Transportation; Dr. George Uzonwanne - Medical Services; Mr. Edger Okpozo - Security; Mr. Kufere Etukudo - Facilities/Equipment; Chinyere Clara Braide - Protocol Services; Mrs. Inyang Etim Udoh - Catering Services; Mr. Richard Mode Damijo - Cultural Expo; Mr. Iwuala Harrison - Media/Publicity; Mr. Godwin Enakhena - Scouting/Mentorship Program And Dr. Eyibrayila Ladi Awofeso - Secretariat Services.

The Nine Commissioners Of Sports From The Nine Mandate states of the Niger Delta region, which includes Rivers, Cross River, Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Imo, Abia, Delta, Edo and Ondo are equally inaugurated members of the Main Organizing Committee to oversee their various States Liaisons of the Festival.

The festival is billed to run from 1st to 9th Of April, 2025 at Uyo, Akwa Ibom State with that state as the host of the first edition. Over 15 different sports from both the individual, double and team games will be featured in the festival.

The NDDC which is the main sponsor of this festival with almost 95% of the funding coming from it, says it's part of its programs set aside for the celebration of the 25 years of existence of the commission.