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Buhari to re-present Laureta Onochie, PDP, Senators differ over rejection

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Revenue Mobilisation and Fiscal Commission

Despite the Senate’s rejection of the nomination of Lauretta Onochie as Commissioner of the Independent National Electoral Commission, the Presidency on Tuesday reaffirmed its confidence in her.

A Presidency source told The PUNCH, “The fact that President Muhammadu Buhari — who made the nomination — had not chosen to withdraw it shows that he still has faith in the process and Onochie’s candidature is viable. So far, he hasn’t withdrawn his confidence in Onochie.”

Onochie’s nomination attracted public outcry because of her open partisanship and the fact that her appointment would have amounted to a breach of the federal character principle.

Rejected INEC Directorship nominee, Laureta Onochie

The Chairman of the Committee  on the Independent National Electoral Commission, Senator Kabiru Gaya (APC, Kano South), had disclosed that the petitions against the Presidential aide were against the backdrop of her involvement in politics and alleged membership of a political party.

Gaya said, “In the case of Ms. Lauretta Onochie, we studied her curriculum vitae and other relevant documents, followed by exhaustive interaction around the petitions against her nomination which she responded to accordingly, including attesting that she is not a registered member of any political party.”

Attempts to get a response from the Special Assistant to the President of Media and Publicity, Mallam Garba Shehu were futile.

Calls to his mobile phone indicated that he was unreachable. He had yet to respond to a text message sent to him as of the time of filing this report.

While reacting to Onochie’s rejection by the Senate, a former INEC chairman, Prof. Attahiru Jega, commended the Senate for rejecting her nomination.

An elated Jega told The PUNCH late on Tuesday, said that by their action, the Senators have “Distinguished themselves.”

He said “The Senators had on this matter ‘distinguished’ themselves. We hope that they would do better on the Electoral Bill 2021.

Speaking in a similar vein, the Peoples Democratic Party, welcomed the decision of the Senate to listen to the voice of reason.

National Publicity Secretary of the PDP, Kola Ologbodinyan, told The PUNCH, “It was a victory for Nigerians, it was a victory for reason and morality in the interest of democracy.

“The fact remains that the All Progressives Congress is desperate to hang on to power by all means. Allowing people like Onochie to get into INEC would have compromised any election even before the first ballot is cast.”

In response, a former Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the APC, Yekini Nabena, dismissed the PDP’s claim. He told one of our correspondents in a telephone interview that the opposition party was sulking that it was losing members “by the minute.”

Nabena said, “The argument that her political affiliation is enough reason to reject her is not even an argument. As we speak, the Resident Electoral Commissioner for Edo State, Johnson Alalibo, was a member of the Bayelsa State House of Assembly, he is a card-carrying member of the PDP appointed by former President Goodluck Jonathan; so what is the PDP talking about.”

Gaya also explained that the presidential aide was not rejected based on political affiliation.

Gaya said this while addressing journalists after Tuesday’s plenary.

He said, “We couldn’t approve the appointment of Onochie because she is from the same state as an INEC commissioner from Delta State, Mrs Agbamuche-Mbu, whose tenure may expire by December this year.

“Agbamuche-Mbu is still serving in INEC till December this year. That’s why we cannot clear another candidate from the state.”

Gaya said the committee considered various legal implications of the confirmation or otherwise of the nominees and also studied the mood of Nigerians before coming up with its report.

The Senator said his panel did not rely on the submissions of Onochie when she told the committee that Agbamuche-Mbu was actually representing Cross River State on the board of INEC.

“President Buhari actually specified her (Agbamuche-Mbu) state, which is Delta, in the letter.

“Also, during her confirmation by the 8th Senate, I was there when two senators from Delta, Messrs Ovie Omo-Agege and James Manager, stood up to congratulate the Senate for confirming her.

“We also got records from the past senate screening that Agbamuche-Mbu was a nominee from Delta State.”

On her membership of the APC, Gaya said the committee could not disqualify Onochie based on the records before it.

He said, “Madam Onochie has said she has ceased to be a member of the APC.

“The law said we can only disqualify a card-carrying member of a political party and since she denied her APC membership, we cannot hold that against her.”

Gaya had said in his report at plenary said the Committee received several petitions against the nominations of Onochie and Adam.

The Senate had earlier confirmed the appointment of five nominees as National Commissioners of INEC.

The upper chamber also stepped down the confirmation of Prof. Sani Adam (North Central) for further investigation by the committee.

The confirmation of the nominees followed the consideration of a report by the Gaya-led Senate Committee on INEC.

Those confirmed include Prof. Abdullahi Abdu Zuru (North-West), Prof. Muhammad Sani Kallah (Katsina), Prof. Kunle Cornelius Ajayi (Ekiti), Dr. Baba Bila (North-East), and Saidu Babura Ahmad (Jigawa).

However, a PDP Senator from Benue State, Abba Moro, insisted that the nominee would still have been rejected even if not for the federal character principle.

Moro stated this in a telephone interview with one of our correspondents on Tuesday.

He said the Senate Committee on INEC, gave her a soft landing.

PUNCH

 

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Human Rights Lawyer Reveals Over N10m Raised For 17-Year-Old Wrongfully Arrested In Lagos

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In just four days, more than N10 million has been raised to support 17-year-old Quadri Alabi, who was allegedly wrongfully arrested and charged by the police in Lagos.

The revelation came from human rights lawyer Inibehe Effiong during an interview on Channels Television on Monday, where he appeared alongside Alabi.

Effiong accused officers from the Amukoko Police Division of manipulating Alabi’s age and working with local area boys to falsely charge him with a crime he did not commit.

READ ALSO: Lad Who Stood In Front Of Obi’s Convoy Apprehended For Street Fighting – Police

Alabi was arrested earlier this year in connection with a street fight in the Amukoko area, but he was eventually cleared after Magistrate Adetola Olorunfemi acted on legal advice from the Director of Public Prosecutions, Dr. Babajide Martins.

Speaking out against the police’s actions, Effiong described the ordeal as part of a “sinister, oppressive, and corrupt scheme” involving rogue area boys.

He explained that Alabi’s rise to fame came after a spontaneous moment during Peter Obi’s 2023 campaign tour, where Alabi jumped in front of the convoy and raised his hand, a photo of which quickly went viral.

“The boy sitting next to me, Quadri Alabi, went viral in 2023 during one of Peter Obi’s campaign tours. He spontaneously jumped in front of the convoy, raised his hand, and the photo went viral. That moment changed his life,” Effiong said.

However, Effiong claimed that the publicity also brought Alabi unwanted attention.

“Local area boys began extorting him, saying he hadn’t ‘settled’ them. They even told his mother to buy a cow, cook rice, and throw a feast for the community. When she refused, the threats continued,” Effiong added.

The harassment escalated when Alabi was allegedly targeted again in January. Effiong described how two area boys, known as Leggy and Baba Waris, arrested Alabi after claiming he had ignored them despite receiving donations from Peter Obi.

They handed him over to the police, where he was detained for a week before being charged alongside four adult men he had never met.

“They accused him of armed robbery said to have occurred on January 22 at 10 p.m. No identification parade was conducted, and there was no evidence linking him to the crime,” Effiong explained.

Alabi’s ordeal was further complicated when the police falsely listed his age as 18, allowing him to be tried in a regular court. Effiong argued that had his real age of 17 been documented, the court would have treated the case differently.

“The police falsely claimed he was 18 in court documents. If they had said he was 17, the court would have treated the matter differently—possibly not even remanding him in a regular prison,” Effiong said.

Alabi, recounting his experience, said, “I was just at the entrance of my house when the police came and arrested me. The area boys pointed me out. At the station, I was the youngest there.

“I was locked up with older men. They asked me what I did, and I said nothing.” He also revealed that the area boys had earlier taken his phone and money before handing him over to the police.

Despite the challenges, Alabi’s case has sparked an outpouring of public support. Effiong confirmed that Nigerians have donated over N10 million in just four days to assist Alabi.

“The goal is to relocate him from Amukoko and secure a source of income for his mother, who is a petty trader,” Effiong stated, highlighting the generosity and resilience of the Nigerian people. “This shows the strength of the Nigerian spirit,” he added.

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Nigeria Is Collapsing, Labour Party Must Unite To Rescue It — Peter Obi

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BREAKING: High Scores for Obi, Labour Party, as Imo Senator Moves to LP from PDP

Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s (LP) presidential candidate in the 2023 general election, has urged party members to stand strong and united as Nigeria faces a crisis.

Speaking at the ongoing National Executive Council (NEC) meeting in Abuja, Obi highlighted the urgent need for national rescue, calling attention to the country’s ongoing struggles.

Obi did not mince words about the state of the nation, stressing that Nigeria is heading towards collapse.

READ MORE: Peter Obi In High-Level Meeting With Gov Bala Mohammed

He encouraged party members to speak up, no matter the opposition they may face.

“Do not fear anybody. Those who were afraid yesterday didn’t do any better,” Obi told the gathered party members. “We must speak out when things are going wrong. Nigeria is collapsing. The numbers are clear; the indices are clear—people are getting poorer every day.”

The former governor of Anambra State also stressed the importance of party unity and inclusiveness. He made it clear that the Labour Party’s direction is about collective choice, not individual preferences.

“Labour Party has chosen to be a family, and we must do everything as a family. It’s not about Peter Obi’s choice; it’s everyone’s choice. This family excludes no one. We want to build a party that is fair and just,” he said.

Looking forward, Obi outlined the party’s vision for the upcoming elections, emphasizing the need for preparation and a focus on selecting the most competent candidates for all political offices.

“We want to go into the next election fully prepared, offering Nigerians the best and most competent candidates for the House of Representatives, the Senate, Governorships, and the Presidency,” Obi stated.

He also called for a stricter focus on loyalty and competence from anyone seeking to run under the Labour Party banner. Obi noted that only committed party members with the necessary capabilities should be considered as candidates.

“We want to correct the mistakes we made in the past. Anyone seeking to contest under our party must be a committed member, not just someone passing through. They must be competent,” he said.

 

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Medical Result Interpretation: A Key to Early Detection

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In today’s fast-paced world, where lifestyle diseases and infectious conditions are on the rise, accurate medical result interpretation is more important than ever.

While laboratory tests generate raw data, their true value lies in expert interpretation, which helps detect diseases early, assess health risks, and guide preventive measures.

SYNLAB, a leader in medical diagnostics, is at the forefront of this critical process, ensuring that individuals and healthcare professionals receive precise, actionable insights that enhance disease detection and prevention. Through cutting-edge technology, specialized panels, and expert analysis, SYNLAB Nigeria is not only helping to diagnose illnesses but also shaping a healthier future for Nigerians.

How Medical Diagnostics Helps in Disease Discovery

Many serious health conditions do not show symptoms in their early stages, making medical testing and accurate interpretation essential for early detection. SYNLAB Nigeria offers a wide range of advanced diagnostics that help uncover hidden health conditions before they become critical.

Read Also: On SYNLAB Nigeria’s Secured Patient Portal, Test Result Delivery’s Safe Alternative

1. Early Detection of Chronic and Infectious Diseases

• Diabetes & Cardiovascular Conditions: Blood sugar tests, cholesterol panels, and hypertension screenings help detect conditions before complications arise.

• Cancer Diagnosis: Early screening for prostate cancer (PSA test), breast cancer (mammograms), and cervical cancer (Liquid Based Cytology) significantly improves survival rates.

• Infectious Diseases: Specialized panels, such as the Peachy STI panel, help in the early detection of sexually transmitted infections, ensuring timely treatment and reducing transmission risks.

2. Advanced Molecular and Genetic Testing

Medical science has advanced beyond traditional blood tests, with molecular and genetic diagnostics offering greater accuracy and earlier detection.

• Genetic testing helps individuals understand their risk for hereditary diseases like sickle cell disease, certain cancers, and metabolic disorders.

• Molecular diagnostics detect viral and bacterial infections, such as HPV and tuberculosis, even before symptoms manifest, enabling early treatment and better outcomes.

Preventing Diseases Through Proactive Screening

While detecting diseases is crucial, preventive healthcare plays an even more vital role in reducing the burden of illness. Regular screenings and early interventions can mitigate health risks and promote long-term well-being.

1. Identifying Health Risks Before Symptoms Appear

• Routine Blood Tests: Kidney function, liver enzymes, and other blood markers help detect underlying health conditions early.

• Heart Disease Prevention: Lipid profile tests assess cholesterol levels, guiding patients toward lifestyle changes before cardiovascular complications develop.

2. Personalized Health Insights for Prevention

Medical results are more than just numbers—they offer actionable insights for better health.

• A patient with borderline high blood sugar may be advised on diet and exercise to prevent full-blown diabetes.

• Someone with elevated cholesterol can receive tailored recommendations for heart health before complications arise.

By understanding test results and acting on them, individuals can make informed choices that prevent serious illnesses.

The Role of SYNLAB Nigeria in Medical Result Interpretation

Read Also: Celebrating 20 Years of Excellence: SYNLAB Nigeria’s Journey in Diagnostics Care

SYNLAB Nigeria bridges the gap between medical testing and meaningful healthcare decisions. With a team of in-house pathologists, its expertise in medical result interpretation ensures:

• Accuracy and Reliability: High-quality laboratory processes reduce errors, ensuring that diagnoses are based on trustworthy results.

• Timely Reporting: Quick result delivery prevents delays in treatment and improves patient outcomes.

• Confidential and Secure Data Management: Patients can trust that their medical information is handled with strict privacy protocols.

• Doctor-Patient Collaboration: Beyond delivering test results, SYNLAB provides expert consultation services to help both patients and doctors fully understand their health status.

By prioritizing early detection, prevention, and expert interpretation, SYNLAB Nigeria is transforming medical diagnostics into lifesaving solutions.

Laboratory tests alone are not enough; understanding and acting on those results is what truly saves lives. SYNLAB Nigeria ensures that both medical professionals and patients receive clear, accurate, and meaningful health insights that drive better decision-making.

By offering cutting-edge diagnostics, expert result interpretation, and personalized health recommendations, SYNLAB Nigeria is empowering individuals to take control of their health.

Take charge of your health today—because early detection and prevention begin with understanding your medical results.

About SYNLAB

• SYNLAB Nigeria is a member of the SYNLAB group, with a presence in over 30 countries in four continents. The organization has over 30 active locations across Nigeria and has been ISO 15189 certified since 2006.

• SYNLAB Group is the leader in medical diagnostic services and specialty testing in Europe. The Group offers a full range of innovative and reliable medical diagnostics to patients, practicing doctors, hospitals and clinics, governments, and corporations.

• Providing the leading level of service within the industry, SYNLAB is the partner of choice for routine and specialty diagnostics in human and veterinary medicine. The Group continuously innovates medical diagnostic services for the benefit of patients and customers.

• SYNLAB holds leading positions in most markets, regularly reinforcing the strength of its network through a proven acquisition strategy.

• More information can be found on www.synlab.com, www.synlab.com.ng

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