NEWS
House Committee Calls NAPTIP To Account For Alliance Hospital CEO’s Detention
The House of Representatives has summoned the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) to address allegations of the unjust detention of Dr. Christopher Otabor, the Chief Executive Officer of Alliance Hospital Abuja.
Chairman of the House Committee on Public Petition, Rep. Mike Etaba, has mandated NAPTIP’s Director-General, Mrs. Fatima Waziri-Azi, to present herself before the committee on April 18, amplifying concerns surrounding this matter.
The chairman emphasized that a failure to appear would force the committee to issue a warrant of arrest.
Expressing disappointment in NAPTIP’s absence during the investigative hearing, he noted the four-day detention of Otabor.
The committee additionally called on the police officer involved in the alleged organ harvesting case against Otabor to appear and provide insights into the situation.
He said, “We will handle this matter the way it should, we will be thorough in our investigation and whoever is found guilty will be punished.
“This country is not a lawless country; whoever violated the Nigerian constitution will be dealt with severely.
“Everybody that is supposed to respond to the petition must be here, or we will issue an arrest warrant.”
The committee expressed dismay that NAPTIP relied on social media for information leading to Otabor’s detention, deeming it an unfortunate and unacceptable practice that has the potential to tarnish an individual’s reputation.
They emphasized the gravity of the matter, asserting that it surpassed the acceptable standards for their hearing.
He said “We must get the date of the arrest and those involved in the arrest, including the statement from the IPO.
“Why we are discouraging the Japa syndrome, some who are preventing and helping this country to grow are hounded down, this investigative hearing will be a fact finding mission.”
Rep. Victor Ogene (LP-Abia), a committee member, praised the CEO of Alliance Hospital for bringing the issue before the lawmakers, acknowledging the transparency of involving the “people’s house.”
He highlighted the absence of relevant law enforcement agencies that were expected to present their cases, expressing a need for their presence in the proceedings.
He said, “The D-G of NAPTIP should be summoned before this committee; she knows why she did the illegal detention. The law has prescribed a term of detention.”
“We have an organisation paying a bill of over N70 million and if the staff were driven away, you know how that will affect them and their family.”
Otabor revealed that the police had previously questioned him regarding organ harvesting allegations, later confirming the falsehood of the claims and releasing some of his detained staff.
He explained that, without conducting an investigation, NAPTIP ordered his arrest and subjected him to a four-day detention based on a video circulating on social media alleging his involvement in organ harvesting.
Otabor asserted that the organ harvesting allegation was an attempt to tarnish his long-standing goodwill and reputation.
He accused NAPTIP’s Director-General of orchestrating a deliberate effort to embarrass and diminish his image, citing a display of excessive power and intimidation.
Otabor, a respected multi-specialty healthcare service provider, highlighted that during his four-day detention at NAPTIP, no inquiries related to investigations were made, and his phone was not subjected to search.
Otabor contended that the organ harvesting allegations were rooted in hatred, emphasizing that he had taken legal action against the newspaper that implicated his hospital in such a heinous act.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will depart Abuja on Sunday, January 26, 2025, to participate in the Africa Heads of State Energy Summit in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.
The two-day summit, scheduled for January 27-28, 2025, is aimed at advancing “Mission 300,” a pan-African initiative to provide electricity to 300 million people across the continent by 2030.
Hosted by the Tanzanian government in collaboration with the African Development Bank Group and the World Bank, the summit will bring together African leaders, private sector stakeholders, development partners, and civil society organizations.
READ MORE: Tinubu Appoints Ganduje, Ajibola, Others As Heads Of Federal Agencies
The goal is to develop strategies for accelerating energy access in underserved regions, increasing renewable energy adoption, and mobilizing private sector investment.
According to a statement released on Saturday by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President, the summit will serve as a platform for sharing expertise, knowledge, and resources to address Africa’s energy challenges.
The first day of the summit will feature ministerial-level discussions, during which participating nations, including Nigeria, will present their national energy strategies, or “compacts,” detailing their plans to achieve universal energy access within five years.
On the second day, African Heads of State will sign the Dar es Salaam Energy Declaration, a unified roadmap for achieving the goals of Mission 300.
President Tinubu is expected to deliver a national statement reaffirming Nigeria’s commitment to universal energy access and its leadership role in the continent’s energy sector.
He will also highlight Nigeria’s ongoing clean energy initiatives and integrated energy delivery strategies aimed at fostering sustainable development across Africa.
Accompanying the president will be key government officials, including Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, Minister of Power Adebayo Adelabu, and Special Adviser to the President on Energy Olu Verheijen.
President Tinubu is set to return to Abuja immediately after the summit concludes.
The menace of illegal migration is getting diplomatic attention from the Italian authorities and the Edo State Government.
The Chief Press Secretary to Edo State Governor, Fred Itua divulged this in a government house statement issued in Benin City on Saturday.
He explained that the Coordinator, Office of the First Lady, Edesili Anani had expressed the readiness of the Governor, Monday Okpebholo-led administration to tackle the menace of irregular migration among youths in the state.
ALSO READ: Terrorism: Police Neutralises ESN Kingpins, Destroys Camps In Imo
It was gathered that Anani made the stance public on Friday in Government House, Benin City, when Dr. Alberto Cilala, a consultant to the European Union and President of Mattei Africa for Humanitarian Aids Initiative in Italy, led a delegation to her office.
Welcoming the delegation, she highlighted the importance of collaboration to address the challenges posed by irregular migration.
The Coordinator expressed her gratitude to the delegation, and emphasized the transformative impact the partnership will bring to Edo State.
In her words, “This initiative will reduce unemployment, create job opportunities, and address human trafficking and irregular migration. It will also enhance education, skills acquisition, agricultural investment, and infrastructural development for our people.”
On his part, Dr. Cilala emphasized that the Mattei Plan would provide valuable skills to Edo State residents, including tailoring, furniture-making, shoemaking, and more.
“The Mattei Plan was launched by the Italian Government with a focus on six key sectors: education and training, health, security, agriculture, and renewable energy. The goal is to promote integrated development and improve living conditions, particularly in rural areas.
“These projects will be fully funded by the Italian Government through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Labour,” he stated.
Former Senior Special Assistant to the Edo State Government on Anti-Human Trafficking and Irregular Migration, Solomon Okoduwa, in his remarks, said the Mattei Plan prioritizes practical measures to reduce irregular migration and human trafficking.
“Although nine African countries are involved in this initiative, Edo State is a crucial partner for Italy. This partnership will strengthen bilateral relations under the leadership of His Excellency, Senator Monday Okpebholo,” he said.
Brand Ambassador of the Mattei Plan, Olorogun John Paul, popularly known as Daddy Showkey was at the event and lauded the initiative.
He noted, “This program provides an opportunity for Edo State beneficiaries to gain training in various skills, equipping them for sustainable livelihoods.”
Supporters of the impeached Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Mudashiru Obasa, on Saturday morning stormed the Speaker’s Lodge located at 47 Joel Ogunnaike Street, GRA Ikeja, Lagos.
The supporters, dressed in pro-Obasa vests and caps, arrived in large numbers at the premises.
According to multiple sources, the group was planning a “heroic welcome” for the former Speaker, who was recently removed from office by a majority of lawmakers in the House.
READ MORE: 9mobile Commends NCC For 50% Tariff Adjustment To Boost Telecom Sector
Obasa, who was out of the country at the time of his impeachment, was replaced by the former deputy speaker, Mojisola Meranda.
Since her emergence as Speaker, Meranda has presided over two sittings, with Obasa absent from both.
The choice of the Speaker’s Lodge as the location for Obasa’s supposed welcome sparked controversy, as he is no longer officially entitled to the property following his removal.
A resident in the area expressed surprise over the situation, saying, “I didn’t expect that the lodge would be opened for them.”
Armed security personnel, including police officers, were deployed to the area to maintain order and prevent any potential disruption.
As of the time of filing this report, Obasa had yet to arrive at the lodge.
Tinubu To Attend Africa Heads of State Energy Summit In Tanzania
Italy Collaborates With Edo To Combat Irregular Migration
Terrorism: Police Neutralises ESN Kingpins, Destroys Camps In Imo
JUST IN: Security Beefed Up As Obasa’s Supporters Occupy Speaker’s Lodge
9mobile Commends NCC For 50% Tariff Adjustment To Boost Telecom Sector
Kano Police Warn Residents Of Imminent Terror Attack Threats
OSSG Raises Alarm Over Murder Plot By APC Chieftain
NCC, SMEDAN, NAICOM, SEC, Others Set for SUPERNEWS SMEs Conf June 13
Sahara’s Tonye Cole resigns from GPHCDA
Niger Delta Avengers: President Buhari Reads riot Act …considers the carrot and stick option
Oando opens ultra-modern petrol station in Lagos
