News
2023: Persons with disabilities lament exclusion by political parties
2023: Persons with disabilities lament exclusion by political parties
The Joint National Association of People with Disabilities (JONAPWD) in Anambra, had lamented the exclusion of its members in the various activities of political parties ahead of the 2023 general elections.
Mr Ugochukwu Okeke, Chairman, JONAPWD, expressed the displeasure at a news conference in Awka, on Friday, to mark the 4th anniversary of the Anambra State Disabilities Rights Law 2018.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Anambra State Disability Rights Bills 2015 was passed into law by the state legislative chamber on Sept. 13, 2018, and was on Dec. 18, 2018 signed into law by former Gov. Willie Obiano.
Okeke said that persons with disabilities are underrepresented in the activities of political parties and their priorities are systematically neglected.
He said it was risky to take for granted a body with large number of persons, particularly in a democracy, saying that the group will take advantage of their numerical strength to demonstrate their relevance during the polls.
“We have discovered that political parties do not have plans to include persons with disabilities (PWDs) in their structures. They are supposed to reserve certain positions for PWDs, at least at the ward level to motivate our members.
“All of them have women leaders, youth leaders and others, but do not have disability leaders, who will help in mobilising our members.
“Besides, some parties hold their meetings not just late in the night, but upstairs where PWDs will find it difficult to access. Some of them do not have interpreters to ensure that the deaf and dumb among us are carried along.
“The parties should understand that politics is a game of number and we have the number. Infact, we are preparing seriously ahead of the general elections to use our number to make a statement in Anambra,” he said.
Okeke, however, blamed some of its members for their reluctance to identify with different political parties of their choice in the state.
“Some of the challenges are internal. Some of us do not like identifying with political parties and I believe that if you do not belong anywhere, nobody will identify you.
“We have been encouraging our members to identify with political parties of their choices so they can have the bargaining powers to make demands,” he said.
Also speaking, Mrs Amaka Anadumaka, Desk Officer, Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps, said the corps had the duty to protect the rights of PWDs.
She enjoined the leadership of PWDs not to relent in notifying the security agencies of any threat to its members.
2023: Persons with disabilities lament exclusion by political parties
Military
COAS commissions 6 Division RSM House, reaffirms frontline leadership role of regimental sergeant majors
COAS commissions 6 Division RSM House, reaffirms frontline leadership role of regimental sergeant majors
By Zagazola Makama
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has reaffirmed the critical role of Regimental Sergeant Majors (RSMs) in strengthening discipline, leadership and operational effectiveness across the Nigerian Army.
The COAS made the remarks on Friday during the commissioning of the newly constructed 6 Division Regimental Sergeant Major’s House in Port Harcourt as part of activities marking the 163rd Nigerian Army Day Celebration (NADCEL 2026).
Speaking at the event, Lt.-Gen. Shaibu described RSMs as the backbone of regimental administration and custodians of discipline, standards and morale within the Army.
He said the provision of dedicated accommodation for RSMs was not merely a welfare initiative but a strategic investment aimed at enhancing leadership at the unit level and improving operational efficiency.
According to the Army Chief, RSMs play a vital role in translating command directives into action, maintaining troop cohesion and ensuring effective implementation of operational orders across various theatres of operation.
He added that the senior non-commissioned officers also serve as the crucial link between officers and soldiers, fostering professionalism, mutual trust and esprit de corps within formations and units.
Shaibu noted that the influence of RSMs in mentoring soldiers, enforcing discipline and sustaining troop morale remains indispensable to the success of military operations.
He stressed that providing conducive accommodation for key regimental leaders would enhance their ability to discharge their responsibilities effectively and contribute to improved operational readiness.
The COAS reiterated that under his “Soldier First” philosophy, the welfare of personnel, particularly those occupying critical leadership positions, remains a top priority.
He maintained that sustained investment in welfare infrastructure and leadership development would continue to strengthen the Nigerian Army’s capacity to remain a resilient, professional and combat-ready force capable of addressing the country’s evolving security challenges.
COAS commissions 6 Division RSM House, reaffirms frontline leadership role of regimental sergeant majors
Troops intercept cattle grazing in restricted area in Plateau, herders flee
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation Enduring Peace (OPEP) have intercepted a herd of cattle found grazing in a restricted area in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State.
Intelligence sources told Zagazola Makama that the troops of Sector 4 OPEP responded to a report of illegal grazing at about 3:30 p.m. on Friday in Nyerwie village.
The sources said that upon arrival at the location, the troops found a herd of cattle grazing in the restricted area.
The herders reportedly fled into nearby bushes on sighting the troops, abandoning the livestock.
The intercepted cattle were subsequently moved to a secure location for necessary administrative action, while efforts are ongoing to identify and apprehend the fleeing herders, the sources said.
Troops intercept cattle grazing in restricted area in Plateau, herders flee
Troops Arrest Two Suspected Vandals, Recover Stolen Construction Materials in Jos
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation Enduring Peace (OPEP) have arrested two suspected vandals in Jos North Local Government Area of Plateau State for allegedly stealing construction materials from an ongoing road construction site.
Security sources said the suspects, identified as Arin Itse, 21, and Agwom Christopher, 19, were arrested at about 9:30 a.m. on Friday during a routine patrol by troops of Sector 1, Sub-Sector 12, along the Kwanga road in Jos North.
The sources said the suspects were intercepted while in possession of iron rods suspected to have been stolen from a road construction company handling an ongoing project in the area.
According to the sources, the suspects were taken into custody for further investigation, while the recovered iron rods were handed over to the construction company.
The sources added that investigations were ongoing to determine the circumstances surrounding the alleged theft and whether other persons were involved.
Troops Arrest Two Suspected Vandals, Recover Stolen Construction Materials in Jos
COAS commissions 6 Division RSM House, reaffirms frontline leadership role of regimental sergeant majors
Troops intercept cattle grazing in restricted area in Plateau, herders flee
Troops Arrest Two Suspected Vandals, Recover Stolen Construction Materials in Jos
Roger Federer’s Shock as DNA Results Reveal Myla and Charlene Are Not His Biological Children
THE PLIGHT OF FARIDA
FAILED COUP IN BURKINA FASO: HOW TRAORÉ NARROWLY ESCAPED ASSASSINATION PLOT AMID FOREIGN INTERFERENCE CLAIMS
-
News2 years agoRoger Federer’s Shock as DNA Results Reveal Myla and Charlene Are Not His Biological Children
-
Opinions4 years ago
THE PLIGHT OF FARIDA
-
News1 year agoFAILED COUP IN BURKINA FASO: HOW TRAORÉ NARROWLY ESCAPED ASSASSINATION PLOT AMID FOREIGN INTERFERENCE CLAIMS
-
News2 years agoEYN: Rev. Billi, Distortion of History, and The Living Tamarind Tree
-
Opinions5 years agoPOLICE CHARGE ROOMS, A MINTING PRESS
-
ACADEMICS2 years agoA History of Biu” (2015) and The Lingering Bura-Pabir Question (1)
-
Columns2 years agoArmy University Biu: There is certain interest, but certainly not from Borno.
-
Politics1 year ago2027: Why Hon. Midala Balami Must Go, as Youths in Hawul and Asikira/Uba Federal Constituency Reject ₦500,000 as Sallah Gift
