IMO BREAKING NEWS BLOG

Voting commenced in the Osun State local government election on Saturday morning as scheduled despite prior controversy. The exercise commenced in some local governments as early as 8am, including Ede North Local Government Area where Governor Ademola Adeleke voted.

The governor after casting his vote, described the exercise as peaceful, calling on the people of the state to come out and vote peacefully. Voters were seen casting their votes in some of the polling units, as the exercise moved on seamlessly.

AGF, Police call for suspension

The Attorney General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi and the Nigeria Police Force had called for the suspension of the exercise. While the AGF hinged his call on a controversial Court of Appeal judgement which allegedly reinstated the earlier sacked local government chairmen and councillors, the police cited security threat.

According to the justice minister, the Court of Appeal, Akure division, on February 10, 2025, nullified the judgement of the Federal High Court, Osogbo, delivered on November 25, 2022. The AGF said the verdict of the appellate court implied that the All Progressives Congress (APC) local council chairmen formerly sacked by the lower court have been restored.

On its part, the Police said it received credible intelligence indicating a likelihood of violence and significant security threats should the planned elections proceed. 

In a statement by its Public Relations Officer, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, the police explained that reports gathered from joint intelligence gathering revealed that various groups, including political elements and other interested parties, are mobilising to instigate unrest, disrupt public peace and undermine the democratic order. 

Pope Francis will miss the Angelus prayer on Sunday for the second straight week as the 88-year-old is treated in hospital for pneumonia, the Vatican said.

The text will only be published, not read out, as it was last weekend, the Vatican press office said Saturday. Francis was admitted to Rome’s Gemelli hospital on February 14 with bronchitis, but it turned into pneumonia in both lungs, causing widespread alarm.

The pontiff’s doctors had told a press conference on Friday there was no imminent risk to his life but that he was “not out of danger”. The Vatican’s early morning update Saturday said simply: “Pope Francis rested well.” 

The final of this year's Imo State Federation's Cup will hold on Sunday, February 23, 2025 at the Dan Anyiam Stadium, Owerri Imo State. 

Qualified for the final are Heartland FC of Owerri and Onwubiko Innocent Sports Academy,OISA, FC Okpala. 

A perennial winner of the cup from the days of Spartans to Iwuanyanwu and now Heartland, the team which has been the traditional custodian of the state FA cup for years beckons on history to repeat itself against the newcomers on Sunday. 

For OISA, a side that campaigns in the Nationwide league, the Okpala boys are not only coming into the FA Cup limelight for the first time as finalist, but also appearing as first team from that location to pick the last two slots in the State FA Cup. 

Expectedly, the match will have the trappings of a cup final as soccer fireworks will be on display during game.

Coming as underdogs, OISA will use the game to prove their mettle after shoving aside others to book a final ticket that will enable them campaign at the national stage. While Heartland need to sustain their dominance of the domestic trophy to prove their worth the state and beyond.

To reach the final, Heartland FC beat Giant brillars 6-0 in their first game before moving to dwarf Amanda fc 3-0 then Dom Daniel fc2-0 in the semi final. While OISA brushed aside last year's runners up, FC Eburuaja 1-0, dumped Heartland feeders 1-0 before overcoming Capt marvel fc who lost them 3-1.

Chairman of Imo FA, Barr Ifeanyi Dike has assured participating teams and stakeholders that the state FA who is on the path to make football great in Imo once again has put all machinery in motion to have a successful final.

According to Barr Dike, mouth watering packages have been outlined for the encounter as the Imo FA expresses happiness over the contributions of some of the club owners and stakeholders who contributed immensely to the success of the 2025 State Federation's Cup. He said that the two teams who have qualified to represent the state at the national stage will receive the backing of the state FA at all levels in the course of the national preliminaries.

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.