Today on Athena Daily Brief:
- Fubara Dismisses Police as Ineffective, Pledges to Block LG Poll Disruption
- Court Bars VIO From Stopping, Impounding, Confiscating Vehicles
- Expert advocates health policy reform on breast cancer
- Politics and Governance
Fubara Dismisses Police as Ineffective, Pledges to Block LG Poll Disruption
Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara has expressed surprise at the actions of the police in allegedly attempting to invade the premises of the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) to disrupt the planned Local Government election on Saturday. Speaking during a media briefing at the Government House in Port Harcourt, Governor Fubara, on Friday, said the move was surprising because he had previously received information indicating that the police intended to withdraw from the local government elections. He questioned why Rivers State is being singled out, especially with what he described as an “undue focus on an electoral body that falls under state jurisdiction.”
Athena Commentary: The Nigeria Police Force, just like the electoral umpire, is meant to be non-partisan and should be unbiased in the discharge of its responsibilities. The Force saddled with the responsibility of crime detection, and prevention, apprehension of offenders, preservation of law and order, protection of life and property. Should have the mantra of transparency and excelling as the upholders of the rule of law. This, when done will help build the confidence of the citizenry on the unit meant to protect and guide. True democracy lies in the supremacy of the rule of law.
Read more (https://www.channelstv.com/2024/10/04/police-presence-inconsequential-fubara-vows-to-resist-lg-poll-disruption/)
- Transport and Road Safety
Court Bars VIO From Stopping, Impounding, Confiscating Vehicles
Justice Evelyn Maha of the Federal High Court in Abuja has issued an order barring the Directorate of Road Traffic Services, also called the Vehicle Inspection Office (VIO), from further stopping vehicles on the road, impounding or confiscating vehicles, and imposing fines on motorists.
Athena Commentary: Nigeria and other developing nations can learn from other developed nations on how their road officers operate and enact thereof. Penalties for defaulters should also be made public and tracked to shun any form of embezzlement. Policies ought to be in place that allows for the sensitization of road user, calling their minds on the need to be proactive on vehicle maintenance and servicing
Read more (https://www.channelstv.com/2024/10/03/court-bars-vio-from-stopping-impounding-confiscating-vehicles/)
- Health
Expert advocates health policy reform on breast cancer
A primary healthcare consultant, Dr Yewande Omikunle, has canvassed an improvement in breast cancer education in Nigeria. Omikunle said a comprehensive health policy reform is one way to get this done. Omikunle, who is the Director of Public Affairs at Sarah Ayoka Oduwaiye Foundation (SAOF Cancer Charity), said that despite spreading breast cancer awareness, some communities in the country are not adequately informed.
Athena Comment: Breast cancer is a serious health challenge among Nigerian women that requires more attention from stakeholders than it currently has. There is an urgent need for more partnerships and collaborationd with other international health organizations to drive the breast cancer awareness to the remote parts of the nation. With the policy in place, the federal government through the Ministry of Health can create free or subsidized health care not just to patients of breast cancer but also reaching out to persons with critical health challenges especially women and children.
Read more (https://punchng.com/breast-cancer-expert-advocates-health-policy-reform/)
By Kosisochukwu Kingsley
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