Opinion
TRIBUTE TO SENATOR DR. AMBASSADOR ANTHONY MAJORUBAN GEORGE MANZO
Senator Dr. Ambassador Anthony Majoruban George Manzo is a distinguished Mumuye Elder and a figure first in Nigerian healthcare sector before venturing in to public service which he was literarily draged into due to his outstanding performance and records as a medical doctor of international standing, whose contributions has left an indelible mark on Nigeria.
Born in 1958, he embarked on a journey that has seen him excel in various fields, including medicine, diplomacy, and politics.
His academic credentials as a Medical Practitioner (MBBS), the first in Mumuye land obtaining his MBBS in 1982, and subsequently becoming a consultant surgeon and later a Fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons (FRCS)United kingdom, underscores his commitment to health and well-being which led to him being appointed Commissioner of Health, Taraba State, and Chairman of the Medical Advisory Committee, Gwagwalada Specialist Hospital Abuja.
He was also an ambassador of Nigeria to Israel during the second term of the Obasanjo presidency. In January 2005, he was appointed High Commissioner of Nigeria to Cyprus. Manzo was elected Senator for the Taraba North senatorial district of Taraba State in 2007. He quickly established himself as a proactive legislator dedicated to addressing critical issues affecting his constituents and Nigeria at large.
His involvement in committees such as Police Affairs, Information and Media, Health, Foreign Affairs, and Air Force reflects his diverse interests and expertise.
Throughout his tenure, Senator Manzo Majoruban sponsored numerous bills aimed at improving healthcare access and governance in Nigeria. Notably, he advocated for amendments to the Nigeria Christian Pilgrims Commission Act and emphasized mental health initiatives through the amendment of the Psychiatric Hospital Management Board Act. In the peak of terrorism in Nigeria, Dr. manzo and the federal government co-sponsored the current anti-terrorism act in use in Nigeria; as one of his highest personal self-acclaimed achievements as a senator been that terrorism in that hurific state was maiden to Nigeria, and so was a matter of urgent national importance. His foresight during the global credit crisis demonstrated his understanding of economic challenges facing Nigeria; he called for better bank regulation and urged the government to settle debts owed to local contractors.
With him emerging Senator of the Year severally, and how impactful his contributions were on the floor of the senate and in committee assignments as well as oversight functions, Sen. David Mark, as senate president in 2011, appointed him Chief of Staff to the Senate president throughout his service as Senate president, which ended in 2015. The impact of which is still mentioned as a reference for excellence today in the office of the Senate President of Nigeria.
Beyond legislative efforts, Manzo’s experiences as Nigeria’s ambassador to Israel and High Commissioner to Cyprus enriched his perspective on governance. He recognized that strong democratic institutions are vital for national progress—an insight that resonates deeply within contemporary Nigerian politics.
Senator Manzo’s commitment to integrity in governance is evident from his public statements advocating for honesty as a cornerstone of national development. His defence of cross-carpeting among politicians highlights his belief in democratic freedom—a principle that fosters political diversity rather than stifling it.
Not forgetting the mentoring role senator Manzo plays in all his endeavours. Manzo’s protégés are everywhere he has ever had a dealing in, ranging from the days of his practice as a medical doctor(consultant surgeon), diplomacy, legislation, and generally in public service.
As a father in the great MUMUYE Nation, Taraba state, and Nigeria at large, I must express in appreciation Dabong Manzo’s untiring effort in finding opportunities for mumuye sons and daughters locally and internationally in civil service, politics and business which is evident in the distribution of mumuye sons and daughters in the federal civil service, politics, business and the diplomatic world who are doing exploits in various sectors today. Also of note is the enormous federal projects he has and is still attracting to Taraba State even as a private citizen.
These efforts are reflective of his kind, civil, and humane nature. A highly detribalized Nigerian seen in his accommodating Nigerians of diverse backgrounds and religions even as evident in his personal staff and network of friends and associates. I was not surprised when the APC/Tinubu’s committee on identifying and selecting notable Christians from Northern Nigeria to fly the APC presidential ticket with BAT in 2023 found Dr Manzo imminently qualified to be among the few recommended to now president Bola Ahmed Tinubu to be his running mate.
Haven received numerous traditional titles as a mark of honour, appreciation, and recognition of his contribution to humanity, just to mention a few in his home state of Taraba *Sardaunan Zing
*Turakin Kwaji
*Dan darman Ibi
*Dan Matsanin Mumuye,
Senator Manzo is generally regarded as a calm, collected, down to earth and a very intelligent man even by his adversaries. In 2023, Senator Majoruban Manzo contested the APC ticket for the governorship primary, where he came second behind Senator Emmanuel Bwacha.
As I reflect on Senator Dr. Ambassador Anthony Majoruban George Manzo’s legacy, I celebrate a leader who has tirelessly worked towards enhancing healthcare systems, promoting democratic values, and advocating for the welfare of Nigerians. His contributions will continue to inspire future generations of leaders committed to public service.
Your Excellency, sir, I thought of your great personality and contribution to your immediate mumuye communittee where I am from and feel you deserve to be celebrated. I am giving you your flowers while you are still very much alive. Senator Anthony Majoruban Manzo been the second most decorated leader and father in mumuye land after H.E Dabong Jolly Tavoro Nyame the “Dabong yorro”, is a model of admiration and influence in mumuye land and Taraba State. You inspire me and many, a lot, to prioritize human capital development as the pivot of every other development.
I pray for you for good health, sound mind, and strength all the days of your life.
I AM PROUD OF YOU, SIR, AND MAY YOU LIVE LONG TO SEE THE MUMUYE NATION, TARABA STATE, AND NIGERIA OF YOUR DREAMS BECOME A REALITY.
By *_DCN LOKOYERE GEOFFREY LAWRENCE_ .*
A pro-democracy group, the Progressive Group for Democracy (PGD), has called on President Bola Tinubu to intervene and stop local government officials in Lagos State from pursuing unconstitutional third terms in upcoming council elections.
The group alleges that officials in Agbado Oke-Odo and Ikosi Isheri Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs) are exploiting legal loopholes to extend their tenures, in violation of Nigeria’s Constitution.
Speaking at a press conference in Abuja on Tuesday, PGD National Coordinator Aladesanmi Abiodun Salawu described the move as a “clear violation” of constitutional provisions and a threat to Nigeria’s democracy.
He invoked President Tinubu’s historical opposition to tenure elongation, referencing the president’s fierce resistance to former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s third-term bid in the early 2000s.
“As a pro-democracy group, we are reminded of President Tinubu’s fierce opposition to Obasanjo’s third-term agenda. President Tinubu stood firmly against constitutional manipulation then. Where is the president’s voice now?” Salawu asked.
The PGD alleges that the officials in question assumed office following the deaths of elected chairpersons, took oaths of office, and later won full terms in subsequent elections.
“Their current bids for re-election, the group argues, constitute an unconstitutional third term. Salawu cited the Fourth Alteration to the Constitution, signed into law by former President Muhammadu Buhari in 2018, which prohibits individuals from seeking a third term after completing a predecessor’s tenure and winning a subsequent election.
“Today, we stand at a very dangerous crossroads. The same anti-democratic forces that our heroes fought against during the June 12 struggle are re-emerging in Lagos State,” Salawu said.
“In Agbado Oke-Odo and Ikosi Isheri LCDAs, we are witnessing a calculated attempt to normalise constitutional violations through the backdoor.”
The group also criticised Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, accusing him of complicity due to his silence on the issue. “As the chief security officer of Lagos State, (Sanwo-Olu)has a constitutional duty to uphold the rule of law. His silence is not just concerning; it is complicity,” Salawu said.
The PGD urged President Tinubu to publicly denounce the third-term bids and called on the Attorney General of the Federation to issue an advisory on term limits for local government administrations.
It also demanded that the Lagos State Independent Electoral Commission (LASIEC) disqualify candidates seeking unconstitutional terms.
“These individuals in Agbado Oke-Odo and Ikosi Isheri LCDAs must withdraw their candidacy immediately. We are not making a request; we are stating what the constitution already mandates,” Salawu declared.
The group vowed to challenge the alleged violations through legal means, including mobilising civil society, approaching the courts, and organising peaceful protests if necessary.
“The Lagos Society for Good Governance will utilise every legal means available to challenge this dangerous precedent,” Salawu added.
BY ABUBAKAR YUSUF
History was made again today at the National Assembly Service Commission NASC as the newly appointed as Executive Chairman,Dr Saviour Enyiekere and his Commissioners, was sworn in by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the Presidential villa to signify the beginning of another five years journey for the new management of the Commission.
Dr Enyiekere who was appointed along with his 12 commissioners representing the six geopolitical zones on 20th, February, 2025, assumed duty on 5th, May, 2025 few months after their appointment after been taking oath office.
He took the oath of office as the sixth National Assembly Service Commission Chairman since the inception of the Commission over four decades ago .
Until his appointment, Enyiekere, an environmental specialist, was the Deputy Chief of Staff to the Senate President and had played a leading and strategic roles in the last 19 months before his elevation.
Soon after he took the oath office along with his commissioners , he assumed duty and was hosted by management and staff of the National Assembly Service Commission NASC and by extension, the National Assembly management led by Barrister Kamoru Ogunlana, the new Clerk to the National Assembly CNA.
Fresh and determined to make a difference,While acknowledging the audience along with his new commissioners , he described today’s occasion as unique with the date falling to 5/5/2025, stating his determination to work with all stakeholders at the NASC and NASS.
He eulogised the outgone leadership of the commission and also paid a glowing trubutes to the deceased ones , acknowledging their unique performance and contributions to the development of the commission in all areas.
Enyiekere who solicited for the cooperation of the management, staff and staff union , promised to prioritize the welfare and well-being of staff of the commission.
The New Executive Chairman , National Assembly Service Commission NASC, Dr Saviour Enyiekere also promised to work harmoniously with the management of the commission , staff, and members of Parliamentary Staff Association PASAN.
Dr Saviour who attracted a conference hall that was filled to capacity bare his mind of carrying all and sundry along in his new administration .
Assertive, young and brilliant to manage the affairs of the commission, he promised to promote and sustain the legacies of management and previous leadership saying their contributions was indelible on the sands of time.
He used the opportunity to appreciate Nigeria’s President and reiterated his commitment along with his commissioners to promote and protect the Renewed Hope Agenda of the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, with full support the leadership of the National Assembly under Senator Godswill Akpabio and Rt Honourable Tajudeen Abbas, lauding them for a job well-done and careful selection of the new Chairman and members/commissioners of the commission.
While describing the new responsibility as hectic and challenging, , saying with prayers , God will see us through.
Dr Saviour Enyiekere who promised to keep intact the good records of NASC management and the staff union , so as to ensure harmonious working relationship going forward.
During the handing over ceremony, The Secretary to the Commission, Mr
Lucky U. Ikharo, while presenting the handover documents to the new NASC boss, pledged the total commitment of the NASC Management towards the effective performance of the Commission’s assignment.
Speaking further during the handing and talking over ceremony at the Commission’s Conference Room, the new NASC boss told officials of the National Assembly Service that his leadership would emphasise the welfare of the workers of the Service, harmonious working relationship and productivity.
The new Chairman and his commissioners anxious to make a difference asked all stakeholders to extend their fellowship, admonition and possibly corrections.
Dr Saviour , a grassroot politician , with indepth experience in civil and political exposure, promised to make a difference without further delay .
The entire National Assembly Service Commission NASC bounced back to life after three months since the exit of the former Executive Chairman , National Assembly Service Commission NASC, Engr Ahmed Kadi Amshi FNSE.
Highlights of the occasion included group photograph, media interview and interactions with the management and staff of both the National Assembly Service Commission NASC, National Assembly leadership led by Barrister Kamoru Ogunlana along with the new commissioners.
With his assumption of duty and his promises, no doubt a new dawn has encapsulated and heralded the National Assembly Service Commission NASC and his leadership.
In a goodwill message, the Clerk to the National Assembly, Barrister Kamoru Ogunlana, assured the new Commission of the full co-operation of the National Assembly Management towards achieving success. He, however, pleaded with the Commission to carry the National Assembly Management along on key decision-making.
The Honourable Commissioners that reported to duty alongside the Chairman include: Mr. Hanmation Mark Tersoo and Mr. Salisu Umar Agboola-Balogun (North-Central); Alhaji Lawan Maina Mahmud and Aminu Ibrahim Malle (North-East); Senator Suleiman Othman Hunkuyi and Hon Yusuf A. Tabuka (North-West), Chief Festus Ifesinachi Odii (South-East), Mary Samuel Ekpenyong and Mr Patrick Giwa (South-South), Mrs Taiwo Olukemi Oluga and Ipesa-Balogun, Afeez (South-West, with
The Honourable Commissioners that reported to duty alongside the Chairman include: Mr. Hanmation Mark Tersoo and Mr. Salisu Umar Agboola-Balogun (North-Central); Alhaji Lawan Maina Mahmud and Aminu Ibrahim Malle (North-East); Senator Suleiman Othman Hunkuyi and Hon Yusuf A. Tabuka (North-West), Chief Festus Ifesinachi Odii (South-East), Mary Samuel Ekpenyong and Mr Patrick Giwa (South-South), Mrs Taiwo Olukemi Oluga and Ipesa-Balogun, Afeez (South-West), with Festus Ifesinachi Odii not yet resume from the South-East .
Written BY ABUBAKAR YUSUF on yus.abubakar3@gmail.com.
By Capt. Caleb Danladi Bako
The global shipping industry is the lifeblood of international trade, with nearly 90% of goods transported by sea. Behind this vast network of commerce are the seafarers professionals whose dedication keeps the world’s economy afloat. Yet, while the focus often falls on operational efficiency, safety, and environmental concerns, an equally critical aspect remains largely in the shadows: the mental health and wellbeing of those who spend months away from home, isolated and often battling invisible struggles.
Having worked both at sea and now within the maritime industry ashore, we have witnessed firsthand the emotional challenges faced by seafarers. Life at sea is often romanticized, but the reality is far more complex. Prolonged isolation, communication barriers, high-pressure environments, and the unpredictability of life at sea contribute to a unique mental health crisis that has, for too long, gone unspoken.
A seafarer’s life revolves around routines, watches, and operations that leave little room for personal downtime. The absence of family support systems limited recreational facilities, and minimal mental health resources onboard amplify feelings of loneliness and helplessness. Recent studies, including those by the Mission to Seafarers and the International Seafarers’ Welfare and Assistance Network (ISWAN), reveal alarming rates of depression, anxiety, and even suicidal ideation among crew members. These findings highlight a pressing need for the industry to prioritize mental health with the same seriousness as physical safety.
The COVID-19 pandemic further exposed and intensified these struggles. Hundreds of thousands of seafarers were stranded aboard ships, unable to disembark for months beyond their contracts. Crew change crises turned ships into floating prisons, exacerbating feelings of abandonment and mental exhaustion.
Though some shipping companies have since introduced mental health initiatives such as access to tele-counselling and mental wellness apps, these measures are still the exception rather than the norm.
Mental health challenges at sea are not merely personal struggles; they can have direct safety implications. Fatigue, anxiety, and depression diminish focus and decision-making ability, increasing the risk of accidents. Thus, protecting seafarers’ wellbeing is not only a moral obligation but a safety imperative for the entire industry.
As industry experts and former seafarers, we believe urgent cultural change is required. Shipping companies must move beyond token programs to embed mental health care into the fabric of maritime operations.
Practical steps include mandatory mental health training, confidential support systems, improved internet connectivity for family contact, regular shore leave, and destigmatization of seeking help.
It is time to bring the untold struggles of seafarers into the light. By acknowledging their mental health needs and committing resources to support them, we honor not only their critical role in global trade but their fundamental humanity.
Capt. Caleb Danladi Bako
Maritime expert and Academic Researcher
E-mail: Caleb.Danladi@plymouth.ac.uk, dancb2k@yahoo.com
Phone: +2348064218253