The Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC, on Monday, insisted that it’s National Leader, Seriake Dickson has no secret or open deal with “the ruinous and diabolical” All Progressives Congress, APC, administration.

NDC insisted that Dickson is not a front for the APC, adding that the party’s National Leader is not out to sabotage it’s presidential candidate, Peter Obi and running mate, Rabiu Kwankwaso.

In a statement signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Osa Director, the party said: “The leadership of our great party, the Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC, the largest opposition and fastest-growing political party in Nigeria today would have ignored the beer-parlour talk and murmurs making the rounds, but history teaches that lies told over and over, if unrefuted, are taken as truth by the gullible.

“Hence, we deem it necessary to issue this strong and unequivocal rebuttal.

“Our National Leader, Distinguished Senator Seriake Dickson, is not a front for the ruling APC or anyone else. He has no secret or open deal whatsoever with the ruinous and diabolical APC regime.

“Anyone who knows Senator Dickson’s public service record, and is in his right senses, will not associate him with any under-the-table arrangement to sabotage his own party and its Presidential Candidate and running mate, Mr. Peter Obi and Dr. Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso.

“Senator Dickson could have taken the easy way out by joining the APC. Instead, he chose the hard, honourable path of building a party with like-minds, a party that will liberate Nigeria from the vice grip of the buccaneers currently in power.”

The Plateau State government says 100 patients will benefit from free cataract surgeries as part of activities to commemorate the 2026 World Sight Day.

Nicholas Ba’amlong, Commissioner for Health, disclosed this on Monday in Jos while commemorating the 2026 World Sight Day, with the theme “Love Your Eyes.”

Mr Ba’amlong said the initiative was being implemented in collaboration with Sightsavers at the Federal Medical Centre, Wase, in Wase Local Government Area.

He stressed the importance of early detection and treatment of eye conditions, noting that residents would receive free checks and screening.

The commissioner said eye health is not an isolated health issue but closely connected to education, employment, productivity, independence, social participation and quality of life.

He said many eye conditions could be prevented, treated or managed when people have timely access to appropriate services.

Mr Ba’amlong said the Plateau government remained committed to strengthening eye health services and making eye care increasingly accessible to residents.

“We will continue to support the integration of eye health into the wider health system, strengthen treatment pathways, promote community awareness and encourage early detection and treatment of eye conditions,” he said.

Mr Ba’amlong added that government would also focus on people living in underserved and hard-to-reach communities.

“Our goal must be an eye health system where every person, regardless of age, gender, location or economic circumstances, has the opportunity to receive appropriate eye care,” he said.

He called for stronger collaboration among government, non-governmental organisations, health professionals, traditional and religious leaders, community organisations and other stakeholders to improve eye-health services.

Mr Ba’amlong urged residents to make eye health a personal and family priority by getting regular eye checks and seeking professional care whenever they notice changes in their vision.

The commissioner urged community leaders, teachers and religious leaders to promote accurate information on eye health and discourage harmful practices that could endanger people’s sight.

“Most importantly, let us not wait until a vision problem becomes severe before seeking help,” he said.

Mr Ba’amlong commended eye-health professionals and other healthcare workers for their dedication, urging them to continue providing compassionate and quality services.

World Sight Day is marked globally on October 8 to raise awareness about preventable causes of vision impairment and blindness and promote access to eye-care services.

(NAN)