News
Ziphion Pledges People-Centred Leadership as Massive Crowd Rallies Support Ahead of 2027 Polls
A massive turnout of supporters was recorded on Saturday, May 2, 2026, as Hon. Ziphion Terkop Chrysanthus flagged off his campaign in Pankshin Local Government Area ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Hon. Ziphion, who is contesting for the House of Representatives seat to represent Pankshin, Kanke, and Kanam Federal Constituency under the All Progressives Congress (APC), received overwhelming support from constituents, stakeholders, and various community groups who gathered in large numbers for the rally.
Addressing the crowd, the aspirant described the event as a reflection of collective strength and unity, pledging to provide leadership rooted in service and grassroots engagement.
“Today’s event demonstrates our collective strength and resolve to use strong leadership as a springboard for service and greater impact. I stand before you not with grand promises alone, but with a deep sense of duty to our constituency and our nation,” he said.
He emphasized that leadership must go beyond occupying positions, noting that “leadership must listen and leadership must act,” while stressing that his ambition is driven by the desire to ensure that the voices of farmers, traders, youths, and women are represented and acted upon at the National Assembly.
Hon. Ziphion further called on eligible voters to obtain their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs), describing it as a critical tool for participation in the 2027 elections.
“Their right is their voter’s card. I enjoin every Nigerian to make it a duty to get registered so they can take part in the decisions ahead,” he stated.
Reiterating his commitment to a people-oriented approach, he promised to maintain regular interaction with constituents and allow them to determine priority projects.
“My agenda is the agenda of the people. I will ensure constant engagement so that the needs of my constituents guide every decision and project,” he added.
Speaking on zoning arrangements within the constituency, the APC aspirant noted that after rotating among the three local government areas for 12 years, the seat has now returned to Pankshin. He expressed confidence that the spirit of fairness would earn him support across Pankshin, Kanke, and Kanam.
In a show of solidarity, representatives from Kanam and Kanke pledged their support, urging him to remain connected to the grassroots if elected. A community representative from Kanam emphasized the need for inclusive leadership and regular visits to constituents to better understand their needs.
“He should not remain in Abuja alone but come home often to feel the pulse of the people. That is the only way he can truly serve,” the representative said.
Community leaders and youths from Gagdi Ward in Kanam Local Government Area also backed the aspirant, citing respect for existing zoning arrangements as a key reason for their support. They called for fairness and continuity in the political structure, while highlighting pressing developmental challenges such as lack of schools, teachers, and basic infrastructure in their communities.
“We are supporting him because of the zoning agreement and the need for progress. Our communities lack basic educational facilities, and we believe this is an opportunity for change,” a youth representative said.
Other interest groups, including persons with disabilities, raised concerns about limited access to education and financial support, while the Association of Good Women and Widows appealed for improved security, empowerment opportunities, and greater inclusion in governance.
Responding to the concerns, Hon. Ziphion assured women and widows of his commitment to addressing their challenges, offering words of encouragement and promising targeted interventions.
“I have great plans for women and widows. Many do not fully understand your struggles, but with time and by God’s grace, we will work to support and uplift you,” he said.
The rally also featured cultural displays, traditional dance performances, songs of support and a portrait presentation, reflecting the enthusiasm and backing the aspirant enjoys across the constituency.
The event marks a significant step in the build-up to the 2027 elections, with stakeholders expressing optimism about increased political participation and representation in the constituency.
Two people have died in the United States after contracting Cyclosporiasis, marking the first known deaths linked to the country’s largest recorded outbreak of the disease.
Cyclosporiasis is an infection of the intestine caused by a parasite that thrives in human waste.
The deaths were recorded in Michigan, the state hardest hit by the outbreak.
Reuters reported on Monday that the state health authorities said both patients had serious underlying medical conditions that may have been worsened by the infection and the severe dehydration associated with the illness.
The US Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) said it had confirmed 6,707 laboratory cases nationwide as of 28 July, alongside more than 11,500 suspected cases awaiting laboratory confirmation.
Michigan, the hardest-hit, has recorded 11,234 cases as of Monday, including 193 hospitalisations.
About Cyclosporiasis
Cyclosporiasis is an intestinal infection caused by the microscopic parasite known as Cyclospora cayetanensis.
According to the CDC, people become infected after eating food or drinking water contaminated with human faeces containing the parasite.
Although the disease is not usually life-threatening, it can cause severe illness in some people.
Symptoms include watery diarrhoea, nausea, stomach cramps, loss of appetite, fatigue, and dehydration.
The CDC notes that some infected people may not develop symptoms, while untreated infections can last for weeks or even months, with symptoms disappearing and returning over time.
Outbreak investigation
The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has linked part of the outbreak to iceberg lettuce supplied by Taylor Farms’ operations in central Mexico and served at Taco Bell restaurants.
The affected lettuce has since been recalled.
However, investigators believe the contaminated lettuce does not explain all reported infections and are examining whether other food sources may also be responsible.
Epidemiologists suspect that more than one outbreak may be occurring simultaneously.
READ ALSO: Mendicants, Social Parasites, and Our Rights As Human Beings, By Ifeanyi Uddin
Public health experts told Reuters that recent staffing and funding cuts across US health agencies may have slowed efforts to investigate and contain the outbreak.
Paul Bollyky, an infectious disease expert at Stanford Medicine, was quoted to have said that “Cyclospora is harder to track than many foodborne pathogens because, unlike bacteria, it cannot be grown in the lab or easily genome-mapped to trace an outbreak.”
Mr Bollyky warned that reduced staffing in public health departments could make outbreaks more difficult to investigate and control.
He said the scale of the outbreak raises broader questions about the safety of the US food supply.
“Anytime you have over 10,000 people infected with a foodborne pathogen, you do have to wonder whether this is a canary in the coal mine.”
Discover more from Premium Times Nigeria
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
-
Entertainment1 day agoBig Chinni Thrills Audience as NASCO Cornflakes Powers Mr & Miss UNIJOS 2026
-
News4 days ago
OpenAI reportedly finds evidence that more of its agents ran amok
-
News1 day ago
The fourth edition of Jasper Fiton Football Tournament Begins in Bokkos, Unites 45 Teams for Peace and Talent Discovery
-
News4 days ago
India is starting to pay for apps, not just download them
