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Georgia lawmaker ‘shaken but resolved’ following arrest at election bill signing

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4 years ago

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Following the arrest of Rep. Park Cannon D-Ga., for knocking on the door while Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp signed a sweeping election bill this week, her attorney said Cannon is “shaken but resolved” to continue the fight for voting rights in Georgia — and to clear her name.
Cannon faces charges of obstructing law enforcement and disrupting a general assembly session after she repeatedly knocked on the door of Kemp’s office as he held a private livestream of the bill signing. The 90-page bill adds new voting requirements for Georgia residents following the results of the 2020 election that flipped the traditionally red state to blue.

A viral video of Cannon, who is a Black woman, being forcibly escorted out of the statehouse by Georgia state troopers, even after she identified herself as a state representative, sparked national outrage. She argued that the public and other members of the General Assembly should be allowed to witness the event.

© Alyssa Pointer/AP State Rep. Park Cannon is placed into the back of a Georgia State Capitol patrol car after being arrested by Georgia State Troopers at the Georgia State Capitol Building in Atlanta, March 25, 2021.

“It reminds us of the 50s and the 60s in Alabama, Mississippi and Georgia and South Carolina,” Cannon’s attorney, Greg Griggs, said. “But I think the governor needs to understand that we are not going to sit back on George Wallace type tactics and not respond the same way we responded to George Wallace. So I think the rest of the country needs to take a very strong look at the tactics that are being used in Georgia. The Justice Department needs to get involved. There needs to be passage of the John Lewis Voting Rights Act to protect voting rights. And we need the Justice Department to crack down on the tactics of these local and state officials that are trying to silence voters and silence people.”

Griggs said Cannon was arrested in an area that state lawmakers normally have access to and added she did not expect to be apprehended by law enforcement.

“She has access to all parts of the People’s House and so there was no indication that the ceremony should have been closed off. Many times when a governor signs bills that are going to go into law, it’s open to the public, to the press and to other members of the House of Representatives and the state Senate,” Griggs said.

Griggs told ABC News that Cannon plans to return to the Georgia State Capitol on Monday to keep working. He also said the state of Georgia should expect a “prolonged legal fight” even if charges are dismissed.

Brian P. Kemp wearing a suit and tie: Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp makes remarks during a news conference at the Georgia State Capitol in Atlanta, March 16, 2021.

© Alyssa Pointer/AP, FILE Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp makes remarks during a news conference at the Georgia State Capitol in Atlanta, March 16, 2021.

“She’ll be doing the job that she was elected to do for her district and the people of Georgia. And as far as the charges are concerned, they’re just allegations at this point. They have to be proven beyond a reasonable doubt,” Griggs said.

“The constitution of the state of Georgia is quite clear on that a duly elected representative cannot be arrested during a session. That’s a violation of the Constitution unless there are three exceptions: One would be a felony, two would be a breach of the peace and three would be a treason. We believe, based on the facts and evidence that we have uncovered so far, neither of those exceptions apply,” he added.

Griggs said he and Cannon’s team are in touch with the district attorney’s office and are hopeful that the charges will be dismissed.

MORE: Biden calls new GOP-passed Georgia law restricting voting access an ‘atrocity’

He also said Kemp and Cannon have not spoken to each other since the incident — and that Kemp has not reached out. Griggs wouldn’t say if Cannon is owed an apology.

© Jim Watson/AFP via Getty Images President Joe Biden answers a question during his first press briefing in the East Room of the White House , March 25, 2021.

President Joe Biden, Stacey Abrams, Georgia Sen. Raphael Warnock and other prominent Democrats have expressed support for Cannon, many sharing photos that compare her to civil rights protesters in the 1960s. When asked if that was her intention, Griggs said she’s trying to “make sure that the voices of the voters in her district and around the state of Georgia were amplified.”

Kemp has defended the bill and his decision to sign it into law and continued to do so Saturday on Fox News.

“Well, I can truthfully look in the camera and ask my African American friends and other African Americans in Georgia to simply find out what’s in the bill versus the blank statement of this is Jim Crow or this is voter suppression, or this is racist — because it is not,” Kemp said.

Culled from the ABC News ( MaryAlice Parks contributed to this report.

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Omambala Association in Houston Celebrates Motherhood with Joyous Mother’s Day Event

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2 days ago

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May 11, 2025

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HOUSTON, TEXAS – May 5, 2025 — The Omambala Cultural Association in Houston hosted a vibrant and heartfelt Mother’s Day celebration on Sunday evening at the Igbo Catholic Community Hall on Creekbend. The event brought together families and community members to honor the enduring strength, love, and sacrifices of mothers within the Igbo community.

Led by the association’s president, Ichelle Awkuzu, the Isaaka of Igboland, the gathering featured prayers, cultural music, dance, and speeches dedicated to celebrating motherhood. Awkuzu described the event as a moment of reflection and appreciation for mothers, emphasizing their central role in shaping families and preserving cultural values.

The association’s president, Ichelle Awkuzu, the Isaaka of Igboland, addressing the group.

 

Celebrants celebrate at the Omambala Cultural Association’s Mother’s Day celebration on Sunday evening at the Igbo Catholic Community Hall in Houston.

 

Celebrants

“Mothers are the heartbeat of our homes and the foundation of our culture,” Awkuzu said, urging attendees to honor and support mothers every day, not just on special occasions.

The celebration included lively performances of traditional Igbo music and dance, homemade meals prepared by members, and the presentation of thoughtful gifts to each mother in attendance. Vice President Chief Ugochukwu Chukwuka, known as Omemma Igbo, also delivered remarks, recognizing the vital role of mothers in nurturing future generations.

Photo from left_ Vice President of the group, Chief Ugochukwu Chukwuka – Omemma Igbo, and the President, Ichelle Awkuzu, the Isaaka of Igboland.

The evening was filled with laughter, music, and shared memories, reinforcing the communal spirit that defines the Omambala Cultural Association. Elders and youth alike participated in storytelling sessions and interactive cultural activities, creating a multigenerational experience that underscored the importance of preserving Igbo heritage. Several attendees expressed appreciation for the sense of belonging and cultural pride the event fostered.

The Omambala Cultural Association Inc. is a community-based organization representing people from the Old Anambra Local Government Area in Anambra State, Nigeria. It remains committed to promoting cultural education, unity, and socio-economic development for Igbo people in the diaspora and beyond.

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Global Entrepreneur, Dr. Emeka Agwu Pushes for Unity and Cross-Border Environmental Solutions

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3 days ago

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May 10, 2025

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Dr. Emeka Agwu, Director of the EndHunger Initiatives and Global Voice Foundation for Community Development, has issued a powerful call to action, emphasizing the urgent need for unified, global efforts to address the rapidly worsening environmental crisis. In his remarks, Dr. Agwu highlighted that the world is experiencing an unprecedented ecological emergency marked by rising temperatures, increasing pollution, loss of biodiversity, and a surge in environment-related diseases—all contributing to high mortality rates and global instability.

Dr Emeka Agwu is being honored with a presentation at the prestigious Central University of Finance and Economics, Beijing, on April 23, 2025

According to Dr. Agwu, a multi-dimensional strategy is essential to effectively respond to these challenges. First, he called for stronger international cooperation, noting that global problems require global solutions. Second, he stressed the importance of fostering innovation in environmental protection technologies, enhancing energy efficiency, and overhauling environmental governance systems. Third, he advocated for the development of comprehensive policies and standards to guide the global transition to clean energy and ensure stringent control over carbon emissions.

Pastor Emeka Agwu with the Nigerian Ambassador to Beijing, and the Secretary of the organizing committee.

Furthermore, Dr. Agwu underscored the necessity of building a global green economy through collective efforts by governments, the private sector, civil society, and the general public. He emphasized that environmental awareness must be integrated into education systems, and that public campaigns and corporate accountability must be elevated to drive sustainable change.

With Professor Peter. Dr Emeka Agwu, also with other investors seeking collaboration for Chinese and Nigerian youths on innovative technology and AI with the New Chinese Youth Minister.

He also commended the recent establishment of the China-Nigeria Economic Coordination Center Office (CNCC), describing it as a pivotal step toward deepening bilateral collaboration in innovation and technology transfer. Dr. Agwu believes the CNCC will play a crucial role in enabling both nations to jointly develop adaptive strategies for climate resilience and sustainable development.

In his concluding remarks, Dr. Agwu reminded stakeholders that the environmental crisis transcends national borders and ideological divides. “We are at a defining moment,” he said. “This is not just about protecting nature—it’s about safeguarding the future of humanity. The choices we make today will determine the world we leave behind for future generations.”

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Nigerians on medical death row: Muna, another victim of a failed system

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2 weeks ago

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April 27, 2025

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On 25 November 2012, my late pregnant sister, Ijeoma, was rushed by her husband to a hospital in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, but the doctors and nurses at the hospital callously and insensitively refused to attend to her without initial payment. They had demanded N20,000 (about €150 then) as precondition before they could attend to her. Her husband begged them to commence treatment and that he would go home to get money since the only money with him – N5,000 – had been spent on other procedures, including registration, as required by the hospital. He told them that the nature of the emergency made him even forget to put on his shoes. They vehemently refused the plea.

Everyone around noticed – especially women that had gone through child bearing – that death was knocking on my sister’s door. As her pain was increasing, people advised that she should be rushed to another hospital. Her husband drove her out in his car in search of a hospital. But unfortunately my sister did not make it. She painfully died in that pregnancy.

About 14 years after, the same system again has failed us. This time, it has consumed my young intelligent and promising nephew, Muna. His life was cruelly and mercilessly snuffed out by a corrupt failed system. It is so heartbreaking and disheartening because the closer we had thought we were in saving his life the more the failed structure had made it difficult and fastened his death. 

Munachimso shortly called Muna was diagnosed with leukemia and everything happened so fast. He went to hospitals in Imo, Rivers and finally in Abuja where he died.

When he was taken to the first hospital in Abuja, we had hope because they were able to stabilize him. After a short period, he was no longer depending on oxygen and started eating and playing with toys. All results carried out showed tremendous response and improvements, but the bills were rapidly increasing like thunder lightening. Within two weeks we had a deficit of more than 60 million naira and that was when the problem started. The hospital threatened to discharge Muna if we would not pay. We pleaded with them to be patient, continue his treatment and give us some time to pay the money. We went public seeking for financial help. Two days into this process Muna was forcefully discharged. He was taken to another hospital that had lesser equipment to save his life. There, his health situation again started to degenerate. 

With the help of the public, we the family members made arrangement to go back to this hospital where he was forcefully discharged. But it was not easy getting back. We made calls and chatted with some people in this regard for intervention so that Muna could be readmitted. We were still in this process and ready to agree on any term given by the management of the hospital so that he could be taken back when the worst news came. Muna was pronounced dead. It is devastating and my heart aches, for Muna’s death was preventable.

Who knows how many Nigerians have died like Muna? How many are currently on death row in various hospitals with death certificates already stamped, waiting to be issued? How long shall ordinary citizens continue to suffer and lament over government representatives’ low performances and uncaring attitude? With all Nigeria has got, why are the people in this state of despair? Who do we blame for Muna’s death? The hospital management that chased him away because of money or the government that failed to create a working healthcare system for all?

In all sincerity, while it is true that norms of medical ethics should at all times be observed, private hospitals are equally doing business too and must be sustained. They are not charity organizations. The problem is the government, its harsh policies and its lack of proper implementation. The Nigerian system in almost everything is only theoretically functional, but practically not existent because the system is corruptly structured. Nothing owned or operated by the government runs justly and smoothly, from schools to hospitals and courts etc. Muna’s death was avoidable but the system made sure that he did not survive. We are so deeply pained and so sad that we lost him. 

Hardly one finds government officials’ children in public schools. So, why should one be proud of a country where the minister of education cannot proudly send his/her own children to a public school preferring private schools or sending them abroad, or the minister of health cannot go to a public hospital for treatment when sick because of its poor standard? Why the deceit?

Why this high level of hypocrisy and compromise? Why do Nigerians condone such arrant nonsense? These are some of the reasons lecturers could go on strike for months and government officials care less to resolve the issue and why Nigerian government hospitals are substandard. Why should they care when their children are in well-equipped expensive schools/hospitals abroad? This is shameful and despicable. And we will all continue to lament until it becomes a law that no minister of education is allowed to send his/her children to a private school in Nigeria or to study abroad, and likewise no minister of health and his/her children are allowed to go abroad for medical treatment except in a few specified cases – including the children of every Nigerian president, lawmaker, and governor. This will revolutionize our schools and health sector to acceptable standards. Until then, Nigeria failed Muna and people like him. 

Yes, the 11-year-old boy was just a casualty of a failed system – a victim of the effect of corruption, nepotism, mismanagement and incompetence. Who will be the next victim? Does anyone know the nature, when and where? 

Good night Muna, and may your innocent soul rest in peace.

♦ Uzoma Ahamefule, a refined African traditionalist and a patriotic citizen writes from Vienna, Austria. WhatsApp: +436607369050; Email Contact Uzoma >>>>

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