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“Avoid Arguments With Security Operatives”, Imo NUJ Tells Members; Warns “Fake Chairman”

By
The Source
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Ifeanyi Nwanguma

The Imo State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ, has advised its members to avoid any kind of argument with Security Operatives.

The Union gave the advice in a communiqué issued at the end of its August Congress held at the NUJ Press Centre, New Owerri.

It advised members to report any kind of abuse or harassment by Security Operatives to the leadership of the Union.

In the communiqué signed by its Chairman, Ifeanyi Nwanguma, and Secretary Treasure Ihechi-Nwamah, members passed a vote of confidence on the leadership of the Council, and resolved that “a Disciplinary Task Force should be set up to monitor the activities of unqualified persons parading as Journalists in tye State and any impostor of the Council Chairman be arrested.”

Following is the full text of the communique.

COMMUNIQUE ISSUED AT THE END OF THE NIGERIA UNION OF JOURNALISTS (NUJ), IMO STATE COUNCIL AUGUST CONGRESS HELD AT NUJ PRESS CENTRE, NEW OWERRI

“Members of Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Imo State Council assembled on Wednesday 9th August, 2023 for the month’s congress at NUJ Press Centre, New Owerri.

“The congress deliberated on a number of issues and resolved as follows:

“(1)  Congress mandated all members of the Council to submit their BioData and a recent passport photograph for a  new identity card.

“(2) Congress passed a vote of confidence on the leadership of the Council, stressing that members have been given a new lease of life.

“(3)  Congress resolved that a disciplinary task force should be set up to monitor the activities of unqualified persons parading as Journalists in the state and any impostor of the Council Chairman be arrested immediately.

“(5) Congress observed that the state government is losing huge sum of internally generated revenue because of the activities of corrupt  Police Officers at check points. It stressed that motorists no longer renew their vehicle papers upon expiration. Congress therefore called on the government to call these Officers to order.

“(6)) On the November, 11th 2023,  governorship election in the state, Congress agreed that there will be a lecture in the next congress to educate journalists on how to go about their reportage in order not to go against the rules.

“(7) Members were advised to avoid any form of argument with security Men and always report  cases of harassment in the course of their duties to the leadership of the Council.”

“We’re Going On Strike” –  Medical, Dental Consultants  Issues 21-Ultimatum To Federal Government

By
Akinwale Kasali
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By Akinwale Kasali

The  newly appointed Federal Minister for Health and his Labour Counterpart are asuming duties facing a crisis-filled basket.

The Federal Government has been given a 21-Day ultimatum by the Medical And Dental Consultants Association of Nigeria, MDCAN, to meet its demand or face industrial action.

In a communique issued Tuesday, August 22, 2023,  signed by its President, Victor Makanjuola and Secretary General, Yemi Raji, at the end of its extraordinary National Executive Council meeting which was held virtually, it said that it was dismayed by the non-implementation of the jointly agreed upward review of CONMESS and the introduction of Accoutrement allowance with the Nigerian Medical Association, as the released circular only captured the percentage increase on the basic salary, as against applying it to both the basic salaries and all allowances except hazard allowance.

The communique  reads:

“This error has resulted in the complete exclusion of the clinical lecturers (Honorary Consultants) from benefitting from the upward review. The commencement date for the new circular was agreed to be January 1, 2023, rather than June 1, 2023.

“We believe this error will be corrected without delay. The recent upward review of CONMESS did not take into consideration the consequences of the fuel subsidy removal and exponential inflation that has pervaded our socio-economic space in the past three months.

“Despite our association’s decision to keep faith with the engagement and negotiations with the National Salaries Incomes and Wages Commission for more than two years regarding the correction of the shortfalls in remuneration for Clinical Lecturers (Honorary Consultants), the issue is yet to be conclusively addressed by the Federal Government,” it noted.

The council said it observed the non-universal implementation of CONMESS for all medical and dental doctors irrespective of the agencies of the government they are working with.

The Council decried the failure of the government to appreciate the magnitude of the impacts of brain drain in the health sector, as exhibited by the refusal of the National Council on Establishment to approve the Federal Ministry of Health’s proposal on the upward review of the age of retirement for the Medical and Dental Consultants and other health workers.

The Council said the Government has failed to resolve the ongoing disputes with the National Association of Residents Doctors and its attendant impacts on access to health care by Nigerians, and the kidnapping of doctors in the country.

The Consultants are, however, demanding the immediate review of the newly revised CONMESS circular and issuance of a new circular that would reflect the agreed percentage on both the Basic Salary and other allowances, apart from hazard allowance.

According to them, the review will ensure that the clinical lecturers would benefit from the upward review.

Other demands include, “A call for the correction of the error of commencement of the implementation of the upward review of CONMESS from June 1, 2023, to January 1, 2023.

“The upward review of the CONMESS should take into consideration the impacts of the fuel subsidy removal and the high inflationary trend that is currently being experienced. A demand for the immediate implementation and circularisation of the agreed modalities for correcting the shortfalls in remunerations of Clinical Lecturers (Honorary Consultants). An appeal for the universal applicability of CONMESS to all medical and dental doctors, particularly those in public universities.

“The attention of the government is once again called to the impact of brain drain in the health sector, which is contributing to burnout among our members and inadequate healthcare workforce to cater to the health of Nigerians. We, therefore, demand the immediate implementation of the upward review of age retirement to 70 years for Consultants and 65 years for other Health workers, as an immediate measure to bridge the ongoing massive brain drain.

“We appeal to the government to as a matter of urgency resolve all the contending issues with NARD, to ensure that the government hospitals return to normal operation for optimal healthcare delivery immediately. We call on the government at all levels, as well as the security agencies to do all within their powers, to ensure the safety of our members and other Nigerians while effecting the immediate and safe release of those currently held captive by kidnappers.

“The NEC hopes that all these issues will be satisfactorily resolved within the next 21 days, failing which it can no longer guarantee the present relative industrial harmony within the government hospitals and our medical schools”, it said.

Imo Students Endorse Uzodimma For Second Term

By
The Source
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Hope Uzodimma

The National Association of Imo State Students (NAISS) has endorsed the Governor of Imo State, Senator Hope Uzodimma for a second tenure, thanking him for all he has been doing for Imo people and Imo State Students in particular.

The endorsement was contained in the address they handed over to the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Barr. Nnamdi Anyaehie when they came on a solidarity march to the Governor at the Government House, Owerri on Tuesday.

Receiving the Students, the Chief of Staff thanked them for taking the bold step of recognizing the efforts and achievements of the Governor in his short period in office and on his behalf promised the students that the Governor was poised to do more.

Anyaehie described Imo students as the best and brightest among the Nigerian students because “Imo Students set the pace and others follow.”

He appreciated the students for the show of solidarity and for identifying and putting down the various and verifiable achievements of the Governor which he made them to know are “just a tip of the iceberg.”

He told the students that though they have reeled out some modest achievements of the Governor “but there are other intangible achievements such as; payment of Salaries and Pension, approved promotion arrears for Civil Servants which in his estimate is more than what other past Governments did in their eight years of governance in Imo State.”

He reminded them of the Governor’s determination to achieve the dredging of Oguta Lake which will bring economic and social boom to the State, noting that “what the Governor is doing is to ensure that Imo citizens’ welfare is at its best and for Imo Students to be the best in the future.”

The Chief of Staff affirmed to the chorus of the students that the “Governor is ordained by God and anyone who is anointed/blessed by God no one will curse him.”

Concluding, he urged the students to continue doing what is right by giving attention to their academics, saying that “education makes a man.”

On behalf of the Governor, he informed the students that in the next few weeks Government will roll out empowerment packages for Imo Students.

In their address read by the President, National Association of Imo State Students (NAISS), Comrd. Umukoro Marvis Udechukwu, the students said they have come to register their satisfaction with the incredible administrative performance of the Shared Prosperity Government which has affected them positively.

They mentioned, among other things, the 35 kilometer dual carriage way Owerri/Orlu road, the 55 kilometers Owerri/Okigwe road that are completed and commissioned as well as the 46 kilometers Owerri/Mbaise/Umuahia road that is ongoing which Imo Students are benefiting from.

Secondly, they recalled the speedy intervention and rescue of Imo State Students trapped in 2021 University of Jos deadly crisis, the upgrading of ALVAN Ikoku Federal College of Education to ALVAN Ikoku Federal University of Education as well as the Federal University Teaching Hospital Owerri.

They commended His Excellency’s fight against insecurity through a unique security architecture that is unprecedented.

The student who were excited reminded the audience that His Excellency attracted N3 Billion TETFund project to Imo State University of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences Umuagwo as well as helped Imo State University Teaching Hospital IMSUTH to graduate three batches of Medical Doctors within his tenure which was never possible in the previous administrations, in addition to the modernization and successful movement of Imo State Polytechnic from Umuagwo to Omuma in Oru East where it is better situated.

They expressed their gratitude to the Governor for the accreditation of School of Nursing and Midwifery Aboh Mbaise and Amaigbo and his constant attention to Umuguma Specialist Hospital.

“As though this is not enough His Excellency has gone ahead to establish three new International standard General Hospitals at Umuokanne in Ohaji/Egbema LGA, Oguta in Oguta LGA and Omuma in Oru East LGA as a show of his good intentions and guaranty of adequate healthcare to Imo people.

The Students did not forget to recall the role the Governor played in initiating and getting the approval of the Federal Government towards the dredging of Oguta Lake to Orashi River to the Atlantic Ocean to enhance the proposed Imo State Free Trade Zone at Oguta and its environs.

Finally, they gave the Governor Kudos for the Skill-up Project designed to empower Imo people, the youths and students in particular technological through the Ministry of Digital Economy and E-Government in addition to the proposed N5 billion Agricultural empowerment for Imo farmers and Imo Students inclusive.

The Chief of Staff was assisted in receiving the Students by the Deputy Chief of Staff Operations, Hon Barr. Emeka Agbo, and Special Adviser to the Governor on Special Duties, Hon Chief Chinasa Nwaneri.

The Students that came on the visit were made up of the leadership of all the Tertiary institutions in Imo State.

Se€ual Harassment: UNICAL  Rejects Dean’s Response To Query, Sets Up Probe Panel, Recalls  Law School List

By
Adesina Soyooye
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Prof Cyril Ndifon and UNICAL Female Law Students

By Adesina Soyooye

Professor Cyril Ndifon, the embattled, suspended Dean of the Faculty of Law, University of Calabar, (UNICAL), is in for more troubles and embarrassment.

The authorities of the University of Calabar  (UNICAL), has not only set up an investigation panel to  look into  sundry allegations, including se€ual  harassment, lack of accountability and abuse of office made against him by female Law Students, the list approved by him and sent to Law Schools is likely to be recalled for a review.

Professor Ndifon’s trouble started last week when the students, in an unprecedented action, embarked on a massive protest against him at the Vice Chancellor’s office, asking that the Professor leave them alone as the Faculty is not a brothel, and their bodies not meant for him.

The actions against Ndifon was made public by the Vice Chancellor  of the University, Professor Florence Obi, addressed newsmen in Calabar on Monday.

Professor Obi said the Panel  would be made up of a few members of staff of the University, but would include, mostly, representatives of interested bodies including  UNICAL Alumni, Federation of Female Lawyers and Federal Public Complaints Commission. She noted that their involvement “speaks volumes of the Management’s understanding and willingness to partner with them to get it right.

Her words:

“Management, after observing that the Dean of the Faculty was at the Centre of all the complaints and aberrations, issued the Dean with a 10-point query to be responded to within 24 hours.

“This was to give him a good opportunity to effectively refute the allegations or state why Management should not take the allegations of the students seriously.

“When he responded, his submissions in the eyes of Management were thoroughly weak and not convincing.

“Management was left with no other option than to set up a panel to conduct investigation. It is obvious that the Dean cannot be in office while the investigation is on, hence going by the Public Service Rules, he has been placed on suspension to allow a free investigation.”

Management, she also noted,  has decided with the staff “on the need for some basic changes to be effected, to avoid continuous overbearing influence and power of any Dean of Faculty of Law over the students.”

She listed the immediate actions taken so far as: “Setting up of a Committee to take charge of students’ mobilization to Law School.

“A review and possible recall of the students’ list sent to Law School. Removal from office of the two examination officers and the setting up of a ResultVetting Committee. Setting up Students’ Project Committee to assign Project supervisors to the undergraduates. Setting up of Admission Committee to review Direct Entry Admissions.

“Setting up of a Committee to update the existing Standard Operations Procedure(SOP) of the University to take care of the peculiarities of the Faculty of Law. Appointment of a new Sub-Dean. Appointment of a new interim Chairman of the Faculty’s Post Graduate School Board. Setting up a Committee to review and assign courses for the semester in compliancewith the University procedure on Quality Assurance.

“The Dean and the Sub-Dean were directed to submit all the result scripts, questions papers, marking guides and examination attendance lists for the past two sessions to the Director of Quality Assurance. The Dean (Ndifon) to refund all illegal monies extorted from the students under various sub-heads, among other decisions.”

“Where Is Our Palliative Package?” – Benue PDP Asks Gov Alia, Worries Over Gov Continued Silence

By
Ayodele Oni
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0

By Ayodele Oni

Peoples Democratic Party, (PDP), in Benue State has charged Governor Hyacinth Alia to disclose what accrued to the State from palliatives released by the Federal Government for hardship caused by Petrol subsidy removal.

PDP in a statement on Tuesday said  “in Benue State, PDP and indeed the people find as worrisome the continuing silence by Governor Hyacinth Alia over the package sent to the state.

“We understand the package consists in trucks of food items and N5 billion, same as was given to each of the 36 states of the federation.”

The statement, signed by Bemgba Iortyom, State Publicity Secretary, “commends President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the palliatives packages given by his government to states in the country to cushion the hardship resulting from the removal of subsidy on petroleum products.

“The palliatives, while not a long term solution to the issues of poverty and suffering occasioned on Nigerians by the subsidy removal and other related policies of the Tinubu administration, no doubt will provide short term succour to citizens, if handled sincerely and transparently by the various State Governments.

“It is a widely known fact that many other state governments across the country have since distributed the palliatives to their people, with some even augmenting the package from their own resources, yet in Benue State, Governor Alia has not uttered a word regarding the matter.

“This raises serious concerns for us as a party, moreso given the governor’s track record as a man most uncomfortable with the demands for transparency and accountability in the handling of public resources.

“Questions already agitating the populace in the state include:

Has Governor Alia received Benue’s share of the palliatives or not?

“If he has received the packages, how does he intend to share same out? Who are his target beneficiaries and what are they likely to get?

“PDP calls on Governor Hyacinth Alia to, without further waste of time, come out from his cocoon of silence and secrecy over the palliatives and shed light on the matter.

“Continued silence by the governor and the concomitant delay in the distribution of the palliatives amounts to aggravating the sufferings of the intended beneficiaries, in the reality that ‘Benefits delayed are benefits denied’.

“PDP further urges Governor Alia to resist any temptation or pressure from his cronies to play politics with the palliatives, and he should ensure in the most transparent manner that the packages reach the suffering and vulnerable people of Benue State for whom they are meant.”

How General Ahmadu Died During Physical Exercise

By
The Source
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Brigadier-General MI Ahmadu

By Gideon Njoku

The Nigeria Army has lost one of its senior officers during a routine fitness physical exercise.

Brigadier-General MI Ahmadu, sadly, died while running during the Second Annual Physical Training Test, 2023, on Monday.

According to reports, first broken by SaharaReporters, Ahmadu fell while running. He was rushed to a nearby hospital. Unfortunately, he was declared dead.

Until his sudden death, Brigadier-General Ahmadu was serving at the Department of Special Services and Programmes, at the Army Headquarters. He was an Artillery Officer.

Bwala To Wike: “Abuja Not Rivers, You Are Bullish And Vindictive; Will Be Sacrificed By Tinubu”

By
The Source
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Daniel Bwala and Nyesom Wike

By Gideon Njoku

Daniel Bwala,  a Lawyer, and Spokesperson to Atiku Abubakar, Presidential Candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, has told Nyesom Wike, newly sworn-own Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, that he, Wike, probably needs a refresher course in his new office. He also reminded the Minister that Abuja is not Rivers State. Wike is the immediate past Governor of Rivers State.

Bwala’s advice followed Wike’s roaring first day in office immediately after he was sworn-in on Monday by President Bola Tinubu.

In his first press conference, he spit fire and brimstone while explaining what his focus would be as the FCT Minister.

He said he is on a demolition mission because he plans to restore the Abuja Masterplan to the letter. He said he would revoke Certificates of Occupancy, and issued a red card to herdsmen whose cows parade the Capital City. Motorcyclists and Tricyclists were not spared either. He will be a Nasir El-Rufai, a former FCT Minister who excelled in demolition, he proudly promised his shocked, amused and excited listeners.

But reacting to Wike’s threats, Bwala in a post, without mentioning Wike’s name told him that he needed a refresher course, and prophesised that President Tinubu would sacrifice him if he embarks on causing chaos and  making powerful enemies for him.

He reminded Wike that Abuja is different from Rivers State, a State where Wike bestrode like a colossus while in office as a Governor.

Instead of the threats  Bwala   reeled out what FCT residents and indigenes need from Wike – good healthcare facilities, good roads, street lights, security, educational facilities and more.

Bwala called Wike bullish, and accused him of coming into office with a vindictive spirit.

His post on his X account on his verified handle, @BwalaDaniel titled

“To whom it may concern,” reads:

“Hello sir, in case you need a refresher course, the basic needs of the residents of the FCT are: affordable healthcare facilities; access to good education facilities; clean sports and recreational centres; an affordable transport services system; efficient and workable street lighting in the city centre and the suburbs; and finally, security.

“You came with a bullish and vendetta spirit, venting fire and brimstone about demolition and revocation of titles. Abuja is not Port Harcourt.

“If you create chaos in the city, you will jeopardise your principal’s interests, and he will be forced to sacrifice your job. You will learn humility on the job.”

Ondo Explains Delay In Distribution Of Palliatives, Says FG’s Rice Can’t Go Round

By
Ayodele Oni
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0
Bamidele Ademola- Olateju

By Ayodele Oni

The Palliative Committee in Ondo State handling distribution of incentives to cushion the hardship occasioned by subsidy withdrawal on petrol has assured people of the State that some hitches being encountered are being addressed.

Commissioner for information,  Bamidele Ademola-Olateju, in a statement explained that the problem arose from shortfall in bags of rice released by the federal government to the state.

The commissioner pointed out that “At this point, we acknowledge that we have challenges on food supply.

‘The number of bags of rice we got from the Federal government is way below what was promised.

“Instead, the Federal government has monetized the value of the rice. As a result, we are getting vendors to supply us food items to meet our projections.

“Supply of these products and their packaging into smaller bags will take time. However, we will save time using a rolling plan.

“Our plan will roll out these items in batches by Senatorial District, for efficient distribution and monitoring. We expect to begin the distribution of food items by September 1st.”

According to her, “the committee will however go ahead to fulfill other palliatives as set out in the plan.

Ademola-Olateju stated that “the palliatives committee sat to review its implementation strategy and distribution plan.

“We arrived at several conclusions at the meeting. In line with our commitment to fair and equitable distribution, in addition to transparency, we have the following updates to pass to members of the public.

“On social intervention for pensioners – starting this August as earlier promised, pensioners will get their N10,000 paid at the same time they are getting their salaries.

“Also, vulnerable people in our communities will start getting their N10,000 from the first week of September. For Public servants, the outstanding leave bonus for 2020 will be paid along with their salaries this month.

“The roadshow to empower small and medium scale enterprises will begin next week. During this time, our officials will meet business owners in where they operate and give them grants in line with their size and output.

“Our plan for the provision of farm inputs to farmers will also start next week. On transportation, the plan for school buses and boats is in top gear. We are confident we will be ready by the time school starts.

“Once again, we reiterate that we feel your pain, we are in this together, and we will get through this testy phase of our nation’s path to greatness.

“On the palliative measures we have planned, we are committed to equitable distribution and transparent conduct, as we seek to mitigate the current hardship.”

NGF Partners UNDP For Retreat In Rwanda

By
Ayodele Oni
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0

By Ayodele Oni

The Nigeria Governors’ Forum, (NGF) and the Unted Nations Development Programme (UNDP) are organizing an executive leadership retreat for Governors.

The retreat holding in Kigali, Rwanda, between August 24 to 27, is expected to be attended by 36 state Governors in Nigeria.

According to a statement by the Special Adviser, Media, to the Ekiti State Governor, Mr Yinka Oyebode, Governor Biodun Oyebanji will leave Ado-Ekiti, the state capital, on Tuesday to join his other colleagues for the trip to Kigali  on Wednesday 23rd.

Highlights of the three-day leadership retreat include a moderated dialogue on “Future of Pan-Africanism and Integration in a Changing World.”

Rwandan President, Paul Kagame; former Kenyan President, Uhuru Kenyatta; and former Tanzanian President, Jakaya  Mrisho  Kikwete are expected to be among panelists.

Other highlights include a forum with private sector players focusing on investments opportunities.

Governor Oyebanji will be accompanied on the trip by the Commissioner for Innovation, Science and Digital Economy, Mr Seun Fakuade.

The Governor will return to Ado-Ekiti by Monday, August 28th, the statement added.

Foreign: Niger: AU Suspends Niger As El Rufai Rejects Invasion

By
Tosin Olatokunbo
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0

Former Governor of Kaduna, Nasir El Rufai state has cautioned the Economic Community of Ecowas States, ECOWAS, over its plan to invade Niger Republic will military forces.

El rufai is among prominent Nigerians who have opposed the use of force to resolve the political crisis in the country.

The political impasse in the country escalated on Sunday after the military junta which took power last month said they needed three years to restore constitutional democracy.

ECOWAS has rejected the plan describing it as provocative.

The regional economic bloc has called for the reinstatement of deposed President Mohammed Bazoum, threatening the use of force to achieve its aim if diplomatic efforts failed.

Reacting on his verified X (formerly Twitter) handle, the former governor who recently lost a ministerial appointment, urged ECOWAS to ensure that war does not break out in the region.

According to him, fighting between ECOWAS and Niger is tantamount to war between brothers.

“As ECOWAS beats the drums of war, I recall the 1970s rock classic by Dire Straits – ‘Brothers in Arms’ because a war within our subregion is a war between brothers,” El rufai said.

On Sunday, Burkina Faso and Mali deployed warplanes to Niger Republic as tension with ECOWAS escalates

“Mali and Burkina Faso turned their commitments into concrete action by deploying warplanes to respond to any attack on Niger,” a Niger television station said without giving further details.

The planes were Super Tucano fighter jets, the report said.

On July 26, General Abdourahamane Tiani-led military junta sacked President Bazoum from power and dissolved his government.

The deposed leader has remained in detention since then.

Meanwhile, the African Union has suspended Niger as a member of the union.

The suspension was contained in a statement issued on Tuesday by the continental body in what has been described as its major response since the military coup on July 26.

The AU called on all of its member states and the international community to refrain from any action that could legitimize Niger’s junta, and said it strongly rejected interference from foreign powers.

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