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Yoruba Group Insists on Igbo Presidency

By
Uche Mbah
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Akin Malaolu

By Uche Mbah

Yoruba Ronu Leadership Forum, a socio-political group in the South-west  region has thrown its weight behind the quest by the South-east to produce the Igbo President  in  2023 despite the Yoruba being in the same race.

On January 11, Bola Tinubu, former Governor of Lagos state, declared his intention to contest the Presidency after a closed door meeting with President Buhari.

In a statement signed by its President, Mr. Akin Malaolu, Tuesday, the group vowed never to support any other Presidential   aspirant apart from one from  the South-east east.

According to them, Tinubu’s ambition is trouble-shooting.

Entitled “Tinubu’s Presidential Ambition is a Trouble-making Adventure”, the statement read in part: “It is no longer a speculation that Asiwaju Bola Tinubu is interested in becoming the next president of Nigeria come 2023. It is within his right as a Nigerian to go for it. But for the purpose of further clarity, we see the move to visit the President as a trouble-making mis-step purposely to create an impact that may unbalance the present drivers of the party, the Progressive Governor’s Forum and enlarge the fault lines already visible and to midwife a division within.

“This attitude is uncalled for, particularly from any democrat that is worthy of being a member of an association and at a time the Nation is looking for peace.

“Moreover,  It is important for us to set the record straight, that the presidential interest from any tribe other than from the IGBOS may take the nation into a deeper political trouble that may set the nation ablaze if care is not taking.

“Those who see Alhaji Abubakar Atiku’s and Tinubu’s interest as their “Right” obviously also believed that Igbo interest is a “Hope” and we can from this stage imagine what calamity we have created for 250million of lives and families and how quickly we have destroyed the bridges made by southern Governors for our common struggle and to the understanding of our people in the North and South that oneness amongst ourselves and within our diversity is more important than the interest of political brigands and their fair weather helpers.

“As leaders of thought in the Southwest, we have taken inventory of conditions in our diversity and our findings convinced us that the fate of our vast people and ethnic nationalities across Nigeria can only be made well, if we rotate the office of the president amongst ourselves and in a uniform fashion. It is very important for leaders both in the South and North to put some sort of order in their feelings and form a new basis for their future actions to avoid taken 250 million of our people into  near war scenarios.

“We have looked in astonishment on all of our political and religious decisions so far, and  as leaders and fathers, with a mixture of pride and apprehension, watch leaders achieve a scandalous and applauded fame in political tricks.

“We therefore plead with leaders mostly in the south not to play the “Traitor Role”.

“We have taken a position to support IGBO presidency come 2023, the declaration we have also made and we are not going to take it back.

“On Igbo presidency we still stand.”

Igbo who have declared their Presidential ambition are Anyim Pius Anyim, former Senate President, and Chief Sam Ohuabunwa.

While Anyim is from Ebonyi State, Ohuabunwa is from Abia State.

NCDC Partners Eight States On Covid 19 Rapid Diagnostic Testing

By
Ayodele Oni
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By Ayodele Oni

Ondo state is among the eight states picked by the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control, (NCDC) as one of the centres for the implementation of Antigen Rapid Diagnostic Testing (AgRDT) on Covid 19 pandemic.

Already, officials of the NCDC have arrived Akure, the Ondo State capital to begin the execution of the project.

The team, from the NCDC paid an advocacy visit to the State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Banji Awolowo Ajaka in Akure

during which members were assured of the state government’s unflinching support and were briefed on efforts of the administration in tackling the pandemic.

The Commissioner expressed optimism that complementing the ongoing efforts on vaccination with testing would undoubtedly eradicate the pandemic completely.

The Leader of the team, Mr.Celestine Ameh, who noted that the title of the project is ‘COVID-19: Scaling Impact Through Agenda RDT’ called for collaborations and synergy, stressing that the eight states in the country including Ondo  have been selected for the project.

Ameh pointed out that the World Health Organization, (WHO) workstream prioritised active, exhaustive case finding and immediate testing, adding that Nigeria has keyed into the strategy of scale up on testing on COVID-19.

He explained that the main objective of the project is to increase COVID-19 testing capacities towards preventing local outbreaks.

Also speaking at the meeting, the Director, Disease Control and Immunization at the Ondo State Primary Health Care Agency(OSPHCA), Dr. Victor Adefesoye said Ondo State is ready to collaborate with NCDC knowing fully well that the project would impact positively on the people of the state.

Adefesoye stressed the need to complement the ongoing vaccination against COVID-19 with testing in order to achieve better outcomes adding that the new strategy would undoubtedly ensure a high coverage of testing for the disease.

The Director, Epidemiology and Disease Control, Ministry of Health, Dr. Stephen Fagbemi noted that the project is the second phase of intervention projects Ondo State would get as the World Health Organisation(WHO) had earlier supported the state.

Fagbemi described the state’s positivity level as going higher in the new year, saying that the situation was an indication that there is the need to scale up efforts in testing.

The State Epidemiologist disclosed that the proposed COVID-19 testing strategies of the state include the establishment of mobile RDT testing sites, strengthening and scaling up of facility RDT sites and establishment of community testing sites.

Shonekan, Nationalist, Committed To Peace, Unity Of Nigeria – Akeredolu, As Gov Obaseki Mourns

By
Ayodele Oni
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Ernest Sonekan

By Ayodele Oni

Chairman of the Southwest Governors’ Forum and Ondo State Governor, Rotimi Akeredolu,SAN, has joined others to mourn the passage of  former Nigeria’s Head of Interim Government, Chief Ernest Shonekan.

A statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Richard Olatunde, stated that “Governor Akeredolu received the news of the death of elder statesman and former Head of the Interim National Government, Chief Ernest Shonekan with a heavy heart.

“Governor Akeredolu described his death as a huge loss to the country, while noting that the vast experience of the elder statesman was an asset to the country, particularly with the array of challenges confronting the nation.

“The Governor said the late Shonekan was committed to the peace and unity of the country, and pursued it with vigor and dedication as a patriot.

“Arakunrin Akeredolu maintained that the service of the former Head of Interim National Government will never be forgotten in the annals of history of the country.

“Chief Ernest Shonekan was a Nationalist per excellence. His belief in a United and Peaceful Nigeria was unparalleled.

“He was dedicated to the progress and development of the county. He will be sorely missed.

“His historic and patriotic role in maintaining the unity of the country was one of the many things that endeared him to many.

“He was indeed, an asset, his counsels were  useful for national cohesion and progress.

“Governor Akeredolu prayed God to grant the deceased eternal rest, while commiserating with his wife, the government and people of Ogun State.”

In his condolence message, Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, said “I am saddened by the passing of Nigeria’s former Interim Head of National Government, Chief Ernest Shonekan at the age of 85.

“Shonekan was an unassuming leader and a cerebral lawyer, who helped to steady our nation during the turbulent years of Nigeria’s Third Republic.

“Committed to the good of our dear country, he played his part, making sacrifices to set Nigeria on the path of progress even with the dark clouds that hovered over our affairs in the 1990s.

“As the founder of the Nigeria Economic Summit Group, his commitment to private and free enterprise remains indelible in the annals of our history.

“It is heartbreaking that Chief Shonekan will not be available to offer his priceless advice and guidance as we approach another election season.”

He noted that the late Chief Shonekan will be remembered for his fortitude while he was on the saddle as Interim Head of National Government as well as the genuine effort made to guide Nigeria back to democratic rule.

“I commiserate with all Nigerians, the Government and people of Ogun State and his immediate family and pray that God grants us all the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.”

Students Union Group Gives Gov Fayemi Seven Days To Fulfil Agreement

By
Ayodele Oni
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0

By Ayodele Oni

The  Federation Of Ekiti State Students’ Union, (FESSU) is set for a showdown with Ekiti state Governor, Dr Kayode Fayemi over some unfulfilled promises by his administration.

National House Of Senate (HOS) of FESSU comprising assembly of all chapter presidents has written to Governor Fayemi and gave him seven days autimatum to meet some of the agreements reached with the students.

In the letter, signed by National Senate President, Oluwatosin Jeje, and Clerk of the House, Felix Fagbuaro, the students’ leaders informed that “The Federation of Ekiti State Students’ Union (FESSU) is a body saddled with the responsibility of all Ekiti State indigenous students’ welfare in all tertiary institutions across the country and beyond.

“Sir, it is pathetic and seriously embarrassing that Ekiti State, which should be an emblem of good academic disposition and proper representation of her students, has lost its face in the community of indigenous students in Nigeria under your government.

“The office of the Special Assistant on Youth and Students Matters to your office has become ineffective and impotent.

“For it is most honorable to speak when silence is no more golden and epicurean, we realized that the Ekiti State government lack fulfillment of promises to the students’ community and their association under your watch.

“Referring Your Excellency to 27th July 2021 at Ekiti State Governor’s Office, the students’ leadership met with you, after proper consultation and deliberation, some promises were made by the state government before the FESSU National Leadership, but none of those promises has been fulfilled till date.

“The list of promises made by Your Excellency, the Executive Governor of Ekiti State are as follows: Bursary and scholarship for Ekiti State indigenous students in all tertiary institutions nationwide as promised by the State Governor.

“Provision of Permanent Secretariat for the union (FESSU); provision of mobility for the union; provision of incentive for the smooth running of the union; empowerment and employment of youth in Ekiti State.

“These requests have been an everyday chorus to your government, which when we had the opportunity of meeting you, it was our primary discussion and the government made the promise to attend to it.

“We met with the Special Assistance on Youth and Students Matters, Mr. Moses Ademiloye who later affirmed that the bursary and scholarship which is the major benefit of all Ekiti State students under your government, has been approved and would be paid last year and other sacred requests of the union would be attended to latest on the 11th month of 2021.

“This statement seemed to be fake or we should call it empty promises and we believe that it is high time we get tired of empty promises.

“We, therefore, deem it fit and appropriate to write the office of Your Excellency and await a response before we consider our next course of action in respect of the Ekiti State Students and Youth welfare.

“We hereby demand for immediate response to our request from the office of Your Excellency within seven working days and we are also compelled to notify you of our resolution to hit the street of Ekiti State capital, Ado Ekiti, peacefully and exercise our civic right to meet our agitation for all our demands for all indigenous students across the federation in various higher institutions.”

Ernest Shonekan, Former Head of State, Dies

By
Akinwale Kasali
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Ernest Sonekan

By Adesina Soyooye and Akinwale Kasali

Nigeria’s former Interim Head of State, Chief Ernest Shonekan is dead.

A great entrepreneur, and a roaring success in the Private Sector, which climaxed in his successful headship of the UAC,  Shonekan was a surprise choice by then Military President, Ibrahim Babangida, to Head an Interim National Chairman, after Babangida was forced  to step aside following the June 12 1993 Presidential election fiasco in which  Babangida and his regime canceled the election, and denied the presumed winner, Chief MKO Abiola, victory. Abiola died in the custody of the Military junta.

Shonekan was the Interim Head of State between August 26 and November 17, 1993.

He was removed in a Palace   coup by his Minister of Defence, General Sani Abacha.

Born Ernest Adegunle Oladeinde Shonekan,  he was married to Margaret with whom she had children.

A lawyer, he held the title of Abese of Egbaland, and held the National Honour of  Grand Commander of the Federal Republic, GCFR.

Shonekan was educated at CMS Grammar School and Igbobi College, Lagos, and received a Law degree from the University of London.  He later attended Harvard Business School.

Shonekan joined the United Africa Company of Nigeria in 1964, at the time a subsidiary of the United Africa Company, which played a prominent role in the British colonisation of Nigeria. He rose through the ranks, and  was made Chairman and Managing Director in 1980.

He died, aged 85 years, at the Evecare Hospital, Lekki, Lagos State.

Standard Chartered Bank To Sack 500 Employees

By
Bayo Bernard
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0

By Fola James

Standard Chartered Bank has thrown over 500 of its Nigeria employees into gloom at the start of the New Year following the lender’s decision to close half of its branches in the country.

The London listed commercial bank said on its website that it “employs over 900 staff and sees Nigeria as a growth centre.” More than half of this number will be asked to go home in line with the ongoing restructuring.

Obvioulsy, business has been very bad for the bank in the last few years, coupled with the corona virus pandemic that affected bank business in most part of last year. In response to these headwinds, the commercial bank which operates 25 branches across the country until lately has decided to close down 13 branches for business.

According to Bloomberg, the bank has decided to close down about half its Nigerian branches in order to focus more on digital banking. The news platform quoted insiders in the bank as saying it has faced intense pressure from mobile money providers and now want to play active role in digital banking.

Already, the management of the bank has shut down some of its branches since last December and more are expected to follow in due course, Bloomberg said.

But top sources in the bank informed the magazine on Monday that some employees will have to go in the ongoing restructuring process. “There’s no way the bank can continue to keep staff that are no longer useful to it. The bank has already met with the staff and concerned union and the management are working on the severance package for those that will exit the bank inevitably,” a source in the bank said.

Another source said: “the bank has been facing a tough time. The COVID 19 headwind only made the situation worst. And with the arrays of fintech companies and mobile money providers coming up, the bank must find a way to remain competitive as it tries to strengthen its mobile banking arm. It’s unfortunate that some of our best staff will have to go under this rationalization process”.

Bloomberg quoted sources in the bank as justifying the need to strengthening mobile banking and recruiting agents to reach new customers and handle cash deposits and withdrawals across Nigeria, in response to fintech boom that’s put much of Africa at the cutting edge of the revolution in mobile money.

The report cited Access Bank Plc and First Bank of Nigeria as some of Nigerian banks that have stopped opening more physical branches. Rather, the banks are now building networks of authorized agents and people within communities to sell their products and services in order to cut cost.

Standard Chartered has focused on corporate banking since establishing a presence in Nigeria in 1999. But it’s recently looked to expand its retail base and outlined a target in 2019 to grow the number of its customers to 500,000 in about two years by using digital technology to onboard clients faster.

The lender also plans to start digital lending to process small loans quicker and increase the volume of retail credit, the report said.

2023 Presidency: Ohanaeze Angry Over Tinubu’s Ambition

By
Bayo Bernard
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0
Bola Tinubu and EFCC Case

By James Orji

The apex Igbo socio-cultural organisation Ohanaeze Ndigbo says the presidential ambition of Asiwaju Ahmed Tinubu is capable of plunging the country into serious political crisis. The group spoke few hours after the former Lagos State Governor told President Muhammadu Buhari, at the Presidential Villa, Abuja his intention to run for president.

Tinubu told reporters after meeting with Buhari that ‘I’ve informed the President of my intention but I have not informed Nigerians yet. I’m still consulting. And I have no problem consulting. And I’ve not set a parameter of limitation to the extent of how many people will I consult.

“You will soon hear, all you want to hear is the categorical declaration. You’ve gotten that truth from me that I have informed Mr. President of my ambition, and you don’t expect more answers than that.”

The development, obviously, did not go down well with the Igbo group who has been clamouring for one of their own to succeed President Buhari when his tenure expires on May 29, 2023.  Ohanaeze has demanded for power shift to the south east on the basis that no person from the region has ruled the country as a democratically elected president.

Therefore, Tinubu’s declaration, on Monday, did not go down well with the group who felt that Igbo could be relegated to the background in the next political dispensation.

Responding to the issue Ohanaeze spokesma Alex Ogbonnia, said it would be unfair and an injustice if politician of Igbo extraction is not allowed to become president next year. It said Tinubu is embarking on a fruitless exercise.

Ogbonnia told The Punch that “It is a project that is dead on arrival. Because God is a universal entity that he is always interested in truth, fairness and equity. So for anybody embarking on anything that is not rooted in equity and justice will not succeed and this is a countervailing force that has sustained this world from the beginning.

“So Tinubu knows that he is embarking on a cause that has no foundation in anything:  foundation in equity and justice, and of course is a project that will not succeed.”

He said further that Tinunbu’s Presidential ambition will plunge the country into serious political crisis, adding that the collective aspirations of most Nigerians at this time is for the president to come from the region,“because there is this collective conscience that has been guiding this country. The collective conscience is to culturally determine what is right and what is wrong and to pursue the one that is right and ignore the one that is wrong.

“But all the same, those who have really gone against the convention has often lost, you know at a point General Sani Abacha wanted to continue but he lost; Goodluck Jonathan ran against the current he lost any other person that tries to go against the convention and the current will always lose it. Mr Tinubu is working across purposes with the foundations of this country – foundation rooted in equity and justice.

“He knows that this is the turn of the Igbo and instead of supporting for the Igbo to emerge for peace to reign, for the corporate existence of Nigeria to remain intact, he decided adding to the problem and crisis. So for one to succeed as a matter of facts, patriots should consider the collective interest – the group interest more than self-interest. But in this case now Tinubu is more interested in self-interest. He considered self-interest above group interest or corporate existence of Nigeria. And that is selfishness at its height and any country that has such people is always in problem.

“Ohanaeze’s position is that Tinubu knows that he is doing the wrong thing. He is embarking on a project that is not rooted in equity, justice and fair play, and is against the common current of the conscience of the people and to that extent he will surely lose,” Ohanaeze spokesman said.

Tinubu had said yesterday that his lifelong ambition is to become the president of the country, adding that he’s eminently qualified to run for the office despite the reservations held by some Nigerians.

There Is A Plot To Blackmail Me – Senator Anyanwu, PDP National Secretary

By
The Source
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0
Senator Samuel Anyanwu - Sam Daddy

By Gideon Njoku

The National Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Senator Samuel Anyanwu ( Sam Daddy), has alerted the general public, especially, Imo State PDP members and friends of the Party, that there is a plot to blackmail him.

The plot, he said, is aimed at painting him as irrelevant and one without clout in the affairs of the Party in the State. He said it is also aimed at presenting him as uninterested in PDP affairs.

For long, especially, since after his emergence as the National Secretary, the feeling has been strong that there is no much love lost between him and the State Working Committee of the Party which is fiercely loyal to former Governor of the State, the Rt. Hon. Emeka Ihedioha. Even though each side denies it, it is atimes, difficult not to notice or feel.

In a statement, signed by his Special Adviser (Media), Ikenna Onuoha, Anyanwu said to succeed in their plans, the plotters have procured the services of a number of social media platforms, and influencers, to present him as weak, and unimportant.

He said: “Part of the their game plan is to launch orchestrated campaign of calumny in the days ahead, in which Senator Samuel Anyanwu would be portrayed as not being in charge, or on ground, to participate in the activities of PDP in the State when they know that Sam Daddy is on National assignment, a  narrative already started from a procured offshore medium by the instigators.”

He said those to be used have money being dangled before them, and were already into the deceitful and mischievous game.

“Money and other attractive inducements are being dangled before the online media, and some of them are already complicit, cooking up stories with jejune and unsubstantiated allegations, all to sow seeds of discord and discontent in the State Chapter of PDP.”

Following is the full text of statement.

PLOT TO BLACKMAIL SENATOR SAMUEL ANYANWU WITH ONLINE MEDIA UNCOVERED

“The public is hereby alerted of a smear campaign against the National Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Distinguished Senator Samuel Nnaemeka Anyanwu by disgruntled political elements in Imo state, who have been shopping for pliant online media that will serve as accomplices in their nefarious act.

“The underground plot is designed to portray Senator Samuel Nnaemeka Anyanwu (Samdaddy) as a leader that is neither popular nor in touch with the programmes of his party in Imo State.

“The alleged plot initially, was meant to be fully implemented in the days ahead by a squad of selected online media publishers and social media influencers after being heavily mobilized financially by some political misfits.

“Information available to us indicate that to achieve their game plan, the orchestrators of the move will spend money to procure stories in the media with unsubstantiated claims and consequently sow seeds of discord in the state chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

“Further information show that these greedy and already failed politicians with cosmetic public images are embarking on this futile mission as part of efforts to present themselves relevant as being on ground and in touch with the activities of the party, when same people did everything to starve the party in the state. Our joy is that every committed member of PDP in the state is aware of their antics which surfaces during election year.

“Part of their game plan,  as gathered,  is to launch orchestrated campaign of calumny in the days ahead, in which Senator Samuel Anyanwu would be portrayed as not being in charge, or on ground, to participate in the activities of PDP in the state when they know that Samdaddy is on National assignment, a narrative already started from a procured offshore medium by the instigators.

“Money and other attractive inducements are being dangled before the online media, and some of them are already complicit, cooking up stories with jejune and unsubstantiated allegations, all to sow seeds of discord and discontent in the state chapter of PDP.

“Members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state and the public are urged to be wary and discerning in what they consume as news and special reports from such online media, as they are in cahoots with agents of destabilization, seeking ultimate political gains at their peril.

“The truth of the matter is that Senator Samuel Nnaemeka Anyanwu remains focused and single-minded in his determination to join hands with members of the National Working Committee (NWC) of PDP to take the party to an enviable height by delivering Osun and Ekiti states in the forthcoming Governorship elections.

“However, Senator Anyanwu feels the pains of most dedicated members who regularly attend party programmes with the hope of meeting him, but alas, become disappointed that he did not show up. This is due to his charismatic disposition, genuine devotion, commitment, contributions and heart of giving to everyone he sees around party premises.

“While we understand how PDP members love Senator Samuel Anyanwu hence, desire to have handshake with him, but his unavoidable absence should not be allowed to cripple party activities since there are other leaders of PDP in the state who should be handy to respond to calls. Reason because, there is no way Samdaddy will divide himself into parts to undertake both national and state assignments the same time.

“It is worthy of note that part of Senator Anyanwu’s moves to galvanize and bring changes to PDP in Imo state is evident on several reach outs he made few weeks ago across the three zones of the state to appeal to aggrieved members who left the party abruptly over unresolved issues to return back is worthy testimonial.

“Also, the avowed efforts of Senator Anyanwu to attract more membership to the party in Imo state, South East and Nigeria at large will not be distracted, and will continue to serve with heart and might, irrespective of all shenanigans.

“The public should please be guided accordingly.”

Senator Anyanwu was elected National Secretary of the PDP at the National Convention held in Abuja between October 30 and 31, 2022.

He, along with other National Officers, was inaugurated in December 22, 2021.

Why EFCC Arrested Mompha

By
Akinwale Kasali
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0
Ismaila Mustapha aka Mompha

By Akinwale Kasali

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, has opened up on why its Lagos State Command re-arrested alleged internet fraudster, Ismaila Mustapha, popularly known as Mompha.

However, the EFCC Spokesperson, Wilson Uwujeren disclosed that Mompha was arrested for laundering funds obtained through unlawful activities and retention of alleged proceeds of crime.

Mompha is currently standing trial alongside his company, Ismalob Global Investment Limited, on an amended 22-count charge bordering on cyber fraud and money laundering to the tune of N32.9 billion brought against him by the EFCC.

He was also indicted and alleged to be part of the fraud perpetrated by Ramon Igbalode, popularly known as Hushpuppi, who is presently being prosecuted in a Court in the United States of America.

He confirmed the arrest in a statement, titled, ‘EFCC re-arrests Mompha for alleged money laundering.’

Mompha had earlier been arrested by the Nigeria Immigration Service at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport on October 18, 2019, while boarding an Emirates Airline flight to Dubai, following a watchlist by the EFCC.

Mompha is alleged to have used his registered companies to receive illicit funds on behalf of cyber fraudsters from across the world in return for commissions.

Lagos: Nurses Suspend Strike

By
Uche Mbah
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0
Lagos Nurses

By Uche Mbah

The Lagos branch of the National Association of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives has suspended its three-day warning strike in Lagos.

The Lagos Chapter of the Union has embarked on a three day warning strike, but abruptly suspended the strike within twenty four hours

They presented the usual demands, including poor remuneration and working conditions in the Lagos State health sector, and asked that they be addressed.

But after an emergency meeting Monday, the State NANNM chairman, Olurotimi Awojide, called off the strike to allow Government fulfil its promises.

“We appreciate the governor for his prompt response; we had a marathon meeting with him and other stakeholders. We are hopeful that implementation on our demands will commence immediately”, he told newsmen monday.

“It is on this note that we are suspending the strike to give room for the implementation of our demands. All nurses in the state are expected back at their duty post by 8:00 on Tuesday”, he concluded.

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