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IGP Egbetokun Gets Tenure Elongation Under New Police Act

September 2, 2024

Kayode Egbetokun - Inspector General of Police - IGP

By Ayodele Oni

Inspector General of Police, (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, has been given an extension in office.

The extension is in line with the amended Nigeria Police Act, 2020 (Amendment) Bill, 2024, which has increased the service years of police personnel from 35 years to 40 years of service.

It, also, increased the retirement age from 60 to 65 years.

Egbetokun, appointed by President Bola Tinubu at the commencement of his administration, will be the first beneficiary of the new retirement age law.

Sources at the office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation confirmed that Egbetokun has been handed a letter to that effect.

Also, feelers from the office of the IGP have also reinforced the development.

Nigeria Police Declares Briton, Another Wanted Over Plot To Topple Tinubu’s Government

Ayodele Oni

September 2, 2024

Nigeria Police Declares Briton and Another Wanted

By Ayodele Oni

Arraign Nine

The Nigeria Police Force has launched a comprehensive investigation into the activities of a foreign national over alleged plot to overthrow the Government of President Bola Tinubu.

The Force stated on Monday that “investigations identified a foreign mercenary, Andrew Wynne, also known as Andrew Povich or Drew Povey, a British national, of a plot to throw President Tinubu out of office.

According tk the Police, the Briton has built a network of sleeper cells to topple the government and plunge the nation into chaos.

Said the NPF: “He rented a space at Labour House, Abuja, for an ‘Iva Valley Bookshop’ and established ‘STARS of Nations Schools’ as a cover for his subversive activities.”

Force spokesman, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, at a media briefing in Abuja on Monday, stated that the Briton and subversive elements are plotting to undermine

the democratically elected Government in Nigeria through unconstitutional regime change and orchestrating violence across the country.

“Following extensive intelligence gathering and collaboration with other Security Agencies, nine suspects have been apprehended, who received substantial financial backing from foreign sources to destabilize the country.

“Preliminary findings suggest they orchestrated and funded violent protests, disseminated false information, and engaged in other unlawful activities to create anarchy and justify their illegal plot to overthrow the democratically elected Government.

“Documentary evidence and confessions revealed that Andrew Wynne issued directives, monitored progress, provided finance and operational guidance to achieve unconstitutional regime change in Nigeria.

“He mobilized and deployed several billions of Naira to his Nigerian collaborators, urging them to mobilize the public to violently storm police facilities and military barracks, anticipating a bloodbath that will instigate international condemnation of the Nigerian Government.

“These acts are in clear violation of the Terrorism (Prevention) Act 2011 and other relevant laws.

“Since the commencement of investigations, Andrew Wynne has fled the country. He and one of his local coordinators, one Lucky Ehis Obiyan, have accordingly been declared wanted and global hunting for them has commenced in connection with this investigation.

“The nine other suspects already apprehended have been arraigned before a competent court of law today, Monday, September 2, 2024, for Criminal Conspiracy, Terrorism Financing, Treasonable Felony, Subversion, and Cybercrime.

“These acts are in clear violation of the Terrorism (Prevention) Act 2011 and other relevant laws.

Adejobi announced that the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, has activated the INTERPOL tools and other global policing networks to support ongoing domestic investigations aimed at locating and apprehending the suspects at large.

“The IGP assures the general public that the Force will leave no stone unturned in dealing with, and bringing to deserved justice, any individual or group threatening our national security and peace or promoting any movement with the motive of truncating our democratic government through unconstitutional means.

“We recognize and remain committed to protecting citizens’ constitutionally guaranteed fundamental and democratic rights to peaceful assembly and free expression.

“However, we advise citizens to be wary of subversive elements who weaponize and commercialize protests for personal financial and ideological benefits.”

Recall that the Police raided the National Headquarters of the NLC on August 8, 2024 and went away with documents and more. While not a few Nigerians were shocked at the raid, the Police said the NLC was not the target but a suspected foreign terrorist who is a tenant at the NLC Headquarters.

But on August 19, 2024, the Police Authorities invited the President of the NLC, Joe Ajaero, on very serious allegations of treasonable felony, terrorism financing, terrorism, subversion, criminal conspiracy and cybercrime.

Ajaero in a letter on his behalf by his Lawyer, Femi Falana, rejected the August 20 invitation and picked August 29.

However, the visit on August 29 turned out an anti- climax as none of the serious allegations was brought up by the Police. They, only, asked about NLC’s foreign tenant and let Ajaero go in less than two hours.

But about 24 hours later, the Police extended another invitation again to Ajaero against September 5, 2024.

Apparently, the foreign tenant is likely to be Wynne who the Police has now declared wanted.

FIFA Under-20 World Cup: Falconets Pip South Korea 1-0 To Register Win In Tournament Opener

Akinwale Kasali

September 2, 2024

By Akinwale Kasali

Flourish Sabastine’s late strike was all the Falconets of Nigeria needed in Bogota, Colombia, at the ongoing 11th FIFA Under-20 Female World Cup in Colombia against South Korea, to earn valuable three points.

The match which was a cagey affair between both countries saw few opportunities in a game both teams paraded strong squads unfamiliar with themselves, but Nigeria had more of the chances, particularly in a more entertaining second half at the Estadio Metropolitano de Techo.

Big forward Mary Lucky Mkpa was full of endeavour and with some precision, should have put away at least two of the opportunities.

The Asians, who also lost by a lone goal to Nigeria in a group phase encounter at the last edition of the competition in Costa Rica two years ago, came close to drawing the first blood on the quarter-hour, but Shukurat Oladipo got one foot to a teasing cross from the right to wrong-foot Park.

Nigeria’s goalkeeper, Shukurat Bakare, missed a pull-out altogether in the 28th minute but the Korean touch took the ball over the sticks, and at the other end, Mkpa heaved the ball a little too high after a pass by Rofiat Imuran.

Nigeria’s blushes were saved just before half time, when Myeyung rocked the crossbar from a 22-yard free-kick.

In the second half, Sabastine and Amina Bello saw their shots blocked in the opposition box, and substitute Chiamaka Okwuchukwu came close from a good run on the right, before Sabastine sliced the ball from the right wing to smack the upright and roll into the net for the game’s only goal.

The Nigerian team’s skeleton is comprised of a large contingent of ladies who won bronze at the 2022 U-17 Women’s World Cup in India and have been promoted to a higher age grade. A handful of returnees from the squad that played at the 2022 U-20 Women’s World Cup in Costa Rica were also included.

The old guards and the new girls have blended in a coherent unit under the adequate drilling of Christopher Danjuma, the team’s head coach.

However, the Falconets’ performance against Korea was not wholly smooth, as they struggled to create chances through their hurried, route-one approach.

Next up for the Falconets is a clash with three-time champions Germany at the same venue on Wednesday evening, before playing their Group match against Venezuela on September 7th.

Onifade’s Death: Media Group Urges LASG To Obey Court Order

Akinwale Kasali

September 2, 2024

By Akinwale Kasali

The unserious approach of the Lagos State Government to obey the Court Order on investigating the circumstances surrounding the death of Pelumi Onifade, a Journalist with Gboah TV, has brought to fore the call by the Media Rights Agenda, MRA, on the Lagos State Government to comply with a court directive.

The Media Group has urged the LASG to investigate the circumstances surrounding the death of Journalist Pelumi Onifade, and prosecute those responsible for his death.

Idowu Adewale, MRA Communications Officer, in a statement said that the late 20-year-old Reporter with Gboah TV was reportedly arrested by the Police while covering the #EndSARS protests in 2020 and later found dead.

Sadly, his corpse was found at Ikorodu Mortuary, raising questions on what led to his death?

On July 19, 2024, a Federal High Court in Lagos ordered the State Attorney-General to take “all necessary steps” to investigate Onifade’s death and conduct a coroner’s inquest.

In the letter dated August 22, 2024, MRA’s lawyer, Kingsley Kenechukwu, reminded the Lagos Attorney General of the Court’s decision, citing a previous statement by the official indicating willingness to prosecute anyone found culpable.

Stressing the importance of ensuring that justice must be seen to be done, Kenechukwu stated that “MRA is praying that the Government complies with the Court’s directives in the interest of justice,” and providing hope to the common man in the judicial system.

The Group which is also a Human Rights Organization had earlier filed a suit against the Lagos State Commissioner of Police, the Inspector-General of Police, and the Attorney-General, seeking to declare Onifade’s shooting and arrest as unconstitutional violations of his fundamental rights.

While the Court did not find evidence that the Journalist died in Police custody, it nonetheless directed the State Government to investigate the circumstances of his death, conduct a coroner’s inquest, and identify and prosecute those responsible.

MRA’s press release emphasised that the urgency for the Lagos State Government to comply with the Court’s order and bring closure to this tragic incident, which has sparked outrage and renewed concerns over the safety of journalists in Nigeria.

Sokoto: It’s Fake, Video From Another Country, 150 Kidnapped People Not Killed In Sokoto – DHQ

Akinwale Kasali

September 2, 2024

By Akinwale Kasali

Also says displayed MRAPS demobilized by troops when they got stuck

The Defence Headquarters has dismissed as fake, the viral video of 150 allegedly Kidnapped people killed by troops.

The video in circulation alleges that the 150 were kidnapped in Sokoto by but were, allegedly, killed by troops of the Nigerian Military. But the DHQ says perish the thought.

Major General Edward Buba, Director of Defence Media Operations said that the two MRAPS (Mines Resistant Armored Personnel Carriers) displayed by terrorists in a video in Zamfara State, were demobilized by troops after they got stuck in the swamp during a fighting operation to ensure the terrorists do not make use of them.

Buba stated that the Terrorists resorted to using viral videos to peddle disinformation, propaganda and fake news, aimed at causing fear among citizens.

He categorically stated that their plot will fail.

He said, “On 29 Aug 24, at about 1700hrs, troops of OP Hadarin Daji deployed at FOB Zurmi in Zurmi LGA of Zamfara State, embarked on fighting patrol to dislodge terror gathering at Kwashabawa Village.

“Troops engaged the terrorist enroute the location. During the fight, while attempting to outflank the terrorist. 2 Quantity of troops MRAPs got bogged down due to the swampy terrain occassioned by the rainy season.

“While, troops tried to extricate the MRAPs, the terrorist massed up knowing the challenge troops had encountered with the MRAPs.

“Subsequently, troops dismounted and demobilzed the MRAPs, when efforts to backload them were futile.

“The sad demobilization of the MRAPs by troops was to prevent it from being useful to the terrorist after abandonment.

“These situations further illustrate the effect of weather in changing conditions for ground operations.

“In a related development, the attention of DHQ has been drawn to a trending video propagated from the terrorist camp.

“The video depicted the killing of several civilians in a mass grave. It must be noted that, the incident never took place in Nigeria.

“Rather, it sadly took place in a nearby African country faced with terrorism.

“The terrorists, in an act of desperation, tried to manipulate the situation to mislead gullible members of the public.

“The armed forces unequivocally states that, at no time twere 150 persons abducted in Gobir (Sokoto State).

“The rumoured abduction was deliberately planted by the terrorist to undermine troops winning efforts and cover up terrorist weakness.

“On the whole, the public is urged to be circumspect of the antics of the terrorist to propagate misinformation, disinformation and fake news as part of their war propaganda effort.

“These situations are not uncommon in war. The dynamic and ever changing environment of war creates some of these experiences.

“Nevertheless, troops retain operational flexibility to make adjustments in achieving the strategic objective of winning the war.”

On Sunday, Barr. Daniel Bwala, a former Atiku Abubakar Aide during his failed 2023 Presidential sojourn, asked President Bola Tinubu to sack his Ministers for Defence over the MRAPS incident.

CISLAC Lash CBN For Wasteful Spending Amid Economic Downturn, Cautions Cardoso

Akinwale Kasali

September 2, 2024

By Akinwale Kasali

Civil Society Legislative and Advocacy Centre, CISLAC, has lashed the Yemi Cardoso led- Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, for spending lavishly and wastefully.

CISLAC said to curb lavish spending in light of the current economic hardship in the country, the CBN needs to be prudent and also play its role in reducing the high cost of governance, especially.

Auwal Musa Rafsanjani, the Executive Director of CISLAC, raised concerns in a statement on Sunday.

In the statement, CISLAC stated that such lavish spending in the Apex Bank involves the CBN leadership, including its Governor, Yemi Cardoso and his four deputies.

The CSO cited reports that over N10 billion was, allegedly, spent on ultra-modern armored vehicles, including six Lexus LX 600 2023 models for Cardoso and his deputies—Emem Usoro, Philip Ikeazor, Bala Bello, and Sani Abdullahi – the economic hardship in the country notwithstanding.

In the statement signed by Rafsanjani, it alleged that Cardoso, allegedly, procured two additional SUVs for use in Lagos and Abuja, despite the availability of armoured vehicles in the existing convoy.

It furthermore added that about 20 new Toyota Camry cars were, allegedly, purchased for CBN Management and Board members at a rate of N85 million each.

The statement also indicated that the Governor and his Deputies have significantly increased their annual housing allowances to nearly one billion, despite residing in official residences in Abuja’s Maitama district.

Rafsanjani criticised these expenditures as irresponsible, particularly, in a time of severe ecnomic hardship confronting Nigerians.

He stressed that such spending exacerbated the country’s financial difficulties, diverting resources from critical areas like healthcare, education, and infrastructure development.

“We must hold ourselves accountable and ensure our government operates efficiently and effectively, focusing on the needs of the people and sustainable development”, Rafsanjani stated emphasising that reducing unnecessary spending is crucial for proper resource allocation.

CISLAC also highlighted the ongoing alleged misuse of public funds for the purchase of luxury vehicles for government ministries and parastatals, a practice the organisation argues serves only to comfort a few officials at the expense of national interest.

The organisation stressed that public service should be about integrity and responsibility, not a display of wealth.

“While CISLAC does not oppose public officials using their private resources to acquire luxury vehicles, it strongly condemns the use of public funds for such purposes”, the statement reads.

The organization also criticized the, alleged, lack of due process in these purchases, noting that, alleged, inflated figures often accompany them, further straining the economy.

Reflecting on past efforts, CISLAC pointed out that recommendations from a 2012 conference on reducing the cost of governance have largely been ignored, leading to the current situation of unchecked spending even in the midst of economic challenges.

The organisation called for a return to the frugality and discipline seen during the Murtala administration, where public officials used standardized vehicles.

CISLAC also emphasised the importance of investing in human capital and fostering innovation in governance to drive national progress.

CISLAC vows to continue supporting the National and State Assemblies in scrutinizing budget appropriations to eliminate waste, duplication, and mismanagement of public funds.

The centre reiterated that public resources should rather be directed towards addressing the economic hardship facing the country.

Zenith Bank Declares Stellar H1 Profit, Impressive Triple-Digit Growth

James Orji

September 2, 2024

Zenith Bank Plc has announced its audited results for the half-year ended 30 June 2024, recording an impressive triple-digit growth of 117 percent in gross earnings from N967.3 billion reported in H1 2023 to N2.1 trillion in H1 2024. This superior performance has been achieved even as the Nigerian banking industry navigates a challenging macro environment.

According to the bank’s audited half-year financial results presented to the Nigerian Exchange (NGX) on Friday, 30th August 2024, the triple-digit growth in the top line also drove growth in the bottom line as the Group recorded a 108% Year on Year (YoY) increase in profit before tax, from N350 billion in H1 2023 to N727 billion in H1 2024. Profit after tax also grew by 98 percent from N292 billion to N578 billion in the same period. This led to growth in earnings per share (EPS) by 98 percent from N9.29 in H1 2023 to N18.41 in the period under review.

The growth in gross earnings was driven by an acceleration in both interest income and non-interest income. Propelled by the growth of and by the effective pricing of risk assets, interest income surpassed the N1 trillion mark, a half-year record, growing by 177 perfect from N415.4 billion in H1 2023 to N1.1 trillion in H1 2024, while non-interest income grew by 74 percent from N515.7 billion to N899.3 billion.

The Group continued to strive for operational efficiency, resulting in only a marginal increase in cost-to-income ratio Year on Year (YoY) from 38.5 percent to 39.4 percent. The heightened risk environment has fuelled a growth in impairment levels, thus mildly elevating the cost of risk from 8.8% to 9.7 percent Cost of funds grew Year on Year (YoY) from 2.6 percent to 4.4% given the high-interest rate environment. This also resulted in growth in interest expense from N153.6 billion in H1 2023 to N434.4 billion in H1 2024. Despite this, net interest margin grew by 49% from 5.9 percent in H1 2023 to 8.8 percent in H1 2024, underscoring the efficient repricing of interest earning assets and interest accruing liabilities.

Total assets grew by 35 percent from N20.4 trillion in December 2023 to N27.6 trillion in June 2024, while customer deposits grew by 29 percent from N15.2 trillion in December 2023 to N19.6 trillion in June 2024. Gross loans also grew by 44 percent from N7.1 trillion in December 2023 to N10.2 trillion in June 2024 aided by loans disbursements to customers and the translation effect of foreign currency denominated loans. The Group’s consistent stringent risk acceptance criteria helped ensure that the non-performing loan ratio continued to show only modest growth, increasing from 4.4% in December 2023 to 4.5 percent in June 2024 despite the challenging macroeconomic environment. Capital adequacy ratio improved from 21.7 percent in December 2023 to 23 percent in June 2024, loan-to-deposit ratio grew by 11 percent from 46.5 percent to 51.7 percent while liquidity ratio reduced from 71 percent to 59 percent in the current period. All prudential ratios are still well above regulatory thresholds.

In maximizing value to its highly esteemed shareholders, the Group has declared an interim dividend of N1.00 per share. This represents the highest half year dividend pay-out in its history, and also the highest interim dividend in the Nigerian banking sector till date.

The Group’s strong brand equity and excellent service quality position it to mine new business opportunities in strategic sectors of the economy, in existing geographies where it has a presence, and in new geographies it is exploring. In furtherance of its expansion plans, the Group has received regulatory approval for the establishment of a third-country branch in Paris, France, which, when fully operational, will enhance its product offerings in international markets.

The Group will continue to invest in enhancing its digital banking capabilities and is expediting the completion of its technology infrastructure upgrade. Its track-record of successful capital raises puts it on a solid footing to meet the new minimum capital requirements for commercial banks with international authorisation, well ahead of the deadline set by the CBN. The Group remains undoubtedly on track for a record year in its financial performance and will continue to deliver maximum value to its shareholders, while ensuring a strong corporate governance culture.

Zenith Bank’s track record of excellent performance has continued to earn the brand numerous awards including being recognised as the Number One Bank in Nigeria by Tier-1 Capital for the fifteenth consecutive year in the 2024 Top 1000 World Banks Ranking, published by The Banker Magazine. The Bank was also awarded the Bank of the Year (Nigeria) in The Banker’s Bank of the Year Awards for 2020 and 2022; and Most Sustainable Bank, Nigeria in the International Banker 2024 Banking Awards. Further recognitions include Best Bank in Nigeria for three consecutive years from 2020 to 2022 and in 2024 in the Global Finance World’s Best Banks Awards, and Best Commercial Bank, Nigeria for four consecutive years from 2021 to 2024 in the World Finance Banking Awards. Additionally, Zenith Bank has been acknowledged as the Best Corporate Governance Bank, Nigeria, in the World Finance Corporate Governance Awards for three consecutive years from 2022 to 2024, and ‘Best in Corporate Governance’ Financial Services’ Africa for four consecutive years from 2020 to 2023 by the Ethical Boardroom.

The Bank’s commitment to excellence saw it being named the Most Valuable Banking Brand in Nigeria in the Banker Magazine Top 500 Banking Brands for 2020 and 2021, and Retail Bank of the Year for three consecutive years from 2020 to 2022 at the BusinessDay Banks and Other Financial Institutions (BAFI) Awards. The Bank also received the accolades of Most Sustainable Bank, Nigeria, in the International Banker 2023 Banking Awards, Best Commercial Bank, Nigeria and Best Innovation in Retail Banking, Nigeria, in the International Banker 2022 Banking Awards. Zenith Bank was named Bank of the Decade (People’s Choice) at the ThisDay Awards 2020, Bank of the Year 2021 by Champion Newspaper, Bank of the Year 2022 by New Telegraph Newspaper, and Most Responsible Organisation in Africa 2021 by SERAS Awards.

Segun Oni, Former Ekiti State Governor Quits Politics

Ayodele Oni

September 2, 2024

By Ayodele Oni

A former Ekiti State Governor, Segun Oni, has quit politics. He has just declared that he is no longer a member of any political party. The perennial Governorship Aspirant, also, declared that he no longer nurses governorship ambition.

The Governor took his decisions just as he is turning 70 years old.

Oni stated: “Here I am, held up with no membership in any party. For now, I’m not interested in joining any political party. I don’t think I will re-contest, but nobody knows tomorrow.”

Oni’ s tenure as governor was truncated by a Court of Appeal judgement which enthroned Kayode Fayemi after Oni’s first tenure. That denied him a second term in office.

At a point, Oni left the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) for the All Progressives Congress (APC). And later joined the Social Democratic Party, (SDP) on which ticket he contested in 2022 and lost to incumbent Governor Biodun Oyebanji.

Oni, who announced his withdrawal from partisan politics for now, said he took the decision after reflecting on the trajectory of his political life and old age.

He spoke on Sunday, while addressing newsmen in his country home at Ifaki-Ekiti, Ido-Osi Council Area of Ekiti State ahead of his 70th Birthday.

The former Governor who ran for the July 18, 2022, Governorship Poll in the State under the Social Democratic Party, (SDP), stated that he had ceased being a member of any political party.

Oni added that his doors are open to any individual or group of individuals for his advice on any issue, assuring that he would respond freely to the best of his ability.

“I don’t have a political party, but I have people, some of whom are here, that I know I still owe. I owe them, even if it’s just advice, and I offer it free because I am now getting older.”

Speaking on governance in Ekiti State, Oni lauded Governor Biodun Oyebanji for his unique leadership style which he said has closed the gap between people and government even more than he did when he was in the saddle.

He said that the governor has revved up the pedals of development in the state, adding that his inclusive approach to governance has further fostered unity and peace in the state, thereby creating an environment conducive to growth and prosperity.

On endorsing Governor Oyebanji for the second term, Oni said: “Of all of us, he has been best at bringing people closer; if that be an endorsement, so be it.

“Let me see those who will line themselves against him, and let me see if there is anyone I will prefer; if there is none, then my endorsement will make better sense then.”

Atiku Declares NNPCL Cesspit Of Corruption, “Layers of Deceit”

James Orji

September 2, 2024

The 2023 Presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic party, PDP, Atiku Abubakar has slammed the lack of transparency in the government controlled oil firm, the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, NNPCL.

The former vice president said on Sunday via his media aide Phrank Shaibu that the oil corporation has become highly corrupt in the manner it has managed its finances.

“What has become of these fictitious or phantom profits you once proudly proclaimed? Layers of deceit and lack of transparency have brought you to this unfortunate juncture,” Atiku posted on X.

Atiku’s remark comes amids the acure fule scarcity ij the country, and the call for the sack of the management of the company led by Mallam Abba Kyari for failure to end the crisis.

Not a few Nigerians have slammed the NNPCL for corruption, and its failure to manage the nation’s oil and gas resources has come under serious scrutiny in the last few moths.

Amidst the call for the sack of the management of the company , the federal government, last week, gave an indication that it will soon probe the state-owned oil behemoth.

Reacting to the NNPCL statement that it could not pay petrol suppliers a whopping debt of $6 billion Abubalar said NNPCL has become a ‘layer of deceit’ uring the federal government to list the company on the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NGX) to make it profitable.

The admission that NNPCL could no longer pay its debts to marketers was made by Olufemi Soneye, its Chief Communications Officer, a situation analysts say highlights the current serious fiancial strain on the part of the oil company.

The develoment also contradicts the recent disclosure by the compnay that it recorded a Net profit of over N3 trillion in the 2023 financial year, energey experts told the magazine.

Recall also that the NNPCL had recently informed the president that it could no loger remit funds into the federation Account because it has been overwhelmed by the cost of subsidy payment which has put ahol ein its finances.

While making it 2023 Financial statement publci last week, the NNPCL declared a net profit of N3.297 trillion, an increase of over N700 billion, or 28 percent compared to the 2022 figures.

The company said the mileage was possible due to the resilience of its management despite the current economic headwinds.

“Our fiscal performance reflects both strategic foresight and operational resilience. Despite inherent challenges of our operational and economic environment, we have improved the productivity and the financial performance of this great company,” Umar Ajiya, the Chief Financial Officer of the company said.

Striking Doctors Go Back To Work After FG’s Threat Of No-Work-No-Pay

James Orji

September 2, 2024

Striking doctors undre the aegis of the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors, NARD, have resumed work after a seven-day warning strike.

NARD has directed its members to return to work on Monday one week after its mebers embarked on the strike to demand the release of their colleague, Dr Ganiyat Popoola.

The development is coming on the heels of the federal government’s decision to apply a no-work-no pay policy on striking doctors.

The Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration had last week threatened not to pay the NARD members for the period they embarked on the strike, contending that the doctors abandoned the negotiation opportunity provided by the government before taking the action.

The doctors’ action has paralysed activities in public owned hospitals across the country as Nigerians seeking medical attention were forced to seek help from private hospitals at very high cost to them.

The magazine reported that Dr Popoola was abducted in December 2023 alongside her husband and cousin by kidnappers in Kaduna state who are demanding N60 million for her release.

The husband was later released after paying the abductors an undisclosed sum, but Dr Popoopla has remained in the net of her abductors since then proming her colleague to demand from government her release after more than eight months in capativity.

The doctors had earlier embarked on a nationwide protest to press home their demand from the federal government.

Speaking on Sunday, the NARD President, Dr Dele Abdullahi, said the strike was being called off because progreess has been made on the negotiation with the government in the last few days.

Dr Abdullahi said, “We are suspending the strike now. We will be meeting to review the progress the government has made in the next three weeks.

“We are resuming on Monday, September 2, 2024, at 8 am. The engagement of the government has been a little bit better. But, we are hopeful that they will sustain this current line of action.”

Before embarking on the seven-day warning strike last Monday, NARD had threatened to embark on an indefiniet strike if serious progress was not made on the part of the federal government for the release of Dr popoola.

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Arraign Nine

Also says displayed MRAPS demobilized by troops when they got stuck