Ministry May Intervene In Asaba Workers Strike

Published

14 years ago

June 27, 2012

The Federal Ministry of Health, has been urged to intervene in the controversy which led to the strike by health workers in the Federal Medical Centre (FMC) in Asaba.

The Medical Director, FMC, Asaba, Dr Leo Erhunmwunsee made the appeal in Asaba last Friday.

Erhunmwunsee, said that the activities in the hospital had been grounded for the past two weeks.

He explained that the health workers union proceeded on indefinite strike from mid-night of June 7.

“This followed the implementation of non-skipping of a particular grade level in a recent promotion in the hospital,’’ he said.

He said that the management tried to broker peace with the striking workers by explaining that it was only implementing the ministry’s directive.

“But the meetings ended in a deadlock. The workers insisted that the directives from the ministry should be ignored.

“We have also written to the Minister of Health that we have implemented the directive.

“So, we are waiting for the ministry to intervene; to reverse the order or not. I don’t have the capacity to reverse a ministerial directive.’’

He stressed that a committee had been set up to address the issue of skipping or not skipping the grade level in question.

“But the ministry has directed that the hospitals should implement its directives. That Grade Level in question is Consolidated Health Salary Structure (CONHESS) 10.

“The workers want government to revert to the previous status by skipping CONHESS 10.’’

Mr Anthony Asiodu, the Chairman, Joint Action Committee, FMC, Asaba, said the strike was to demand for their rights.

He said that the hospital’s management held onto the release of their 2011 promotion result and other entitlements.

He said that the workers proceeded on indefinite strike when the promotion result was released without skipping the CONHESS 10.

He added that the workers had resolved not to go back until the management reversed its decision.

“The civil service rules say that as soon as you get to Grade Level 10, your next promotion moves you to Grade Level 12. There is no Grade Level 11.

“We have met with the Asagba of Asaba. We have explained ourselves. We were thinking that by now this matter would have been resolved.

The scheme of service says that we must move from Grade Level 10 to Grade Level 12,’’ Asiodu said.

Otu Recommits To Support For Navy

Published

2 days ago

March 23, 2026

The Tide

Cross River State Governor, Bassey Otu, has said his administration will continue to collaborate with the navy for effective protection of the waterways.

Otu stated this when the Commandant, Nigeria Navy Ship (NNS) Victory, Commodore Shuaib Ahmed, visited him in Calabar.

The Governor described the visit as critical to consolidating the partnership between Cross River State and the navy.

“Peace and stability remain non-negotiable prerequisites for the progress of the state.

“So, this visit reaffirms our shared resolve to keep the state safe and secured through sustained collaboration,” he said.

Otu stated that security remained the foundation for meaningful development in every society.

“No society prospers in the midst of insecurity. As a state, our development vision depends on peace, order and collective vigilance,” he said.

The Governor commended the Navy for the level of professionalism being exuded by its personnel in the discharge of their duties.

He said the Navy’s efforts had hugely boosted investor confidence and strengthened the state’s economic environment.

The Governor assured the Navy of the state government’s continued support towards enhanced operation.

Earlier, Ahmed explained that the visit followed the military tradition of familiarizing with authorities upon assumption of duties.

He stated that it was crucial to align naval operations with the strategic priorities of the state government.

The naval chief thanked the state government for its support to the force, saying, “your support has helped us immensely in achieving targets”

The Commandant further said there was need to strengthen infrastructure and communication systems in order to address evolving security challenges.

“Operationalising key naval facilities will improve our capacity to tackle maritime crimes.

“The Navy is committed to supporting the state in ensuring the safety and security of the waterways.

“We shall continue to promote peace while enabling the residents to carry out their lawful activities without fear,” he said.

Community Praises Diri, Ogbuku On Projects Execution … Prioritises Security, Dev

Published

2 days ago

March 23, 2026

The Tide

The Agbura Community of Yenagoa Local Government Area, Bayelsa State, has again lauded the State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, and the Managing-Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, over infrastructure projects executed in the community.

Speaking with newsmen midweek in Yenagoa, its Chairman, Community Development Committee, Mr. Tribunal Egba, hailed the Governor for the successful completion of the abandoned Oxbow lake-Agbura Road project and others within the Community.

He also eulogized the NDDC MD for the construction of new lodge in the community for serving Corps members as well as plans to execute other projects.

Mr. Egba added that the completion of the Oxbow Lake-Agbura Road has given the community facelift, while also pleading with the government and the interventionist agency to award shore protection contract in the community to save it from the perennial floodings experienced in the fast urbanizing town.

Similarly, the community’s leadership has given assurances that it will continue to give priority to development and security of lives and property.

The CDC helmsman promised to strengthen the existing community vigilante group, while also stressing that the age-long synergy between the community and security agencies would be improved upon to get rid of crime and criminalities in the area.

“As a community, we’re so thankful to Governor Diri for constructing the abandoned Oxbow Lake-Agbura Road project. We’re also glad with the level of infrastructural development ongoing in other parts of the state, courtesy of the Diri-led administration.

“We also like to laud the MD/CEO, NDDC, Dr. Samuel Ogbuku for the construction of a befitting Corpers lodge for Corps members serving in this community.

“Our priority as a community now is to protect these infrastructure projects. We’ll continue to work in synergy with all security agencies to make sure there’s peace and development”, the CDC leadership said.

By: Ariwera Ibibo-Howells, Yenagoa

Niger Delta

Delta Shocked Over Death Of Chief Protocol Officer

Published

2 days ago

March 23, 2026

The Tide

Delta State Government has expressed deep sadness over the sudden death of Mr. Sunny Kotor, Senior Special Assistant on Protocol to the State Government.

Kotor, a renowned Master of Ceremony at state functions, reportedly slumped and passed away last Friday.

In a statement signed by the Delta State Commissioner for Special Duties, Dr. Ifeanyi Osuoza, in Warri on Saturday, his passing was described as “a profound loss; not only to his family, but to the Government and people of Delta State who benefited immensely from his professionalism, composure, and unmistakable presence at official engagements.

“He brought dignity, structure, and excellence to every function he handled, leaving behind a standard that will be difficult to forget,” the statement added.

The Commissioner noted that “every passing is indeed a sobering reminder of how fragile and fleeting life can be,” extending heartfelt condolences to Kotor’s family, colleagues, and all who had the privilege of working with him.

The statement prayed that God would grant them the strength to bear the irreparable loss.