News

NMA Faults JOHESUs’ Claims For Indefinite Strike

Published

5 years ago

September 10, 2021

The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) has faulted the 15-day indefinite strike ultimatum issued to the Federal Government by members of the Joint Health Sector Union (JOHESU), saying the health workers acted out of envy for the medical doctors.
In a press statement tagged, “Notice of 15-Day Ultimatum And Commencement of an Indefinite Strike Action by the Joint Health Sector Union: Matters Arising” and made available to newsmen, the NMA cautioned JOHESU on what it described as a ‘recurring affront’ against Medical and Dental Practitioners, saying that ‘it is largely drawn from their unbridled greed and envy.
The statement jointly signed by the President and Secretary-General of the association, Prof. Innocent Ujah, and Dr. Philip Ekpe said the position of JOHESU that physicians enjoy the best conditions of welfare in the Nigerian public health sector is surprising.
It reads, “The claim that physicians enjoy the best conditions of welfare in Nigerian public health sector: It is surprising this type of claim from a group of people that have the facts. We out rightly deny this. The condition of welfare of medical doctors in Nigeria is not different from that of other civil servants during and after retirement.
“JOHESU need to look elsewhere for the professions or workers or public servants with the best condition of service. Medical doctors are not members of the security services or work with Central Bank of Nigeria or the NNPC or politicians. How then can a Nigerian doctor be the worker with the best condition of welfare as JOHESU chooses to describe it?
“False claim of the existence of residency training for other health care providers: JOHESU is at it again! We are not aware that there is a residency training programme in the teaching hospitals, specialist hospitals, and federal medical centres. If there is evidence of a government-approved structured programme, JOHESU should provide it. A non-specialist cannot be training and certifying a specialist. It doesn’t exist anywhere in the world. The content of this claim by JOHESU is false and is calculated to mislead the government and the general public.
“Implementation of Consultant Pharmacist cadre- The NMA has made her observations known on this matter to the Ministry of Health and the Head of Service. We choose not to over-stretch this because we cannot be seen to be supporting creations that add no value to treatment of patients and with consequent waste of funds that could be useful in solving other health-related problems in the hospitals.”
The purported creation of Consultant Pharmacist cadre is a violation of the NICN judgment which places the authority of creation of such cadre on the FMOH.
There is no such thing as Consultant Pharmacist in hospital settings anywhere in the world.
“Promoting hospital-based Consultants to be CEO of Federal Tertiary Hospitals – We refer JOHESU to the enabling Act setting up the teaching hospitals which spelled out very clearly the conditions for the appointment of CEOs of Hospital. Reference was made to postgraduate qualifications and not Consultant. Secondly, the Act made no reference to full-time or part-time employees of government alone. JOHESU should remember that any non-public servants can be recruited to that position of CEO in a hospital, if he or she satisfies those conditions as set out in the enabling Act.
“Non-discriminatory hazard allowance – The position of NMA is well known to the government and JOHESU on hazard allowance is currently being negotiated.
“Upward review of retirement age for health care professionals – This come under item 14 of the ADR list and indeed is of similar interest to the Nigerian Medical Association. While we support the demand for an increase in the retirement age for health care professionals, we wish to place on record that government had released the white paper on Onosode report of 1981 as far back as 1982, among others,” the statement reads.
The associated said it wish to assure the Federal Government of its commitment to providing quality health care, peace, and harmony in the health sector while calling on JOHESU to come to equity with clean hands as their current affront against Medical and Dental Practitioners Council of Nigeria cannot advance their course.

News

Tinubu Commissions Bayelsa Gas Turbine, Other Projects Today

Published

7 minutes ago

April 10, 2026

The Tide

President Bola Tinubu is expected to inaugurate four legacy projects, including a state-owned gas turbine, during a one-day state visit to Bayelsa State, today.

To this effect, the Bayelsa State Government has declared Friday (today) a work-free day, and ordered the closure of markets ahead of the President’s visit.

The state Commissioner for Information, Orientation and Strategy, Ebiuwou Koku-Obiyai, disclosed this yesterday in Yenagoa, the state capital.

She said, “As we all know that the state is ready and we are ready as a people to receive the father of the nation, our father and leader in the President and Commander-In-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, who will be in the state on a one-day visit to inaugurate four legacy projects.

“In view of this, the state government has declared tomorrow, Friday, April 10, 2026, a work-free day to enable workers and other residents of the State to participate in the programmes lined up for the one-day official visit to Bayelsa State.”

According to her, Tinubu is expected to inaugurate key projects during the visit, including a state-owned gas turbine at Opolo-Elebele, a 60-kilometre dual carriageway from Onopa to the LNG axis, and a 630-metre bridge linking Angiama to Oporoma in Southern Ijaw Local Government Area.

Koku-Obiyai urged residents, including traders, to comply with the directive and turn out to welcome the President.

The government said the measures were part of efforts to ensure a smooth and successful visit.

The Tide reports that Bayelsa is the third state President Tinubu will visit for project commissioning in the last one week.

The President was in Ogun State last Saturday to commission the Gateway International Agro-Cargo Airport, Iperu, together with the state’s new airline, Gateway Airline, and its two newly acquired aircraft.

He also inaugurated logistics and trade infrastructure, and launched the Nigeria Customs Service’s N73bn hub that has a residential barracks, training college, warehouse and hospital.

The president also launched mobility, security and agriculture assets, including 1,000 electric motorcycles (EV bikes), and 80 units of security vehicles.

Tinubu was also in Lagos on Wednesday on a two-day state visit to commission key legacy projects of the Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu administration.

Though represented by the Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio, the president inaugurated the newly constructed Ojota-Opebi Link Bridge, Lagos State Geographic Information Service (LAGIS) building, and Lagos Multi-Agency Building in Alausa.

Other notable projects commissioned by the President were Lagos Fresh Food Hub in Abijo, Ajah, Tolu Schools Complex in Ajegunle, and Maracana Stadium, comprising 19 mini-football pitches, built side-by-side in Ajegunle.

News

RSG Seeks Horticulturists’ Partnership To Restore Garden City Status

Published

48 minutes ago

April 10, 2026

The Tide

The Rivers State Government has called for stronger collaboration with horticulturists as part of renewed efforts to restore the aesthetic appeal and environmental quality of Port Harcourt, in line with its urban renewal agenda.

The Commissioner for Urban Development, Sir Amairagha Edward Hart, made the call during an interactive session with private horticulturists and flower dealers at his office in Port Harcourt, recently.

He said the present administration remains committed to reviving the famed Garden City status of the state capital through deliberate policies and strategic partnerships, noting that professionals in horticulture have a key role to play in achieving that vision.

The Commissioner stressed that the state government is placing high premium on environmental sustainability, beautification of public spaces, and the creation of a serene urban atmosphere that reflects global best practices.

The Commissioner urged horticulturists to align their operations with government’s urban development guidelines, adding that their expertise and experience are essential in transforming Port Harcourt into a model city.

According to him, the collaboration will not only enhance the city’s visual appeal but also contribute to improved environmental health and economic opportunities for practitioners in the sector.

He, however, cautioned against practices that undermine urban order, particularly the obstruction of walkways and indiscriminate occupation of public spaces meant for other uses.

Hart emphasized that while the government encourages business growth, such activities must be carried out in a manner that supports urban planning objectives and promotes public convenience.

In a move to further support the sector, he disclosed plans by the Ministry to establish a dedicated “Flower Village” that will serve as a central hub for horticulturists and flower dealers across the state capital.

He explained that the proposed initiative is aimed at restoring sanity to the use of walkways and road corridors, while also creating a structured environment that will enhance business operations and boost revenue generation.

Responding on behalf of the practitioners, Evang. Caroline Nabo highlighted some of the challenges faced by horticulturists, including theft of plants and materials by scavengers and scrap metal dealers.

She appealed to the state government for intervention to safeguard their investments, even as she and other stakeholders commended the Ministry’s proactive steps and pledged their support towards the successful greening and beautification of Port Harcourt.

King Onunwor

News

TUC Demands Subsidy To Cushion Rising Fuel Prices

Published

1 hour ago

April 10, 2026

The Tide

The Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC ) has called on the Federal Government to deploy excess crude oil revenue to subsidise local refineries as a way of cushioning the impact of rising fuel prices on Nigerians.

President of the Congress, Festus Osifo, who made the call during a press briefing in Abuja, yesterday, warned that the price of Premium Motor Spirit could climb to as high as N2,000 per litre if urgent measures are not taken.

Osifo said the persistent increase in the pump price of petrol, driven by global crude oil price volatility and exchange rate challenges, has worsened the economic hardship faced by Nigerian workers.

The TUC leader attributed the surge partly to international developments, including tensions involving the United States, Israel and Iran, which have affected global oil supply dynamics.

Osifo also linked the rising cost of petrol to the depreciation of the naira, warning that the continued weakening of the currency is compounding inflationary pressures and reducing the real value of workers’ earnings.

To address the situation, the TUC president proposed that the government should utilise excess revenue generated when crude oil prices exceed the budget benchmark to support local refining.

He explained that with the 2024 budget benchmarked at $64.85 per barrel, any price above that threshold results in additional revenue shared by the three tiers of government, adding that at least 60 per cent of such excess funds should be channelled into subsidising crude supplied to domestic refineries, including the Dangote Refinery and other modular refineries.

He also urged authorities to take deliberate steps to stabilise the currency, noting that exchange rate stability would significantly reduce the cost of imported energy and other goods.

The TUC said it would formally communicate its proposals to the Federal Government, including the Presidency, with a view to ensuring the prompt implementation of measures to ease the hardship facing Nigerians.

He said, “Today, the cost of petrol is heading towards N2,000 per litre, depending on the part of the country that you are in. It has deeply affected the purchasing power of the salaries that we earn as Nigerian workers.

“Let the government take that excess fund that was never budgeted for, take at least 60 per cent of it, and use it to subsidise the crude being supplied to Dangote Refinery.

“The same should be done for Dangote Refinery and all modular refineries, where crude is supplied to them at that subsidised rate.

“Take the difference from the excess crude revenue, take about 60 per cent of it, and use it to subsidise the price at which crude is supplied to the refinery.

“When you subsidise crude, it cannot be abused because you are subsidising production directly. When that is done, we are going to see an immediate reduction in the price of petroleum products.”