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ICPC Poised To Tackle Corruption In Health Sector -Chairman

Published

1 year ago

July 19, 2024

The Chairman of Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), Dr Musa Aliyu, SAN, says the commission is poised to address corruption and corrupt practices in the health sector.
Aliyu said this yesterday in Abuja, at a conference with the theme: “corruption-free health care delivery for all”.
The chairman said that the commission was putting in place measures to ensure corruption-free primary healthcare delivery in the country.
He said that the commission had put in place the conference, which was part of the efforts being made to enlist and foster public support in combating corruption in the nation.
According to him, the conference is specifically organised to stimulate discussions that will help improve service delivery devoid of windows for corrupt tendencies in the Health Sector.
“This has become necessary considering the sector’s critical nature and its role in ensuring a healthy society at all levels.
“The Commission’s choice of Primary Health Care in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) as the pilot for the nationwide conversation is to create a comprehensive template that can be replicated in all the six-geopolitical zones of the federation.
“Participants were carefully drawn from community healthcare stakeholders to have a holistic and collaborative approach to improving the effectiveness of primary healthcare service delivery,” he said.
He said that the conference targeted entrenching professionalism, ethics, integrity, and other anti-corruption values to engineering a more effective and corruption-free primary healthcare delivery, leveraging the commission’s preventive mandates and strategies.
“Additionally, the conference targets anti-corruption awareness on how to ensure transparency and accountability in the healthcare delivery system, including diminishing tendencies for corrupt practices on both the side of healthcare providers and persons using healthcare facilities,” he said
Rep. Kayode Akiolu, Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Anti-Corruption, in his goodwill message pledged the National Assembly’s support to fight corruption in the country.
Akiolu said that the House of Representatives would use the legislative instruments at its disposal to aid the fight against corruption, especially in the health sector.
“The Nigerian health sector is in the middle of a crisis.
“From doctors and other medical professionals leaving the country in droves, to insufficiency of medical equipment, poor working conditions and endemic corruption, the challenges are legion.
“There is thus the need to tackle these issues, and one of the most critical is corruption in the primary healthcare subsector.
“I feel confident that if corruption is reined in that subsector, the impact will be felt in the health sector as a whole in terms of improved working conditions for medical professionals, better service delivery and improvement in the health of citizens.
“These, in turn, will slow down the ‘Japa’ syndrome and medical tourism which will greatly benefit the nation’s economy.”
Dr Adedolapo Fasawe, the Mandate Secretary, Health Services And Environment, FCTA, in a keynote address noted with concern that corruption had hampered and continued to bedevil the Primary Health Care (PHC) service delivery in Nigeria.
“The opportunity cost of financial corruption in health is inestimable. What is the cost of a life? Therefore, in health, corruption must either be prevented or nipped in the bud at infancy.
“A cancerous like corruption is worse than a pandemic – procurement of substandard equipment, fake drugs, revenue leakages, and inflated health bills are some of the immediate results of corruption,” she said.
While calling for a holistic approach in tackling the menace across the country, she called for the adoption of a public health approach to making the PHC system corruption-free.
According to her, rather than detecting the corruption after it has been committed, audit and petition style, it must be prevented.
“And, if it occurs, it must be detected as `Outbreak Control’ as soon as possible through the use of sensitive tools and surveillance.”
She expressed concern that corruption thrived in weak systems with non-strategic and comprehensive processes.
She, therefore, identified blocks of the health system that must be strengthened to achieve a health service delivery system that would serve the people as envisaged and planned.
“The Governance and Leadership building block is very key to engendering the corruption-free Primary Health Care delivery for all.
“Honest and competent leadership at key positions in the PHC and Health system will clean the Augean stable. This can only be achieved if competent, transparent and proven professionals are in place to manage the PHC system.
“Therefore, policies and laws must be in place to ensure that filling of these managerial positions are merit based, and continued occupation of these offices is based on performance.”
Dr Muyi Aina, Executive Director the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), in a goodwill message, said that PHC was a people-centered and whole-of-society approach to health care delivery.
Aina was represented by Dr Oritseweyimi Ogbe, Director Special Duties NPHCDA
“It is therefore the great pillar that holds a nation’s health system and the platform to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals. Consequently, the dysfunctional effect of corruption in the health sector is often most devastating at the PHC level.
“These acts are often in the form of bribes to provide services, extortion, patient discrimination or outright misuse of funds meant for health care delivery among other vices.
“The cumulative effects of these corrupt practices include distrust of government by individuals and communities.
“Others are poor uptake of services infrastructural decay, and a vicious cycle of impoverishment of the most vulnerable members of the society, with the resultant poor health outcomes,” he said

News

Cleric Predicts Breakthrough, Warns of Political and Security Challenges in 2026

Published

3 days ago

January 12, 2026

The Tide

The Founder and Senior Pastor of Liberty Hour Ministry, Port Harcourt, Apostle Chikadibia John Wodo, has expressed optimism that 2026 will usher in uncommon breakthroughs and good fortune for Nigeria, particularly in the areas of political, economic, and spiritual development, with Rivers State playing a key role.

Apostle Wodo made this declaration in his special New Year message, where he stated that individuals and forces standing as obstacles to the manifestation of God’s will in the new year would face bitter consequences. He cautioned that corrupt political leaders risk backlash from the very people they govern if they fail to change their ways.

The cleric warned against the escalation of political tension in Rivers State and called on residents and religious leaders to intensify prayers for lasting peace. He also urged Governor Siminalayi Fubara to remain resolute in leadership, reminding him to uphold his vows to God by continually seeking divine guidance in decision-making and governance amid evolving challenges.

Assessing the broader national situation, Apostle Wodo called on Nigerian leaders to repent and govern with a heightened sense of responsibility, noting that the cries and supplications of the masses have drawn divine attention. He further warned of alleged plots to disrupt a smooth democratic transition in 2027 and appealed for prayers to avert such an agenda.

According to him, Nigerians are yearning for genuine socio-economic transformation and freedom from political oppression. He challenged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to redeem its credibility by ensuring free, fair, and credible elections devoid of undue political interference.

The cleric also predicted that insecurity could worsen in the coming year and warned of the possible emergence of a strange ailment, stressing that Nigeria’s political challenges can only be resolved through equity, fairness, and justice, especially in the treatment of minorities, the vulnerable, and the disadvantaged.

Apostle Wodo further claimed that some clerics and General Overseers have compromised their faith and incurred divine displeasure, calling for sincere repentance to restore their relationship with God. He also advised early preparedness to mitigate natural disasters such as fire outbreaks and flooding, particularly in rural communities.

He concluded by urging Nigerians to remain prayerful, vigilant, and united as the nation navigates the opportunities and challenges of 2026.

News

Ado Royal Family Disowns Alleged Installation of Amanyanabo of Okrika

Published

3 days ago

January 12, 2026

The Tide

The Ado Royal Family of Okrika has firmly disassociated itself from the alleged self-enthronement of Hon. Godknows Tam George as the Amanyanabo of Okrika and Clan Head, describing the action as unlawful, illegitimate, and a threat to the peace of the ancient kingdom.

The family, which described itself as the sole legitimate custodian of the history, traditions, and stool of the Amanyanabo of Okrika, stated that it has not installed any king and has not commenced the formal process for such installation.

This position was contained in a statement jointly signed by Prof. Sotonye Fyneface-Ogan (Ogan Ado Royal House), Alabo Engr. Henry Semenitari Abam (Abam Ado Royal House), and Alabo Prince Oriyeorikabo Fibika (Fibika Ado Royal House). The statement was presented to journalists on Friday at the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Press Centre, Moscow Road, Port Harcourt.

According to the statement, the purported action by Hon. Tam George amounts to “a blatant assault on the collective integrity of the Okrika people” and constitutes “a criminal act of impersonation with the potential to destabilize the peace and socio-political fabric of our ancient kingdom.”

The family stressed that Hon. Tam George was never presented as a candidate by the Ado Royal Family and did not undergo any of the mandatory rites, consultations, or confirmations required by Okrika customs.

“The Ado Royal Family has never presented him as a candidate, nor has he undergone any of the prerequisite rites, consultations, or confirmations. His actions are those of a lone interloper, operating in a vacuum of legitimacy,” the statement read.

It further emphasized that the stool of the Amanyanabo of Okrika and Clan Head is a sacred institution rooted in centuries-old traditions and spiritual heritage, not something to be claimed through academic qualifications, political ambition, or personal interest.

Speaking during the briefing, Prof. Sotonye Fyneface-Ogan reiterated that the process of crowning an Amanyanabo is clearly defined and has not yet begun.

“To crown a king, there is a process, and those processes have not taken place,” he said. “We are the chiefs; we are the ones that will be part of the selection. Honestly, we have not started the selection process; we have only begun discussions.”

He explained that during the proper selection process, chiefs supervise nominations from each constituent house, with each house expected to nominate two or three candidates—steps which, he noted, have not been carried out.

“I want to assure the public that none of the Ado family chiefs has given Hon. Tam George any sign of approval,” Prof. Fyneface-Ogan added.

Efforts to obtain the reaction of Hon. Godknows Tam George proved unsuccessful. Repeated attempts through phone calls, text messages, and WhatsApp messages were unsuccessful, as he did not respond as of the time of filing this report.

By: Tonye Orabere

News

PH Traders Laud RSG’s Fire Safety Sensitisation Campaign

Published

3 days ago

January 12, 2026

The Tide

Traders in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, have commended the Rivers State Government (RSG) for its ongoing fire emergency and safety sensitisation campaign across major markets in the state.

Speaking on behalf of traders at Nowa Market, Borikiri Old Port Harcourt Township, the market chairman, Mr. Innocent Chukwuma, praised Governor Sir Siminalayi Fubara for initiating the awareness programme in designated markets and public places.

Chukwuma described the exercise as timely and impactful, noting that it was the first time the Rivers State Government had carried out such a campaign in Nowa Market. According to him, the sensitisation would educate traders on fire emergencies and the necessary precautions to prevent outbreaks.

He urged traders to strictly apply the safety measures taught during the campaign, both during business hours and after closing their shops.

“I want to thank the Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, and the Ministry of Special Duties for coming to our aid, especially during this dry season,” Chukwuma said.

“This is the first time we are seeing government presence in our market in this manner. We lack words to thank our God-sent governor, particularly for providing us with fire extinguishers and other firefighting equipment.

“We will do exactly what we have been taught today to ensure there is no fire incident in our market. We will always switch off all electrical appliances before closing for the day,” he added.

Similarly, the Chairman of Mile 3 USTRE Modern Market, Mr. Gift Nkesi Benjamin, applauded the state government for the distribution of fire extinguishers and other fire safety equipment.

“We will adhere strictly to the safety guidelines and instructions given to us today to ensure there is no fire outbreak in our market,” Benjamin stated.

“On behalf of Mile 3 USTRE Modern Market, I sincerely thank the Rivers State Government and the Ministry of Special Duties for bringing this important campaign to our market.”

At Rumuwoji Market (popularly known as Mile 1 Market), the Chairman, Chief Hon. Godpower O. Wobo, also expressed gratitude to the state government for the sensitisation exercise. He assured that traders would comply fully with government directives to prevent future fire incidents.

Responding on behalf of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Special Duties, Mr. Sokari D. P. George, thanked the traders for their cooperation and warm reception.

He emphasised that safety remains paramount, especially during the dry season, and urged traders to be cautious in their daily activities.

Mr. George disclosed that the theme of the 2025 fire safety campaign is “Controlled Fire Is a Friend, Uncontrolled Fire Is an Enemy.”

He cautioned against refuse and bush burning around buildings and warned traders not to store fuel in unauthorized places such as homes, offices, markets, or public buildings.

“Follow all fire safety guidelines and instructions,” he urged.

The permanent secretary also noted that Governor Fubara prefers a zero-fireworks approach during festive periods to ensure public safety, stressing that the government has invested heavily in markets and expects traders to take responsibility for protecting them.

By: Kiadum Edookor