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Buhari’s Ill Health Affecting Performance -PDP …As BBOG Condemns President’s Medical Trip Abroad …We Can’t Guarantee His Return -Presidency

Published

7 years ago

May 9, 2018

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has said President Muhammadu Buhari’s ill health is affecting his performance.
The party also said that Nigeria under President Buhari is awfully degenerating into a despotic state where citizens are no longer safe as long as they hold opinion contrary to those in power, in spite of their constitutionally guaranteed freedom of expression.
The party urged the world not to fold its hands and watch as official impunity and imminent despotism override civil liberty and rule of law in Africa’s largest democracy, saying that shrouding of the issue of President Buhari’s illness in secrecy, just for political gains, is neither in the interest of the President nor that of our nation at large.
And that the handlers of Mr. President appear to be more concerned about the next election instead of the consequences of a failing health and the blatant breaches of our constitution.
The PDP therefore counsels President Buhari to be well guided and take charge of his health challenges.
Meanwhile, the Co-Convener of BringBackOurGirls (BBOG) advocacy group, Aisha Yesufu, has condemned President Muhammadu Buhari’s trip to United Kingdom on doctor’s request.
Presidential spokesman, Garba Shehu, had last Monday, disclosed that Buhari was expected to leave, yesterday, for a four-day trip based on his doctor’s request.
But reacting to the revelation, the activist called the president’s attention to the degrading nature of public hospitals in the country.
Aisha on her Twitter page urged Buhari to be a good leader and provide the best healthcare for Nigerians in the world instead of travelling abroad for medicals.
She wrote, “No one begrudges the President’s access to best healthcare the world has to offer. Some of us begrudge the President having that access, and not ensuring citizens he is supposed to lead have that access too.
“Would it be a bad thing for Nigeria to have the best healthcare in the world?
“The hallmark of a true leader is compassion! A leader should want better things for those he or she leads. Want them to have access to the things he or she has access to, and even more. Public hospitals have been comatose for a while now due to strikes,” Aisha added.
President Muhammadu Buhari, yesterday, embarked on a four-day medical trip to the United Kingdom.
According to a statement, last Monday, by his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu, the President’s trip is at the instance of his doctor.
He said Buhari would return to the country on Saturday.
The statement read, “President Muhammadu Buhari will tomorrow (Tuesday) undertake a four-day trip to the United Kingdom.
“In the course of the technical stop-over for aircraft maintenance in London on his way back from Washington last week, the President had a meeting with his doctor.
“The doctor requested the President to return for a meeting, which he agreed to do.
“President Buhari will return on Saturday, May 12th.
“On his return, the President’s two-day state visit to Jigawa State, which was postponed because of the All Progressives Congress’ ward congresses, will now take place on Monday 14th and Tuesday 15th of May.”
Buhari had, between February 5 and 10, 2016, embarked on a six-day vacation to London.
On June 6, 2016, he embarked on another 10-day vacation to attend to an ear infection.
Presidential spokesman, Femi Adesina, had explained then that Buhari was battling with what he called “persistent ear infection.”
Adesina had said that although the President had been examined and treated by his personal physician and a specialist in Abuja, both doctors advised him to go for a further evaluation as a precaution.
He said the President would, therefore, use the 10-day break to see an Ear, Nose and Throat specialist in London.
Buhari returned to Nigeria on June 19, 2016, after spending 14 days in London.
He again left the country on January 19, 2017, on what the Presidency described then as a medical vacation.
When the trip was prolonged, presidential aides announced that the President would be staying back in the British capital to enable him to collect results of some medical tests he did.
Buhari returned to the country on March 10, 2017, after a 49-day medical sojourn, saying he had never been that sick in his life.
He then gave an indication that he would return to London for further check-up.
After missing public events, including three consecutive weekly Federal Executive Council meetings which raised anxiety in the country, Buhari on May 7, 2017, returned to London for medical consultation.
He returned to the country on August 19, 2017.
Meanwhile, the Peoples Democratic Party has asked President Buhari to stop deceiving Nigerians about his health and other national issues.
The National Publicity Secretary of the party, Mr Kola Ologbondiyan, who spoke with newsmen, in Abuja, said it was a pity that the President lied to Nigerians about the stopover he had in London a few days ago.
He said, “The President should stop deceiving Nigerians about his health and other issues.
“Why did he lie that he merely had a technical stopover in London? He should take Nigerians and Nigeria seriously.
“He could be sick, but he should also know that Nigerians are the ones maintaining his health for him. So, he should tell them the truth all the time
“We also hope he has transmitted a letter to the National Assembly about this trip. If he didn’t, that is going against the Constitution.”
However, the Presidency has again spoken on President Muhammadu Buhari’s health in respect to his trip to the United Kingdom, yesterday, to see his doctor.
Buhari’s Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina, in an interview with Channels TV, yesterday, said there was no cause for alarm as the president was just going for a medical review.
“Mr President is 100% healthy; there is no cause for alarm. He is going to London for medical review and would return on Saturday.”
He, however, stated that it was only God that can guarantee Buhari’s return on Saturday.
“A man cannot guarantee anything in life; we can’t guarantee the president’s return.
“In terms of his health, there is no cause for alarm. It is just a medical review. We all need that from time to time as there is nobody that is 100 healthy.
“It is only God that has the final authority on things but all things being equal, he would be back on Saturday,” he added.
When asked on the nature of Buhari’s illness, Adesina declined giving details, adding that only the president can reveal that.
“The nature of his illness is private and personal. The fact that the man is a president does not deny his right and privileged to his private life
“Unless he comes out voluntarily and willingly to tell the country his ailment even his medical doctor does not have the right to disclose his ailment.
“He is the only one who has the authority to tell the country, it will be unethical for anyone to speak on it.”

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RSG Commits To Workers’ Welfare …. Calls For Sustained Govt, Labour Partnership

Published

2 weeks ago

May 2, 2025

The Tide

The Administrator of Rivers State, Retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas, has assured the commitment of Rivers State government to workers’s welfare and industrial harmony in Rivers State.

The Sole Administrator gave the assurance after meeting with leadership of organized labour unions at the Government House, Port Harcourt on Wednesday.

Ibas reaffirmed government’s policy of prompt payment of salaries and pensions to workers and retirees, stating that all local government employees are not receiving the approved minimum wage.

He disclosed that approval has been given for payment of newly employed staff at Rivers State University Teaching Hospital and the Judiciary, while medical workers in Local Government Areas will now receive correct wages.

Ibas explained that, Government is reviewing implementation challenges of the Contributory Pension Scheme ahead of the July 2025 deadline, adding that Intervention buses have been reintroduced to ease workers’ transportation ,with plans to expand the fleet.

He said specialized leadership training for top civil servants will commence within two weeks, while due consideration is being given to implementing the N32,000 consequential adjustment for pensioners and clearing outstanding gratuities.

Ibas commended Rivers State workers for their dedication to service and called for sustained partnership with labour unions to maintain industrial peace.

“This administration recognizes workers as critical partners in development. We remain committed to addressing your legitimate concerns within available resources,” he stated.

The State NLC Chairman, Comrade Alex Agwanwor, thanked the Administrator for the steps taken so far with regard to workers welfare while appreciating his disposition towards alleviating the transportation problem faced by workers.

He also expressed appreciation for the government’s openness to dialogue and pledged continued cooperation towards achieving mutual goals.

The Rivers State Government assured all workers of its unwavering commitment to their welfare and called for continued dedication to service delivery for the collective progress of our dear State.

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Labour Unions In Rivers Call For Improved Standard Living For Workers

Published

2 weeks ago

May 2, 2025

The Tide

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Rivers Council, has called for policies that will improve the economic situation of the country in order to ensure enhanced living standard for workers.

The State Chairman, Mr Alex Agwanwor, made the remark on behalf of the unions affiliated to Labour Congress during the 2025 workers day celebration in Port Harcourt, yesterday.

Agwanwor highlighted the demands of the Unions which included the immediate payment of pension arrears, implementation of the N32,000 minimum wage for pensioners, and payment of gratuities and death benefits without further delay.

“We are calling for the regulation and protection of e-hailing drivers, implementation of increments and promotions, and resolution of long-standing issues in the polytechnic sector,” he said.

Agwanwor on behalf of the unions appealed to President Bola Tinubu to reinstate the democratically elected Governor, Deputy Governor, and members of the Rivers State House of Assembly.

He stressed the importance of democratic governance and good working relationship with elected representatives.

According to him, the unions expressed disappointment over the imposition of taxes, increase in electricity tariff, and high cost of goods and services, which have further worsened the plight of workers.

“We urge the federal government to take measures to alleviate the suffering of citizens,” he said.

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Tinubu committed to unlocking Nigeria’s potential – Shettima

Published

2 weeks ago

May 1, 2025

The Tide

Vice-President Kashim Shettima says President Bola Tinubu is committed to unlocking Nigeria’s full potential and position the country as a leading force on the African continent.

Shettima stated this when he hosted a delegation from the Hertie School of Governance, Berlin, led by its Senior Fellow, Dr Rolf Alter, at the Presidential Villa in Abuja last Wednesday.

He said Nigeria was actively seeking expertise from the global best institutions to enhance policy formulation and implementation, particularly in human capital development.

The Vice-President noted that President Tinubu was determined to elevate Nigeria to its rightful position as a leading force in Africa.

“The current crop of leadership in Nigeria under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is ready and willing to unleash the full potential of the Nigerian nation on the African continent.

” We are laying the groundwork through strategic reforms, and at the heart of it, is human capital development.”

He described the Hertie School as a valuable partner in the journey.

According to him, Hertie School of Governance, Berlin, has track record and institutional knowledge to add value to our policy formulation and delivery, especially in this disruptive age.

Shettima reiterated the government’s priority on upskilling Nigerians, saying ” skills are very important, and with our Human Capital Development (HCD) 2.0 programme.

“We are in a position to unleash the full potential of the Nigerian people by enhancing their capital skills.”

The Vice-President acknowledged the vital support of international development partners in that effort.

” I want to thank the World Bank, the European Union, the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, and all our partners in that drive to add value to the Nigerian nation,” he maintained.

The Vice-President said human capital development was both an economic imperative and a social necessity.

Shettima assured the delegation of the government’s readiness to deepen cooperation.

” We need the skills and the capacity from your school. The world is now knowledge-driven.

“I wish to implore you to have a very warm and robust partnership with the government and people of Nigeria.”

Shettima further explained recent economic decisions of the government, including fuel subsidy removal and foreign exchange reforms.

“The removal of fuel subsidy, the unification of the exchange rate regime and the revolution in the energy sector are all painful processes, but at the end of the day, the Nigerian people will laugh last.

“President Tinubu is a very modern leader who is willing to take far-reaching, courageous decisions to reposition the Nigerian economy,” he added.

Earlier, Alter, congratulated the Tinubu administration for the successful launch and implementation of the Human Capital Development (HCD) strategy.

The group leader described the development as ambitious and targeted towards the improvement of the lives of the citizens.

He expressed satisfaction with the outcome of his engagements since arriving in the country.

He applauded the zeal, commitment, energy and goodwill observed among stakeholders in the implementation of Nigeria’s HCD programme.

Alter said the Hertie School of Governance would work closely with authorities in Nigeria across different levels to deliver programmes specifically designed to address the unique needs of the country.

He, however, stressed the need for government officials at different levels to be agile and amenable to the dynamics of the evolving world, particularly as Nigeria attempted to successfully accelerate its human capital development aspirations.