Medical doctors in Ogun State have threatened to embark on strike over the poor working conditions in the state.
The chairman of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) in the state, Dr Kunle Ashimi, stated this at a news conference on Friday in Abeokuta.
He said the 21-day ultimatum given to the government on June 7 would expire on Thursday.
Ashimi stressed that the association members would have no choice but to embark on strike unless the government addressed their concerns.
He listed the non-payment of the reviewed CONMESS salary scale and failure to recruit new doctors as some of the issues requiring government attention.
The NMA chairman noted that despite ongoing discussions with relevant government officials, there had only been verbal assurances without official commitments.
He, therefore, urged the people of Ogun to call on the government to take necessary steps to prevent the looming strike which would disrupt healthcare services across the state.
READ ALSO: Ondo doctors embark on 14-day warning strike over seven-month unpaid salaries
He said: “The State Executive Council of NMA Ogun issued a 21-day ultimatum to the state government on June 7, which will elapse on June 27.
“This indicated that industrial harmony may not be guaranteed after this date as the pressure of work on the few doctors holding forth is yielding dire consequences.
“Ongoing conversations with relevant government officers only came with verbal assurances but no official commitment yet.
“Concerned affiliates of NMA Ogun have been engaging the government on the need to commence the payment of the reviewed CONMESS salary scale for doctors in the state to motivate and retain those who have not left and to attract new ones.
“We use this opportunity to call on well-meaning citizens of Ogun state to impress upon the Ogun government to do the needful to avert any industrial action.”
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Ogun doctors threaten strike over poor working conditions
AKK gas pipeline will be ready Q1 2025- Kyari
The Group Chief Executive Office of Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, Mele Kyari, has assured Nigerians that the Ajaokuta-Kaduna-Kano gas pipeline project would be delivered by the end of first quarter 2025.
This was made known during the visit of three cabinet ministers to the AKK Gas Pipeline Project Site, where they inspected the River Kaduna crossing milestone of the project in Kaduna, on Friday.
According to a statement signed by the Chief Corporate Communications Officer
NNPC Limited, Olufemi Soneye, made available on its X account on Friday, Kyari explained that major segments of the job have been completed.
“Without promising too much, we assure you that this project will be delivered on schedule. Our mission is to work towards delivering it by December this year. But we are confident this project will be delivered by the first quarter of 2025,” Kyari informed the three visiting Ministers.
The three ministers who visited the Project Site were: Minister of Finance / Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun; Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mr. Mohammed Idris, and Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Ekperikpe Ekpo.
Speaking at the project site, Edun described the AKK Gas pipeline as the pipeline of prosperity, which is very dear to the President, because it will deliver the critical infrastructure needed to trigger the nation’s economic growth and industrialisation.
“The AKK Gas Pipeline is crucial for this administration and its delivery is in line with Mr. President’s strategy of bringing prosperity to the people,” Edun added.
In his remarks, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mr. Mohammed Idris Malagi, said the AKK Gas Pipeline Project is a testimony to the fact that the Federal Government’s “Decade of Gas” has commenced in earnest.
“Nigerians should be proud of the AKK Gas Pipeline project. With the delivery of this project, the prosperity that Mr. President is always talking about is unravelling right here before our eyes,” he said.
Also speaking, the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Rt. Hon. Ekperikpe Ekpo said the gas pipeline is part of the Federal Government’s many efforts to harness the nation’s abundant gas resources towards improving power generation, revamping ailing industries, and creating employment opportunities in the country.
Ekpo urged all stakeholders to support the NNPC Ltd towards delivering the project and several other gas projects as the country depends on it to bring prosperity to the people.
The three ministers, who lauded the NNPC Ltd. and its project partner, Brentex/CPP Ltd. (BCL) on the progress made so far, also expressed optimism that NNPC will deliver as promised.
In his speech, the Governor of Kaduna State, Uba Sani, represented by his Deputy, Dr. Hadiza Balarabe, said the completion of the AKK gas pipeline will herald the much-needed economic and industrial revival in the state.
“If you know about the Kakuri Industrial Area and how most of our factories there have become moribund, you will understand why we in Kaduna State are all excited about the AKK Gas Pipeline. Without doubt, the pipeline will revamp our industries and bring about a huge impact on our people. We can’t wait for it to be completed,” the governor added.
The Ajaokuta-Kaduna-Kano (AKK) Gas Pipeline is a 40 inch by 614 km linear pipeline system running from Akaojuta in Kogi State to Kano with associated intermediate, terminal gas facilities and other related equipment to transport natural gas to off-takers at Abuja, Kaduna, and Kano
Police kills suspected kidnapper, arrests 4 others in Delta
Police operatives in Delta on Thursday killed a suspected member of a kidnap gang in Ughelli North local government area of the state.
The spokesman for the state police command, Bright Edafe told journalists on Friday in Warri that the other members of the gang escaped during the operation.
He said a team of police operatives deployed by the state’s Commissioner of Police, Mr. Olufemi Abaniwonda, intercepted and engaged the hoodlums in a gun duel near the Adjekota-Ogor communities of Ughelli North.
Edafe said: “The team acting on credible intelligence stormed a criminal hideout on the Ughelli/Patani Road by an abandoned filling station.
READ ALSO: ‘Na Devil work’ Delta man says after killing Sugar Mummy over 100k (Video)
“The hoodlums on sighting the police opened fire on the team and the police responded.
“In the ensuing gun duel, one of the hoodlums sustained serious gunshot injuries while others escaped.
“The injured suspect was taken to the hospital where he died while receiving treatment.
“Two Beretta pistols and five rounds of live ammunition were recovered from the gang members.”
The spokesman also said the police special team arrested four suspected armed robbers in Sapele Town on Wednesday.
He added that one locally made cut-to-size gun was recovered from the suspects.
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Soldiers killed bandits in Kaduna forest -Govt
The Kaduna State Government says several bandits have been killed in a coordinated attack by the military in the Bula community within the Yadi Forest of Giwa Local Government Area of the state.
The state Commissioner overseeing Internal Security and Home Affairs, Samuel Aruwan, stated this in a statement released to newsmen on Friday.
Aruwan noted that coordinated ground and air strikes by troops of Operation Whirl Punch left several bandits dead, including an ally of a notorious terrorist, Buhari Yadi’, whose name was given as Alhaji Kachalla Ragas.
He added that the strike was based on credible intelligence which followed the recent elimination of some bandit kingpins along the Kaduna-Katsina border areas.
The intelligence report had earlier revealed that bandits were to converge at the area for a meeting on a deadly mission within the Yadi Forest general area.
Aruwan said, “Close monitoring followed, and at the agreed time, the bandits were sighted bearing arms and approaching the location on motorcycles.
“Further exploration confirmed the movements and convergence of the bandits in a group of about seven to ten members at a hub in the location.
“Upon verification, the location was struck and scores of the bandits including one Alhaji Kachalla Ragas – an ally and childhood friend of the previously neutralized Buharin Yadi – were confirmed to have been neutralized by the strike.”
The commissioner added that on receiving the report the state governor, Uba Sani, expressed satisfaction and commended the security forces for their quick response, diligent efforts and precise execution.
“The governor thanked the various sources who provided crucial intelligence leading to the successful strike.
“Citizens are encouraged to continue to volunteer useful information on suspicious movements to the State’s Security Operations Room via the phone lines 09034000060 and 08170189999,” he added.
NDLEA seized 761,000 tonnes of illicit drugs in three years, says Marwa
The Chairman of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, Brigadier General Buba Marwa (retd.) has revealed that the agency seized 761,000 tonnes of illicit drugs and substances between January 2021 and March 2024.
Marwa made this known during a special Juma’at service as part of activities to commemorate the 2024 International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking at the National Mosque in Abuja on Friday.
World Drug Day is celebrated annually on June 26. This year’s celebration is themed “Evidence is Clear, Let Us Invest in Prevention”.
The NDLEA boss said that the 2018 drug use survey showed that 15 million Nigerians abused drugs, saying that it was three times the global average.
Marwa, who described the report as unacceptable said that the aim of the year 2024 World Drug Day (WDD) Campaign was Prevention.
“Money-making is the major reason drug barons are persistent in spite of the efforts of the agency to curb to the barest minimum drug abuse and illicit drug trafficking. When you look at the population of Nigeria and you take out 15 million, it means the rest are not.
“We don’t want even a single Nigerian to enter that basket of users. We have made seizures in three years of 761,000 tons but they still keep coming and we have to look at the other side. Now, assuming we didn’t seize it, where will it be? it will be on the streets and the money would have been used for very negative purposes or it would have gone to the criminals.
“We are doing our level best, supported by the government to make sure the supply reduction is very effective,” he said.
Marwa added that prevention was very important in dealing with drug abuse and illicit drug trafficking, adding that the agency had recommended a two-track approach.
He said that the first and most important track was global which was the entire society, all fragments, beginning with the family and parenting, adding that the children should be taught as they grow up why drug use is bad.
“We have children killing their parents. So in any case, parentage and parenting are also important. Most important is the community level, the traditional institution, religious bodies, both Christian and Muslim should include in their sermons and the advocacy in the school system and the curriculum.
“There should be random drug tests. For instance, we have promoted drug tests for students, tertiary institutions and drug tests before marriage. When you go for the wedding, bring the HIV, the genotype and bring drug tests that are negative.
“These are some of the steps on this side. On the other side is to deny the availability of drugs and access. You have to have drugs first to abuse it. And it’s our job as NDLEA to launch operations to seize drugs, arrest the offenders, take them to court, and seize their assets as well, “he said.
NAN
Cholera: Lagos LG suspends school food vendors
The Agege Local Government Area in Lagos State has suspended food vendors in schools in the area as a way of preventing the outbreak of cholera.
The council has also embarked on rigorous sensitisation to prevent the outbreak of the disease in its communities.
The council’s Chairman, Alhaji Ganiyu Egunjobi, disclosed this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria on Friday.
According to the chairman, efforts have been put in place to sensitise market stakeholders and schools on radio to prevent the outbreak within the community.
“We have suspended all school food vendors to ensure the safety of the pupils and students.
“We have informed both the pupils and students on radio stations to come with their foods to ensure their safety from the cholera disease.
“This development will allow us to detect and prevent the outbreaks in our community,” he said.
Egunjobi added that schools were visited and inspected to ensure the children were in good health and environmental condition.
According to him, market traders in various communities were also enlightened and sensitised to adopt environmental hygiene in their places to prevent the outbreak.
“We are working tirelessly to prevent the menace of cholera outbreak in our community.
“We are using various means to talk to our people, through landlord associations and others, to caution them on ensuring hygiene in preparing foods and drinks.
“We urge residents to acquaint themselves with precautionary measures against the deadly cholera disease outbreak.”
NAN reports that the killer disease has spread to over 30 states with Lagos recording 24 deaths from 417 cases.
(NAN)
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Fubara removes Rivers traditional council chairman
Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State has removed Eze Sergeant Awuse as the Chairman of the State Supreme Council of Traditional Rulers Council.
The governor made this announcement on Friday during a special meeting with the traditional rulers at the Banquet Hall of the Government House, Port Harcourt, the state capital.
Fubara, thereafter, appointed Eze Chike Wodo, as the new chairman of the council, saying that the office could not remain vacant.
Speaking at the meeting, the governor said Awuse has not been leading the council effectively for a while due to his alleged role in the ongoing crisis in the state.
Fubara described Awuse as an unstable character, noting that he has been playing double standards since the political crisis in the state.
Fubara said, “It is like your chairman has run away. Maybe when your chairman is ready, he will write to me. If he gets the approval, he can then come for the meeting.
“But you already know his position. He is not a stable man, he is not a stable character. He cannot say something in the morning and say another thing in the evening.
“It is because of that he decided to hide his head. You have to bear with him until when God will help us remove this problem you are having. By the grace of God, it will be resolved soon.”
It would be recalled that the former governor of the state, Nyesom Wike, had replaced the then Chairman of the Council, King Dandeson Douglas Jaja, with Awuse.
However, in the wake of the political crisis, the State House of Assembly, led by Martin Amaewhule, promulgated a law that barred Fubara from interfering with the leadership of the traditional council.
Customs record N249.7bn revenue in May
The Nigeria Customs Service, Area 2 Command Onne, Rivers State has said it recorded an N249.7bn revenue in May 2024.
The NCS Comptroller, Area 2 Command, Mohammed Babandede, disclosed this while briefing at the command’s headquarters in Onne on Friday.
Babandede, who assumed office in April said the amount represents 50.4 per cent of the service’s initial target for the year, and an increase of over N100 billion when compared to the same period under review last year.
He stated, “The command was initially given a target of N494 billion before it was reviewed two weeks ago to N619 billion as revenue target for the year 2024.
“As at the end of May 2024, the command had generated a total revenue of N249,752, 268,298.28 which translates to 50.4% of the initial target and 40.3 per cent of the current annual target.
“When compared to the same period last year, the command had an increase in revenue generation of N153, 213, 700, 450.15.”
The comptroller further said that despite the strike by the Nigerian Labour Congress, Democracy Day and the Sallah holidays, as of the morning of Friday, June 21, 2024, the command had generated N43,430,267,210 in June 2024, as he expressed optimism that the command will generate more revenue in the coming months and surpass its annual target of the year.
On the command’s success in the area of anti-smuggling activities, Babandede revealed that seven containers, including one bearing used electronics which have turned into e-waste, with a total paid duty worth of N3,188,454,452 were seized during the period under review.
He said the feat followed intelligence gathered and information sharing with a sister agency, alongside a hundred per cent physical examination.
He said, “On anti-smuggling activities, we have on display six seized containers for violations or contraventions of various customs laws and breach of procedures as provided under the revised import prohibition guidelines of the common external tariff 2022-2026, as well as section 233, 234, 235, 236 of Nigeria Customs Service Act 2023.
“Also today we have on display a seized container of used electronics which turned to e-waste. As you are aware of the environmental effect such waste poses to human lives, for disposal.
” We shall be working with the National Environmental Standards and Regulation Enforcement Agency in the spirit of inter-agency cooperation, and synergy and in line with section 119 & 245 of the NSC Act 2023 to have it disposed.
“The seized items on display are as follows; four × 20 feet containers laden with bales of clothing, lace and fabrics (96 jumbo size in total) with duty paid value of N911,520,011.00.
“Also seized were 2×40 feet containers laden with 2,625 cartons of cough syrup codeine, 80 cartons of sildenafil citrate tablets and 40 cartoons of deluxe chilly cutter with duty paid value of N2,250, 065, 000.00(based on concealment, false declaration, contravention od revised import prohibition guideline and section 55 subsection (1) paragraphs (C) and (I) of NCS Act 2023). ”
Continuing, he said, “The contents of these importations contravene the provision of the law which prohibits and restricts certain goods for the protection of the public health and safety.
While confirming that the seizures of codeine were in transit to bonded terminals but due to intelligence gathered they were stepped down for physical examination at the mother Port, the Area II boss warned that there is no hiding place for economic saboteurs in the command, as they would be fished out, arrested and prosecuted in line with the law.
Babandede thanked stakeholders and sister agencies for their collaboration, assuring that the command will not relent in carrying out its duties and responsibilities.
“I want to also use this opportunity to thank the NDLEA for their collaboration and inter-agency cooperation as seizures of this magnitude could not have been possible without their involvement.
“The command shall continue to address our core responsibilities by employing various risk management strategies aimed at collecting revenue, identifying vulnerable leakages, gate hit intelligence and facilitating trade.
“We cannot but underscore the necessity and imperativeness of leveraging on synergy, collaboration and intelligence sharing with sister agencies and stakeholders as it enhances our revenue drive and anti-smuggling feats.
Armenia recognises Palestinian state
Armenia has joined the list of countries to recognise an independent Palestinian state.
The country’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs disclosed this in a statement in Yerevan on Friday.
The ministry said Armenia had always regarded a two-state solution as the best way out of the conflict between Israel and Palestine.
The statement read: “The catastrophic humanitarian situation in Gaza and the ongoing military conflict are among the primary issues on the international political agenda that require settlement.
“We are convinced that this is the only way to ensure that both Palestinians and Israelis can fulfill their legitimate aspirations.”
The ministry revealed that Israel has summoned the Armenian ambassador to deliver a rebuke.
In recent weeks, Norway, Spain, Ireland, and Slovenia have recognised a Palestinian state to exert pressure for a resolution to the decades-old conflict.
However, there is currently no visible practical path to a two-state solution.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has vehemently rejected a two-state solution.
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EFCC arraigns Gombe official for obstructing investigation, tearing documents
The Gombe zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has arraigned Usman Mallam, a desk officer in the Gombe State Secretary to the State Government’s office, for allegedly obstructing the commission’s investigation and tearing official documents.
Mallam was charged with willful obstruction of investigation activities and tearing up EFCC formal letters of investigation activities, contrary to Section 38 (1) of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission Establishment Act.
According to the EFCC in a post on X.com on Friday, “The lone charge against Mallam reads “that you, Usman Mallam on or about the 26th day of February 2024 at Gombe, Gombe State within the jurisdiction of this honourable court while the officers of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC were carrying out an investigation activity involving an alleged economic and financial crime, did willfully obstruct the said investigation by tearing the EFCC formal letters of investigation activities dated January 1, 2024, and February 21, 2024, respectively” and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 38 (1) and punishable under Section 38 (2) (a) and (b) of the Economic and financial Crimes Commission Establishment Act”.
“Upon arraignment, the defendant pleaded not guilty to the one count charge, prompting the prosecution counsel AM Labaran to say, “My Lord, the defendant has put himself to trial hence we shall be asking for a date for trial”. However, counsel to the defendant, SS Usman said, “My Lord, we have a bail application dated July 11, 2024, we are asking the court to exercise its discretion and grant the defendant bail”
“Justice Ringim thereafter granted the defendant bail in the sum of N10,000,000.00 (Ten Million Naira) and one surety in like sum. The surety shall be a director in a government establishment or a private company with a capital worth not less than N10,000,000.
“In addition to the conditions, the Registrar of the court should verify the identity of the surety and both the surety and the defendant shall submit two passport photographs to the court.
“Justice Ringim remanded the defendant in Gombe State Correctional Service pending the fulfilment of the bail conditions and adjourned the case to July 9, 2024, for trial.”