The Anambra State government has shut down over 30 health facilities run by quacks in the state.
The state’s Commissioner for Health, Dr. Afam Obidike, stated this on Friday at the 2024 Annual General Meeting and Scientific Conference of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), Anambra State Chapter.
He said the government set up the State Health Facilities Monitoring and Accreditation Agency to fight quackery and eradicate illegal medical services in the state.
He said: “The issue of quackery is a major concern in the government and we are doing all we can to eliminate it.
“So far, we have closed down over 30 health facilities in the state and we discovered that the owners and operators of these hospitals are not even medical doctors.
“These quacks were making so much money because they do not have conscience. They were carrying out surgeries and toying with the health and lives of our people.
“We are appealing to the NMA to partner with the state government to eliminate quackery in the health sector to save people from untimely death and improve their life expectancy.”
The commissioner said the state government was committed to improving healthcare delivery in the state.
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Anambra govt shuts 30 health facilities
Russia targeted US journalist, Gershkovich with 16 years imprisonment – Biden
United States President, joe Biden, has accused the Russian Government of targeting American journalist, Evan Gershkovich.
Biden said the Russian Government targeted Gershkovich because he’s an American.
He was reacting to the 16 years jail term handed to Gershkovich by a Russian court.
A Russian court had found Gershkovich guilty of espionage and sentenced him to 16 years in a high-security penal colony.
This was after a secretive trial decried as a “sham” by his employer, his family and the White House.
The Wall Street Journal (WSJ) reporter was first arrested last March while on a reporting trip in the city of Yekaterinburg, about 1,600km (1,000 miles) east of Moscow, by security services.
Prosecutors accused him of working for the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), accusations that Gershkovich, the WSJ and the US vociferously deny.
It marks the first conviction of a US journalist for espionage in Russia since the Cold War ended more than 30 years ago.
Reacting, Biden posted on X: “Today, Evan Gershkovich received a sentence of 16 years in a Russian prison, despite having committed no crime.
“I will not mince words: he was targeted by the Russian government because he is a journalist and an American.”
Russia targeted US journalist, Gershkovich with 16 years imprisonment – Biden
Crime rate reducing in Nigeria, IGP boasts as Tinubu meets security chiefs
Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun has said the rate of crime in the country is reducing.
He said this on Friday following a routine security meeting held at the Presidential Villa Abuja, where all the Service Chiefs brief the President on security situation in the country.
According to Egbetokun, the security personnel will continue to deploy synergy to ensure they maintain the tempo so far.
Asked about the outcome of the meeting with the President, the IGP said, “It is a routine security meeting we had with Mr President where we had the opportunity of giving him security briefs, this we have been doing regularly.
“Mr President is satisfied with our report, he has challenged us to continue to work together and improve our synergy.
“As Inspector General of Police, we have records of all reported crimes across the country and I can tell you that crime rate is declining in Nigeria. Records don’t lie the records are there so I can assure you that we will continue to do what we are doing to maintain the decline in the crime rate.”
Corroborating the Police IG, the Chief of Defence Staff, Christopher Musa said they have been handed a mandate to restore full oil production benchmark of 2.1m bpd and are bent on achieving the target.
He said Nigeria relies on the revenue generated from oil, hence they cannot afford to back down on securing oil installations in the country.
“Nigeria relies a lot on what we produce and it’s mandate is for us to restore full produce ,we are targeting 2.1m bpd which is achievable so we are taking steps to ensure that all that is required to be done is done.
“The President is aware of the ills and cries of the communities and he is not going to let them down, the communities should be rest assured that steps are going to be taken to address their grievances so that productions will continue.
“For the criminals, those that are hell bent on stealing our infrastructure, stealing our crude for whatever reasons their days are numbered they should be rest assured that we are coming after them and we want to assure Nigerians that we all need to put our hands together to achieve this success.
“Nobody can do it alone – no single service, no single individual can do this alone. We all need to work together including the states. we understand that the communities are doing so much the President will address those issues to ensure that we have full production.”
Crime rate reducing in Nigeria, IGP boasts as Tinubu meets security chiefs
Reps warn against lopsided recruitment in varsities
The House of Representatives Committee on University Education on Friday warned against lopsided recruitment in the country’s universities.
The chairman of the committee, Abubakar Fulata, gave the warning in a statement in Abuja after the committee’s visit to the Federal University of Technology, Minna, in Niger State.
The committee had recently visited some federal universities including University of Abuja and the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) Abuja.
The lawmakers also visited the Federal University, Lokoja, Kogi and University of Ilorin, Kwara.
The chairman decried a situation where the Vice Chancellor, Deputy Vice Chancellors, and Registrar would come from the same state in a federal university.
He said flagrant disobedience to federal character principle would no longer be accepted by the authorities.
Fulata said: “The Constitution of Nigeria is very clear on the percentage to be recruited which is between 2.5 to 3 percent.
“But giving one state about 65 to 70 percent of the entire workforce, both teaching and non-teaching staff, is a clear violation of the federal character principles and the constitution of the country.”
He also warned against spending without appropriation in the universities.
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One killed, 8 injured in Israel explosion
One person was killed and eight others were injured in an explosion near the United States in Tel Aviv early on Friday.
The Israeli rescue service, Magen David Adom, confirmed the incident on X platform.
The injured have been taken to hospital while surrounding buildings were damaged in the blast.
READ ALSO: Israeli forces rescue four hostages from Gaza after 246 days
The cause of the explosion was initially unclear.
Unconfirmed reports, however, suggested that the blast might have been the result of a drone attack.
The Israeli military has commenced an investigation into the incident.
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Nigeria healthcare sector in danger of depletion, aging workforce – NMA
The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) has said the nation’s healthcare sector is facing the danger of depletion of experienced professionals and aging workforce.
Prof Rowland Osuoji, a Consultant Paediatric Surgeon, said this while delivering the 5th Prof Festus Nwako Memorial Lecture at the Anambra NMA 2024 Scientific Conference and Annual General Meeting held in Onitsha on Friday.
Osuoji, who is the President of the Association of Paediatric Surgeons of Nigeria, delivered a lecture entitled, ‘Excellent, Resilient and Equitable Healthcare System Amidst Economic Downturn’.
He said shortage of healthcare professionals in Nigeria became worse in the mid 1980s when the Structural Adjustment Programme (SAP) reduced the purchasing power of the people and regretted that nothing had been done to effectively arrest the trend.
According to him, the development led to a brain drain, as highly skilled older colleagues left and relocated abroad.
“That is the current brain drain, but the difference is the younger ones are involved, and it is more frightening, for obvious reasons.
“Who will replace the aging healthcare workforce?,” NAN quoted him as saying
Osuoji added the economic downturn had manifested in reduced government revenues, healthcare budgets, increased unemployment and poverty, thereby putting pressure on demand for healthcare services.
He said the sector also had the challenges of insufficient and inconsistent government funding, heavy reliance on out-of-pocket payments, poor condition of healthcare facilities, particularly in rural areas.
The don recommended adoption of health insurance schemes that encourage private sector involvement, telemedicine, community engagement and equitable healthcare for all Nigerians irrespective of their socioeconomic status.
“Collaborative efforts among policymakers, healthcare providers, and communities are essential.
“Prioritise investments in healthcare infrastructure, innovation, and equitable access to ensure robust health systems capable of withstanding economic challenges in Nigeria,” he said.
Nigeria healthcare sector in danger of depletion, aging workforce – NMA
Edo Govt urges FG to probe killing of policeman, demands Shaibu’s arrest
The Edo State Government has called on the Federal government to set up an investigative panel to unravel the cause of the shooting that claimed the life of a police officer at the Benin Airport gate on Thursday.
TVN reports that a Police Inspector attached to the governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Senator Monday Okpebholo, was shot dead during an attack by suspected political thugs.
The State Commissioner for Communication and Orientation, Chris Nehikhare, made the call at a press briefing on Friday in Benin City.
Nehikhare said the Commissioner of Police in the state, Funsho Adegboye, was a witness to what happened at the Benin Airport.
According to him, Shaibu got judgment and flew into Benin with his friends and before entering Benin, he mobilised armed thugs to wait for him at the airport.
“And on arrival they unleashed mayhem on the innocent people of Edo State and in the process a Police officer was killed and many others were injured.
“The state Commissioner of Police had intelligence report and went to the airport to caution him not to allow his boys to assemble at the airport or anywhere in the state. He defied the advice.
“We had appealed the judgement reinstating him as the deputy governor and filled stay of execution immediately we got Certified True Copy (CTC) and he was shown the restraining order from the court.”
Nehikhare called on the commissioner of police to arrest Philip Shaibu, noting that as it stands today, he is no longer the deputy governor and has no immunity.
“We are now calling on the Federal Government and the Inspector General of Police to look into the crisis.
“The whole thing happened in the presence of the commissioner of police and he is one of the witnesses,” he added.
Nehikhare vowed that the state government would no longer fold its arms and watch as thugs cause mayhem the state.
He stated that efforts are being made to ensure that the violence does not degenerate further, adding that government was resolute that election would be free and fair in the state.
The commissioner, however, alleged that the opposition party wants to draw the attention of the Federal Government and create the impression of anarchy and call for state of emergency.
He urged the public to remain calm.
Edo Govt urges FG to probe killing of policeman, demands Shaibu’s arrest
Nigeria’s defence spokesman claims troops killed 125 suspected terrorists in 7 days
The Defence Headquarters claimed on Friday troops deployed to various parts of the country killed 125 suspected terrorists, in the last week.
The Director of Defence Media Operations, Maj.-Gen. Edward Buba, disclosed this while giving update on the operations of the military across the country.
He said the troops arrested 200 others and rescued 140 hostages during the period.
Buba said the troops recovered 120 assorted weapons and 1,793 assorted ammunitions comprising 56 AK47 rifles, 26 locally fabricated guns, 22 Dane guns, one SMG rifle and seven pump action guns.
Other recovered items are one fabricated Barretta pistol, 5x60mm mortar bomb and Unexploded Ordinances, 1,244 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 383 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, 88 rounds of 7.62x54mm, 78 live cartridges and 24 empty cases of 7.62mm ammo.
The rest are – 21 AK47 magazines, one Baofeng radio, six vehicles, 11 motorcycles, five bicycles, 38 mobile phones and the sum of N2.7 million.
READ ALSO: Nigeria’s defence spokesman claims troops killed 177 terrorists in one week
The spokesman said: “In the North- East, the troops of Operation Hadin Kai neutralised 52 terrorists, arrested 40 suspects and rescued 14 kidnapped hostages within the week.
“The troops recovered 23 AK47 rifles, seven fabricated rifles, five Dane guns, one SMG gun, 16 magazines, 408 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 112 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, 88 rounds of 7.62 x 54mm ammo and 5x60mm mortar bombs amongst others.
“In the North-Central, men of Operations Safe Haven and Whirl Stroke neutralised 22 insurgents, arrested 38 violent extremists and rescued 27 kidnapped hostages.
“In the North-West, troops of Hadarin Daji, neutralised 31 terrorists, arrested 21 terrorists and rescued 30 kidnapped hostages, as well as recovered cache of arms.”
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LG poll: Akwa Ibom community decries marginalization, seeks chairmanship slot
The Ikpa Ibom Ward 2 of Mkpat Enin Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State has raised the alarm over what they described as ‘historical marginalization’ in both appointive and elective positions since the creation of the council in 1989 and return of democracy in 1999.
Arising from a stakeholders meeting on Friday, they insisted that the chairmanship position for the upcoming local government elections should be zoned to the area.
In a communique endorsed by Victor Ufford, Samuel Rufus and Godwin Udofot, the people lamented that out of numerous significant roles in government, only one personal assistant to the governor has hailed from Ikpa Ibom Ward 2.
According to the communique, “No Chairman or Transition Committee Chairman has ever been from Ikpa Ibom Ward 2. Out of 138 appointed officers in Mkpat Enin since 1999, only one has been from Ikpa Ibom Ward 2, compared to much higher numbers from other wards.
“It is now Ikpa Ibom Ward 2’s turn to produce the next Chairman of Mkpat Enin LGA.
“We call for support from other wards within the Ikpa Ibom Clan and from other clans in Mkpat Enin to ensure fair representation.”
The communique which commended Governor Umo Bassey Eno for his development efforts in the state, including the appointment of Akanimo Bob Ikpe from Ikpa Ibom Ward 2 as a Personal Assistant, however emphasized that such was the first appointment of its kind for their ward since 1999, underscoring the depth of their marginalization.
The communique added, “In conclusion, the forum called for the equitable distribution of political, social, traditional, and economic opportunities within Mkpat Enin, beginning with the chairmanship of the local government.
“Government and relevant stakeholders should address and rectify the longstanding neglect of Ikpa Ibom Ward 2, promoting peace, equity, and justice in the region.”
LG poll: Akwa Ibom community decries marginalization, seeks chairmanship slot
Rivers Assembly crisis: Appeal Court dismisses case against Tinubu, Fubara, others
An Appeal Court sitting in Port Harcourt has struck out an appeal filed by His Highness Anabs Sara-Igbe and nine others against a judgment of the Rivers State High Court presided over by Justice Chinwendu Nworgu.
The initial suit was against President Bola Tinubu, Governor Siminalayi Fubara, Martins Amaewhule and 24 others, and was dismissed for lack of jurisdiction.
Justice Nworgu had previously struck out the suit filed by Sara-Igbe and nine other Rivers elders, ruling that the court lacked the jurisdiction to hear the matter.
The three-man panel of the Appeal Court, led by Justice Elfreda Oluwayamisi-Dawodu, on Friday dismissed the appeal on the grounds that the state High Court did not have the jurisdiction to entertain the matter, describing the plaintiffs’ actions as merely academic exercises.
The claimants had approached the High Court seeking interpretation of the Nigerian Constitution regarding whether President Tinubu had the legal right to direct the governor to re-present the 2024 budget to 24 lawmakers led by Amaewhule, even after their seats were declared vacant.
Justice Nworgu, during a ruling on applications for substituted service against Amaewhule, the Rivers State House of Assembly, and the Peoples Democratic Party, had struck out the suit for lack of jurisdiction, leading to the appeal.
Rivers Assembly crisis: Appeal Court dismisses case against Tinubu, Fubara, others