Declaring the indefinite strike, “It becomes imperative to inform you that since the federal fovernment is yet to meet these demands, our members have been directed by the JOHESU National Executive Council (NEC) to proceed on an indefinite strike upon the expiration of the ultimatum by mid-night of May 25.
metro
Indefinite Strike: JOHESU insists on pharmacists consultant cadre
Indefinite Strike: JOHESU insists on pharmacists consultant cadre
The Joint Health Sector Unions (JOHESU) has insisted on the immediate and unconditional implementation of the approved Consultation Cadre Circular of Pharmacists in all federal health institutions (FHIs) before it called off the ongoing indefinite strike.
The union’s vice chairman, Dr. Ogbonna Chimela, who explained some of the reasons the professionals under the auspices of the JOHESU) and Assembly of Healthcare Professional Associations (AHPA) embarked on the indefinite strike, decried what he described as “disgraceful methodology” with which Physicians with the support of the Health Ministers have suppressed efforts of non-physician health professionals to diversify and expand their knowledge.
In a statement made available to journalists in Abuja yesterday, he said, ‘’One of the areas that has showcased the reign of tyranny of Physician – Health Minister in contemporary times is the disgraceful methodology with which they have suppressed every attempt of non-physician health professionals to diversify and expand their knowledge base by refusing to accord them recognition when they bag Post-graduate Degrees and Fellowship,’’ he said.
“In 2021, the minister of health, Dr. Osagie Ehanire, gave directives to the UCH, Ibadan Board to terminate the Consultant status of all non-physician health professionals.’’ He explained that the ‘’Pharmacists went through the entire gamut of due process having secured approvals of the National Council on Establishment as far back as 2011 for their consultant cadre.
READ ALSO:
- We have no plan to embark on strike over fuel subsidy removal – NLC
- We were forced to sign election result sheets, Atiku, PDP’s witness tells tribunal
- Tinubu warns service chiefs against working at cross purposes
“In 2020 and 2021, official circulars were issued from the Office of the Head of the Civil service of the Federation (OHCSF) who is also a Physician and the Federal Ministry of Health through its immediate past Permanent Secretary who was rated as one of the most seasoned bureaucrats of his generation to further boost the Consultant cadre in pharmacy practice,” he said.
According to Chimela, “The Niger State government introduced the consultant cadre in pharmacy practice as far back as 2013. Other states such as Edo and Osun have followed suit. Two pharmacist consultants were appointed at the Aso Rock Villa Clinic in May 2023.”
He noted with regrets that Enahire had conformed with the precedence of the inglorious era of Prof. Christian Chukwu and Prof. Isaac Adewole to insist that only physicians can be consultants in federal health institutions by issuing a ridiculous Circular through the infamous Department of Hospital Services that ties the appointment of Pharmacists Consultants to vacancies which must be created by the Federal Ministry of Health.’’
He declared that ‘’JOHESU/AHPA has critically appraised this development and moving forward demand in tune with the official circulars for consultant cadre in pharmacy practice in the public sector, that all the federal health institutions must appoint at least 15 pharmacists consultants in each teaching hospital, while the Federal Medical Centre (FMC) and its equivalents must have at least 10 pharmacist consultants.’’
He decried social injustice and discriminatory adjustment by the Federal Ministry of Health in favour of physicians and to the disadvantage of other health workers.
Chimela, while declaring the commencement of the indefinite strike, also highlighted the failure of the Federal Government to adjust the Consolidated Health Salary Structure (CONHESS) for health workers, as was done with the Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS) for physicians.
JOHESU/AHPA called for the immediate approval and Implementation of the Technical Committee report on CONHESS adjustment by the government.
He demanded the payment of all withheld salaries of its members in Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Owerri, Jos University Teaching Hospital (JUTH), Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH); outstanding April and May 2018 salaries of members in Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Azare and payment of health workers excluded in the payment of new hazard allowances.
metro
No Sallah durbar festival in Kano this year – Police warn
No Sallah durbar festival in Kano this year – Police warn
There will be no Sallah Durbar celebrations in Kano during this year’s Eid-el-Fitr festivities, the state police command has said.
It cited security concerns and the need to prevent potential unrest as reasons for the ban announced on Friday ahead of the end of Ramadan fast festival holding on Sunday or Monday.
The Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Adamu Bakori, announced the decision while addressing journalists at the Bompai Police Headquarters in Kano.
He said intelligence reports revealed plans by certain groups to use the Durbar to create instability.
“In pursuit of a safe and secure celebration, and to maintain peace and public order, the command, in collaboration with other security agencies, has assessed the rising tensions and uncertainties surrounding the Durbar activities,” Bakori said.
“Following credible intelligence reports about plans to use the Durbar as a proxy for unrest, a ban has been placed on all Durbar activities throughout the state during the 2025 Eid-El-Fitr Sallah celebrations.”
The Police Commissioner emphasized that the decision was taken after extensive consultations with the Kano State Government and other key stakeholders.
The police command has urged worshippers to conduct their Eid prayers only at designated prayer grounds and to adhere to security guidelines.
Some of the restrictions in place outlined by CP Bakori include worshippers should avoiding carrying unnecessary objects that may cause suspicion., no horse riding (Kilisa), car racing, or reckless driving will be allowed, and parents and guardians must caution their children against involvement in disruptive activities.
He further warned that anyone caught violating these directives would face legal consequences.
metro
We won’t stop Sharia panels from operating in Oyo – Gov Makinde
We won’t stop Sharia panels from operating in Oyo – Gov Makinde
Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has assured Muslims in the state that he has no objections to the operation of Sharia panels, emphasizing that individuals are free to seek dispute resolution through them if they so wish.
Speaking at the 2025 Iftar event organized by the state government at the Government House, Agodi, Ibadan, Makinde clarified that he has no plans to challenge the legality of Sharia courts in the state. His comments were conveyed in a statement on Thursday by his media aide, Dr. Sulaimon Olanrewaju.
Earlier in the week, Dr. Rafiu Bello, Chairman of the Sharia Committee of Oyo Land, had confirmed that a Sharia panel had already been established in Oyo town and had begun sittings. This led to renewed discussions regarding the panel’s constitutionality.
In response, Makinde reiterated his stance that the Constitution remains the supreme authority in all legal matters while acknowledging the role of Sharia panels in alternative dispute resolution.
“I read in the newspaper that I would go to court for interpretation on the Sharia panel, which is ongoing in Oyo. That is not my position,” the governor stated. “My position is that we will support anything that is in our Constitution.”
READ ALSO:
- EFCC re-arraigns son of ex-PDP chairman for alleged N2.2bn oil subsidy fraud
- Group says Natasha’s recall will deepen democracy
- We welcome Gov Makinde’s U-turn on Shari’ah panel – MURIC
Makinde explained that alternative dispute resolution mechanisms, including the Sharia panel, could ease the burden on the courts, provided they do not conflict with constitutional provisions.
He further emphasized his administration’s commitment to maintaining religious harmony and unity in the state, cautioning against attempts to use religion for political gains.
“As we move towards the next election, there will be elements that only think about the next election. But what we have done in this administration is to think about the next generation,” he said.
The governor also used the occasion to appreciate the Muslim community for their support and prayers, acknowledging the contributions of religious leaders, lawmakers, and security agencies in fostering peace and development in Oyo State.
The event was attended by several dignitaries, including former Governor Rashidi Ladoja, Deputy Governor Bayo Lawal, Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly, Adebo Ogundoyin (represented by Deputy Speaker Mohammed Fadeyi), and other key figures from the judiciary and legislative arms of government.
We won’t stop Sharia panels from operating in Oyo – Gov Makinde
metro
EFCC re-arraigns son of ex-PDP chairman for alleged N2.2bn oil subsidy fraud
EFCC re-arraigns son of ex-PDP chairman for alleged N2.2bn oil subsidy fraud
Mamman Nasir Ali, the son of former chairman of Peoples Democratic Party, PDP and one Christian Taylor were on Thursday rearraigned for an alleged N2.2 billion oil subsidy fraud before Justice Mojisola Dadap of the Special Offences Court sitting in Ikeja, Lagos by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC.
They were re-arraigned alongside Nasaman Oil Services Limited on an amended 57-count charge, following new findings in the case.
The defendants had initially been arraigned on a 49-count charge bordering on conspiracy to obtain money by false pretence, obtaining money by false pretence, forgery and the use of false documents.
At the scheduled trial for the adoption of final written addresses on Wednesday, the prosecution counsel, Seiduh Atteh, informed the court of the amended charges and requested that the defendants take a fresh plea.
There was no objection from the defence counsel, Obafemi Kolade, SAN.
READ ALSO:
- Group says Natasha’s recall will deepen democracy
- We welcome Gov Makinde’s U-turn on Shari’ah panel – MURIC
- How immigration officer was shot in Niger State, FG speaks on new action
Consequently, the court granted the request.
The defendants, thereafter, pleaded “not guilty” to the amended charges preferred against them.
In the amended charge, the defendants, as well as Oluwaseun Ogunbambo and Olabisi Abdul Afeez, who are both at large, allegedly “fraudulently obtained money from the Federal Government on or about September 9, 2011.”
The defendants also allegedly forged a document titled: “ GASOLINE ANALYSIS” on board MT Overseas Limar, purportedly issued by Saybolt Concremat on the said date.
Following the re-arraignment, Kolade requested time for the defence to amend its written address in response to the new charges.
Justice Dada directed the prosecution to file a response before the next hearing.
The case was adjourned till April 15, 2025 for the adoption of final written addresses.
EFCC re-arraigns son of ex-PDP chairman for alleged N2.2bn oil subsidy fraud
-
metro1 day agoRivers administrator Ibas fires Fubara’s political appointees
-
metro1 day agoJUST-IN: Ex-Oyo gov Ajimobi’s first child Bisola dies At 42
-
International2 days agoCanada removes bonus ranking points for job offers in Express Entry system
-
metro2 days agoHow ritualists, native doctor drugged, murdered underage sisters in PH – Police
-
metro1 day agoFG declares public holidays for Eid-el-Fitr
-
Sports3 days agoNigeria’s Super Eagles falter in W’Cup qualifiers against Zimbabwe, S’Africa lead, Egypt, Morocco qualify
-
metro3 days agoAkpabio has habit of abusing women, says Atiku
-
Africa1 day agoNiger coup leader sworn in as president for five years