News

Ministerial appointment: Healthcare professionals speak on marginalization

Published

6 years ago

June 27, 2019

Eric

The Nigerian Union of Allied Health Professionals (NUAHP) has expressed displeasure over the continuous appointment of medical practitioners as minister of health.

This is also as the group kicked against the appointment of same medical practitioners as Chief Medical Directors of hospitals.

This formed part of a communique issued by the NUAHP after its quadrennial national conference, held in Keffi, Nassarawa State.

The Communique was signed by the National President of the group, Comrade Dr. Ogbonna O.C. and the National Public Relations Officer, Comrade Ohaekweiro Edwin.

They also “strongly condemned the increased speed of kidnapping and unprovoked attacks by the Fulani herdsmen, Boko Haram and bandits in the country.”

The communique read in part:

“Delegates wish to congratulate President Muhammadu Buhari and all others who were successful in the general elections and wish them successful tenure in the office while we also appreciate those contestants who could not make it at the polls for accepting the outcome of the elections with the spirit of good sportsmanship.

“Delegates applauded the Federal Government for the approval of the new minimum wage but decried the fact that it was yet to be implemented in the nation; so, government should ensure its immediate implementation and it should cut across both federal and state employed.

“Delegates urged the Federal Government through the office of the SGF to expedite action on the payment of our members withheld April and May, 2018 salaries and all other withheld salaries.

“Delegates observed with utmost dismay the abnormalities in the payment of the 2017/2018 promotion arrears. We urge the office of the accountant general to correct these abnormalities.”

On the proposed health sector reform, they said “it should not be characterized by direct or indirect privatization of existing Federal Government facilities as this will only take the health sector from frying pan to fire by taking affordable healthcare away from the reach of an average Nigerian. This will also have adverse effects on teaching and research which are part of the major purposes a teaching hospitals service.

“The Government should ensure that all relevant stakeholders are carried along at every stage of the reform in order for the exercise to yield the expected result.

“The delegates observed with dismay, the disobedience of the Federal Ministry of Health to court judgements. It is appalling and disheartening to note that various court judgements in the union’s favour and that of her composite professional associations from courts of competent jurisdiction have been flagrantly disobeyed with impunity by the Honourable Minister of Health and the entire Federal Ministry of Health.

“We can readily count over fifteen (15) court judgements in favour of the Medical Laboratory Scientists that are yet to be implemented by the Government. We, therefore, request our dear president, President Muhammadu Buhari and the authorities concerned to order the FMOH to implement these judgments without any further delay in order to foster peace in the health sector.

“It is no more news that there is discrimination, marginalization, oppression and suppression of other healthcare professionals by the medical practitioners in the health sector. To worsen the situation, the Government through the sitting president usually appoint both the minister of health and the minister of state for health from among the medical practitioners while no consideration is given to other healthcare professionals who are active players in the health team.

“The delegates, therefore, appeal to the Federal Government to please ensure that one of the two ministers be appointed from among the various other professionals that make up the health team in order for us to have an all-encompassing ministry which will give every player a sense of belonging. We hereby appeal that this request be given due

consideration as the president is set to appoint new ministers into various ministries including our dear ministry of health.

“Appointment of Chief Medical Directors/Medical Directors of Teaching Hospitals / Federal Medical Centres: The decree 10 of 1985 now known as CAP 463 LFN 2004 section 5, subsection 2 which reads in part “the Chief Medical Director shall be a person who is medically qualified and registered as such for a period not less than twelve (12) years, has had considerable administrative experience in matters of health and hold post graduate medical qualification obtained not less than five (5) years prior to the appointment as Chief Medical Director”.

“However, this law has been misinterpreted by the Federal Ministry of Health to mean that the post of Chief Executive Officer of Teaching Hospitals and Federal Medical Centres are exclusively meant for medical practitioners only. We, therefore, call on the Federal Government to prevail on the Federal Ministry of Health to ensure strict adherence to the true interpretation of the law whenever any vacant post of Chief Executive Officer of a Teaching Hospital or Federal Medical Centre is to be filled.”

The climax of the conference was the election of new officers for the union.

They include: Com. Dr. Obinna Chimela Ogbonna – President, Com. Mohammed Yandutse – Deputy President North, Com. PT. Dr. Sotiloye Olusegun. V – Deputy President South, Com. Ibrahim Kamar – Treasurer, Com. Aja Kelechi Chima – Financial Secretary, Com. Edwin Ohaekweiro – Public Relations Officer, Com. Bar. Happiness Ojiyi – Internal Auditor, Com. Josephine Kpalap – Women Leader and Com. Faniran Felix Olukayode – Immediate Past President.

News

Court Upholds Authenticity of David Mark-led ADC Executive

Published

7 hours ago

December 20, 2025

Eric

The Federal High Court sitting in Abuja on Friday, declined an application seeking to restrain the African Democratic Congress, led by Senator David Mark, from holding conventions, congresses or meetings to elect or ratify members of its executive bodies and other party structures.

Justice Emeka Nwite, in a ruling, refused the motion ex parte filed by a former Deputy National Chairman of the ADC, Nafiu-Bala Gombe, holding that granting such an application without hearing from the other parties would amount to overreaching.

“I have listened to the submission of the learned counsel for the applicant and have also gone through the affidavit evidence with exhibits thereto along with the written address,” the judge said.

Justice Nwite noted that the court had earlier, on September 4, 2025, ordered the defendants to show cause why an interim order restraining them from acting as leaders of the ADC should not be made, stressing that parties had since exchanged processes in the substantive matter.

“It is not in dispute that the present application is an off-shoot of the substantive matter of the said application.

“It is not in dispute that all the parties are already before this court. Hence, any ex-parte application without a notice to the other parties will be overreaching.

“Hence, the interest of justice will be met by putting the other parties on notice. Consequently, the application is refused,” Justice Nwite ruled.

He proceeded to adjourn the matter until February 3, 2026, for the respondents to show cause.

In the motion ex parte marked FHC/ABJ/CS/1819/2025, Gombe listed the ADC, Senator David Mark and Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola as first to third defendants, while the Independent National Electoral Commission and Chief Ralph Nwosu were named as fourth and fifth defendants.

Filed on December 15 through his counsel, Michael Agber, Gombe sought three interim reliefs, including an order restraining the ADC from holding any convention, congress or meeting to elect or approve persons into its executive committees or governing bodies pending the determination of a motion on notice.

He also sought an order restraining INEC from attending, monitoring or recognising any such activities by the party, as well as an order directing the maintenance of the status quo in the management and organisation of the ADC.

When the matter was called, Agber informed the court that he had a motion ex parte. Justice Nwite recalled that a similar application had earlier been refused, with an order that the respondents be put on notice.

“Now, is there any difference from this application?” the judge asked.

Agber argued that the prayers were different, stating that the application was aimed at restraining ADC and INEC from taking steps that could affect the pending suit.

In response, Justice Nwite said: “Now, the case is already before me and if any person does something untoward, such action will be null and void.

“This application ought not to come by way of ex-parte because already, the parties are already before the court. So I am just telling you my mind.”

Emphasising the need for fair hearing, the judge added: “I cannot make an order in the absence of the party as justice is tripartite.
You can not shave somebody’s head in his absence”.

Despite the court’s reservations, Agber was allowed to move the motion. He said it was brought pursuant to Order 26 Rule 6 of the Federal High Court (Civil Procedure) Rules 2019, Sections 82 and 83 of the Electoral Act 2022, and under the inherent jurisdiction of the court.

In an affidavit of urgency, Gombe alleged that despite the pending suit, the ADC, with the acquiescence of INEC, had continued to hold meetings nationwide in preparation for conventions and congresses under what he described as the “illegal leadership of Senator David Mark and others.”

He cited several instances, including the unveiling of an alleged new ADC national headquarters, the issuance of membership cards to prominent political figures, and the release of party guidelines for the Osun governorship primary election, which he claimed were in contempt of an earlier court order.

Justice Nwite recalled that on September 4, 2025, the court had similarly refused Gombe’s earlier ex parte application seeking to stop the David Mark–led leadership of the ADC, and had instead directed that all defendants be put on notice.

News

Ex-CJN Tanko Mohammed is Dead

Published

4 days ago

December 16, 2025

Eric

A former Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Ibrahim Tanko Muhammad (retd.), is dead. He was aged 71

The former CJN reportedly died at a hospital in Saudi Arabia, about two weeks before his 72nd birthday on December 31.

Muhammad’s death was confirmed in a condolence statement on Tuesday in Abuja by the Nigerian Association of Muslim Law Students (NAMLAS).

In the statement titled “NAMLAS Condolence Message on the Passing of Hon. Justice Ibrahim Tanko Muhammad, GCON, Former Chief Justice of Nigeria,” the association described his passing as a significant loss for the country.

“Indeed, to Allah we belong, and to Him we shall return.

“The Nigeria Association of Muslim Law Students (NAMLAS), National Headquarters, Abuja, receives with profound sorrow the news of the passing of Honourable Justice Ibrahim Tanko Muhammad, GCON, former Chief Justice of Nigeria. His demise is a monumental loss to the Nigerian judiciary, the legal profession, the Muslim Ummah, and the nation at large,” NAMLAS said.

The association hailed Justice Muhammad as “a towering figure of integrity, humility, and unwavering commitment to justice.”

According to NAMLAS, throughout his judicial career, Muhammad “exemplified the highest ideals of the Bench—fairness, courage, and fidelity to the rule of law.”

“As Chief Justice of Nigeria, he discharged his responsibilities with wisdom and restraint, leaving behind a legacy of service that will continue to guide generations of legal practitioners,” the statement added.

Beyond his role on the Bench, the association noted the late jurist’s mentorship of young Muslim law students across the country.

“To NAMLAS, the late Chief Justice was more than a jurist; he was a fatherly pillar and a source of encouragement to Muslim law students across the country,” it said.

The association also highlighted that the deceased’s “support, moral guidance, and openness to the aspirations of young Muslim legal minds reflected his deep belief in mentorship, continuity, and the nurturing of future custodians of justice.”

It extended condolences to his family, the Nigerian judiciary, and the nation.

“We extend our heartfelt condolences to his family, the Nigerian Judiciary, the Government and people of Nigeria, and the entire Muslim Ummah”.

The association offered prayers for the repose of his soul, asking that Allah forgive his shortcomings, accept his good deeds, and grant him “the highest abode in Jannatul Firdaus.”

News

Gowon is Not Dead, in Good Health, Aide Debunks Death Rumour

Published

5 days ago

December 15, 2025

Eric

Adeyeye Ajayi, Personal Assistant to former military Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon (rtd), has dismissed recent rumours on social media purporting the death of the ex-leader.

Ajayi described the rumour as false and misleading.

In a statement released on Sunday, Ajayi called on the public to disregard the reports, emphasizing that they are baseless and misleading. He stressed that the rumours only serve to create unnecessary panic and confusion among Nigerians.

He assured that General Gowon is in good health and continues to live an active life. He highlighted that the former Head of State has been attending public functions and engaging with various social and national initiatives.

Ajayi further described General Gowon as a continued voice of reason in Nigeria, noting his ongoing contributions to national dialogue and development.

He urged Nigerians to focus on credible news sources, and exercise caution before sharing unverified information online.

Social media platforms in recent days have seen multiple posts claiming that the 90-year-old ex-leader had passed away. Analysts and observers have warned that such false reports can cause unnecessary anxiety and undermine public trust in information.

Ajayi concluded by urging the public to celebrate the legacy and life of General Gowon while dismissing any unverified reports about his health. He reiterated that the former head of state remains active, healthy, and committed to supporting initiatives for Nigeria’s growth and progress.