IYANDA'SBLOG

https://ift.tt/eA8V8J
A chalk map carved into a Wiltshire hill has been restored by volunteers in time for Armistice Day.

The Nigerian Army has defended its shooting of members of the Islamic Movement in Nigeria (IMN) by sharing a video of United States President Donald Trump issuing a warning to migrants.

The Nigerian Army had opened fire on Shi'a protesters during their annual religious trek, which led to the death of more than 40 members of the sect. See Also Breaking News VIDEO: How Policemen, Soldiers Opened Fire On Defenceless Shi'ites 0 Comments 4 Days Ago

In the video, which was originally aired on November 1, 2018, Trump was recorded issuing a warning to migrants who attempt to forcefully gain entry into the country.

According to Trump, the United States would not tolerate the treatment meted out to Mexican security operatives who were pelted with stones by migrants trying to forcefully pass through its borders. In the video, Trump said the US government will not tolerate anyone who throws a rock at the military as soldiers will "consider that a firearm" because "there's not much difference".

The Nigerian Army shared the video on its official Twitter handle on Friday morning and called on Nigerians to "make deductions". This was ostensibly in reference to the raging debate that soldiers pelted with stoned by Shi'ites in Abuja should not have responded by firing gunshots.

 

A check by SaharaReporters on Friday evening revealed that the video had 'vanished' from the Twitter feed of the Nigerian Army's official handle.

Human Rights International Military Police United States of America News AddThis :  Featured Image :  Original Author :  SaharaReporters, New York Disable advertisements : 
https://ift.tt/2RxuBnB

Bashir Ahmad, Personal Assistant to President Muhammadu Buhari on New Media, has revealed how the President obtained his attestation of result from the West African Examination Council (WAEC).

The President was presented with a certificate tagged 'Attestation of Result' by an official of WAEC on Friday.

The President's spokesman revealed how Buhari obtained his attestation of result.

According to him, Nigerians can also obtain their attestation of results as the President did.

He revealed the procedure via a tweet which read: "IN CASE YOU DON’T KNOW; just as President @MBuhari did, you can also obtain “Attestation of Results” from @WAECNigeria. Lost your certificate? Submit your two recent passport photographs and pay N20,000 in draft, WAEC will do the rest for you".

Education News AddThis :  Featured Image :  Original Author :  SaharaReporters, New York Disable advertisements : 
https://ift.tt/2PztB5i

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has filed fresh fraud charges against Mr Patrick Akpobolokemi, former Director-General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), and six others at an Ikeja High Court. 

Akpobolokemi is facing a 13-count charge trial alongside Ezekiel Agaba, Ekene Nwakuche, Governor Juan, Vincent Udoye, Adegboyega Olopoenia and a company — Gama Marine Nigeria Ltd. The charge borders on fraud and stealing of N754.8million belonging to NIMASA. 

In the old 13-count charge, the defendants were alleged to have between Oct. 30, 2014 and May 6, 2015, converted N754.8 million belonging to NIMASA to their personal use.

The funds were allegedly released to the defendants for the implementation of Voluntary International Maritime Organisation Member State Audit Scheme (VIMSAS). The EFCC also alleged that the defendants knowingly forged a document titled ‘Re: Request For Payment as consultant for VIMSAS Administration Services’, dated May 25, 2015, purported to have been issued by Arrow World Consulting Ltd.

The offences were said to have contravened the provisions of Sections 285 and 409 of the Criminal Code Laws of Lagos State, 2011

During Friday’s proceedings, Mr Rotimi Oyedepo, the lead prosecuting counsel of the EFCC, informed the court that the anti-graft agency had filed fresh charges against the defendants, noting that they should be re-arraigned and their plea taken. 

However, EFCC did not reveal details of the fresh charges. 

Objecting, Mr E. D Onyeke, Agaba’s defence counsel, requested for more time to examine the new charges and to advise the defendants accordingly. 

“The prosecution has not afforded us the opportunity to view the list of new prosecution witnesses who somewhere along the line will come here to give evidence,” Onyeke said.

“I need to be well informed. I request that we be given time to look at the amended charge so that I will advise my client and the defendants will take their plea.”

Agreeing with Onyeke’s submission, Oyedepo said: “My Lord, he should be given time; it is in the interest of justice. The application of the defence is meritorious. When we come on Monday (Nov. 5) the defendants will be arraigned, their plea taken, and we will proceed with trial.”

Acceding to the requests of the prosecuting and defence counsel, Justice Raliatu Adebiyi adjourned the case until Nov. 5 for re-arraignment and continuation of trial.

Corruption CRIME News AddThis :  Featured Image :  Original Author :  SaharaReporters, New York Disable advertisements : 
https://ift.tt/2Rwr0q1

An Ikeja High Court has fixed December 14 to hear the no-case submissions in the ongoing corruption trial of Justice Rita Ofili-Ajumogobia, a Federal High Court, Lagos judge and Godwin Obla, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN).

Ofili-Ajumogobia is standing trial alongside Obla on a 31-count charge bordering on alleged perversion of the course of justice, unlawful enrichment and forgery proffered by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

Justice Hakeem Oshodi fixed the date on Friday after hearing the submissions of the prosecution and defence.

While adjourning the case, Oshodi noted that counsel should, by the adjourned date, "tidy up" all applications ensure that the court attends to them simultaneously, saving precious judicial time.

Earlier during proceedings, Robert Clarke (SAN), defence counsel to Ajumogobia, had informed the court that he had filed a Motion on Notice dated October 23, challenging the jurisdiction and competence of the court to hear the case.

However, he noted that he intended to but was yet to file a no-case submission before the court.

In his submission, Ifedayo Adedipe (SAN), Obla's defence counsel, informed the court that he had filed a no-case submission dated Setember 14 but was yet to receive a response from the EFCC.

Responding, Rotimi Oyedepo, the lead prosecuting counsel for the EFCC, admitted to receiving Adedipe's no-case submission but noted that he was waiting to receive a similar application from Clarke.

"I await the first defendant's counsel to approach me because it is not tidy for me to respond to both applications separately," Oyedepo said.

During the previous court proceedings held on September 14, the EFCC had closed its case against Justice Ofili-Ajumogobia. In proving its case of corruption against Ofili-Ajumogobia, the EFCC had presented 12 witnesses and tendered several documents that were admitted in evidence by the court.

The anti-graft agency had alleged that Ofili-Ajumogobia had illegally received a sum of $793,800 in several tranches from different sources between 2012 and 2015.

On his part, Obla (SAN) was alleged to have offered a sum of N5 million as gratification to Ofili-Ajumogobia to pervert the course of justice. The offences are contrary to Sections 64(1), 82(a) and 69(1) (a) of the Criminal Laws of Lagos State No. 11, 2011.

Corruption Legal News AddThis :  Featured Image :  Original Author :  SaharaReporters, New York Disable advertisements : 
https://ift.tt/2PxhFB9

Nasir el-Rufai, Governor of Kaduna State, has announced Hadiza Balarabe as his running mate for the 2019 general election.

A statement by Samuel Aruwan, Senior Special Assistant to the Governor (Media and Publicity) on Friday, noted that the choice was part of the Governor's "deliberate policy" on promoting women.

The Governor also explained his reason for not running with his incumbent deputy, Barnabas Yusuf Bala, saying the latter had indicated interest in contesting for a seat in the National Assembly.

The statement read: "Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai has announced the selection of Dr. Hadiza Balarabe as his running mate for the 2019 general election.

"The choice of Dr. Hadiza Balarabe as running mate continues Malam Nasir El-Rufai's deliberate policy of promoting women. There are five female commissioners in his 14-person cabinet, a feat not attained even by governors that had much larger cabinets. This is the first time in the history of Kaduna State that a major political party will select a woman as running mate.

"The incumbent Deputy Governor, Arc. Barnabas Yusuf Bala, has opted to go to the National Assembly and has since emerged as the APC's candidate for the southern Kaduna senatorial district.

"Dr. Hadiza Balarabe is the current Executive Secretary of the Kaduna State Primary Health Care Development Agency, a position she has held since February 2016. In that role she has overseen the Kaduna State Government's programmes to revitalise and strengthen primary health care as the core of health service delivery in the state. Under her watch, the state is renovating and equipping 255 primary health centres with tools to assist better antenatal serrvices and safer delivery. The agency has also helped expand vaccine coverage to protect children across the state.

"Prior to joining the Kaduna State Government, Dr. Hadiza Balarabe was Director of Public Health in the FCT. She studied Medicine at the University of Maiduguri, and graduated in 1988. She was a Senior Registrar at the Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital before joinning the services of the FCT in 2004."

"Dr. Hadiza Balarabe, who was born in 1966, is from Sanga Local government which is located in the southern Kaduna senatorial district."

Elections Politics News AddThis :  Featured Image :  Original Author :  SaharaReporters, New York Disable advertisements : 
https://ift.tt/2Pztyq8

 

President Muhammadbu Buhari has disowned a campaign organization with the name ‘Buhari Campaign organisation’.

Festus Keyamo (SAN), Director, Strategic Communications of the President Muhammadu Buhari Campaign Organisation, made the announcement on Friday evening.

BCO had written the Ministry of Power, Works and Housing soliciting jobs for certain named companies in order to “cushion the financial pressure on the organisation”.

However, according to Keyamo, the said organisation does not have the authority or mandate of the President to solicit or raise funds from public institutions, corporate bodies or individuals for any campaign activity whatsoever.

“The attention of President Muhammadu Buhari Campaign Organisation has been drawn to a letter making the rounds by one self-styled ‘Buhari Campaign Organisation,” said Keyamo.
“The letter is addressed to the Ministry of Power, Works and Housing soliciting for jobs for certain named companies in order to ‘cushion the financial pressure on the organisation’. The letter was signed by three named individuals.

“Let it be known to the general public and all unsuspecting individuals and organizations that the said letter DID NOT emanate from President Muhammadu Buhari Campaign Organisation nor was it authorized by it. The said ‘Buhari Campaign Organisation’ does not have the authority or mandate of President Muhammadu Buhari to solicit or raise funds from public institutions, corporate bodies or individuals for any campaign activity whatsoever. This is also a notice to all such public institutions not to honour any such requests as the one from the amorphous ‘Buhari Campaign Organisation’.

“As previously announced, the ONLY approved campaign organisation of the President is the President Muhammadu Buhari Campaign Organisation headed by His Excellency, Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi as the Director-General. A Campaign Council would also be announced in due course.

“We also wish to re-iterate for the umpteenth time that President Muhammadu Buhari and his campaign organisation WILL NOT have recourse to the public coffers or public funds to run the campaign. We intend to make a complete departure from past practices of the main opposition where they looted the public treasury to run their campaigns.”

Keyamo informed all Buhari support groups to get in touch with the campaign headquarters of President Muhammadu Buhari Campaign Organisation at Plot 718 Herbert Macaulay Way, Central Business District, Abuja, in order for their activities to be streamlined. 

“We shall not tolerate any individual or groups, purporting to act on behalf of the President, going round ministries, corporate bodies or individuals to raise funds for the campaign,” the statement maintained, adding that “such individual or groups would be handed over to law-enforcement agencies”.

Elections Politics Breaking News News AddThis :  Featured Image :  Original Author :  SaharaReporters, New York Disable advertisements : 
https://ift.tt/2Q1frqt

https://ift.tt/eA8V8J
Prince Khaled bin Talal was held for months after criticising a crackdown on corruption.

https://ift.tt/eA8V8J
A chemical that makes brain tumours glow could help surgeons safely remove brain cancer, a study suggests.

A human rights group, Behind Bars Rights Foundation, known for advocating for justice for victims of police brutality, extortion, bribery, unlawful arrest and detention and all form of human rights abuses as well as the promotion of human rights advancement, has accused the Delta State Police Command of assault, death threats and unlawful detention of its members.

Last week, the state Commissioner of Police, Muhammad Mustafa, had alleged that the founder and Director General of Behind Bars Rights Foundation, Harrison Gwamnishu, and his group invaded the C Division Police Station, Asaba, to free suspected cultists, and in the process beat up the Divisional Police Officer (DPO), CSP Eyoh Anietie, the DCO and other officers as well as damaged valuables and properties in the DPO's office.

Gwamnishu, however, debunked the allegations by the state Police Commissioner, stating that the story was distorted to cover up their tracks on their assault and unlawful detention.

He said: "How can a human rights group without weapons, no guns, nothing nothing invade a Police station with able-bodied fully armed policemen and begin to insult, slap and beat up a DPO of a station to the point of tearing his uniform and destroy his office and you still remain alive to tell the story? The Commissioner of Police lied, in their bid to cover up what they have done to us. He cooked up a story and used the press to mislead the general public."

According to the human rights group leader, they had received a complaint regarding the detention of a man at the C Division Police station, Asaba and the officer in charge of the case, one DSP Udofia Kufre, allegedly demanded for N1 million before he could be released.

His words: "A lady in the company of two men complained about her brother being detained at C Division, Asaba after he was picked up during a raid and the officer in charge of the case DSP Udofia Kufre demanded for N1 million before her brother would be released. She said she had only N7,000. Our standard procedure has been to verify complaints before taking any step.

"Behind Bars Human Rights Foundation is a non-governmental organisation, with the aim of promoting human rights advancement in Nigeria, with the core value of ensuring that the dignity and value of citizens are respected. We work to secure dignity and justice for all. We also provide safety, support, advocacy for victims of human rights abuse and work to change the system and attributes that allow the abuse to continue.

"We then proceeded to the Police station to make further inquiries. We discovered it was the same CSP Eyoh Anietie whom we petitioned for the torture and murder of 17-year-old Ifunanya Amadike, that was the one heading the station. When we arrived the station, we introduced ourselves to them and the DCO, DSP Udofia Kufre led us into the DPO’s office and locked us inside.

"The DPO CSP Eyoh told me that after writing a petition against him that led to his transfer to Asaba, I still had the effrontery to walk into his division to facilitate the release of a suspect. Kufre rushed at me, held me and slapped me. The DPO stood up and they started beating me. My two colleagues with me couldn’t watch them brutalise me the more, and tried to separate us and they left me and started beating them. CSP Eyoh raised the alarm and other officers joined and they sprayed us with tear-gas, stripped us naked and detained us.

"We were mercilessly assaulted and beaten by the DPO and his men. The DPO vowed to kill me by December, because according to him, I was instrumental to his transfer from Warri to Asaba. We are non-violent; we are not cultists as being branded by the Police Commissioner and his men. We are not armed robbers. We are concerned Nigerians who demanded justice for 17-year-old Ifunanya. If demanding for justice is a crime in Nigeria, then we are guilty.

"After detaining three of us, we were framed and charged to court for assault occasioning harm. Bail was later granted which we perfected. If you have noticed, they are using the media to fight us but in all, justice is sure. The Police authorities said that, I Harrison is on a vengeance mission over my four years wrongful and unlawful detention in four prisons in Nigeria by FSARS. They lied. Severally, I have advocated for vulnerable Nigerians, helping them with free legal representation, providing them with access to justice.

"On my wrongful detention, the court will decide on that soon. For over four years, we have facilitated arrest of Federal SARS officers who extorted from Nigerians, Police officers who took bribe using various account numbers and provided support to sexually assaulted persons and victims of human trafficking. I just received information that the Police linked me to a cultist arrested and killed few days ago."

The group called restated its position on calling for full and unbiased investigation into the murder Ifunanya Amadike, who was tortured to death. They also called on concerned Nigerians, President Muhammadu Buhari, the Inspector General of Police, National Human Rights Commission, Delta State Governor and Commissioner for Justice to order an investigation into the activities of DPO CSP Eyoh Anietie.

"We hereby call on concerned Nigerians, President Muhammadu Buhari, the Inspector General of Police, Secretary of the National Human Rights Commission, Delta State Governor and Commissioner of Justice in Delta State to order an investigation into the activities of CSP Eyoh Anietie, who has vowed to kill me before the end of December. He accused me of depriving him of benefitting from his hard work after building a Police station in Warri, Delta State. We pledge to remain loyal and be law-abiding in carrying out our duties as concerned citizens," Gwamnishu declared.

Investigation by SaharaReporters revealed that before now, the human rights activist and his group have been a target of the Police, especially the C Division DPO, following his crusade against human rights abuses by Nigerian policemen.

CRIME Free Speech Human Rights Police News AddThis :  Featured Image :  Original Author :  SaharaReporters, New York Disable advertisements : 
https://ift.tt/2Jlgyim

A human rights group, Behind Bars Rights Foundation, known for advocating for justice for victims of police brutality, extortion, bribery, unlawful arrest and detention and all form of human rights abuses as well as the promotion of human rights advancement, has accused the Delta State Police Command of assault, death threats and unlawful detention of its members.

Last week, the state Commissioner of Police, Muhammad Mustafa, had alleged that the founder and Director General of Behind Bars Rights Foundation, Harrison Gwamnishu, and his group invaded the C Division Police Station, Asaba, to free suspected cultists, and in the process beat up the Divisional Police Officer (DPO), CSP Eyoh Anietie, the DCO and other officers as well as damaged valuables and properties in the DPO's office.

Gwamnishu, however, debunked the allegations by the state Police Commissioner, stating that the story was distorted to cover up their tracks on their assault and unlawful detention.

He said: "How can a human rights group without weapons, no guns, nothing nothing invade a Police station with able-bodied fully armed policemen and begin to insult, slap and beat up a DPO of a station to the point of tearing his uniform and destroy his office and you still remain alive to tell the story? The Commissioner of Police lied, in their bid to cover up what they have done to us. He cooked up a story and used the press to mislead the general public."

According to the human rights group leader, they had received a complaint regarding the detention of a man at the C Division Police station, Asaba and the officer in charge of the case, one DSP Udofia Kufre, allegedly demanded for N1 million before he could be released.

His words: "A lady in the company of two men complained about her brother being detained at C Division, Asaba after he was picked up during a raid and the officer in charge of the case DSP Udofia Kufre demanded for N1 million before her brother would be released. She said she had only N7,000. Our standard procedure has been to verify complaints before taking any step.

"Behind Bars Human Rights Foundation is a non-governmental organisation, with the aim of promoting human rights advancement in Nigeria, with the core value of ensuring that the dignity and value of citizens are respected. We work to secure dignity and justice for all. We also provide safety, support, advocacy for victims of human rights abuse and work to change the system and attributes that allow the abuse to continue.

"We then proceeded to the Police station to make further inquiries. We discovered it was the same CSP Eyoh Anietie whom we petitioned for the torture and murder of 17-year-old Ifunanya Amadike, that was the one heading the station. When we arrived the station, we introduced ourselves to them and the DCO, DSP Udofia Kufre led us into the DPO’s office and locked us inside.

"The DPO CSP Eyoh told me that after writing a petition against him that led to his transfer to Asaba, I still had the effrontery to walk into his division to facilitate the release of a suspect. Kufre rushed at me, held me and slapped me. The DPO stood up and they started beating me. My two colleagues with me couldn’t watch them brutalise me the more, and tried to separate us and they left me and started beating them. CSP Eyoh raised the alarm and other officers joined and they sprayed us with tear-gas, stripped us naked and detained us.

"We were mercilessly assaulted and beaten by the DPO and his men. The DPO vowed to kill me by December, because according to him, I was instrumental to his transfer from Warri to Asaba. We are non-violent; we are not cultists as being branded by the Police Commissioner and his men. We are not armed robbers. We are concerned Nigerians who demanded justice for 17-year-old Ifunanya. If demanding for justice is a crime in Nigeria, then we are guilty.

"After detaining three of us, we were framed and charged to court for assault occasioning harm. Bail was later granted which we perfected. If you have noticed, they are using the media to fight us but in all, justice is sure. The Police authorities said that, I Harrison is on a vengeance mission over my four years wrongful and unlawful detention in four prisons in Nigeria by FSARS. They lied. Severally, I have advocated for vulnerable Nigerians, helping them with free legal representation, providing them with access to justice.

"On my wrongful detention, the court will decide on that soon. For over four years, we have facilitated arrest of Federal SARS officers who extorted from Nigerians, Police officers who took bribe using various account numbers and provided support to sexually assaulted persons and victims of human trafficking. I just received information that the Police linked me to a cultist arrested and killed few days ago."

The group called restated its position on calling for full and unbiased investigation into the murder Ifunanya Amadike, who was tortured to death. They also called on concerned Nigerians, President Muhammadu Buhari, the Inspector General of Police, National Human Rights Commission, Delta State Governor and Commissioner for Justice to order an investigation into the activities of DPO CSP Eyoh Anietie.

"We hereby call on concerned Nigerians, President Muhammadu Buhari, the Inspector General of Police, Secretary of the National Human Rights Commission, Delta State Governor and Commissioner of Justice in Delta State to order an investigation into the activities of CSP Eyoh Anietie, who has vowed to kill me before the end of December. He accused me of depriving him of benefitting from his hard work after building a Police station in Warri, Delta State. We pledge to remain loyal and be law-abiding in carrying out our duties as concerned citizens," Gwamnishu declared.

Investigation by SaharaReporters revealed that before now, the human rights activist and his group have been a target of the Police, especially the C Division DPO, following his crusade against human rights abuses by Nigerian policemen.

CRIME Free Speech Human Rights Police News AddThis :  Featured Image :  Original Author :  SaharaReporters, New York Disable advertisements : 
https://ift.tt/2Jlgyim

Senator Ibikunle Amosun, Governor of Ogun State, has berated Adams Oshiomhole, National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), accusing him of not submitting the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Party Candidate Form (CF001) to any of the 26 candidates that won the primaries for the tickets to contest for the Ogun State House of Assembly.

According to the Governor, "Oshiomhole, who became the APC Chairman barely three months ago, is already threatening to write the epitaph of the party in his 100 days of ignominy."

He stated this in response to the comments credited to Oshiomhole on the controversy trailing the primaries held in the state.

A statement signed by Adedayo Adeneye, the Ogun State Commissioner for Information and Strategy, on Saturday, noted that Amosun would not trade words with the APC National Chairman as there are “acceptable standards of conduct expected of people holding certain offices, a virtue he wishes Oshiomhole would exhibit”.

The Governor restated the contention of the APC leadership in Ogun State that the only gubernatorial primary held in the state was that of October 02, 2018 which produced Honourable Adekunle Akinlade as winner. He said the emergence of Akinlade was initially through a consensus arrangement as allowed by the party constitution, but was nevertheless subjected to a primary election when some gubernatorial aspirants disagreed with the outcome of the consensus arrangement.

Amosun said: “This is, however, without prejudice to the sanctity of the consensus arrangement which Adams Oshiomhole hypocritically tries to demonise. Nigerians will recall that Oshiomhole himself was elected National Chairman of the APC by consensus arrangement which witnessed all other contestants to the office being prevailed upon to step down for him (Oshiomhole). The ground on which Oshiomhole disputes the gubernatorial primary in Ogun State is that the result was not announced by the State Electoral Committee from Abuja, therefore the governor resorted to self-help.

"We wonder why Oshiomhole accepted the result of the primary election in Lagos State whose result was also not announced by the State Electoral Panel. Why will the same scenario be acceptable in Lagos State but regarded as self-help in Ogun State? Is it because it was executed by the Capo Di Tutti in Lagos State?

“We wish to call the attention of Nigerians to another evil being perpetrated by Oshiomhole in Ogun State. As at today November 03, which is 24 hours after the deadline for submission of names of candidates for the House of Assembly, Oshiomhole has not given INEC Party Candidate Form (CF001) to any of the 26 candidates who won the primaries for the ticket to contest for the Ogun State House of Assembly. The primary was conducted on October 07 by the State Electoral Committee headed by Col. Ali Ciroma. This is despite the fact that the State Chairman of the party had kept vigil at the national secretariat of the APC in the last two weeks to collect the forms.

"If Oshiomhole is denying the outcome of the gubernatorial primaries because the State Electoral Committee shied away from announcing the result, what is the reason for denying all the 26 candidates for the House of Assembly freely elected by members of the APC in Ogun State? We want Nigerians to note the duplicity and meddlesomeness of Comrade Adams Oshiomhole and his gang in the affairs of the APC in Ogun State.

“It is also important to note that Oshiomhole unilaterally replaced four of the nine winners of the primary election into the House of Representatives. This includes Hon. Mikhail Kazzim, a serving member of the House who won the primaries by defeating Olumide, the son of Chief Olusegun Osoba, with 28,802 votes to Osoba’s 4,209. Oshiomhole removed Hon. Kazzim who won the primaries and replaced him with the man he had serially defeated, not only in the last primary election but also in the general election of 2015. In yet another instance in Ado Odo - Ota Federal Constituency, Oshiomhole substituted the winner of the primary for the House of Representatives, Hon. Rotimi Rahmon with the name of Hon. Jimoh Ojugbele, who did not even contest to go back to the House of Representatives but contested the primary for the Senate and was defeated.

“In his conduct, Oshiomhole is opening a new chapter in the history of elections in Nigeria — a situation where a gang of desperate politicians will sit somewhere in another state and write the result of an election that never took place; what our people creatively refer to as 'Offshore Rigging'! This is what Oshiomhole and his gang are trying to foist on Ogun State. Lawyers say 'you cannot build something on nothing'. Oshiomhole and his gang are trying to build a storey building of fraud on nothing."

AMosun also dismissed the claims of Oshiomole that he withdrew the security of the State Electoral Committee.

“As regards the claim of Oshiomhole that Sen. Amosun withdrew the security of the panel, Indabawa, Chairman of the panel, is a retired Commissioner of Police. He came into Ogun State with a full complement of police team which he claimed was provided for him by a Deputy Inspector General of Police. How could Amosun have withdrawn policemen he did not assign or over whom he had no control?

“All of these have clearly shown that the motive of Oshiomhole is not the rule of law which he proclaims on the roof top. It is rather, an evil plan with some collaborators, desperate to hijack the government of Ogun State and add it to the harem of states under their rapacious gang of exploiters.

"As we have stated before, this evil design will not succeed in Ogun State. Our people are too educated, exposed and sophisticated to come under such odious arrangement. On a general note, Oshiomhole, who became the APC Chairman barely three months ago, is already threatening to write the epitaph of the party in his 100 days of ignominy."

He concluded the statement with an advice for Oshiomhole: ”To Oshiomhole and his motley crew of co-travellers in ignominy, be assured that the music has just begun and we hope that you will enjoy the macabre dance to the music of justice.

“By the grace of God and the support of the good people of Ogun State, Hon. Adekunle Abdulkadir will be sworn in as new Governor of Ogun State on May 29, 2019."

Elections Politics News AddThis :  Featured Image :  Original Author :  SaharaReporters, New York Disable advertisements : 
https://ift.tt/2OKdr9C

Senator Ibikunle Amosun, Governor of Ogun State, has berated Adams Oshiomhole, National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), accusing him of not submitting the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Party Candidate Form (CF001) to any of the 26 candidates that won the primaries for the tickets to contest for the Ogun State House of Assembly.

According to the Governor, "Oshiomhole, who became the APC Chairman barely three months ago, is already threatening to write the epitaph of the party in his 100 days of ignominy."

He stated this in response to the comments credited to Oshiomhole on the controversy trailing the primaries held in the state.

A statement signed by Adedayo Adeneye, the Ogun State Commissioner for Information and Strategy, on Saturday, noted that Amosun would not trade words with the APC National Chairman as there are “acceptable standards of conduct expected of people holding certain offices, a virtue he wishes Oshiomhole would exhibit”.

The Governor restated the contention of the APC leadership in Ogun State that the only gubernatorial primary held in the state was that of October 02, 2018 which produced Honourable Adekunle Akinlade as winner. He said the emergence of Akinlade was initially through a consensus arrangement as allowed by the party constitution, but was nevertheless subjected to a primary election when some gubernatorial aspirants disagreed with the outcome of the consensus arrangement.

Amosun said: “This is, however, without prejudice to the sanctity of the consensus arrangement which Adams Oshiomhole hypocritically tries to demonise. Nigerians will recall that Oshiomhole himself was elected National Chairman of the APC by consensus arrangement which witnessed all other contestants to the office being prevailed upon to step down for him (Oshiomhole). The ground on which Oshiomhole disputes the gubernatorial primary in Ogun State is that the result was not announced by the State Electoral Committee from Abuja, therefore the governor resorted to self-help.

"We wonder why Oshiomhole accepted the result of the primary election in Lagos State whose result was also not announced by the State Electoral Panel. Why will the same scenario be acceptable in Lagos State but regarded as self-help in Ogun State? Is it because it was executed by the Capo Di Tutti in Lagos State?

“We wish to call the attention of Nigerians to another evil being perpetrated by Oshiomhole in Ogun State. As at today November 03, which is 24 hours after the deadline for submission of names of candidates for the House of Assembly, Oshiomhole has not given INEC Party Candidate Form (CF001) to any of the 26 candidates who won the primaries for the ticket to contest for the Ogun State House of Assembly. The primary was conducted on October 07 by the State Electoral Committee headed by Col. Ali Ciroma. This is despite the fact that the State Chairman of the party had kept vigil at the national secretariat of the APC in the last two weeks to collect the forms.

"If Oshiomhole is denying the outcome of the gubernatorial primaries because the State Electoral Committee shied away from announcing the result, what is the reason for denying all the 26 candidates for the House of Assembly freely elected by members of the APC in Ogun State? We want Nigerians to note the duplicity and meddlesomeness of Comrade Adams Oshiomhole and his gang in the affairs of the APC in Ogun State.

“It is also important to note that Oshiomhole unilaterally replaced four of the nine winners of the primary election into the House of Representatives. This includes Hon. Mikhail Kazzim, a serving member of the House who won the primaries by defeating Olumide, the son of Chief Olusegun Osoba, with 28,802 votes to Osoba’s 4,209. Oshiomhole removed Hon. Kazzim who won the primaries and replaced him with the man he had serially defeated, not only in the last primary election but also in the general election of 2015. In yet another instance in Ado Odo - Ota Federal Constituency, Oshiomhole substituted the winner of the primary for the House of Representatives, Hon. Rotimi Rahmon with the name of Hon. Jimoh Ojugbele, who did not even contest to go back to the House of Representatives but contested the primary for the Senate and was defeated.

“In his conduct, Oshiomhole is opening a new chapter in the history of elections in Nigeria — a situation where a gang of desperate politicians will sit somewhere in another state and write the result of an election that never took place; what our people creatively refer to as 'Offshore Rigging'! This is what Oshiomhole and his gang are trying to foist on Ogun State. Lawyers say 'you cannot build something on nothing'. Oshiomhole and his gang are trying to build a storey building of fraud on nothing."

AMosun also dismissed the claims of Oshiomole that he withdrew the security of the State Electoral Committee.

“As regards the claim of Oshiomhole that Sen. Amosun withdrew the security of the panel, Indabawa, Chairman of the panel, is a retired Commissioner of Police. He came into Ogun State with a full complement of police team which he claimed was provided for him by a Deputy Inspector General of Police. How could Amosun have withdrawn policemen he did not assign or over whom he had no control?

“All of these have clearly shown that the motive of Oshiomhole is not the rule of law which he proclaims on the roof top. It is rather, an evil plan with some collaborators, desperate to hijack the government of Ogun State and add it to the harem of states under their rapacious gang of exploiters.

"As we have stated before, this evil design will not succeed in Ogun State. Our people are too educated, exposed and sophisticated to come under such odious arrangement. On a general note, Oshiomhole, who became the APC Chairman barely three months ago, is already threatening to write the epitaph of the party in his 100 days of ignominy."

He concluded the statement with an advice for Oshiomhole: ”To Oshiomhole and his motley crew of co-travellers in ignominy, be assured that the music has just begun and we hope that you will enjoy the macabre dance to the music of justice.

“By the grace of God and the support of the good people of Ogun State, Hon. Adekunle Abdulkadir will be sworn in as new Governor of Ogun State on May 29, 2019."

Elections Politics News AddThis :  Featured Image :  Original Author :  SaharaReporters, New York Disable advertisements : 
https://ift.tt/2OKdr9C

Senator Ibikunle Amosun, Governor of Ogun State, has berated Adams Oshiomhole, National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), accusing him of not submitting the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Party Candidate Form (CF001) to any of the 26 candidates that won the primaries for the tickets to contest for the Ogun State House of Assembly.

According to the Governor, "Oshiomhole, who became the APC Chairman barely three months ago, is already threatening to write the epitaph of the party in his 100 days of ignominy."

He stated this in response to the comments credited to Oshiomhole on the controversy trailing the primaries held in the state.

A statement signed by Adedayo Adeneye, the Ogun State Commissioner for Information and Strategy, on Saturday, noted that Amosun would not trade words with the APC National Chairman as there are “acceptable standards of conduct expected of people holding certain offices, a virtue he wishes Oshiomhole would exhibit”.

The Governor restated the contention of the APC leadership in Ogun State that the only gubernatorial primary held in the state was that of October 02, 2018 which produced Honourable Adekunle Akinlade as winner. He said the emergence of Akinlade was initially through a consensus arrangement as allowed by the party constitution, but was nevertheless subjected to a primary election when some gubernatorial aspirants disagreed with the outcome of the consensus arrangement.

Amosun said: “This is, however, without prejudice to the sanctity of the consensus arrangement which Adams Oshiomhole hypocritically tries to demonise. Nigerians will recall that Oshiomhole himself was elected National Chairman of the APC by consensus arrangement which witnessed all other contestants to the office being prevailed upon to step down for him (Oshiomhole). The ground on which Oshiomhole disputes the gubernatorial primary in Ogun State is that the result was not announced by the State Electoral Committee from Abuja, therefore the governor resorted to self-help.

"We wonder why Oshiomhole accepted the result of the primary election in Lagos State whose result was also not announced by the State Electoral Panel. Why will the same scenario be acceptable in Lagos State but regarded as self-help in Ogun State? Is it because it was executed by the Capo Di Tutti in Lagos State?

“We wish to call the attention of Nigerians to another evil being perpetrated by Oshiomhole in Ogun State. As at today November 03, which is 24 hours after the deadline for submission of names of candidates for the House of Assembly, Oshiomhole has not given INEC Party Candidate Form (CF001) to any of the 26 candidates who won the primaries for the ticket to contest for the Ogun State House of Assembly. The primary was conducted on October 07 by the State Electoral Committee headed by Col. Ali Ciroma. This is despite the fact that the State Chairman of the party had kept vigil at the national secretariat of the APC in the last two weeks to collect the forms.

"If Oshiomhole is denying the outcome of the gubernatorial primaries because the State Electoral Committee shied away from announcing the result, what is the reason for denying all the 26 candidates for the House of Assembly freely elected by members of the APC in Ogun State? We want Nigerians to note the duplicity and meddlesomeness of Comrade Adams Oshiomhole and his gang in the affairs of the APC in Ogun State.

“It is also important to note that Oshiomhole unilaterally replaced four of the nine winners of the primary election into the House of Representatives. This includes Hon. Mikhail Kazzim, a serving member of the House who won the primaries by defeating Olumide, the son of Chief Olusegun Osoba, with 28,802 votes to Osoba’s 4,209. Oshiomhole removed Hon. Kazzim who won the primaries and replaced him with the man he had serially defeated, not only in the last primary election but also in the general election of 2015. In yet another instance in Ado Odo - Ota Federal Constituency, Oshiomhole substituted the winner of the primary for the House of Representatives, Hon. Rotimi Rahmon with the name of Hon. Jimoh Ojugbele, who did not even contest to go back to the House of Representatives but contested the primary for the Senate and was defeated.

“In his conduct, Oshiomhole is opening a new chapter in the history of elections in Nigeria — a situation where a gang of desperate politicians will sit somewhere in another state and write the result of an election that never took place; what our people creatively refer to as 'Offshore Rigging'! This is what Oshiomhole and his gang are trying to foist on Ogun State. Lawyers say 'you cannot build something on nothing'. Oshiomhole and his gang are trying to build a storey building of fraud on nothing."

AMosun also dismissed the claims of Oshiomole that he withdrew the security of the State Electoral Committee.

“As regards the claim of Oshiomhole that Sen. Amosun withdrew the security of the panel, Indabawa, Chairman of the panel, is a retired Commissioner of Police. He came into Ogun State with a full complement of police team which he claimed was provided for him by a Deputy Inspector General of Police. How could Amosun have withdrawn policemen he did not assign or over whom he had no control?

“All of these have clearly shown that the motive of Oshiomhole is not the rule of law which he proclaims on the roof top. It is rather, an evil plan with some collaborators, desperate to hijack the government of Ogun State and add it to the harem of states under their rapacious gang of exploiters.

"As we have stated before, this evil design will not succeed in Ogun State. Our people are too educated, exposed and sophisticated to come under such odious arrangement. On a general note, Oshiomhole, who became the APC Chairman barely three months ago, is already threatening to write the epitaph of the party in his 100 days of ignominy."

He concluded the statement with an advice for Oshiomhole: ”To Oshiomhole and his motley crew of co-travellers in ignominy, be assured that the music has just begun and we hope that you will enjoy the macabre dance to the music of justice.

“By the grace of God and the support of the good people of Ogun State, Hon. Adekunle Abdulkadir will be sworn in as new Governor of Ogun State on May 29, 2019."

Elections Politics News AddThis :  Featured Image :  Original Author :  SaharaReporters, New York Disable advertisements : 
https://ift.tt/2OKdr9C

The National Working Committee (NWC) of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has been urged to drop Mohammed Jibrilla Bindow, Governor of Adamawa State, as governorship candidate due to the allegation that he forged academic documents.

SaharaReporters learnt on Friday that Mahmood Modi, President Muhammadu Buhari’s in-law, was exploring last minute opportunities before deadline for the substitution of candidates to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

Bindow is being accused of forging virtually all his academic qualifications as submitted to the party and obtained by SaharaReporters.

An Abuja division of the Federal High Court, presided over by Justice B.O. Quadri, had earlier okayed accelerated hearing in a certificate forgery case filed against the Governor.

The case was filed by a group, Incorporated Trustees of Global Integrity Crusade Network, which joined the West African Examination Council (WAEC), INEC, APC and the Nigeria Police as defendants.
Ruling on the application for a motion ex parte brought before him on October 22, Justice Quadri had granted the prayers of the plaintiff for accelerated hearing, as well as leave to serve originating summons on Bindow and WAEC at their respective addresses in Adamawa and Lagos.

Therefore, Modi has, through his counsel, petitioned the national hierarchy of the party, seeking the replacement of Bindow as the party's flag bearer in Adamawa State.

"The National Executive Committee must intervene and substitute our Client for the serving Governor Mohammed Jibrilla Bindow as APC Governorship candidate for Adamawa State, unless it wishes to gift Adamawa State (a solidly APC state) to the opposition,” said the petition, which SaharaReporters obtained.

“APC cannot permit Governor Bindow, a serial academic forger and habitual criminal perjurer, to represent it as its governorship candidate for Adamawa State.

"Particulars of forgery of WAEC Certificate No: SG 488238A of June 1983 with Candidate Examination No: 20623/055 from the official records of WAEC, belongs to one Mr. Dalyop Pam Dong Rim of Government Secondary School Miango, Plateau State, as shown on examination number 20623055 attached as Annexures 7 and 8.

"The Certificate and Diploma of City Collage of Higher Education (London) tendered are also demonstrably forged. Attached as Annexures 9 is the Google map picture of the address of the fake school, which is actually a pastry shop at 67 Seven Sisters Road, London.

"The publicity resulting to discovery of this monumental fraud and embarrassment led Governor Bindow to attempt to withdraw the said above certificates and in their stead presenting to INEC as evidence of educational qualification, not a certificate but a mere Testimonial, a violation of section 177 (d) of the Constitution.

"Unfortunately, Mr. Bindow has compounded, not solved his criminality. He is still unqualified to contest for the position of Governor under the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 as amended.”

When contacted, Macauley Hunohashi, Special Assistant to Governor Bindow on Media and Publicity, reacted by describing the allegation as "not only frivolous, but baseless and lacking in merit”.

"It should be discountenanced by discerning minds, by people who know what they are doing,” he said.

"Additionally, we see it as a desperate move by some disgruntled elements within the polity who want to drag the good name of the Governor into the mud so that they can tarnish his reputation and his hard earned integrity.”

Elections Politics News AddThis :  Featured Image :  Original Author :  SaharaReporters, New York Disable advertisements : 
https://ift.tt/2zrQ3Dl

The National Working Committee (NWC) of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has been urged to drop Mohammed Jibrilla Bindow, Governor of Adamawa State, as governorship candidate due to the allegation that he forged academic documents.

SaharaReporters learnt on Friday that Mahmood Modi, President Muhammadu Buhari’s in-law, was exploring last minute opportunities before deadline for the substitution of candidates to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

Bindow is being accused of forging virtually all his academic qualifications as submitted to the party and obtained by SaharaReporters.

An Abuja division of the Federal High Court, presided over by Justice B.O. Quadri, had earlier okayed accelerated hearing in a certificate forgery case filed against the Governor.

The case was filed by a group, Incorporated Trustees of Global Integrity Crusade Network, which joined the West African Examination Council (WAEC), INEC, APC and the Nigeria Police as defendants.
Ruling on the application for a motion ex parte brought before him on October 22, Justice Quadri had granted the prayers of the plaintiff for accelerated hearing, as well as leave to serve originating summons on Bindow and WAEC at their respective addresses in Adamawa and Lagos.

Therefore, Modi has, through his counsel, petitioned the national hierarchy of the party, seeking the replacement of Bindow as the party's flag bearer in Adamawa State.

"The National Executive Committee must intervene and substitute our Client for the serving Governor Mohammed Jibrilla Bindow as APC Governorship candidate for Adamawa State, unless it wishes to gift Adamawa State (a solidly APC state) to the opposition,” said the petition, which SaharaReporters obtained.

“APC cannot permit Governor Bindow, a serial academic forger and habitual criminal perjurer, to represent it as its governorship candidate for Adamawa State.

"Particulars of forgery of WAEC Certificate No: SG 488238A of June 1983 with Candidate Examination No: 20623/055 from the official records of WAEC, belongs to one Mr. Dalyop Pam Dong Rim of Government Secondary School Miango, Plateau State, as shown on examination number 20623055 attached as Annexures 7 and 8.

"The Certificate and Diploma of City Collage of Higher Education (London) tendered are also demonstrably forged. Attached as Annexures 9 is the Google map picture of the address of the fake school, which is actually a pastry shop at 67 Seven Sisters Road, London.

"The publicity resulting to discovery of this monumental fraud and embarrassment led Governor Bindow to attempt to withdraw the said above certificates and in their stead presenting to INEC as evidence of educational qualification, not a certificate but a mere Testimonial, a violation of section 177 (d) of the Constitution.

"Unfortunately, Mr. Bindow has compounded, not solved his criminality. He is still unqualified to contest for the position of Governor under the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 as amended.”

When contacted, Macauley Hunohashi, Special Assistant to Governor Bindow on Media and Publicity, reacted by describing the allegation as "not only frivolous, but baseless and lacking in merit”.

"It should be discountenanced by discerning minds, by people who know what they are doing,” he said.

"Additionally, we see it as a desperate move by some disgruntled elements within the polity who want to drag the good name of the Governor into the mud so that they can tarnish his reputation and his hard earned integrity.”

Elections Politics News AddThis :  Featured Image :  Original Author :  SaharaReporters, New York Disable advertisements : 
https://ift.tt/2zrQ3Dl

The National Working Committee (NWC) of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has been urged to drop Mohammed Jibrilla Bindow, Governor of Adamawa State, as governorship candidate due to the allegation that he forged academic documents.

SaharaReporters learnt on Friday that Mahmood Modi, President Muhammadu Buhari’s in-law, was exploring last minute opportunities before deadline for the substitution of candidates to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

Bindow is being accused of forging virtually all his academic qualifications as submitted to the party and obtained by SaharaReporters.

An Abuja division of the Federal High Court, presided over by Justice B.O. Quadri, had earlier okayed accelerated hearing in a certificate forgery case filed against the Governor.

The case was filed by a group, Incorporated Trustees of Global Integrity Crusade Network, which joined the West African Examination Council (WAEC), INEC, APC and the Nigeria Police as defendants.
Ruling on the application for a motion ex parte brought before him on October 22, Justice Quadri had granted the prayers of the plaintiff for accelerated hearing, as well as leave to serve originating summons on Bindow and WAEC at their respective addresses in Adamawa and Lagos.

Therefore, Modi has, through his counsel, petitioned the national hierarchy of the party, seeking the replacement of Bindow as the party's flag bearer in Adamawa State.

"The National Executive Committee must intervene and substitute our Client for the serving Governor Mohammed Jibrilla Bindow as APC Governorship candidate for Adamawa State, unless it wishes to gift Adamawa State (a solidly APC state) to the opposition,” said the petition, which SaharaReporters obtained.

“APC cannot permit Governor Bindow, a serial academic forger and habitual criminal perjurer, to represent it as its governorship candidate for Adamawa State.

"Particulars of forgery of WAEC Certificate No: SG 488238A of June 1983 with Candidate Examination No: 20623/055 from the official records of WAEC, belongs to one Mr. Dalyop Pam Dong Rim of Government Secondary School Miango, Plateau State, as shown on examination number 20623055 attached as Annexures 7 and 8.

"The Certificate and Diploma of City Collage of Higher Education (London) tendered are also demonstrably forged. Attached as Annexures 9 is the Google map picture of the address of the fake school, which is actually a pastry shop at 67 Seven Sisters Road, London.

"The publicity resulting to discovery of this monumental fraud and embarrassment led Governor Bindow to attempt to withdraw the said above certificates and in their stead presenting to INEC as evidence of educational qualification, not a certificate but a mere Testimonial, a violation of section 177 (d) of the Constitution.

"Unfortunately, Mr. Bindow has compounded, not solved his criminality. He is still unqualified to contest for the position of Governor under the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 as amended.”

When contacted, Macauley Hunohashi, Special Assistant to Governor Bindow on Media and Publicity, reacted by describing the allegation as "not only frivolous, but baseless and lacking in merit”.

"It should be discountenanced by discerning minds, by people who know what they are doing,” he said.

"Additionally, we see it as a desperate move by some disgruntled elements within the polity who want to drag the good name of the Governor into the mud so that they can tarnish his reputation and his hard earned integrity.”

Elections Politics News AddThis :  Featured Image :  Original Author :  SaharaReporters, New York Disable advertisements : 
https://ift.tt/2zrQ3Dl

Nurses in Delta State, under the aegis of the National Association of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives, have protested against the state government over the "counter-productive, stringent and unfavourable policies".

They have also called on Ifeanyi Okowa, Governor of Delta State, to call the Commissioner of Health, Mordi Ononye, to order.

The nurses, numbering more than 200 from the 25 local government areas of the state, stormed the premises of the state local government service commission on Friday, to protest the casualisation of nurses, stating that it is against the rules of labour to casualise nurses and pay them stipends.

The nurses demanded the immediate reversal of "unfavourable policies" and called for a stop to the executive secretaries functioning as coordinators of the public health centres.

The protesters carried placards with inscriptions such as: 'Commissioner for Health, What Did We Do to Deserve This Treatment?', 'Review the Appointment of Executive Secretaries', 'Let the Executive Secretaries Stop Signing Vouchers of PHC Departments; They are Staff of the State Government', 'Executive Secretaries, Stop Oppressing Nurses; 'Our Rights Have Been Taken Away from Us', among others.

Speaking on behalf of the protesting nurses, the state secretary of the association, Frank Okoh, said: "We have written several letters but nobody is listening to us. If we remain like this there will be crisis. We are being oppressed at different levels. We are expressing our fears over the manner the one-room policy is being implemented. Nurses in the state are being relegated to the background as the executive secretaries have taken over the PHCs in the councils."

While demanding a reversal of the existing order, the nurses insisted that the executive secretaries hands off the administration of the primary health centres in the council areas, as well as a review of the office of the executive secretaries, relocation of the executive secretaries from the local government secretariats a stop to the harassment of nurses in the state.

Addressing the nurses, chairman of the Local Government Service Commission, Olumami Oyibo, promised to look into all the issues raised. He also pledged to pass on their message to the state governor, Ifeanyi Okowa, for appropriate action.

LABOR/WORKERS' RIGHTS News AddThis :  Featured Image :  Original Author :  SaharaReporters, New York Disable advertisements : 
https://ift.tt/2SJGoAU

Nurses in Delta State, under the aegis of the National Association of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives, have protested against the state government over the "counter-productive, stringent and unfavourable policies".

They have also called on Ifeanyi Okowa, Governor of Delta State, to call the Commissioner of Health, Mordi Ononye, to order.

The nurses, numbering more than 200 from the 25 local government areas of the state, stormed the premises of the state local government service commission on Friday, to protest the casualisation of nurses, stating that it is against the rules of labour to casualise nurses and pay them stipends.

The nurses demanded the immediate reversal of "unfavourable policies" and called for a stop to the executive secretaries functioning as coordinators of the public health centres.

The protesters carried placards with inscriptions such as: 'Commissioner for Health, What Did We Do to Deserve This Treatment?', 'Review the Appointment of Executive Secretaries', 'Let the Executive Secretaries Stop Signing Vouchers of PHC Departments; They are Staff of the State Government', 'Executive Secretaries, Stop Oppressing Nurses; 'Our Rights Have Been Taken Away from Us', among others.

Speaking on behalf of the protesting nurses, the state secretary of the association, Frank Okoh, said: "We have written several letters but nobody is listening to us. If we remain like this there will be crisis. We are being oppressed at different levels. We are expressing our fears over the manner the one-room policy is being implemented. Nurses in the state are being relegated to the background as the executive secretaries have taken over the PHCs in the councils."

While demanding a reversal of the existing order, the nurses insisted that the executive secretaries hands off the administration of the primary health centres in the council areas, as well as a review of the office of the executive secretaries, relocation of the executive secretaries from the local government secretariats a stop to the harassment of nurses in the state.

Addressing the nurses, chairman of the Local Government Service Commission, Olumami Oyibo, promised to look into all the issues raised. He also pledged to pass on their message to the state governor, Ifeanyi Okowa, for appropriate action.

LABOR/WORKERS' RIGHTS News AddThis :  Featured Image :  Original Author :  SaharaReporters, New York Disable advertisements : 
https://ift.tt/2SJGoAU