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FG to implement ‘no work, no pay’ for striking resident doctors

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The Federal Government has directed the Chief Medical Directors and Medical Directors in the Federal Tertiary Hospitals to implement the no work, no pay policy on the striking members of the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors.

The FG also directed the hospitals to maintain an attendance register for all resident doctors willing to work.

The letter obtained by newsmen on Thursday was written by the Federal Ministry of Health and addressed to the CMDs and MDs of all FTHs in the country.

The letter, dated August 1, 2023, was titled, “Re: Incessant strike action by the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors: Implementation of ‘No Work, No Pay’ policy of the Federal Government,” was signed by the Director of Hospital Services, Dr Andrew Noah.

NARD embarked on an indefinite strike on July 26, 2023, to press home its demands.

The strike followed the expiration of a two-week ultimatum to the government to meet its demands.

The doctors are demanding the implementation of the one-for-one replacement policy for healthcare workers; the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria to discontinue the downgrading of the membership certificate issued by the West African Postgraduate Medical and Surgical Colleges; the immediate payment of all salary arrears; the implementation of the Consolidated Medical Salary Structure; a new hazard allowance; and the domestication of the Medical Residency Training Act; among others.

The government, in the letter, accused the striking of being insensitive.

“The various conciliatory meetings by the Federal Ministry of Health, Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment with government stakeholders, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, and the National Assembly have proved abortive.

“I am directed to inform you that the Federal Ministry of Health has instituted the policy of ‘No work, No Pay’ against the striking resident doctors in line with circular Ref. No.58598/8.1/II/182 dated June 22, 2016.

“I am further directed to request you to maintain an attendance register for all residents willing to work and furnish the ministry of such name on a monthly basis,” the letter read in part.

Reacting, the Secretary General of NARD, Dr Kelechi Chikezie, said the directive was not unexpected.

“We have seen the letter and we will meet as leaders of NARD to take a position on that.

But that policy is not new to us, and we would not say we were not expecting it. However, the position of NARD will meet and take a position on it,” Chikezie said.

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Eriscofood to sue customer for N5 billion over defamation post

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Eriscofoods is gearing up to take legal action against Chioma Egodi, over “defamatory content” about the company.

They plan to sue her for a substantial sum of N5 billion.

Eric Umeofia, Eriscofoods’ founder and President, revealed this during an interview with Arise News on Thursday.

Their decision to pursue this lawsuit is rooted in Chioma’s failure to issue a public apology on social media, thereby harming the company’s reputation, an agreement he claims was reached by both parties.

Umeofia emphasized the significant challenges Eriscofoods faced due to these “baseless accusations” and underscored the importance of receiving a public apology.

He stated, We will be suing her for N5 billion. I have a credit line of $15 million from two customers that is now suspended by a Chinese company. They claim that I may not be able to repay the credit they extended to me. So, I am suing her for not posting the apology letter. If she refuses to comply, we will meet in court.”

Umeofia expressed his frustration, asserting that Chioma had never been a customer of Eriscofoods and challenging her unsubstantiated claims.

He recounted how he sought the help of the Inspector General of Police to locate Chioma, leading to a meeting with her and her family.

She eventually admitted to wrongdoing and offered a written apology, although Umeofia did not have a copy at the time.

In a heated address, Umeofia highlighted the challenges his company faced, including stiff competition and unwarranted criticism.

He criticized the situation where smaller entities could oppress larger ones without repercussions, lamenting the lack of support for larger companies.

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Independence Day: FG declares next week Monday public holiday

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The Federal Government has declared Monday, October 2 as a public holiday in commemoration of the 63rd independence celebration.

Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, the Minister of Interior, announced this on behalf of the government in Abuja.

Also, he congratulated all Nigerians at home and in the Diaspora on the occasion.

He pledged the government’s unwavering dedication to addressing the country’s ongoing challenges.

It is today a known fact that difficult Socio-Economic and Security challenges are global, and Nigeria is not isolated,” the Minister said in a statement signed by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry Dr. Oluwatoyin Akinlade.

He also stated that;“Our warm welcoming spirit and love as well as our unbounded human capital and the richness of our land makes Nigeria unarguably the leading black Nation in the World being Africa’s pride and beacon of hope for the Renewed Hope of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR

“While wishing the citizens a memorable independence celebration, the Minister recalled that our founding fathers, despite the differences in faith, tribe, and tongue, came together for Nigeria’s freedom which we enjoy today.

“The Minister assured that this Administration through the Renew Hope Agenda will ensure a better Nigeria for all citizens, as a befitting tribute to our heroes past”, the statement added.

Tunji-Ojo said the greatness ahead of the country was achievable if all citizens worked together in unity.

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NIMET warns of 48-hour heavy rainfall across 24 states

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The Nigerian Meteorological Agency has issued a notice to residents in various states, including the Federal Capital Territory, Edo, Kwara, and 22 other states, warning of 48 hours of heavy rainfall set to commence on Thursday.

In their weekly heavy rainfall forecast report released on Wednesday, the agency also alerted residents to the likelihood of flash floods in these areas.

The affected states are Katsina, Kano, Jigawa, Bauchi, Gombe, Plateau, Borno, Adamawa, Taraba, Kaduna, Niger, Nasarawa, Kogi, Enugu, Delta, Bayelsa, Abia, Anambra, Akwa Ibom, Cross River, Ebonyi, Kwara, and Benue.

According to the bulletin,“Moderate to heavy rainfall is anticipated between Thursday, September 28th, and Friday, September 29th, 2023, in parts of Katsina, Kano, Jigawa, Bauchi, Gombe, Plateau, Borno, Adamawa, Taraba, Kaduna, Niger, Nasarawa, Kogi, Enugu, Edo, Delta, and Bayelsa.”

“Abia, Anambra, Akwa Ibom, Cross River, Ebonyi, Kwara, Benue State, and the Federal Capital Territory.”

NiMet, in its advisory, cautioned that other regions of the country would experience light to moderate rainfall. Regarding the expected impact of the rains, NiMet warned that “the anticipated moderate to heavy rainfall could lead to flash flooding in the affected areas.”

The agency also noted that strong winds would accompany the rains, with the most powerful winds expected in parts of Adamawa, Borno, Gombe, Bauchi, Yobe, Jigawa, Kano, Katsina, Zamfara, Sokoto, and Kebbi State.

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Bodex F. Hungbo, SPMIIM is a multiple award-winning Nigerian Digital Media Practitioner, Digital Strategist, PR consultant, Brand and Event Expert, Tv Presenter, Tier-A Blogger/Influencer, and a top cobbler in Nigeria.

She has widespread experiences across different professions and skills, which includes experiences in; Marketing, Media, Broadcasting, Brand and Event Management, Administration and Management with prior stints at MTN, NAPIMS-NNPC, GLOBAL FLEET OIL AND GAS, LTV, Silverbird and a host of others

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