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SSS announces dismissal of 115 personnel

Nanji Nandang VENLEY
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SSS announces dismissal of 115 personnel

THE State Security Services (SSS), otherwise known as the Department of State Services (DSS), has announced the dismissal of 115 of its personnel as part of its ongoing internal reforms.

In a statement issued on Tuesday containing the names and photographs of the dismissed personnel, the Service cautioned the public against having any dealings with them on its behalf.

“As part of the ongoing reforms in the Department of State Services (DSS), the public is hereby informed that a total of 115 personnel have been dismissed over a period,” it said.

Photos of dismissed DSS officers from the website
Photos of dismissed DSS officers from the website

The Service noted that following its earlier disclaimers on Barry Donald and Victor Onyedikachi Godwin, it had become necessary to alert the public about the fraudulent activities of some dismissed personnel still impersonating its officers.

Photos of dismissed DSS officers from the website
Photos of dismissed DSS officers from the website

“Members of the public are therefore advised to desist from any official dealing with these individuals who have been dismissed by the Service,” it added.

It further urged citizens to verify the identities of the affected individuals, which have been published on the Service’s official website at dss.gov.ng/media/more/4.

Photos of dismissed DSS officers from the website
Photos of dismissed DSS officers from the website

“For requests, enquiries or complaints, the Service can be reached on 09088373515, or via email: dsspr@dss.gov.ng,” the statement added.

2025 Budget: Tinubu seeks fresh ₦1.15trillion loan amid Nigeria’s rising debt

Harrison EDEH
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2025 Budget: Tinubu seeks fresh ₦1.15trillion loan amid Nigeria’s rising debt

AMID growing concern over the Nigerian government’s appetite for borrowing, President Bola Tinubu has requested that the National Assembly approve a new ₦1.15 trillion loan from the domestic market to help cover part of the deficit in the 2025 national budget.

The request, contained in a letter from the president, was read by Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, during Tuesday’s plenary.

Tinubu stated that the borrowing was aimed at bridging the fiscal shortfall and ensuring the smooth implementation of key government programmes and projects outlined in the 2025 budget.

“This request is under the provisions of Section 44 (1) and (2) of the Fiscal Responsibility Act 2007 and Section 1(7) of the Executive Order, which requires National Assembly approval for all new borrowings and appropriation of the proceeds,” the letter added.

Following the reading of the letter, Akpabio referred the proposal to the Senate Committee on Local and Foreign Debt for further consideration and directed the committee to submit its report within one week.

The borrowing, economic watchers say, could worsen Nigeria’s loan repayment capacity, with the government spending over 80 per cent of its revenue in debt servicing, as  Nigeria’s debt current hits N152.4 trillion, according to the Debt Management Office (DMO)

They are further worried that the borrowing request came barely five days after the Senate approved another of Tinubu’s requests – a $2.847 billion external borrowing plan, including a $500 million debut Sovereign Sukuk -aimed at financing the 2025 budget deficit and refinancing Nigeria’s maturing Eurobonds.

The ICIR reports that the earlier approval followed the presentation of a report by the Senate Committee on Local and Foreign Debts, chaired by Wamakko Magatarkada Aliyu (APC, Sokoto North).

According to the committee, $2.347 billion would be sourced from the international capital market, while the remaining $500 million would be raised through Sukuk bonds to fund key infrastructure projects nationwide.

This also follows a borrowing request in May 2025, when the President sought the Senate’s approval for a $21.5 billion external loan aimed at financing critical projects across various sectors of the economy, particularly infrastructure, health, education, and water supply.

He also sought the Senate’s authorisation for a N758 billion domestic bond to settle outstanding pension liabilities under the Contributory Pension Scheme.

Accordingly, the bond issuance, amounting to N757.9 billion, is intended to address long-standing pension arrears and fulfil the government’s commitment to retired public sector workers.

Economic watchers say the loan request from the president must be scrutinised to align with the provisions of the Fiscal Responsibility Act.

“The National Assembly should look for possible violations of the Fiscal Responsibility Act, in terms of overreaching the threshold of borrowing as stipulated in the law. They should intensify their oversight on the borrowings; it’s not helping us at all. The citizens are not feeling the impact, in my own opinion,” a development economist, Celestine Okeke, told The ICIR.

Nigeria’s total public debt stock has climbed to ₦152.40 trillion as of June 30, 2025.

This is according to new data released by the Debt Management Office in October.

The figure represents an increase of ₦3.01 trillion or 2.01 per cent from ₦149.39 trillion recorded at the end of March 2025.

In dollar terms, the total debt rose from $97.24 billion to $99.66 billion, reflecting a 2.49 per cent increase within three months.

The latest figures underscore the Federal Government’s growing appetite for borrowing and reliance on both domestic and external borrowing to finance budget shortfalls despite the removal of subsidies and the floating of the naira, which has led to an increase in revenue to the federation account.

Tinubu nominates Enugu Attorney-General Udeh as minister

Mustapha USMAN
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Tinubu nominates Enugu Attorney-General Udeh as minister

PRESIDENT Bola Tinubu has nominated the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice in Enugu State, Kingsley Tochukwu Udeh, for appointment as a minister.

The president’s request was contained in a letter read on the Senate floor on Tuesday, November 4, by Senate President Godswill Akpabio.

According to Tinubu, the nomination was made in compliance with Section 147 (2) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), which empowers the president to appoint ministers subject to Senate confirmation.

“I am pleased to forward to the Senate the nomination of Dr. Kingsley Tochukwu-Udeh, SAN, for confirmation as minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

“While I hope that this request will receive the usual expeditious consideration of the Senate, please accept, distinguished Senate President and distinguished senators, the assurances of my highest regards,” the letter read in part.

The Senate President Akpabio consequently referred the nomination letter to the Committee of the Whole for screening and confirmation.

The nomination followed the resignation of the former Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Uche Nnaji, who stepped down in October amid controversy over his academic credentials.

On October 4, The ICIR reported how a two-year-long investigation by Premium Times found that both Nnaji’s university certificate and his National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) discharge certificate were forged.

According to the report, the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) disowned the Bachelor of Science certificate Nnaji claimed to have obtained from the institution, stating that there were no records showing he graduated in July 1985 as alleged.

His departure left Enugu State unrepresented in the Federal Executive Council.

Meanwhile, Udeh, a seasoned legal practitioner recently conferred with the rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), is expected to replace Nnaji and restore Enugu’s representation in the cabinet.

Recall that on October 21, Tinubu also sought the approval of the Senate for Bernard Mohammed Doro, a doctor , from Plateau State for confirmation as a minister.

The presidency noted that his nomination came on the heels of Nentawe Yilwatda’s appointment as the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in July 2025.

China warns against interference in Nigeria’s affairs after US threat of military action

Mustapha USMAN
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China warns against interference in Nigeria’s affairs after US threat of military action

CHINA has warned against interference in Nigeria’s domestic affairs following threats by United States President Donald Trump to deploy military action over alleged killings of Christians in the country.

The ICIR reports that China and Nigeria maintain close political and economic relations, particularly in infrastructure, and trade.

In recent years, both countries have strengthened their strategic partnership through trade, development financing, and multilateral collaboration.

Addressing journalists on Tuesday, November 4, China’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Mao Ning, reaffirmed China’s support for Nigeria as a “comprehensive strategic partner,” urging respect for national sovereignty and development paths that reflect local realities.

Ning also noted that China firmly supports the Nigerian government in leading its people along a development path suited to its national conditions.

She noted that the country opposed any country using religion or human rights as an excuse to interfere in another country’s internal affairs.

Her remarks came days after Trump said the US could deploy ground troops or launch airstrikes in Nigeria to “halt the killing of Christians.

Trump disclosed this to reporters aboard Air Force One on Sunday, while returning to Washington after spending the weekend at his Florida vacation home. When asked whether he was considering deploying ground troops or conducting airstrikes in Nigeria, Trump responded, “Could be”.

“I mean, other things. I envisage a lot of things. They’re killing record numbers of Christians in Nigeria … They’re killing the Christians and killing them in very large numbers. We’re not going to allow that to happen,” he said.

Trump had earlier  placed Nigeria  on the “Special Watch List” for alleged violations of religious freedom, warning that continued violence against Christians would attract immediate suspension of US aid and possible military intervention.

In a swift response, Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs rejected Trump’s allegations, describing them as inconsistent with facts on the ground. The government reaffirmed its commitment to protecting citizens, combating violent extremism, and promoting interfaith harmony.

President Bola Tinubu said Nigeria stood firmly as a democracy governed by constitutional guarantees of religious liberty and continued to maintain open engagement with both Christian and Muslim leaders across the country.

He argued that the portrayal of Nigeria as religiously intolerant did not reflect the reality in the country, adding that the government’s efforts to safeguard freedom of belief for all Nigerians remained consistent and sincere.

Recall that the conversation started last month, when US lawmaker Riley Moore had urged Secretary of State Marco Rubio to take diplomatic action over what he described as the “systematic persecution and slaughter of Christians” in Nigeria, calling it “the deadliest place in the world to be a Christian.” 

He also advocated suspending arms sales to Nigeria until measurable progress was made in curbing violence.

Natasha accuses Akpabio of ordering her passport seizure at airport

Mustapha USMAN
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Natasha accuses Akpabio of ordering her passport seizure at airport

THE senator representing Kogi Central, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, has accused Senate President Godswill Akpabio of instructing security officials to withhold her international passport and prevent her from traveling abroad.

In a video shared on Tuesday, November 4, the lawmaker expressed frustration as she confronted Immigration officials who allegedly refused to release her passport.

“I’ve just completed my celebration of my second year in office. I decided to take a week off. So, I’m at the airport here, and my passport has been withheld again,” she said in the video.

She added, “The last time this happened, the officer in charge told us that the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, instructed them to withhold my passport and prevent me from traveling because he said each time I travel out of the country, I smear the country’s image by granting interviews to international media.”

The senator described the repeated seizure of her passport as harassment and a violation of her fundamental rights to freedom of movement, vowing to seek legal redress.

“You have no right to withhold my passport. You have no right to deny me exit and entrance into my country. I have not committed any offense and this must stop,” she said.

Akpoti-Uduaghan, visibly frustrated in the video, said she had been standing for more than 20 minutes while officials made calls allegedly to confirm instructions.

She also said that although there were two ongoing cases in court against her by Akpabio, President Bola Tinubu had directed the Attorney-General of the Federation to withdraw them after allegedly acknowledging they were politically motivated.

“The president actually spoke with Godswill Akpabio to terminate all the cases against me because he agreed they were politically motivated. So there is no reason why my passport should be withheld at the international airport,” she said.

Meanwhile, after she called out the Immigration officers, they returned her passport. She vowed to challenge their action in court.

As of press time, neither the Nigeria Immigration Service nor the Office of the Senate President had publicly commented on the allegations.

Efforts to reach Akpabio proved abortive as calls, text and Whatsapp messages directed to his spokesperson, Eseme Eyibo, were not answered.

Akpoti-Uduaghan, a Social Democratic Party (SDP) member, has been at the loggerhead with the Senate leadership, particularly its president. She has repeatedly accused the senate leadership of targeting her for political reasons.

Her recent confrontation at the airport adds to a growing list of disputes between her and the leadership.

In her Tuesday’s video, she questioned why the Senate President “overrules boundaries,” adding that repeated efforts to block her movement were “politically vindictive.”

The ICIR reports that the latest incident came barely a month after Akpoti-Uduaghan returned to plenary following a six-month suspension imposed on her by the Senate for allegedly violating its standing rules.

On October 7, the Senate resumed plenary after a ten-week recess, marking Natasha’s first appearance in the chamber since her suspension, with Akpabio presiding over the session.

The senator’s attempts to return before the resumption were blocked, even after the expiration of her suspension in September.

In July, she filed a suit challenging her suspension, arguing that it was politically motivated and unconstitutional. A Federal High Court had ruled that her suspension was illegal and deprived Kogi Central constituents of representation, but the Senate insisted she serves the full term.

The suspension kept her out of plenary, stripped her of salaries, aides’ pay, and other entitlements.

Tinubu directs Health Ministry to end resident doctors’ strike

Nanji Nandang VENLEY
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Tinubu directs Health Ministry to end resident doctors’ strike

PRESIDENT Bola Tinubu has ordered the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare to take all lawful measures to ensure that members of the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) who commenced an indefinite strike on Saturday, November 1, return to work immediately.   

The Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Iziaq Salako, revealed the directive during a press briefing in Abuja on Monday, noting that the president gave a clear mandate to resolve the impasse and restore normalcy in the nation’s hospitals.

“Mr President has expressly directed that we do everything possible and legitimate to ensure that the resident doctors are brought back to their duty posts as soon as possible,” Salako said.

The ICIR reported that (NARD) declared a total, comprehensive, and indefinite strike, on October 31, 2025, following the expiration of a 30-day ultimatum issued to the Federal Government over unresolved demands.

It had on September 28 issued a 30-day ultimatum to the Federal Government, demanding the implementation of several agreements, including improved welfare for its members, payment of salary arrears, improved working conditions across federal and state hospitals, among others.

The industrial action has crippled operations in federal and state tertiary hospitals.

Reiterating the government’s commitment to dialogue, Salako in his Monday address urged the doctors to resume duties, stating that “Industrial peace cannot be achieved through confrontation. We value the contribution of our health workers, and the president especially values the resident doctors. If it were possible, we would pay them N50 million monthly, because no one can fully compensate their service.”

He apologised to Nigerians impacted by the strike, stating that the government had been in continuous dialogue with NARD’s leadership to resolve their 19-point demands.

He explained that the dispute partly arose from a circular issued in July by the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission, which caused divisions among health workers.

He noted that the circular was subsequently withdrawn, and in August, a Collective Bargaining Agreement process was initiated to harmonise negotiations among health unions, including the Nigerian Medical Association, the National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives, and the Joint Health Sector Unions.

The minister stated that progress had been achieved, despite lingering disagreements over salary relativity and the appointment of non-medical consultants.

“We engaged an external industrial relations expert to mediate, and most of the 19 issues raised by NARD are already being addressed,” he added.

He further noted that the President had approved an upward review of the retirement age for clinical staff to 65 years.

Addressing one of NARD’s major demands, the minister clarified that medical and dental house officers could not be included in the civil service scheme since they are interns on temporary 12-month appointments.

“They are not regular staff and cannot be placed on pensionable employment,” he said.

Salako further explained that the contentious creation of consultant cadres for non-medical staff preceded the current administration, adding that the issue would be addressed through dialogue.

Regarding the dismissal of five resident doctors from the Federal Teaching Hospital, Lokoja, he stated that a three-member review committee had been established to revisit the case, and three of the affected doctors had already been cleared for reinstatement.

Salako disclosed that the Federal Government had released N21.3 billion to clear outstanding arrears and allowances, adding that 60 percent of the affected doctors had already been paid.

He added that another N11.9 billion was being processed, while N20 billion had earlier been disbursed through the Medical Residency Training Fund.

Addressing workforce shortages, he stated that 14,444 health workers, including 3,064 resident doctors, were recruited in 2024, while an additional 23,059 personnel are being engaged in 2025.

The Minister of State further noted that doctors in the public service earned about 50 per cent more than other health professionals, highlighting the government’s commitment to their welfare despite prevailing economic challenges.

The ICIR reported that NARD said that its demands were not new or unreasonable but vital to building a sustainable healthcare system.

The association accused the government of neglecting to implement long-standing agreements, citing unpaid salary arrears, delayed allowances, and irregular promotions, and warned that the strike would persist until tangible progress was achieved.

Similarly, the Association of Resident Doctors in the FCTA vowed on Monday to sustain its strike until all pending arrears and welfare concerns were fully resolved.

The doctors called on FCT Minister Nyesom Wike to take decisive action, alleging that bureaucratic sabotage was obstructing the implementation of his earlier approvals.

The ICIR reported that the association had on September 12, began a five-day warning strike but suspended it after two days, following the release of funds for the outstanding Medical Residency Training Fund, and to allow the Federal Government two weeks to address its concerns.

I joined APC to save Bayelsa from sinking – Diri

Nanji Nandang VENLEY
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I joined APC to save Bayelsa from sinking – Diri

BAYELSA State Governor, Douye Diri, has formally announced his defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC)

He said his decision was driven by the need to “save Bayelsa from sinking” amid what he described as the PDP’s “terminal decline.”

Diri’s declaration took place during a grand rally on Monday in Yenagoa, the state capital.

“We tried all we could to save the PDP but to no avail. Undertakers were very busy to bury the PDP. After seeing that the undertakers wanted to bury the PDP, I never wanted my state to be buried alongside with PDP,” he said. 

Diri, who had announced his resignation from the PDP on October 15, said he had spent years trying to stabilise the party, but it had fallen into the hands of what he called ‘undertakers’ who had taken control of its structures.

“So knowing what was going on, after all my consultations with all the leaders, it was incumbent on me as governor to make a decision,” Diri said.

He stated that his defection signified not merely a political shift in Bayelsa, but a broader realignment within the Ijaw nation.

“This defection is not a Bayelsa defection. It is the Ijaw nation defecting to APC,” Diri declared.

The governor also dismissed claims that his departure from the PDP could jeopardise his mandate.

“There is only one way a governor will lose his office, by impeachment from the State House of Assembly.

“And in this situation, the Speaker of the State House of Assembly and the majority of the members are going with me,” he stated.

Several high-profile figures from the ruling party, including Vice President Kashim Shettima, who led the presidential delegation; Senate President Godswill Akpabio; Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin; the APC National Chairman; serving ministers; and governors from across the country were in attendance of the ceremony. 

Diri commended the APC national leadership for welcoming him into the party, saying Bayelsa needed to align with a national platform that allows it greater political space and relevance.

In recent months, The ICIR reported a pattern of defections from the PDP to the ruling APC, particularly among governors and lawmakers seeking to align with the federal government.

Kaila Dahuwa Samaila, the Senator representing Bauchi North and three members of the House of Representatives from Kaduna State also announced their departure from the PDP last month, citing persistent internal crises within the party.

The move further tipped the balance of power in favour of President Bola Tinubu’s party ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The PDP’s National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, last month admitted that the party was battling internal sabotage, expressing disappointment over recent defections, including that of Governor Mbah, but maintained that the PDP would recover through reforms and discipline.

Meanwhile, the APC National Chairman, Nentawe Yilwatda, has repeatedly described the wave of defections as evidence of the party’s growing dominance and the appeal of President Bola Tinubu’s leadership, particularly in regions historically controlled by the opposition.

Kano government acquires additional shares in KEDCO, targets improved electricity supply

Harrison EDEH
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Kano government acquires additional shares in KEDCO, targets improved electricity supply

THE Kano State Government has approved plans to acquire majority shares in the Kano Electricity Distribution Company (KEDCO), targeted at improving its equity stake and control in the company.

The state government said the initiative would improve energy supply, promote industrial growth, and expand access to reliable electricity across the state.
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‎A statement signed by the governor’s spokesperson, Sunusi Bature Tofa, on Monday, November 3, noted that the decision aimed to give the state a stronger role in electricity generation, transmission, and distribution to enhance efficiency, accountability, and service delivery in the energy sector.
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‎It is also expected to boost economic activities, create jobs, and attract both local and foreign investments, the statement said.
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‎In addition, the government approved the presentation and adoption of the Kano State Electricity Policy under the Ministry of Power and Renewable Energy.
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‎The policy provides a clear roadmap for sustainable energy development, focusing on renewable power integration and improved energy efficiency across sectors.
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‎“Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf’s administration remains committed to transforming Kano into an energy-secure and business-friendly state that fosters innovation, industrialisation, and inclusive economic growth,” the statement stated.

The ICIR reports that Kano DisCo had been making significant strides in improving electricity supply in its service areas, which include Kano, Katsina, and Jigawa states.

It would be noted that Future Energies Africa (FEA) acquired KEDCO in 2023 and has since invested ₦4 billion to acquire a 2.5 per cent stake in the company.

The investment has led to improvements in billing and collection efficiencies, significantly reducing commercial losses.

Earlier in February, The ICIR reported that the Jigawa State Government, in partnership with Future Energies Africa, increased its market share in Kano DisCo by 10 per cent from the previous seven per cent.

As part of the deal, the state government and KEDCO signed an innovative partnership to ensure stable electricity across the state.

The partnership will see KEDCO (and partners) invest in building up to 10 megawatts of solar-interconnected mini-grids in the key urban hubs of Dutse, Gumel, Hadejia, Kafin Hausa, Kazaure, and Ringim to augment power supply and ensure stable electricity across Jigawa state.

Analysts say these investments by electricity distribution companies would improve power supply, as states have been empowered by the Electricity Act,2023, to divest investments in the electricity value chain.

Notably, the Electricity  Act de-monopolises electricity generation, transmission, and distribution at the national level to empower states, companies, and individuals to generate, transmit and distribute electricity, while lessening pressure on the national grid.

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Police declare Sowore wanted

Mustapha USMAN
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Police declare Sowore wanted

THE Lagos State Police Command has declared activist Omoyele Sowore wanted for allegedly causing a disturbance of public peace and attempting to block the Third Mainland Bridge during a protest against the demolition of houses in Oworonshoki area of the state.

Commissioner of Police in the state, Olohundare Jimoh, made the declaration on Monday, November 3, at the protest ground.

Jimoh, who led anti-riot police officers to the location, said the massive deployment was to safeguard critical national infrastructure, and prevent any attempt to disrupt traffic or economic activities.

“I hereby, as the Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command, declare Sowore wanted for the act of causing disturbance of public peace and an act to commit serious felony by putting plans in motion to obstruct traffic on the Third Mainland Bridge to cause hardship for Lagosians, other Nigerians, and most especially visitors transiting the area. We will not allow this to happen,” the Police chief said.

He questioned why the activist, who had previously staged protests in Abuja, was not physically present in Lagos to address the unfolding situation.

“We are closing in on him wherever he is. He should come down — he came down in Abuja, why is he afraid to come down in Lagos?” he said.

“He should report to the nearest police station because we will arrest, investigate, and prosecute him. Let him put his feet on the ground,” he added.

He further warned that obstructing traffic on the bridge could compromise its structural integrity, noting that bridges were designed for moving vehicles, not stationary gatherings.

Jimoh disclosed that tactical units had been stationed at strategic points, including Iyana-Oworo, Ilubirin, Berger Bus Stop, and major terminals to stop protesters from accessing the bridge. 

According to him, 13 suspects had already been arrested in connection with what he described as “miscreant activity.”

Jimoh also said that residents affected by the Oworonshoki demolitions had been compensated by the relevant government agencies. He accused some groups of trying to exploit the situation to incite violence.

“We have arrested 13 of these miscreants and hoodlums. There is no reason for this protest. Residents of Oworonshoki who were entitled to compensation have been paid, and the community has remained peaceful. But this attempt to instigate crisis and violence will not be tolerated,” he said.

Sowore reacts

In a post on his X page, Sowore confirmed the police declaration and accused the Lagos Command of targeting him and other protesters.

“The Lagos Police Commissioner, Moshood Jimoh, has reportedly declared me ‘wanted’ for ‘disturbance of public peace’, allegedly as a result of his officers’ inability to execute a ‘shoot on sight’ order given by his illegal IGP, Kayode Egbetokun in Oworonsoki today,” he wrote on his social media accounts.

Sowore claimed he had attempted to contact the commissioner but received no response, adding that he planned to meet with him soon “to address his declaration.”

Earlier, the activist had shared a video showing police officers firing tear gas and arresting protesters during the demonstration.

He accused the police of using excessive force against peaceful demonstrators, saying it was ‘disheartening’ that law enforcement officers were being used against “defenseless citizens” instead of focusing on crime, terrorism, and insecurity.

“In Lagos, earlier today, I was targeted by @policeng during an anti-demolition protest in Oworonsoki, the deadly squads were sent by Kayode Egbetokun, the illegal Inspector General of Police. Upon my arrival, the police contingents began firing riot guns directly at protesters and deployed additional RRS reinforcements.

“I captured some of their actions, including indiscriminate arrests and attacks on innocent bystanders during a Facebook Live broadcast I did on the scene.

“It is disheartening to see law enforcement officers, who should be dedicated to fighting crime, terrorism, insurgency, and banditry, being utilised against defenseless citizens,” he said.

Just last week, The ICIR reported that human rights activist regained his freedom after spending four days in detention in Abuja for leading a peaceful demonstration calling for the release of detained IPOB leader, Nnamdi Kanu.

Sowore’s arrest and the subsequent prosecution of several protesters drew condemnation from civil society groups, who accused security agencies of weaponising court orders to silence dissent. 

The police had defended the arrest, saying protesters violated restrictions around sensitive government facilities in Abuja.

 

FCT doctors insist strike continues until government meets all demands

Mustapha USMAN
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FCT doctors insist strike continues until government meets all demands

RESIDENT doctors working in public hospitals in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) have vowed to continue their indefinite strike until all outstanding demands are met.

They vowed that they would continue to down tools whether or not the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) suspends its ongoing nationwide action.

The Association of Resident Doctors, FCTA chapter (ARD-FCTA), said the decision followed the government’s failure to implement resolutions reached after several interventions by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, and the National Assembly. 

The association said despite months of assurances, none of the promises made had been fulfilled.

Speaking during a press briefing in Abuja on Monday, November 3, ARD-FCTA President, George Ebong, lamented that the strike, which was earlier suspended six weeks ago to give room for negotiation, had to resume because the authorities failed to meet agreed timelines.

He explained that doctors in FCT hospitals were not only paid late but also underpaid compared to their colleagues in other federal institutions. 

“Unfortunately, none of our demands have been implemented. We’re back to where we were before; nothing has been positive yet. “Today, being the 3rd of November, we have not even been paid last month’s salary. It has become a culture in FCTA that salaries are not paid as of when due.

“We get the month’s salary the following month, and even the following month, we get them in the first week or second week of the following month. It has become a trend. When our counterparts in other institutions are getting their salaries paid to them, we struggle to get ours paid, and when we get our salaries paid, it’s never complete.

“And of course, we have the demands that we begged the management to please fix. Knowing so well that these demands are very important in such a way that doctors will have the passion to practice. But unfortunately, this has actually not happened,” Ebong said.

He added that 28 doctors employed in 2023 were still being owed salaries despite repeated appeals to the administration. 

He further stressed that newly recruited external resident doctors had not been paid for over seven months, forcing some to resign due to financial hardship.

Ebong also faulted the administration for allegedly failing to release the Medical Residency Training Fund for 142 doctors, which had already been approved at the federal level. The fund, he said, was essential for supporting doctors’ medical training and professional development.

The ARD-FCTA president further accused the FCTA of attempting to employ new doctors at the wrong entry level—CONMESS 2 instead of CONMESS 3 to reduce the salary scale by nearly N200,000.

He described the state of healthcare infrastructure in the FCT as deteriorating, with doctors overworked and hospitals inadequately equipped to handle the rising patient load. Ebong alleged that some senior officials within the administration were deliberately delaying the implementation of directives already approved by Minister Wike.

“We believe the honourable minister may not have the full picture. It is disappointing that despite his approval, certain persons are holding back implementation. We appeal to him to act decisively.

“We can’t fix the medical system on the pages of newspapers. These problems must be fixed on the ground. We are ready to work, but we can’t give what we don’t have,” he stated.

The ICIR reports that the ARD-FCTA’s decision to continue its strike came amid a nationwide shutdown of medical services following NARD’s declaration of an indefinite strike over similar grievance.

NARD’s national president, Muhammad Suleiman, said the federal government had failed to demonstrate the political will to resolve long-standing welfare and salary issues despite repeated dialogues and strike extensions. 

According to him, doctors and other health workers are owed between ₦35 billion and ₦38 billion in accumulated allowances, with some institutions owing salaries dating back several months.

He noted that the nationwide strike was necessitated by unpaid arrears, delayed promotions, poor working conditions, and the failure to review doctors’ salaries for over 16 years.

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