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  • Buhari reiterates commitment to improve nation’s healthcare delivery

    President Muhammadu Buhari on Thursday reiterated his commitment to improve the nation’s healthcare delivery system.

    The president gave the assurance at the inauguration of Senior Executive Course 41 of the National Institute of Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS) Kuru, near Jos.

    Buhari, who was represented by Gov. Simon Lalong of Plateau, said that in the pursuit of the objective, he inaugurated the Primary Healthcare Revitalisation Programme in January.

    He said that the programme was aimed at having 10, 000 functional primary healthcare facilities across the country.

    According to him, the programme will focus more on rural areas with emphasis on the vulnerable, such as women and children.

    Buhari said that he approved the theme of the study ‘Funding Universal Healthcare Delivery in Nigeria’ out the desire to tackle challenges of health sector funding in Nigeria.

    “Government has high expectations of the nominees of Senior Executive Course 41, given the critical role of the health sector in our national economy.

    “It is expected that you will research carefully into this theme in order to proper policy options that will enable government improve health sector funding.

    “Specifically, government expects that at the end of the course, you will provide solutions to some of challenges bedeviling the sector.

    “Solutions to gaps in the institutional, legal and policy frameworks for funding universal healthcare delivery and how the framework can be strengthened,” he urged.

    The president said that he was delighted that NIPSS was celebrating 40 years of existence this year.

    He commended the institute for serving as the nations think-tank in the last 40 years.

    Read Also: Buhari condemns soccer fan’s death

    Mr Jonathan Juma, NIPSS Acting Director-General, assured the president that the management and faculty of the institute would provide the nominees with the necessary guidance to succeed.

    Juma added that they would guide the participants to explore the theme creatively in order to submit a comprehensive report and actionable recommendations.

    “During the 10-month duration of the course, you will be exposed to highest levels of intellectual and cross-fertilising discourse aimed a sharpening your understanding of national issues.

    “You will be trained as strategic leaders, equipped with skills for policy engagement at the highest echelon of governance and decision-making,” he told the nominees.

    The DG appreciated the host community, Kuru, the people and government of Plateau for sustaining the harmonious relationship and the serene environment which the institute enjoyed for years.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Mr Yakubu Dakwak, Chief Judge of Plateau, administered an oath on the nominees to officially make them participants of Senior Executive Course 41, 2019.

    Dakwak urged the participants to take the oath seriously and understand the legal implications of not abiding by the oath.

    NAN

  • Democracy a mirage with continuing attacks, abductions – EYN Church

    Attacks and abductions by Boko Haram and herders are still constant and the government has a lot to do in curbing them if it means business about protecting the citizens and democratic governance, a church group has said.

    The Church of the Brethren in Nigeria, otherwise named Ekklesiyar ‘Yan’uwa A Nijeriya (EYN), which took the position during a conference of its leaders at the church’s headquarters in Kwarhi, in Hong Local Government Area of Adamawa State, said Nigeria had failed woefully in the restoration of peace to troubled communities.

    The President of the EYN, Rev Joel Billi, who delivered a speech at the 72nd General Church Council (GCC) Conference currently holding in Kwsrhi, said, “Boko Haram attack is almost on a daily basis. Thilamakalama (in Chibok LGA, Borno State) suffered several attacks before they were finally displaced from the village. Ngurthlavu (in Danboa LGA also Borno State) was attacked on March 13, 2019 where many houses were burnt and the terrorists left with two girls.”

    Read Also: Boko Haram attacks Michika, bombs bank

    He said people in government who had failed to secure the country were going about heavily guarded on public account while the rest of the people were left almost completely at the mercy of incessant attackers.

    “Nigeria is drifting day by day towards state of anarchy while we are busy blowing big grammar that we are practicing democracy. Honestly, we are far away from real democracy,” the EYN president asserted.

    The EYN General Church Council Conference, which started on Tuesday March 2 and will run up to Friday March 5 under the theme, ‘Looking unto Jesus, the Author and Finisher of our Faith,’ attracts about 1,500 pastors and other church leaders from about 700 congregations of the EYN in Nigeria and abroad.

     

  • Immunisation: Edo residents commend action against erring health workers

    Sequel to the order for relevant authorities to sanction health workers, who demand for money in exchange for immunisation in public hospitals across the state, residents in the state have hailed Governor Godwin Obaseki for moving against the erring workers.

    The residents said though the habit has festered for some time, the governor’s intervention will check the excesses of the exploitative health workers and ensure that services in public hospitals are efficient to attain the goal of the immunisation exercise.

    A cross-section of the residents, who spoke to journalists in Benin City, the Edo State capital, on Thursday, disclosed that the practise was rife among some health workers, as they  had converted the hospitals into a marketplace.

    Mr. Eghosa Osato, who said that the directive against the health workers was long overdue, said that he felt defrauded when he was made to pay for immunisation which he had later learnt was free.

    According to him, “The governor’s directive is a masterstroke, especially against the health workers who had turned the hospitals to trading spots. Immunisation is supposed to be public service and free of charge, so I was surprised when I was asked to pay when I went to get my son immunised in a hospital in Oredo Local Government.”

    Read Also: Fed Govt rallies northern monarchs to boost immunisation

    He lauded the governor for the move, as health workers who are caught will now be made to face the music, adding, “I am certain that this would serve as a deterrent to other workers, who see the service they offer the public as an avenue to enrich themselves.”

    Mrs. Blessing Igbinoba, a mother of two, said that the practice among health workers was condemnable, thanking the state government for stepping in to ensure that those who engage in the disgraceful practice are identified and disciplined.

    She said, “I have had to part with money when I went to get my two children immunised in one of the public hospitals in Egor Local Government Area. It is either they are asking us to pay for paracetamol before the children are immunised or they outrightly demand money. I knew it was bad, but what could I have done at the time. With the directive now, I know there would be a change in the way immunisation is administered. I want those who tarnish government image sanctioned to serve as a deterrent to others.”

     

  • My husband is violent, irresponsible, wife tells court

    A housewife, Martha Matthew, on Thursday, begged a Mararaba Upper Area Court in Nasarawa State to dissolve her 18-year-old marriage to Simon Audu over alleged  irresponsible behaviour and violence.

    According to her, Audu, who is an applicant for sometime now, has failed in his duties as husband and his attitude toward her has killed the love she had for him.

    She informed the court that she had been living with Audu for 18 years, although her dowry was not paid and the union produced four children, out of which, one is late.

    She alleged that “Audu is irresponsible and a very violent person and does not support me in providing school fees, clothing and proper feeding for the family.

    Read Also: Court remands two men for raping family friend’s daughter

    “Infact, I built the house that we are living presently.

    “He is in the habit of beating and embarrassing me publicly, to the extent that he uses cutlass to chase me round the neighbourhood.”

    The petitioner also told the court that she was no longer interested in the marriage and pleaded that it should be dissolved.

    She also begged for custody of the three children as she pleaded with the court to compel the respondent to vacate the house.

    The respondent, however, denied all the allegations, pleading for time to enable him to discuss and settle issues with his wife.

    The Judge, Mr Ibrahim Shekarau, adjourned the case until April 10 for hearing and consideration of settlement.

    NAN

  • Sokoto police arrest Nigerien gun fabricator, Alhassan

    The Sokoto state police command on Thursday confirmed the arrest of a gun fabricator, Ibrahim Alhassan.

    Alhassan who was arrested in Runbukawa village in neighbouring Niger republic was found in possession of two locally made Revolver Pistol with 18 rounds of live ammunition.

    In a release issued to press, the command’sr PPRO, DSP Muhammad Sadiq said a team of police patrol attached to Sabon Birni division in Sabon Birni local government on Tuesday arrested Alhassan in possession of two locally made Revolver Pistol with 18 improvised live ammunition.

    According to the police image in the release” Alhassan confessed to have sold two of the revolver pistol at Mailalle village of Sabon Birni LGA, Sokoto state at the rate of N10,000 each and confessed that he is the manufacturer of the said Revolver Pistols.”

    In a related development, the police on Wednesday recovered one Toyota Hilux of Mr. Tabia Muller, Head of Technical section Glo office, Sokoto, who was robbed at gunpoint.

    ” Muller was trapped by three armed men at his residence located at Bafarawa estate in the state metropolitan, which as a result was robbed of his official vehicle.

    ” Upon receive of the information a team of policemen went on a hill of the hoodlums and as a result of hot chase they had no option than to abandon the vehicle and run”, explained the police.

    Read Also: NAF, Police, DSS plan joint action against bandits, kidnappers in Northwest

    Meanwhile, efforts were being intensified to apprehend the hoodlums for possible arrest and subsequent prosecution.

    In the same vein, the police enjoined members of the public to always volunteer useful information that could assist to apprehend suspected criminals in the state.

    The police further assured that the command under the leadership of CP Ibrahim Kaoje will continue to ensure coordinated search and surveillance aimed at protecting lives and properties as well as rid Sokoto state of criminals and reduce crime.

     

     

  • Management shuts Poly Ibadan for six days

    Following the earlier decision of the management to suspend all activities of the Students Union Government, the management of The Polytechnic Ibadan has again directed all students of the institution to proceed on mid-semester break with immediate effect.

    The statement dated Thursday, April 4 and signed by the institutions Registrar, Mrs Modupe Fawale, the management said the police have been invited to ensure smooth vacation of the students from the campus to prevent breach of peace.

    The statement directed all students to report back for studies on April 10, 2019, urging parents and guardians to requests their children to return home.

    Read Also: Auchi Poly lecturer commits suicide

    The statement entitled “Poly management closes school for mid-semester break” reads in part, “The Authority of The Polytechnic Ibadan have closed the institution and the students are to proceed on Mid-Semester break immediately.

    “The students are to resume for studies on Wednesday, 10th April, 2019. All students are to vacate the halls of residence immediately.

    “The police have been invited to ensure smooth vacation of the students from the institution and prevent breach of peace.

    “Parents and guardians are advised to request their wards to return home immediately as the management of the institution will not be responsible for the care of any students during the mid-semester break.”

    The management had earlier in the day suspended all activities of the student leadership body following the series of clashes and infightings that follows the ongoing football competition organised by the student leadership.

  • Court sentences Ghanaian to five months in prison for stealing books

    A Karmo Grade I Area Court on Thursday sentenced a Ghanaian, Hillary Rogeis, to five months in prison for stealing three sacks of assorted reading books valued at N200,000.

    The police charged Rogeis and Ohadaka Linus who lives in Wuse Zone ll Abuja, with joint act and theft.

    Rogeis pleaded guilty to stealing but Linus denied committing the alleged offence.

    The judge, Inuwa Maiwada, sentenced Rogeis  with out an option to pay a fine.

    Maiwada also  ordered the deportation of the convict upon completion of his jail term.

    The judge admitted  Linus to bail in the sum of N150, 000, with one surety in like sum after he pleaded not guilty to the charge leveled against him.

    Read Also: Court remands two suspects for alleged kidnap, robbery

    Maiwada ordered that the surety must be reasonable, reliable, reside within the court jurisdiction and their addresses must be verified by a court staff.

    He also  said  that the surety must present copies of utility bills and identification cards.

    Maiwada adjourned the case until May 6, for hearing

    Earlier, the Police Prosecutor, Ijeoma Ukagha, told the court that one  Isa, of Karamajiji Abuja, reported the matter at the Utako Police Station Abuja, on March 30.

    Ukagha said that the complainant reported that Rogeis and Linus, broke into his store and stole books.

    She said during police investigation two sacks of the books  were recovered from them.

    The prosecutor also alleged that Rogeis was an ex-convict, a notorious criminal.

    Ukagha said that the offence contravened the provisions of  sections 79 and 288 of the Penal Code.

    NAN

  • Don’t go through vaginal delivery after two attempts of c-sections – Expert warns

    Dr Emmanuel Anthony, an Obstetrician and Gynaecologist with the Masaka Central Hospital, Karu, has advised women to avoid going through vaginal delivery after giving birth through caesarean section twice.

    He gave the advice in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Thursday in Abuja.

    Anthony noted that women who wished to try vaginal birth after two c-sections were at greater risk of complications and are less likely to succeed.

    He added that forced vaginal birth could lead to a uterine rupture, where the uterus tears open along the scar line from a previous caesarean delivery.

    “A woman whose pelvic and opening is narrow or not well developed is very likely to give birth through caesarean section.

    Read Also: The problem is my vagina

    “Most times, this pelvic and narrow opening could be inherited and has a history in a woman’s family.

    “However, it is possible for her to give birth vaginally after two c-sections, but medically; we advise them against it as it could lead to heavy bleeding, infection and brain damage to the baby and possibly death,” he said.

    Anthony however added that it was possible for a woman who had undergone c-section once to give birth vaginally with her consequent pregnancies.

    He noted that it was possible if the reason for the first c-section was not repeated in the second pregnancy.

    “Every c-section procedure has a reason, which could be due to lack of enough rest on the mother.

    “Fetal distress could also be a reason, where there is no adequate supply of oxygen to the baby.

    “When a baby is too big or when the baby is in a breech position, a c-section is often the only option,” he said.

    Anthony, on the other hand, advised women to always attend ante-natal classes to ensure proper monitoring of their health and the baby throughout the period of their pregnancy.

    NAN

  • Embark on massive project execution, Timi Frank tells PDP governors-elect

    Former Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Comrade Timi Frank wants all elected candidates of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) not to betray the confidence of the people, but to be strongly determined to embark on massive execution of projects that will have direct bearing on Nigerians.

    Frank in a congratulatory message to the elected PDP governors across the country also asked the courts to void the elections of all APC governors and do what he described as the needful, saying the governing party has lost the confidence of Nigerians and are no longer in position to win any free and fair election.

    The former APC spokesman who has since pitched his tent with the PDP also asked President Muhammadu Buhari to toe the part of honour and publicly apologised to Nigerians for being a beneficiary of an electoral process tinted with fraud.

    Read Also: PDP, Secondus congratulate Wike, others on victory

    Frank salutes the courage of Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers state, Bala Mohammed in Bauchi state and Fintiri in Adamawa state for fighting hard to defend the mandate of the people for the opposition party, while  felicitating with all other PDP governors-elect, Senators-elect, House of Representatives Members-elect and all the State House of Assembly members-elect across the country.

    He said the opposition PDP fought a good fight throughout the country despite what he described as “evil marriage and conspiracy by the APC government with security agencies and the electoral body to turn Nigeria to a one party state.”

    He said the ruling party “has now lost popularity in all the states of the federation, struggled to rig where it won and eventually becomes a regional party having lost massively in South-east and the South-south zones.

    “I make bold to say that the APC in Nigeria of today can never win a free, fair and credible election at all levels.”

    According to the former APC spokesman, the flood of petitions to Electoral Petition Tribunals across the states is an evidence of a sham and badly conducted election in the history of Nigeria under the APC government.

    “This election puts President Muhammadu Buhari’s integrity in question except he toes the path of late President Musa Yar’adua, who acknowledged that the election that brought him into office, was characterized by fraud and apologise to Nigerians.

    “When I raised alarms over plan to militarise the just concluded elections, some people didn’t take it serious but Nigerians could see how a government expected to protect them unleashed its institutions on them as video evidence of Ballot box snatching, intimidation of voters and massive manipulation of their votes were witnessed during the elections.

    “While I wholeheartedly congratulate the opposition PDP candidates across the country who could not be rigged, especially in Rivers, Bauchi, Adamawa, Oyo, Imo and others, I strongly believe that Judiciary will do the needful in Kano, Nasarawa, Kastina among other states where the will of the people were obviously manipulated.

    “I urge all the victorious PDP candidates to strongly determine to better the lot of their people who have repose confidence in them by massively embarking on projects and policies which will have direct positive bearing on the lives of Nigerians.”

    While calling on the PDP supporters to remain calm, Frank assured that the PDP and its presidential candidate, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, will reclaim the mandate freely given during the presidential election at the court of law.

  • Kogi CJ removal: Judicial workers threatens to shut courts, tribunals nationwide

    Judicial workers in the country under the auspices of the  Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria (JUSUN) has threatened to disrupt courts activities, as well tribunal setting across the country if the planned removal of the Chief Judge of Kogi state, Justice Nasir Ajanah is carried out.

    The Kogi State House of Assembly on Wednesday recommended the removal of the Chief Judge who has been having running battle with the state Governor, Yahaya Bello over none remittance of accrued revenue to the judiciary in the state which has led to five month old strike by workers in the sector.

    The Governor had earlier vowed to remove the CJ by all means.

    National President of JUSUN, Comrade Marwan Mustapha Adamu said such recommendation is null and void and cannot stand the test of time and Warner that the union will not guaranteed industrial harmony in the nation judiciary, as her members would be withdrawn from all courts in the country should the governor be allow to carry out his evil motive of removing the Chief Justice.

    Read Also: Gov. Bello plotting to sack CJ, Kogi judiciary alleges

    Comrade Mustapha said “we condemned this wicked recommendation for the removal of the Chief Judge of Kogi state, Justice Nasir Ajanah by the State House. We warned against total shut down of nation judiciary in solidarity with our members in the state who have being  on strike for five months over this matter and also that the matter is pending in Court.

    “We see this action by the lawmakers as an affront to the Judiciary and against doctrine of separation of powers as enshrined in the 1999 constitution as amended. We also believe that for the Assembly to even deliberate on the matter is subjudice, since the issue is before the court.

    “The national headquarters of the union had earlier seek for audience with the Governor on how best to resolve the matter but all do not avail”.

    The Nation gathered that judicial workers in the state have been on strike since December 2018 over non remittance of funds accruing to the state Judiciary resulting in eight months accumulated salary arrears.

    The workers  last month approach the National Industrial Court which they consider as only hope to common man, asking the court to determine “Whether Kogi State Judiciary is not entitled to, as of right, certain amounts in the Consolidated Revenue Fund of the state?

    They also want the court to decide whether the fund payable to the heads of courts in line with Section 231(3) of the 1999 constitution (as amended) and Section 5 of the Kogi State Public Finance (Judiciary Special Provisions) Law No 6 of 1991 and Whether the governor and his appointees, joined in the case have the power or right to withhold the Judiciary’s funds and thereby failing in the payment of monthly salaries, allowances and emoluments of judiciary staff.

    They also asked the Industrial Court to decide “Whether the Executive arm can place such conditions as staff screening, staff data capturing, table payment or any other condition, as a prerequisite for the release of the funds without respect for the doctrine of Separation of Powers, as envisaged by the constitution the Kogi State Public Finance Law?’’

    The union also urged the court to determine whether the Executive arm had the powers or constitutional right to usurp the powers of the JSC, by scheming to take over payment of judiciary staff salaries and other emoluments without reference to and approval of the Commission.

    It also sought the determination of the Industrial Court whether on the other hand, the Chief Judge and other heads of courts had received any subvention since July 1, 2018, and have refused to pay the salaries and emoluments of staff.

    JUSUN therefore urged the court to declare that subject to the provisions of the constitution and laws of Kogi State, amounts standing to the credit of Kogi State Judiciary in the Consolidated Revenue Fund of the state, be paid directly to the heads of courts.

    It also urged the court to declare that the Executive lacked the power to withhold funds accruing to the Judiciary, and its continued refusal to remit such funds were unconstitutional, illegal, ultra vires, wrong, null and void; and of no effect.

    The union further asked for an order of the court directing the full payment of the accumulated eight months subvention owed the three courts and the JSC.

    JUSUN also urged the court to restrain the executive from “taking steps that tend towards usurping the powers of the JSC in terms of payment of emoluments and discipline of judiciary staff’’.