News

By Uzair Adam 

The Association of Resident Doctors (ARD), Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), has initiated a three-day warning strike in protest of unpaid salaries, allowances, and other unresolved issues. 

The Daily Reality leaned that the strike has disrupted services at government hospitals across Abuja.

In a press briefing held on Wednesday in Abuja, Dr. George Ebong, President of ARD FCTA, explained that the strike followed the expiration of a three-week ultimatum issued last year. 

He lamented the neglect of healthcare workers’ welfare and hospitals in the nation’s capital.

Ebong called for urgent intervention from the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, to prevent an indefinite closure of hospitals in the region. 

He emphasized that the decision to go on strike was reached after a Congress held by ARD FCTA members on Tuesday.

The strike, which covers all government hospitals in Abuja, from Wuse to Asokoro, Maitama, Kubwa, Zuba, Kwali, Abaji, Nyanya, and others, follows months of unresolved demands. 

The doctors had earlier engaged in multiple dialogues with the authorities but saw no meaningful action, even after the government requested two additional weeks to address their grievances.

“We gave the government a three-week ultimatum to meet our demands, and after meeting them and discussing several times, nothing was done. Not even the minimum things. We expected the government to pay for the six months of unpaid arrears,” Ebong stated.

He criticized the neglect faced by doctors in Abuja, referring to them as “abandoned projects” and highlighting the urgent need for action to prevent the collapse of the healthcare system.

In December, ARD FCTA had warned of a possible shutdown if their demands were not met, with the current strike representing a call for immediate resolution. 

The association has warned that if their issues remain unaddressed after the three-day strike, they will consider an indefinite strike.

The full communique, also released at the press briefing, detailed the various concerns of the association, including unpaid salaries, delays in the Medical Residency Training Fund (MRTF), unfulfilled accoutrement allowances, unpaid hazard allowances, and the lack of necessary hospital equipment. 

The communiqué also stressed the shortage of manpower in the healthcare sector, with many doctors leaving the country due to poor working conditions and lack of support. 

It concluded with a plea for the government to act swiftly to avoid further deterioration of the healthcare system in Abuja.

By Uzair Adam

A former deputy director of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), Mr. Yisa Usman, has alleged that his life is under threat due to his efforts to expose corruption within the board.

Usman made the claim during cross-examination before Justice Osatohanmwen Obaseki-Osaghae at the National Industrial Court in Abuja, where he is challenging his dismissal from JAMB, which he claims was unlawful.

Responding to questions from JAMB’s counsel, A. A. Owonikoko, Usman admitted writing petitions to various government agencies, including the National Assembly, the Attorney-General of the Federation, and anti-corruption bodies, alleging financial mismanagement under the current registrar, Prof. Ishaq Oloyede.

Usman also acknowledged receiving queries from the board and an invitation to appear before a disciplinary committee prior to his dismissal.

While admitting to responding to the queries, he stated that he rejected the composition of the committee due to alleged bias.

“My Lord, I informed the committee that I could not trust its fairness as it comprised individuals implicated in the infractions I reported,” he said, denying claims that he refused to appear before the committee.

He further testified that he informed JAMB’s directors of his concerns through an email message dated May 18, 2023, in which he reiterated his resolve to fight corruption within the organization.

“The fight against corruption and abuse of authority is a responsibility of every Nigerian. My determination remains unshaken, despite the threats and attempts to intimidate me,” he told the court.

Usman also alleged that he had reported threats to his life to the Department of State Services (DSS) and the Inspector General of Police, claiming that if anything happened to him, the registrar, Prof. Ishaq Oloyede, and the Director of Finance and Accounts, Mr. Mufutau Bello, should be held responsible.

During the proceedings, Usman denied accusations that the criminal charges filed against him at the Federal High Court in Abuja were related to investigations into his allegations, stating that the charges were unrelated to the audit of JAMB’s finances conducted by the current registrar.

Justice Obaseki-Osaghae admitted several documents submitted by Usman’s counsel, Mohammed Shuaibu, as evidence, while reserving JAMB’s right to challenge their admissibility.

The court adjourned the case to February 27 for JAMB to present its defense.

It would be recalled that Usman has filed a N150 million lawsuit against JAMB, seeking reinstatement, full entitlements, and the nullification of his dismissal.

He has also requested a declaration that the disciplinary committee was improperly constituted and unable to guarantee him a fair hearing.

The case, marked NICN/ABJ/266/2023, remains ongoing.

By Uzair Adam

The Kano State Police Command has apprehended two individuals for allegedly assaulting a lecturer at the Kano State Polytechnic.

The Police Public Relations Officer, SP Abdullahi Haruna Kiyawa, disclosed that the suspects, identified as Khalid Hussain, 20, also known as Baffa, of Dorayi Quarters, and Khadija Hassan, 18, of Charanchi Quarters, are currently in custody at the Anti-Daba (Anti-Thuggery) department.

According to reports, the lecturer, Aliyu Hamza Abdullahi, lodged a complaint with the police, accusing Khadija of masterminding the attack. She allegedly blamed the lecturer for obstructing her transfer to a preferred department due to insufficient grades.

In response, she reportedly contacted her fiancé, Khalid, who is said to have entered the lecturer’s office armed with a cutlass, striking him on the head.

The institution’s Public Relations Officer, Auwal Isma’ila Bagwai, confirmed the incident and commended the swift response of students and staff, which helped contain the situation before it escalated further.

SP Kiyawa assured the public that the suspects would face prosecution while noting the importance of maintaining order and safety within academic environments.

Meanwhile, the injured lecturer is reportedly recovering, as investigations into the matter continue.

By Maryam Ahmad

The Trump administration has reportedly issued a directive restricting the display of flags on government buildings, embassies, and military bases worldwide. According to a report by the Washington Free Beacon, which obtained a copy of the document, the new policy permits only the U.S. flag and select military symbols to be flown.

Although the directive does not explicitly mention specific flags, media outlets have interpreted the move as a ban on displaying symbols such as LGBT and Black Lives Matter (BLM) flags, which were frequently flown alongside the U.S. flag during the Biden administration.

This policy aligns with Trump’s broader cultural stance, including a previous decree recognising only two genders—male and female—in official U.S. government documents and policies.

The decision has sparked debate. Supporters praise the emphasis on national and military symbols, while critics view it as a step back in terms of inclusivity and representation.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

Kaduna State High Court has once again refused to grant bail to the former Chief of Staff to the former Governor of Kaduna State, Malam Nasir El-Rufai, Alhaji Bashir Sa’idu.

The court has ordered that he be returned to custody after being charged with 10 counts of alleged corruption, embezzlement, and theft during the administration of Malam Nasir El-Rufai.

When the case was resumed before Justice Isa Aliyu on Tuesday, the 10 charges were read to the defendant, to which he pleaded not guilty.

Among the charges, Sa’idu is accused of selling $45 million of the Kaduna State government’s funds—equivalent to N18.45 billion—at a rate of N498 per dollar, which allegedly resulted in a loss of N3.96 billion to the state government.

According to the prosecution, the offense occurred in 2022 when Sa’idu was serving as the Commissioner for Finance in El-Rufai’s government.

The prosecutors further stated that Sa’idu is accused of embezzling N3.96 billion, which violates Section 18 of the 2022 Anti-Corruption Act.

The defendant’s lawyer, M.I. Abubakar, informed the court that there was a need for bail to be granted to his client, as he had already spent 21 days in custody since his arrest on January 2, 2025.

He also informed the court that a bail application had been filed on January 16, 2025, adding that granting bail would allow Sa’idu to properly prepare his defense against the charges.

However, the prosecution’s counsel, Professor Nasiru Aliyu, objected to the bail request, stating that the law allows the prosecution seven days to respond to the bail application.

After a 40-minute recess, Justice Isa Aliyu ruled that the prosecution should be given sufficient time as provided by the law to respond to the bail request.

The court has adjourned the case to January 23, 2025, for further consideration of the bail application.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has achieved an unprecedented success in revenue collection for 2024 after surpassing its target by a significant margin.

This was revealed in a summary of all revenues collected by the service as seen below:

The total revenue collected reached NGN6.105 trillion, representing a 20.2% increase over the 2024 target of NGN5.079 trillion.

This remarkable figure also reflects a 90.4% increase compared to the 2023 collection of NGN3.206 trillion.

Several factors have contributed to this outstanding performance, including increased trade activities and intensified enforcement measures by the NCS.

The highest monthly collection ever recorded was in October 2024, with NGN604 billion.

Federation revenue amounted to NGN3.657 trillion, while non-federation revenue totaled NGN816 billion.

Import VAT collection reached NGN1.631 trillion, and concessions granted to stimulate economic growth amounted to NGN1.682 trillion.

Furthermore, the NCS recorded a significant reduction in concessions, with a 57.52% decrease compared to the NGN3.959 trillion granted in 2023.

Regarding waivers, duty waivers totaled NGN723 billion, levy waivers amounted to NGN372.65 billion, and VAT waivers reached NGN586.65 billion.

The service has implemented various strategies, including the deployment of modern technology and strengthening its enforcement capabilities.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

An Iranian court has reportedly sentenced Amir Hossein Maghsoudloo, popularly known as Tataloo, to death for blasphemy following an appeal.

Local media revealed that the decision came after the prosecutor objected to an earlier five-year prison sentence.

“The supreme court accepted the prosecutor’s objection,” reported Etemad, a reformist newspaper, on Sunday.

According to the paper, the case was reopened, and the defendant was subsequently sentenced to death for “insulting the prophet,” referring to Prophet Muhammad (SAW).

The ruling, however, is not final and may still be appealed, according to reports.

Tataloo, a 37-year-old underground musician who blends rap, pop, and R&B, had been living in Istanbul since 2018.

He was extradited to Iran by Turkish authorities in December 2023 and has been in detention ever since.

The singer was also sentenced to 10 years for allegedly promoting “prostitution” and faced charges in other cases, including spreading “propaganda” against the Islamic Republic and sharing “obscene content.”

Tataloo, who is known for his extensive tattoos, was once embraced by conservative Iranian politicians to appeal to liberal-minded youth.

In 2017, he even participated in a televised meeting with Iran’s ultra-conservative president at the time, Ebrahim Raisi, who later died in a helicopter crash.

In 2015, Tataloo released a song supporting Iran’s nuclear programme, which was part of a deal to dismantle it in exchange for sanctions relief.

This agreement, however, fell apart in 2018 during the presidency of Donald Trump.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

President Bola Tinubu is currently hosting a closed-door meeting with Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara and leaders from Ogoniland’s four Local Government Areas at the Council Chamber of the State House.

Observers noted the arrival of the delegation led by Fubara, which includes notable figures such as Senators Lee Maeba, Magnus Abe, Olaka Nwogu, Barry Mpigi, Victor Giadom, Kenneth Kobani, Monsignor Pius Kii, Ledum Mitee, and Prof. B. Fakae.

Around 2:45 pm, the official vehicle of Nyesom Wike, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, was seen arriving at the venue.

Key federal officials at the meeting include National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, Chief of Staff Femi Gbajabiamila, Minister of Information and National Orientation Idris Mohammed, Minister of Regional Development Abubakar Momoh, Minister of Environment Balarabe Abbas, and the Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, Mele Kyari.

Although the meeting’s agenda has not been officially disclosed, it is widely speculated to focus on the Ogoni clean-up project and discussions about resuming oil exploration in Ogoniland, Rivers State.

The Federal Government has raised concerns over the prolonged suspension of oil activities in the region, emphasizing its impact on the nation’s economy.

The Niger Delta Development Commission’s Managing Director, Samuel Ogbuku, previously expressed concern over the conflicts that halted oil exploration in Ogoniland, which have led to significant losses in national revenue amidst growing energy challenges.

Meanwhile, a coalition of civil society organizations has demanded $1 trillion for the Niger Delta’s environmental clean-up and compensation for livelihood losses before crude oil production resumes.

In a joint statement, groups including Environmental Rights Action/Friends of the Earth Nigeria and the Health of Mother Earth Foundation criticized the government’s plan to restart oil production, describing it as neglecting environmental justice.

The coalition also referenced a 2011 UNEP report that documented widespread environmental damage in Ogoniland caused by oil exploration, citing severe pollution of land, water, and air.Further updates on the meeting are expected.

By Uzair Adam  

The Chief Medical Directors (CMDs) of University Teaching Hospitals and Federal Medical Centres have expressed concerns about a looming staff crisis. Doctors, nurses, and other healthcare professionals are leaving Nigeria in large numbers due to poor salaries and working conditions.  

During the 2025 budget defence session before the House of Representatives Committee on Health Institutions, the CMDs noted that despite significant federal government investments in health infrastructure, the mass exodus of healthcare workers weakens the country’s healthcare delivery system.  

The Chief Medical Director of Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), Professor Wasiu Adeyemo, described the trend as alarming, warning that if immediate steps are not taken, the nation’s hospitals could soon be empty.  

“Resignations occur almost daily,” Adeyemo stated. “In one or two years, our hospitals may become empty. The main reason people leave is economic. Consultants are earning less than $1,000 monthly. 

“Without addressing remuneration, all government investments in infrastructure will be wasted,” he added.

He reported that LUTH’s 2024 budget included N19.2 billion, with N13.57 billion allocated for personnel and just N33.2 million for overhead costs. 

While personnel performance reached 91 per cent by December, only 45 per cent of the capital project budget had been utilized.  

For 2025, LUTH proposes a budget of N32.7 billion, with N20.3 billion allocated for personnel. 

Adeyemo emphasized the need for improved funding to prevent further resignations and ensure the hospital’s functionality.  

Similarly, the Chief Medical Director of University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan, Professor Jesse Abiodun, decried delays in releasing budgeted funds. 

He revealed that UCH had a capital appropriation of N5.59 billion in 2024, but only 38 per cent of the funds were released.  

“We still have 72 per cent of the funds outstanding,” Abiodun said. “We could only utilize the 38 per cent because we had prepared a cash plan in advance.”  

UCH has proposed a capital budget of N4.39 billion and an overhead budget of N690 million for 2025, which Abiodun said is insufficient, especially given rising utility costs such as electricity.  

The House Committee on Health Institutions Chairman, Hon. Patrick Umoh, urged the CMDs to provide comprehensive presentations detailing their budgetary needs and challenges. 

He noted that the committee would continue reviewing submissions to address the critical issues facing Nigeria’s tertiary health institutions.  

The CMDs reiterated the urgent need for government intervention, stressing that improving remuneration and timely funding release is crucial to averting a healthcare crisis.

By Muhsin Ibrahim

Umar Maikudi, also known as Cashman, was elected as the National President of the Motion Picture Practitioners Association of Nigeria (MOPPAN) at an event held in Nasarawa State on 18 January 2025.

As the newly elected National President, Maikudi expressed gratitude and enthusiasm for collaborating with filmmakers and film scholars to explore potential partnerships that could benefit the film industry. 

In a message sent to media houses across Nigeria, the president stated, “Let’s work together to drive growth and development in the sector.”

Maikudi concluded by encouraging others to “feel free to reach out to me to discuss potential collaborations and partnerships.”

Hailing from Kaduna, Maikudi has been a film scholar and actor for many years. He has appeared in several films, including the Netflix series War: Wrath and Revenge, part of the famed Sons of the Caliphate drama.