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FCT Doctors Begin Warning Strike Over Sack Of Health Workers

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Healthcare services across the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), were grounded as doctors under the employ of the FCT Administration commenced a three-day warning strike following the dismissal of 127 health workers.
The decision was made at the end of an emergency congress of the Association of Resident Doctors, ARD-FCTA, on Monday, where all public hospitals were asked to commence the strike from at 8am on Tuesday.
ARD-FCTA in a communique released at the end of the meeting, said the industrial action had become necessary following the stoppage of their April salaries by the FCT Civil Service Commission.
The communique jointly signed by the President and General Secretary of the association, Dr. George Ebong and Dr Agbor Affiong respectively, described the government’s decision to remove the affected workers from the payroll without any prior notice, proper consultation, or due process as arbitrary and unjust.
According to the ARD, the workers comprising doctors, nurses, pharmacists, laboratory scientists, and non-clinical staff, were wrongly labelled as ghost workers and absconders, despite still being actively involved in hospital operations.
The FCT Hospital Management Board, the Medical and Dental Consultants’ Association of Nigeria, MDCAN, and other relevant health authorities were not consulted prior to the action, which the doctors say violated established administrative procedures.
The communique reads in part, “We observe with deep anger and utmost disappointment the arbitrary and unjust withholding of April salaries affecting 127 members of our association and other health workers, despite these staff undergoing the tedious verification process organized by the commission.
“This action was taken without any prior notice or due diligence, and this is completely unacceptable.
“We noticed how outrageously these workers were falsely tagged as having absconded and their names removed from payment platform by the Civil Service Commission, even though hospital services have continued uninterrupted.”
They further stated that, “Over 100 dedicated staff have now been denied their rightful earnings – a disgraceful decision that has caused untold emotional, physical, psychological, and financial hardship.”
The association also condemned the lack of communication from the FCT Hospital Management Board, with several hospital managing directors stating they were blindsided by the sackings.
Three managing directors and other health management personnel have reportedly been directly impacted by the Commission’s decision.
“What is equally disturbing is the complete exclusion of key stakeholders from this decision-making process by the Civil Service Commission.
“The Medical Directors of the affected hospitals, the Director General of the Hospital Management Board, the Permanent Secretary of Health, and even the Mandate Secretary were all sidelined. This lack of consultation reveals a clear breakdown in governance and accountability.
“Even more infuriating is the behavior of the Civil Service Commission. Their actions have gone beyond inefficiency – they have become a source of frustration and deliberate sabotage.
“The Chairman and staff of the Commission have shown blatant arrogance, rudeness, and disdain toward staff who approach them for legitimate inquiries.
“The utterances of the Civil Service Commission ranges from threatening words to mockery of health workers.
“They delay routine processes like post-Part 2 conversions, skipping, and promotions simply to assert irrelevant control and power. This kind of toxic and bureaucratic recklessness cannot be allowed to continue.”
The ARD-FCTA is demanding the immediate reinstatement of the affected workers and their inclusion back on the payroll, the payment of their withheld April salaries without delay, a written apology from the Chairman of the FCT Civil Service Commission, Dr. Emeka Ezeh, acknowledging the distress caused by the wrongful dismissal, and the immediate resignation of Dr. Ezeh, who the doctors accuse of fostering administrative sabotage and toxic leadership.
The doctors have given the FCT Minister Barr. Nyesom Wike a three-day ultimatum, ending Friday, May 9, 2025, to address their grievances. Failure of which, the ARD-FCTA has warned of an indefinite strike that will bring all public hospitals in the FCT to a standstill.
In addition to the warning strike, the doctors have announced plans for a peaceful protest march to the FCT Administration headquarters, seeking urgent intervention from Minister Wike.

FCT Doctors Begin Warning Strike Over Sack Of Health Workers

Healthcare services across the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), were grounded as doctors under the employ of the FCT Administration commenced a three-day warning strike following the dismissal of 127 health workers.

The decision was made at the end of an emergency congress of the Association of Resident Doctors, ARD-FCTA, on Monday, where all public hospitals were asked to commence the strike from at 8am on Tuesday.

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ARD-FCTA in a communique released at the end of the meeting, said the industrial action had become necessary following the stoppage of their April salaries by the FCT Civil Service Commission.

The communique jointly signed by the President and General Secretary of the association, Dr. George Ebong and Dr Agbor Affiong respectively, described the government’s decision to remove the affected workers from the payroll without any prior notice, proper consultation, or due process as arbitrary and unjust.

According to the ARD, the workers comprising doctors, nurses, pharmacists, laboratory scientists, and non-clinical staff, were wrongly labelled as ghost workers and absconders, despite still being actively involved in hospital operations.

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The FCT Hospital Management Board, the Medical and Dental Consultants’ Association of Nigeria, MDCAN, and other relevant health authorities were not consulted prior to the action, which the doctors say violated established administrative procedures.

The communique reads in part, “We observe with deep anger and utmost disappointment the arbitrary and unjust withholding of April salaries affecting 127 members of our association and other health workers, despite these staff undergoing the tedious verification process organized by the commission.

“This action was taken without any prior notice or due diligence, and this is completely unacceptable.

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“We noticed how outrageously these workers were falsely tagged as having absconded and their names removed from payment platform by the Civil Service Commission, even though hospital services have continued uninterrupted.”

They further stated that, “Over 100 dedicated staff have now been denied their rightful earnings – a disgraceful decision that has caused untold emotional, physical, psychological, and financial hardship.”

The association also condemned the lack of communication from the FCT Hospital Management Board, with several hospital managing directors stating they were blindsided by the sackings.

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Three managing directors and other health management personnel have reportedly been directly impacted by the Commission’s decision.

“What is equally disturbing is the complete exclusion of key stakeholders from this decision-making process by the Civil Service Commission.

READ ALSO: Power Outage: UCH Resident Doctors Embark On Indefinite Strike

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“The Medical Directors of the affected hospitals, the Director General of the Hospital Management Board, the Permanent Secretary of Health, and even the Mandate Secretary were all sidelined. This lack of consultation reveals a clear breakdown in governance and accountability.

“Even more infuriating is the behavior of the Civil Service Commission. Their actions have gone beyond inefficiency – they have become a source of frustration and deliberate sabotage.

“The Chairman and staff of the Commission have shown blatant arrogance, rudeness, and disdain toward staff who approach them for legitimate inquiries.

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“The utterances of the Civil Service Commission ranges from threatening words to mockery of health workers.

“They delay routine processes like post-Part 2 conversions, skipping, and promotions simply to assert irrelevant control and power. This kind of toxic and bureaucratic recklessness cannot be allowed to continue.”

The ARD-FCTA is demanding the immediate reinstatement of the affected workers and their inclusion back on the payroll, the payment of their withheld April salaries without delay, a written apology from the Chairman of the FCT Civil Service Commission, Dr. Emeka Ezeh, acknowledging the distress caused by the wrongful dismissal, and the immediate resignation of Dr. Ezeh, who the doctors accuse of fostering administrative sabotage and toxic leadership.

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The doctors have given the FCT Minister Barr. Nyesom Wike a three-day ultimatum, ending Friday, May 9, 2025, to address their grievances. Failure of which, the ARD-FCTA has warned of an indefinite strike that will bring all public hospitals in the FCT to a standstill.

In addition to the warning strike, the doctors have announced plans for a peaceful protest march to the FCT Administration headquarters, seeking urgent intervention from Minister Wike.

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Oba of Benin Renews Bond With Ancestral Relations, Nigerians During Emorhọ Feast

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The palace of the Oba of Benin was agog with activities during the 2025 Emorhọ fest, declared by Omo N’Oba N’Edo Uku, Uku Akpolokpolo, Ewuare II, Oba of Benin as part of activities to mark the ancient Emorhọ, otherwise known as the ‘New Yam Festival’.

Oba of Benin, who reenacted the age-long festival, renewed the bond that exist between him and his ancestral relations from Issele-Uku in Aniocha North Local Government Area of Delta State at the event, which attracted dignitaries, including Benin people, indigenes and non-indigenes across Edo State.

Members of the Benin Royal family, Edionwere (village heads), youth leaders across the various communities in Benin, market women group, palace chiefs, traditional priests and priestesses in Benin, were also in attendance.

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READ ALSO:Oba Of Benin Declares Two-week Fasting, Prayer For Edo

A special prayer offered on behalf of the palace by Chief Enorense Ozigbo-Esere, the Osuma of Benin, paved the way for the commencement of the feast, where Secretary to the Benin Traditional Council, Frank Irabor, welcomed guests and highlighted the essence of the gathering.

Speaking in an interview, Oba Ewuare younger ancestral relations from Issele-Uku led by Chief Michael Odiakosa, expressed delight for the privilege to be part of the historic celebration.

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He explained the relationship between Benin and Issele-Uku, reaffirming that, “Issele-Uku is an extension of Benin Kingdom. We are all descendants of Benin. So, we are at home”.

READ ALSO:Oba Of Benin Ushers In ‘Emorọ’

We are in a safe place. We came to celebrate the festival with our father, the Omo N’ Oba, and we are happy to be here”, Odiakosa said.

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On his part, 99-year-old Pa. Paul Osarumwense Oyemwen, the Odionwere of Orior-Ozolua community in Uhunmwode LGA who thanked the Oba for the gesture, said the festival is not new in Benin and it’s devoid of sacrifices.

Expressing her appreciation to the Oba of Benin, the ‘Edo markets leader’, Pastor (Mrs) Josephine Ibhaguezejele, noted that members of the group have been waiting anxiously for the opportunity to partake in the yearly festival, while praying God that the blessings of the festival to transform lives.

Also speaking, Pa. Daniel Osunde, the Odionwere of Idumwun-owina, N’ Iyeke-orhiomwon, also prayed for the Oba and thanked the first Class traditional ruler for his foresight.

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Excited guests in their numbers were fed with African delicacy, amid dancing and jubilation, while members of Isikhian women group who gave a good account of their stewardship, were not left out in the celebration by the Oba who rewarded them with cash gift and other items in acknowledgement their duties in Benin.

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Okpebholo Poised To Surpassing People’s Expectations — Edo Deputy Gov

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Edo deputy governor, Hon Dennis Idahosa has assured that the Governor Monday Okpebholo-led administration is poised to surpass the expectations of the people of the state in terms of campaign promises fulfilment.

Idahosa said that the administration had hit the grand running right from the day of inauguration by identifying and prioritising the key areas of the SHINE agenda for implementation.

A statement by Mr Friday Aghedo, Chief Press Secretary to the deputy governor, said Idahosa spoke when he received the prestigious Peace Ambassador Award from the International Association of World Peace Advocates (IAWPA).

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The award ceremony held at the deputy governor’s office during a courtesy visit by the leadership of the IAWPA led by the President, Amb. Per Stafsen, the South-South Coordinator/Edo state Director, Amb. Amos Areloegbe, and other zonal representatives.

READ ALSO:Okpebholo Warns Companies Against Fuelling Edo–Delta Boundary Dispute

“We pray, by the grace of God, Edo State will surpass the expectations of the people when we are through with our tenure,” he declared.

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Idahosa described the recognition as a source of pride, not just for him, but for the Governor Monday Okpebholo-led administration.

Governor Okpebholo is a man of peace, and his government stands firmly for peace. This award is a validation of his unwavering commitment to building a safe and harmonious Edo State,” he said.

The Deputy Governor emphasized that peace and security remain central pillars of the government’s five-point SHINE agenda, noting that collaboration with traditional institutions, religious leaders, and civil society organizations has been vital in sustaining stability across the state.

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Peace is extremely important in any society. Where there is peace, there is security; where insecurity prevails, peace cannot exist.

“This recognition today strengthens our resolve to continue being ambassadors of peace,” Idahosa stated.

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On his part, Amb. Amos Areloegbe noted that IAWPA, a United Nations–certified body aligned with the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), deliberately chose Edo State to commemorate the International Day of Non-Violence on October 2.

According to him, “Edo State remains one of the most peaceful states in the federation, hence our choice to celebrate here.”

The investiture was hailed by observers as not only an honour to Idahosa but also as an acknowledgment of Edo’s growing reputation as a bastion of peace under Governor Okpebholo’s leadership.

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Ogoni Women Protest Resumption Of Oil Production, Demand Accountability In $1Bn Cleanup Funds

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Ogoni women drawn from all works of life have come out to protest against the resumption of oil production in the area without proper negotiation.

The women expressed anger over the non-transparent nature of the entire oil resumption exercise, accusing the government of attempting to manipulate them into giving up on their demands as expressed in the Ogoni Bill of Rights (OBR).

The women further demanded that the Nigerian government account for $300million Ogoni infrastructure development fund which is alleged to have been diverted by some key government personalities in alliance with some Ogoni leaders.

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They further demanded accountability for the $1Billion Ogoni cleanup funds which they said is a failed project.

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The women, who marched on the streets of Bori, the traditional headquarters of Ogoni, accused the government of neglecting the core demands of the Ogoni people including the demand for the creation of a Bori State and compensation for livelihood losses due to decades of devastating oil spills in the lands.

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“We lost everything, crops, drinking water sources, food and farming lands and we now live with strange illnesses which ultimately will lead to our death. No one is interested in all that. The only thing the government is interested in is our oil resources. We reject the insensitivity of the government and we want to be heard”; one of the protesters who pleaded anonymity told Ogoninews.

Another speaker, Mrs Helen Huoma said the plot to resume oil production in Ogoni is deceptive.

“The oil industry people are always lying. They will tell us something and do another. When we ask our MOSOP leaders, they tell us they know nothing about what the government and the oil industry are doing. It’s all a bunch of confusion and deceit. We will resist this move because we paid heavily to give Ogoni a name and the pride it has today”

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A woman identified as Janet from Gokana Local Government Area alleged that the Nigerian government has never been interested in the welfare of the Ogoni people.

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She alleged that the government had only been interested in the oil and after that, they appeased political leaders with contracts to suppress local residents.

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“All they do is deceive the Ogoni people and we continue to suffer in the midst of abundant natural resources. If they can divert $300million, then how can we trust them? Before we start, let them account for the $300 million and the cleanup program which, at least, should have solved some basic problems.”

The Nigerian President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu had recently directed the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu to engage the NNPC Limited and work out modalities for the resumption of oil production in Ogoni. This directive followed a meeting with some Ogoni leaders in Aso Rock, Presidential Villa.

The president had also recently granted pardon to the Ogoni nine including Ken Saro-Wiwa and to four Ogoni leaders who were murdered on May 21, 1995. The Abacha regime had blamed Ken Saro-Wiwa for the murders and executed him along with 8 others on November 10, 1995 despite global outcry acknowledging their innocence.

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Following the executions, a United Nations fact finding team visited Nigeria. The team acknowledged that the entire trial process was flawed and noted that Nigeria did not even follow the minimal prescription of its own laws in the conduct of the trial.

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