MINIMUM WAGE: FG BLAMES LABOUR FOR DELAY IN IMPLEMENTATION, SAYS THEIR DEMAND TOO HIGH

The federal government has attributed delay in the implementation of the “consequential adjustment” of the N30,000 new minimum wage to the unrealistic demands of labour unions.

The chairman of National Salaries, Income and Wages Commission, Richard Egbule, made this known in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja on Monday, August 12.

Egbule explained that the current demand of the labour unions would raise the total wage bill too high and that was why government could not accept their proposed salary adjustments.

“Labour is asking for consequential adjustment and government in its wisdom had made budgetary provision for an adjustment of N10, 000 across board for those already earning above N30, 000 per month.

“However, the unions have refused this offer, saying that because the increase in minimum wage from 18,000 to N30, 000 was 66%, therefore they want 66% increment across board.

“We told them that the minimum wage was not raised from N18,000 to N30,000 through percentage increase but as a result of consideration of economic factors including ability to pay, " he said.

He further explained how the delay came about, giving clearer details on the conflicts in the percentage adjustment.

“However, we said that if they want consequential adjustments in percentage terms, we will use a percentage that when applied will not exceed what has been provided for in the budget.

“The computation based on percentage which government had given to labour, was 9.5% from level 7 to 14 including level 1-6 of those salary structures that did not benefit from the minimum wage.

“And then five percent from level 15 to 17. Labour countered the offer and proposed 30 per cent increase for level 7 to 14 and 25% for level 15 to 17.

“One point we keep repeating is, it will be unfair that because you gave the person earning minimum wage N12, 000, you give a level 17 officer almost N100, 000 if you apply 25 percent,’’he said.

Egbule said that at the last meeting between the Federal Government and the labour unions, the government proposed a 10% increment for level seven to 14 and a 5.5% increase for level 15 to 17.

He advised labour to come to a compromise because government had so far been magnanimous in agreeing to increase salaries without any threat of downsizing.

“Labour is currently stretching out and eating up the time that people could have used in benefiting from the adjustment because the new minimum wage was implemented since April.

“My advice is for labour to accept the terms for now and prepare to fight for the harmonization of salaries that is coming up. Harmonization of salaries will take care of this issue.

“The committee has already been formed and awaiting inauguration. I want them (labour) to know this and liberate us from this unnecessary log jam,” he said.

Egbule reiterated the commission’s commitment to giving sound advice to the government on the portion of national income that should be devoted to the payment of salaries and wages.

NIGERIAN ARMY DIRECT SHORT SERVICE COMMISSION COURSE 24/2019

         

1. Applications are invited from eligible Nigerians for commission into the Nigerian Army (NA) as Direct Short Service Commission (DSSC) officers. The DSSC is open to both civilians and serving military personnel.  Only serving military personnel sponsored by any of the Services of the Nigerian Armed Forces to civil institutions shall be considered.

CORPS AND SERVICES

2. Applications should be into any of the following Corps and Services of the NA:

NIGERIAN ARMY ENGINEERS.   Applicants must possess a minimum of BSc (Eng), B Engr (Second Class Lower) degree or HND (Lower Credit) in any of the following areas: Civil, Electrical, Mechanical and Building Engineering. Others are Architecture, Quantity/Estate/Land Surveying, Town Planning, Geology or Geographic Information Systems.

NIGERIAN ARMY SIGNALS.       Applicants must possess a minimum of BSc              (Second Class Lower) degree or HND (Lower Credit) in any of the following areas: Electrical/Electronic Engineering, Computer Engineering, Telecommunications Engineering, Satellite Communication, Computer Science, Management

INFORMATION SYSTEMS.
Nigerian Army Intelligence Corps.
Applicants must possess a minimum of BSc, BA (Second Class Lower) degree or HND (Lower Credit) in any of the following areas:   Psychology, Computer Information Management, Computer Data mining,  Intelligence Analysis, Forensic Science.

NIGERIAN ARMY CORPS OF SUPPLY AND TRANSPORT.      Applicants must possess a minimum of BSc, BA (Second Class Lower) degree or HND (Lower Credit) in any of the following areas:  Catering and Hotel Management, Food Technology, Shipping and Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Economics or Marketing. A good working experience will be an added advantage.

NIGERIAN ARMY ORDNANCE CORPS.
Applicants must possess a minimum of BSc, B Engr, BA (Second Class Lower) degree or HND (Lower Credit) in any of the following areas: 
Purchasing and Supply, Chemistry, Computer Science & Engineering, Economics, Business Administration, Ballistics, Physics, Production Engineering, Textile & Material Management, Logistics & Supply Management and Public Administration.

NIGERIAN ARMY ELECTRICAL AND MECHANICAL ENGINEERS.     
Applicants must possess a minimum of B Eng, BSc (Eng) (Second Class Lower) degree or HND (Lower Credit) in any of the following areas: Automotive, Electronics, Mechatronics, Systems, Weapon and Marine Engineering. Others are Marine Architecture, Material Science and Computer Engineering. Such academic fields must be registered with the Nigerian Society of Engineers and Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN).

NIGERIAN ARMY MEDICAL CORPS.
Medical and Dental Consultants.            Applicants could belong to either of the following fields of specialization such as General Surgery, Orthopaedic Surgery, Anesthesia, Neuro Surgery, Cardiothoracic, ENT Surgeons, Physicians (Cardiologists, Endocrinologist, Nephrologists and Neurologists), Ophthalmologists as well as Obstetrics and Gynaecologists,

PAEDIATRICIANS AND FAMILY PHYSICIANS. 
Applicants must also consider the following criteria:
Must be Fellow of the National Postgraduate Medical College of Nigeria or equivalent Postgraduate Medical College.
Not be more than 40 years of age.
Must have full registration of Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN) for the undergraduate degree and additional qualification registration as appropriate.
Must have current MDCN licence to practice as a specialist.

GENERAL DUTY MEDICAL/DENTAL OFFICERS.      
Applicants must possess MBBS/BDS or equivalent with not more than 5 years post - qualification experience and must be fully registered with the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria.

OPTOMETRISTS. 
Applicants must possess Doctor of Optometry (O.D.) degree and must be registered with the appropriate professional body.

DENTAL THERAPISTS AND DENTAL TECHNOLOGISTS.
Applicants must possess Higher Diplomas and must be fully registered with relevant professional bodies.

CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGISTS. Applicants must possess BSc in Clinical Psychology.

NURSES.
Applicants must possess BSc Nursing with full registration with the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria.

PHARMACISTS.
Applicants must possess Bachelor of Pharmacy and must be fully registered with the Pharmacist Council of Nigeria.

PROFESSIONALS ALLIED TO MEDICINE.
Applicants must possess a minimum of Second Class Lower degree in any of the following areas: Radiology - Medical Image Science, Hospital Administration, BMLS, AIMLS, and AIMLT - Medical Laboratory Science, Physiotherapy, Environmental Health Workers, Nutrition/Dietetics, Health Service Administration and Health Information Management.

NOTE: All applicants for Medical Corps, are expected to present proof of registration with their professional regulatory bodies and current practicing license.

NIGERIAN ARMY BAND CORPS.           
Applicants must possess a minimum of BA (Second Class Lower) degree or HND Lower Credit or equivalent in Music with L.R.A.M and A.R.C.M.

NIGERIAN ARMY CORPS OF MILITARY POLICE.   
Applicants must possess LLB BL, and a minimum of BSc, BA (Second Class Lower) degree or HND (Lower Credit) in any of the following areas: Criminology, Sociology, Psychology.

NIGERIAN ARMY FINANCE CORPS.      
Applicants must possess a minimum of BA (Second Class Lower) degree in any of the following areas: Economics, Accountancy, and Business Administration or HND (Lower Credit) in Business and Accounts.  Registration with any of the following Professional Accountancy qualification is compulsory: ICAN, ANAN, ACMA, ACCA, ACA. 

NIGERIAN ARMY EDUCATION CORPS.          
Applicants must possess a minimum of Second Class Lower degree in any of the following areas: BSc (Ed) in Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics, Biology, Library/Information Science and B Ed in French, Portuguese, German and English Languages. 

NOTE:  
All applicants for Education Corps, are expected to present proof of registration with their professional regulatory bodies.

DIRECTORATE OF CHAPLAIN SERVICES (PROTESTANT).   Applicants must possess minimum of BA (Second Class Lower) degree in Pastoral Psychology, New Testament Theology, Old Testament Theology, Pastoral Counseling and Child Evangelism from any of the Seminaries/Universities recognized by the NA

DIRECTORATE OF CHAPLAIN SERVICES (PROTESTANT). Applicants must belong to one of the 18 major denominations of the protestant faith.  Soldier applicants must have served the NA with a minimum of 5 years experience in Chaplaincy work and must be vetted and recommended by the NA Directorate of Chaplain Services (Protestant).

DIRECTORATE OF CHAPLAIN SERVICES (ROMAN CATHOLIC).   Applicants must possess a minimum of Bachelor (Second Class Lower) degree in any of the following areas:  Philosophy and Theology from a Roman Catholic approved seminary, affiliated to a National Universities Commission accredited University or Urbanian University, Rome. Applicants must have good standing in the church and be also released by a Diocesan Bishop. 
Applicants must be vetted and recommended by the NA Directorate of Chaplain Services (Roman Catholic).

DIRECTORATE OF ISLAMIC AFFAIRS. 
Applicants must possess a minimum of BA, B Ed (Second Class Lower) degree in Arabic and Islamic Studies, LLB Sharia with Diploma in Arabic from recognized Nigerian universities, Azhar University, Cairo or Saudi University.
Each applicant would be required to produce testimony of excellent character from a reputable religious organization in Nigeria. 
Applicants must be able to speak English Language.

DIRECTORATE OF LEGAL SERVICE.   
Applicants must possess LLB BL from a recognized institution.  A minimum of 2 years post Law School legal practice is required and applicants must present evidence of this.

DIRECTORATE OF ARMY PUBLIC RELATIONS.   Applicants must possess a minimum of BSc, BA (Second Class Lower) degree or HND (Lower Credit) in Journalism, Printing, Radio and Television Broadcasting, Radio Operation and Performance, Graphic Design, Public Relations and Advertising.  
Applicants must have evidence of Membership to any Professional body in relation to media operation and journalism.

DIRECTORATE OF ARMY PHYSICAL TRAINING.     Applicants must possess a minimum of Second Class Lower degree or HND (Lower Credit) in any of the following areas: Human Kinetics, Physical and Health Education, Sports Administration (PGD), Sport Coaching, Physiotherapy or Sports Psychology.

DIRECTORATE OF ARMY AVIATION. 
Applicants must possess a minimum of BSc/B Eng (Second Class Lower) degree or HND (Lower Credit) with other relevant trade qualification from government - approved institutions for the following fields:
Aerospace/Aeronautical Engineering.   
Minimum of B Eng or HND in Aerospace/Aeronautical Engineering with not less than 3 years work experience.

MECHANICAL ENGINEERING.       
Minimum of B Eng or HND in Mechanical Engineering with not less than 2 years work experience.

ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING.  
Minimum of B Eng or HND in Electrical Electronics (Power option).

AIR TRAFFIC CONTROLLER.            
BSc in Geography/Physics/Mathematics with NCAA approved Air Traffic Control License.

FIRE FIGHTER.         
BSc in Chemistry/Physics with NCAA approved Fire Fighting License from any reputable organization.

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
3.    All applicants must satisfy the following conditions:

Be a Nigerian as defined in the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Be a male or female between the ages of 20 and 30 years, while medical consultants be not more than 40 years of age by January 2020.

Be medically, mentally and physically fit according to NA standards.

Be recommended by at least 2 recognizable referees who must attest to the applicant's character and integrity. These could be by a Local Government Chairman/Secretary or an officer of the Armed Forces not below the rank of a Lieutenant Colonel and equivalent or an Assistant Commissioner of Police and above who must hail from the state of the applicant.

Passport photographs of referees must be affixed to the letter of attestation.

Candidates must submit a letter of Attestation from their former institutions.

Measure at least 1.68m (for male) and 1.65m (for female) in height.

Must not have been convicted by any court of law.  Military personnel must be free from any disciplinary case (This is to be endorsed by the Commanding Officer/Commander).

Possess at least a first degree with not less than Second Class Lower Division or HND of not less than Lower Credit from any recognized institution of learning.

Possess valid birth certificate endorsed by the National Population Commission, Hospital or Local Government Council or valid age declaration.

Possess a valid certificate of state of origin.

Applicants must possess NYSC discharge certificate or a valid exemption as the case may be.

Graduates with professional qualifications must be duly registered by relevant bodies recognized by Nigerian Laws at the commencement of cadet training.

Only academic credentials obtained from 2010 to date will be considered.

Candidates must present contact addresses and telephone numbers of parent/guardians and Next of Kin.

Candidates must not have any body inscriptions or tattoos.

Candidates must tender all original copies of educational certificates (primary to post secondary).

Service personnel must present valid military identity cards and letters of recommendations by their Commanding Officers/Commanders. 
They must also present valid letter(s) of NA sponsorship in tertiary academic institutions.  Additionally, they must have served for a period of not less than 5 years in the Armed Forces of Nigeria.

Candidates must not be members of any cult/society/fraternity.

All female applicants are advised to seek for commission into specialist corps e;g Medical, Legal Service, Supply and Transport or Army Public Relations .

CONDITIONS OF SERVICE
4. Direct Short Service Commission will be granted for 15 years, for an initial period of 8 years, renewable yearly for another period of 7 years. 

Direct Regular Commission may be granted on conversion after 3 years as a commissioned officer.

Conversion to Direct Regular Commission is not automatic.  It is based on availability of vacancy and other criteria that are or will be in force from time to time.

All graduating officer cadets must sign an acceptance on the terms and conditions governing the Direct Short Service Commission before they are granted commission into the Nigerian Army.

The reckonable period of service will be based on the date of commencement of cadet training of both civilian and military personnel entrants.
Medical Consultants Officers on successful completion of military training shall be granted the rank of Major.

Officer cadets who successfully complete the military training shall be granted the rank of Lieutenant with no advantage of seniority

METHOD OF APPLICATION
5. Applications are to be made online free of charge from the 9th of August 2019.   

How to apply:
Log on to www.nigerianarmyms.ng to create an account.

Read the qualification criteria.
From the home page, select DSSC application.

On successful registration, you will receive an email notification containing your login details.
Click on 'Login' to complete the application form.

Ensure all required documents are uploaded:
Passport photograph.
Educational certificates.
Evidence of membership of any professional body.
Certificate of state of origin.
Birth certificate or age declaration.

Print Out.
Applicants must print out their online generated photo-slip on completion of their application. The first page is to be signed by a Court of Law while the second page is to be signed by the Local Government Chairman/Secretary or any military officer of the rank of Lieutenant Colonel or equivalent and above who hails from your state.

Successful applicants would be required to present their printed photo-slips to the selection board during interview.

CLOSING DATE
6. All applications must be submitted not later than 28th of September 2019.

FURTHER INFORMATION
7. For further information, you may call 08179269294 and 08109959294, between 0800 - 1800 hours daily while the portal is yet open or visit www.army.mil.ng
Army Headquarters
Department of Military Secretary
Mambilla Barracks
Asokoro - Abuja

MEDICAL DOCTORS FROM 7 COUNTRIES WRITE PRESIDENT BUHARI OVER EL-ZAKZAKY'S HEALTH

Sheikh Ibrahim El-Zakzaky

One hundred and eighty six doctors from Pakistan, India, Iran, Afghanistan, Syria, Lebanon and Iraq have written a letter to President Muhammadu Buhari pointing to Sheikh El-Zakzaky’s physical conditions and asking the Nigerian government to transfer him to a well-equipped hospital as soon as possible.

The letter was published today by Fars News, an Iranian news agency. The report did not indicate what date the letter was written by the doctors or whether it was written after a Kaduna High Court last week approved a leave for El-Zakzaky and his wife Zeenat, to seek medicare in India.

The Department of State Services said after it was served with the court order that it would comply with it. Zakzaky has been in detention since December 2015, following a clash between his Shiite adherents and the Nigerian military.

About 300 Shiite members including three of El-Zakzaky’s children were killed. Many were buried in a mass grave.

Fars New quoted one of the signatories to the letter, Dr. Pourrahim Najafabadi, as saying that Zakzaky needs to be cured by an experienced medical team of physicians in a specialized multi-specialty hospital outside Nigeria.

“With the current physical condition of the Sheikh, especially the virulent lead poisoning, Sheikh’s life is seriously at risk by delayed treatment.

“Meanwhile, there is a need for special medical care even in case of complete medical treatment. There is serious risk to Sheikh’s life if he is kept under detention,” said Najafabadi, the founder and spokesperson of a group of expert physicians who have volunteered to treat Sheikh Zakzaky.

Here is the full text of the letter:

“In the name of God, The healer

From the community of Doctors

To the President of the Republic of Nigeria, Mr. Buhari.

In the past several months, the world has constantly received troubling news regarding the health of one of the prominent figures in Nigeria, Shaikh Ibrahim Zakzaky. Both Skaikh Ibrahim Zakzaky and his wife are kept in prison and the health status of both of them is very alarming.

We have chosen to be doctors even after knowing that this job is very difficult and troublesome, but we chose to save people’s lives and preferred the health of the society over our personal interests.

According to the medical reports regarding the health status of Sheikh Ibrahim Zakzaky:

1. He is suffering from a total blindness in the left eye, and is also suffering from vision problems in the right eye including glaucoma and progressive macular atrophy. According to the diagnosis of the visiting physicians, Shaikh Zakzaky will lose his vision sooner or later if the current circumstances do not change.

2. He has shown symptoms of Ischemic heart disease which can lead to Myocardial Infraction.

3. He is also suffering from severe cervical spondylosis which has resulted to nerve root compression and symptoms are progressive causing insomnia.

4. The experiments show that he has heavy metal toxicity including Lead and Cadmium. Laboratory tests that are performed on May 31st, 2019 show that blood lead level is 171.94µg/dl. Later on June 18th, 2019 this level was reported to be 231.48µg while in the last laboratory test the blood lead level was three times more than the toxicity level (grade 5 of poisoning).

Based on the points highlighted above, Shaikh Ibrahim Zakzaky should be transferred to a well- equipped medical center that has Neuro-ophthalmologist, glaucoma specialist and low vision expert, cardiologist, orthopedist and neurologist. Also he may need to have a surgery to reduce intraocular pressure.

We, doctors of different nationalities cannot take the health of any human for granted. This is something that is inherent in our obligation as doctors. Ignoring the critical health status of Sheikh Ibrahim Zakzaky can end up in irreparable consequences.

We request the government and parliament of Nigeria to immediately transfer him to a well-equipped hospital to prevent any unfortunate incidents.

A group of doctors from Pakistan, India, Iran, Afghanistan, Syria, Lebanon and Iraq

Dr Abbas alahmad, Pediatrician, Syria

Dr Abd alkrim Hariri, Neurosurgeon, Syria

Dr Abd almonaam hsanato, Radiologist, Syria

Dr Abdo salami, Dentist, Syria

Dr Addel maheiri, Maxillofacial Specialist, Syria

Dr Ahmad alrahal, Otorhinolaryngologist, Syria

Dr Ahmaad alzien, Thoracic Internist, Syria

Dr Ahmad nasrullah, Dentist, Syria

Dr Ajmal Farooq, General practitioner, India

Dr Alla Aldrin Hassan, Neurosurgeon, Syria

Dr Allaa allnassan, General Surgeon

Dr Amar kiali, Ophtalmologist, Syria

Dr Anas hellali, General Surgeon, Syria

Dr Asma Khalid, General practitioner, Pakistan

Dr Bakri dablloni, Orthopedic Surgeon, Syria

Dr Bassel alshaher, Dentist, Syria

Dr Bsam kedeh, Gastroenterologist, Syria

Dr Fadi alaar, Vascular Surgeon, Syria

Dr Farhat, General practitioner, Pakistan

Dr Fizza Batool Zaidi, General practitioner, Pakistan

Dr Furqan Ali khan, General practitioner, Pakistan

Dr Hania Batool Zaidi, General practitioner, Pakistan

Dr Hassam Saleem, General practitioner, Pakistan

Dr Hassan alkhatib, Vascular Surgeon, Syria

Dr Hassan Khalil, Internist, Syria

Dr Houda abdalhadi, Internist, Syria

Dr Ibrahim hadid, Urologist, Syria

Dr Idrak Hussain Bhat, General practitioner, India

Dr Iftikar Hussain, General practitioner, India

Dr Kashaf Zehra Durrani, General practitioner, Pakistan

Dr Mamdoh zitoni, Orthopedic Surgeon, Syria

Dr Manaaf sharbjii, Orthopedic Surgeon, Syria

Dr Mhmmod Nasser, Gastroenterologist, Syria

Dr Mirza Arsalan, General practitioner, India

D.Mohamad mohiedin, Pediatrician, Syria

Dr Mohanad battal, Pediatric Surgeon, Syria

Dr mohanad naasan, General Surgeon, Syria

Dr Mohanad zanoube, Ophtalmologist, Syria

Dr Mohd Yaseen Mir, General practitioner, India

Dr Motaz alhmod, General Surgeon, Syria

Dr Muhammad Ajmal Hussain, General practitioner, Pakistan

Dr Muhammad Ali Kazmi, General practitioner, Pakistan

Dr Muhammad ali raseed, General practitioner, Pakistan

Dr Muhammad Amjad Hussain, General practitioner, Pakistan

Dr Muhammad Baqir, 4 year resident internal medicine, Pakistan

Dr Mouhamad batikh, General Surgeon, Syria

Dr Muhammad Farhan, General practitioner, Pakistan

Dr Myllad zahlloq, Vascular Surgeon, Syria

Dr Ossama attar, General Surgeon, Syria

Dr Owais Raza General practioner (MBBS), Pakistan

Dr Owais Siddique, General practitioner, India

Dr Raja Munawa, General practitioner, India

Dr Saman Fatima, General practitioner, Pakistan

Dr Samer alhames, Thoracic Surgeon, Syria

Dr Samer sharbo, Vascular Surgeon, Syria

Dr Sami bitar, Nephrologist, Syria

Dr Saqib Hussain, General practitioner, India

Dr Sharaf ud deen, General practitioner, Pakistan

Dr Showkat Hussain Dar, General practitioner, India

Dr Shyar mostafa, Neurosurgeon, Syria

Dr Suhail Ahmad Mir, General practitioner, India

Dr Syed ali kuamil, General practitioner Pakistan

Dr Syed Muntazir Mousavi, General practitioner, India

Dr Syed Wafadar Hussain Naqvi, General practitioner, Pakistan

Dr Syeada Maimoona Batool Rizvi, General practitioner, Pakistan

Dr Taher farfotli, Neurologist, Syria

Dr Tahssin hmidi, General Surgeon, Syria

Dr Waael akari, General Surgeon, Syria

Dr wisaam dieb, General Surgeon, Syria

Dr Yamen yousuf, Neurosurgeon, Syria

Dr Yassin alrahal, Orthopedic Surgeon, Syria

Dr Yousef sabsabi, Orthopedic Surgeon, Syria

Dr Zaher and allaziz, Vascular Surgeon, Syria

Dr Zaher batal, Nutritionist, Syria

Dr Zaid Jeelani, General practitioner, India

Dr Zeeshan Hadier, Liver transplant surgeon, Pakistan

Dr Arezoo Mohtasham, Radiology Resident, Iran

Dr Azadeh Hashemi, Radiology Resident, Afghanistan

Dr Abolfazl Mohammadi, Orthopedic Surgeon, Iran

Dr Amanollah Karami, Ophtalmologist, Iran

Dr Amir Rahmanian, Emergency Medicine Resident, Iran

Dr Amirhossein Izadyar, General PractitionePractitioner, Iran

Dr Aniseh Aliabadi, Dermatology Resident, Iran

Dr Hamed Abdi, Internist, Iran

Dr Hojjat Madarshahi, otorhinolaryngologist, Iran

Dr Hasan Boskabadi, Pediatrician and Neonatal Specialist, Iran

Dr Hasan Rajabi, Iran

Dr Hasan Sezavar, Iran

Dr Hossein Amirzargir, Urolohist, Iran

Dr Hossein Mohaddes Ardebili, Psychiatric Resident, Iran

Dr Hamidreza Safaei, Radiology Resident, Iran

Dr Hourieh Soleimani, Radiology Resident, Iran

Dr Rahil Daghmagh, General Practitioner, Lebanon

Dr Rose sadat Shamsa, General Practitioner, Iran

Dr Reyhaneh Aminorroaya, Elderly Medicine Specialist, Iran

Dr Zahra Behnam Rasouli, Obstetrics and Gynecology Resident, Iran

Dr Zahra Jafar, General Practitioner, Lebanon

Dr Zahra Joshaghani, Obstetrics and Gynecology Specialist, Iran

Dr Zahra Khalili Matinzadeh, Pediatrician, Iran

Dr Zahra Movahedinia, General practitioner, Iran

Dr Zahra Moaddab Shoar, Dentist, Iran

Dr Zeinab Babasafari, General Practitioner, Iran

Dr Sajedeh Mousavi, Physical Medicine Resident, Iran

Dr Saiedeh Khatami, Dentist, Iran

DT Soleiman Heidari, Toracic Surgeon, Iran

Dr Samaneh Rahmani, General Practitioner, Iran

Dr Seyed Javad Hosseininezhad, Neurologist, Iran

Dr Syed Zaker Hossein Naqvi, General Practitioner, Pakistan

Dr Syed Omran Hyder Zeidi, General Practitioner, Pakistan

Dr Seyed Mohammadreza Parizadeh, Biochemistry Ph.D, Iran

Dr Seyed Mohammadsadegh Mirzaei, general Practitioner, Iran

Dr Seyed Moadkazem Mozaffari, General Practitioner, Iran

Dr Seyed Naser Emadi, International Dermatologist, Iran

Dr Seyedeh Afsar Sharafi, Obstetrics and Gynecology Specialist, Iran

Dr Seyedeh Zeinab Hashemi Javaheri, General Practitioner, Iran

Dr Saeb Aliabadi, General Practitioner, Iran

Dr Seddigheh Ayati, Obstetrics and Gynecology Specialist, Iran

Dr Tahereh Labbaf, Obstetrics and Gynecology Specialist, Iran

Dr Arefeh Edalatian, Obstetrics and Gynecology Resident, Iran

Dr Atefeh Kermanshahi, General Practitioner, Iran

Dr Abbas Shojaei, Otorhinolaryngologist, Iran

Dr Azra Rashidnezhad, Neurology Resident, Iran

Dr Afraalshahrstani, Pediatric Resident, Iraq

Dr Atieh Mohebbi, Radiology Resident, Iran

Dr Atieh Mohammadzadeh Vatanchi, Obstetrics and Gynecology Specialist, Iran

Dr Ali Ebrahimzadeh, Iran

Dr Ali Anjomshoa, Anesthesiologist, Iran

Dr Ali Taghiparvar, Epidemiologist, Iran

Dr Ali Rezazadeh, Internist, Iran

Dr Ali Fazli, Anesthesiologist, Iran

Dr Ali Madarshahi, Internal Surgeon, Iran

Dr Fatemeh Ouchi Ardebili, General Practitioner, Iran

Dr Fatemeh Taghizadeh, Physical Medicine Resident, Iran

Dr Fatemeh Joshaghani, Dentist, Iran

Dr Fatemeh Dadelahi, Radiology Resident, Iran

Dr Fatemeh Mehrparvar, Dentist, Iran

Dr Fouzieh Takhari, Obstetrics and Gynecology Resident, Afghanistan

Dr Ghasem Amini, Surgery Resident, Iran

Dr Kamal Heydari, Dentist, Iran

Dr Leila Moaddab Shoar, Radiotherapy and Oncology Specialist, Iran

Dr Majid Habibzadeh Moghaddam, General Practitioner, Iran

Dr Majid Abdollahi, Emergency Medicine Specialist, Iran

Dr Majid Ghayour Mobarhen, Nutritionist, Iran

Dr Mohammad Ebrahimi, Iran

Dr Mohammad Sajjadi, Psychiatrist, Iran

Dr Mohammad Sadeghi, Iran

Dr Mohammadtaghi Rajabi Mashhadi, Surgeon, Iran

Dr MohammadJafar Modabber Azizi, General Practitioner, Iran

Dr Mohammadreza Behrouz, Iran

Dr Mohammadreza Javdani, Family Medicine Resident, Iran

Dr Mohammadali Kiani, Gastroenterologist, Iran

Dr Mahmoud Jozhaghani, Cornea Specialist, Iran

Dr Mahmoud Fatemi, Radiology Resident, Iran

Dr Mahya Yargholi, Obstetrics and Gynecology Specialist, Iran

Dr Morteza Amiri Soleimani, Orthopedic Surgeon, Iran

Dr Morteza Tajaddodi, General Practitioner, Iran

Dr Maryam Sadat Paknezhad, Iranian Traditional Medicine Specialist, Iran

Dr Maryam Rezaeian, Dentist, Afghanistan

Dr Maryam Yargholi, Obstetrics and Gynecology Specialist, Iran

Dr Mozhgan Mahmoudian, Radiology Resident, Iran

Dr Masoud Maleki, Dermatologist, Iran

Dr Masoud Mahdavi, Radiologist, Iran

Dr Mostafa Jafari, Internist, Iran

Dr Malihe Akbari, General Practitioner, Iran

Dr Malihe Hatefipour, General Practitioner, Iran

Dr Mahdi Oughli, Internist, Iran

Dr Mahdi Mokhtari, Ophtalmologist, Iran

Dr Mahdieh Pouryazdanpanah, Nutritionist, Iran

Dr Mahdi Miri, Internist, Iran

Dr Mahsa Kia, General Practitioner, Iran

Dr Milad Hadadi, Dentist, Iran

Dr Najmeh Khodadadi, Iran

Dr Najmeh Zamani, General Practitioner, Iran

Dr Narjes Khatoun Movahedi Rad, General Practitioner, Iran

De Narges Salehi, Cardiologist, Iran

Dr Narges Arabzadeh, Internist, Iran

Dr Nasrollah Hamraz, Internist, Afghanistan

Dr Nafiseh Kazemi Rad, Radiology Resident, Iran

Dr Nafiseh Aliabadi, Pediatric Resident, Iran

Dr Nayerreh Khadem Ghayebi, Obstetrics and Gynecology Specialist, Iran

Dr Hadi Hasanzadeh, General Practitioner, Iran

Dr Hadi Sherouni, Otorhinolaryngologist, Iran

Dr Hadi Jalali, General Practitioner, Iran

Dr Rezaei, Interventional Cardiologist, Afghanistan”

PRESS STATEMENT: RIVERS STATE MINISTRY OF EDUCATION

Rivers State Governor and Visitor of the Rivers  State University, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike has relieved the Vice Chancellor of the Rivers State University , Prof Blessing  Chimezie Didia of his appointment  with immediate effect.

Also relieved of his appointment is the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Administration), Professor Magnus Oruwari.

Accordingly, Governor Wike has approved the appointment of Professor Opuenebo B. Owei,  Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academics) as the Acting Vice Chancellor of the Rivers State University.

The Statement added that Governor Wike has suspended the ongoing employment exercise at the university.

Furthermore, a committee has been set up to investigate the employment exercise and report to the Rivers State Governor in two weeks.

Sign:
Dagogo Adonye  Hart,
Permanent Secretary,
Ministry of Education,
Rivers State.

FINALLY, AAC EXPELS EZENWA, REAFFIRMS SOWORE AS NATIONAL CHAIRMAN

The African Action Congress (AAC) has reaffirmed Mr. Omoyele Sowore as its National Chairman, while expelling Mr. Leonard Ezenwa, former Treasurer and Secretary of the party.

Mr. Joshua Adeoye, AAC Deputy National Secretary, read the resolution after an emergency National Executive Council (NEC) meeting of the party on Saturday in Abuja.

Sowore is the National Chairman and the 2019 Presidential candidate of AAC, while Malcolm Fabiyi is the Deputy National Chairman of the party and both were suspended.

Adeoye said allegations against Sowore leading to his purported expulsion from the party were manufactured, adding that there was no case of financial impropriety against him.

Adeoye noted that Sowore as a candidate declared campaign money, adding that the he carried the people along as money was being spent to the end of the campaign.

“The NEC outrightly rejects, cancels, reverses and totally repudiates the purported suspension of Sowore and Fabiyi from their offices.

“The NEC hereby affirms and reinstate Sowore as the one and only national chairman of AAC and Fabiyi as the deputy national chairman of the party.

He said that all actions carried out by Nzenwa in the name of AAC including documents signed or authored by him” are dismissed, set aside and nullified forthwith”.

According to him, Ezenwa’s expulsion followed his failure to appear before the NEC to defend himself in line with article 80 of AAC constitution which found him guilty of the alleged offence.

The highest decision making body of the party called for immediate arrest and prosecution of Ezenwa for alleged forgery and perjury among others criminal acts.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that AAC had been involved in leadership crisis leading to the removal of its presidential candidate by a Federal High Court in Abuja for alleged financial impropriety.

Mr. Inibehe Effiong, the National Legal Adviser of the party, however, said the party was not joined in the case filed by Ezenwa, adding that the person, who also filed the case at the FCT High court was still unknown.

Mr. Murtala Adamu, Niger state Chairman moved for adoption of the resolution of the NEC, while Mr Rotimi Ogunlana, Chairman, Oyo state seconded the resolution.

KWARA STATE REVOKES ACQUISITION OF ALIMI CHALET BY BUKOLA SARAKI

The Kwara State House of Assembly has revoked the acquisition of a four-bedroomed government challet (Alimi Chalet) by the immediate past Senate President, Dr Bukola Saraki, who is a former governor of the state.

The revocation followed the void of the acquisition, valuation and certification of Land title (Right of Occupancy) in respect of the chalet in the personal name of Dr Bukola Saraki for non-compliance with the provisions of Pensions Law 2010.

These was part of the resolutions of the House at its plenary on Tuesday following the presentation of the report of the House Committee on Lands, Housing and Urban Development by its Chairman, Omotayo Awodiji.

Reading the resolutions of the House, the Speaker of the Assembly, Yakubu Danladi, said the revocation became expedient to ensure an enduring end to all forms of illegalities and abnormalities and to pave the way for meaningful development of the state.

The House then urged the state government to explore every available legal process to recover the chalet from the former governor.

Awodiji had, while presenting his report, observed among other things that the Alimi Chalet was purposely built by the state government as a guest chalet for governors and not transferable as exit package.

A source close to Saraki said, “What is the big deal about this bungalow? The government has  broken into the house and the Deputy Governor has been living there. Did their report state that the property was illegally acquired? No. The governor and his people are interested in the house and they can have it if it makes them feel better.”

PRESIDENT BUHARI APPROVES THE SACK OF 2,525 N-POWER BENEFICIARIES

The President Muhammadu Buhari government has approved the disengagement of 2,525 beneficiaries of the N-Power programme for absconding from their primary place of assignment.

The N-Power programme was introduced in Nigeria as a job enhancement scheme aimed at imbibing the learn-work-entrepreneurship culture in Nigerian youths between the ages of 18 and 35 for graduates and non-graduates.

About 500,000 youth, spread across the 774 local government areas of the country are currently enrolled in the programme and have since been deployed to teach in public schools, act as health workers in primary health centres, as agricultural extension advisors to smallholder farmers in the communities and also as community tax liaison officers.

Beneficiaries under the graduate category take home N30,000 monthly for their services.

Confirming the development to The Punch, the Communications Manager, National Social Investment Office, Justice Bibiye, said 18,674 other beneficiaries of the initiative have voluntarily resigned, having secured permanent employment.

He said, “It had earlier come to the notice of the federal team that some of the N-Power beneficiaries had either absconded from their primary places of assignment or gained permanent employment subsequent to their commencement on the programme.

“The federal team has continued to encourage feedback from the states from existing monitors, whistle-blowers and members of the public through its existing call centre and has acted swiftly by initially placing such beneficiaries on suspension for a period of 45 days.

“Unless such beneficiaries are able to provide proof from their primary place of assignment and the state focal person that they were actually present, or absent with reason, their participation in the programme is terminated after the period of suspension.

“So far, 2,525 beneficiaries have been delisted, following reports garnered from the various avenues, whilst 18,674 have voluntarily resigned, having secured permanent employment.”

He said in a statement that reports from a few states, however, showed that some beneficiaries of the programme have stayed away for long periods of time from their primary places of assignment, adding that this has led to the need for continued action against those who are seen to be undermining the smooth implementation of the social intervention initiative.

N8.5 MILLION WE RECEIVE MONTHLY IS TOO SMALL – NIGERIAN LAWMAKER

The N8.5 million monthly running cost that members of the House of Representatives receive is insufficient, a lawmaker has said.

Oluwole Oke, who represents Oriade Federal Constituency of Osun State, stated this in an interview with Punch Newspaper.

The lawmaker admitted that the running cost is different from the N606,000 he earns as monthly salary as a federal lawmaker.

In comparison, a civil servant on the N30,000 minimum wage will have to work for 24 years to earn what an House of Representatives member earns as running cost monthly.

It is even worse in the case of senators who earn N13.5 million monthly as running cost. In that case, a civil servant on the minimum wage would have to work for 37 years to earn what a senator earns monthly.

The N30,000 minimum wage only came into place in April. Before then, the minimum wage was N18,000.

Despite the huge discrepancy between what lawmakers earn and what other public officials earn, Mr Oke still belives the running cost is too low.

“How much is N8.5 million to me as a person?” he said.

“If you have to embark on research, looking at all the bills that I have sponsored in the House, you will see that those bills that I sponsored are not ones you can just come by anyhow.

“I remember when I promoted the National Pension Commission Act, it took me out to Chile and other countries like Argentina, the United Kingdom and India.”

“If you give me N8.5 million and I have to go and find out what is happening aside from the information that I get from the Internet.”

“Look at the tickets and see the flight costs even if I am flying economy class. So, how much is that?”

“If I have to engage lawyers and professionals to prepare bills for me, to work on motions for me; and get researchers also,” he said.

However, hiring legislative aides such as research assistants is taken care of separately. Each member of the House of Representatives is entitled to at least five aides paid by the government monthly. Presiding officers are entitled to more aides.

Mr Oke then made claims about the pay of U.S. lawmakers.

“Do you know how much their running costs are? It is $1 million. Do you know how much their salary is? It is $14,000 per month. Yet, you pay me $2,000 as salary,” he said.

Like Oke, like Shehu Sani

Mr Oke’s revelation is coming over one year after a former senator, Shehu Sani, while serving in the 8th Senate, revealed the monthly running cost of Nigerian senators.

The senator who represented Kaduna Central revealed that he and his colleagues receive N13.5 million monthly as “running cost.”

Mr Sani said that the running cost does not include the N700,000 monthly salary a senator earns.

In further justifying the running costs, Mr Oke alluded to the societal pressure on lawmakers.

“Besides whatever you get here in the form of salary or allowances, you have constituents with their numerous problems waiting (for you). Do you know how many scholarships and school fees that I am responsible for? Do you know how many constituents of mine who are ill; people who want to put to bed, people who have to undergo operations (surgeries) or need support? Do you know how many community projects that I have to support or celebrations and events that I have to support” he said.

Many Nigerian activists have, however, expressed disgust at the allowances which are fixed by the lawmakers themselves and are not approved by the revenue allocation agency, RMAFC.

Activists Condemn Pay

An activist and convener of Concerned Nigerians, Deji Adeyanju, while reacting to the comments by Mr. Oke said if judges do not earn up to that amount, there is no justification for any lawmaker to complain about it.

“If judges do not earn up to N2 million, why should legislators earn as much as N8.5 million?”

“This is fundamentally why there is corruption almost at every level and stage of our National lives.”

“A situation where judges compromise is because of inequality, inequality is the mother of all forms of social vices in the country. University lecturers and professors don’t earn up to that so why should legislators earn this much and still complain that the runing cost is not enough?”

“It goes to the root of the matter that most of the problems we are facing as a people in this country is about the inequality,” Mr. Adeyanju said.

Another activist, Lanre Suraj, also condemned the statement by the lawmaker.

“That is the more reason why I say most people who go there do not know why they are there,” Mr Suraj, an anti-corruption crusader, said.

“He should be given a calculator for him to calculate his running cost and the minimum wage of an average citizen Nigeria, then he won’t call it peanuts.

“I’m of the strong opinion that we should not just review the allowances of the legislators, we should also scrutinize those people who go there to represent us,” Mr Suraj said.

CHUKWUEZE JOINS DE LIGT, OTHERS ON 80-MAN GOLDEN BOY NOMINATION

Nigeria youngster Samuel Chukwueze is on the 80-man nomination list for the 2019 Golden boy Award after his exploits with the Super Eagles and his Spanish club, Villarreal.

The 20-year-old enjoyed a good campaign for Villarreal last season and he was part of the Nigerian team that finished to third in the 2019 African Cup of Nations in Egypt.

Chukwueze was voted man of the match in Nigeria win over South Africa where he scored to help the team reached the semi-final.

He is joined on the list by former Flying Eagles captain, Ikouwem Udoh-Utin who impressed at the FIFA U-20 World Cup in Poland last month.

Utin moved from Nigeria professional football league champions Enyimba to Israeli side Maccabi Haifa.

The list is dominated by Europeans players.

Among them are Matthijs De Ligt, Gianluigi Donnarumma and Philip Walter Foden.

The award is the brainchild of Italian sports daily Tuttosport and is given to players under 21 years that play in any of the top leagues in Europe.

MINIMUM WAGE: LABOUR TELLS WORKERS TO PREPARE FOR TOTAL STRIKE

The organised Labour has directed its members in all the 36 states and Abuja to get ready for a total showdown with government should the negotiation on the adjustment from the new national minimum wage break down.

The Trade Union side of the Joint National Public Service Negotiation Council (JNPSNC) after her meeting also reviewed downward her demands from 66.66 percent to 30 percent for officers on grade levels 07-14 and 25 percent for officers on grade levels 15-17.

On its part, the government side is insisting on 9.5 percent salary adjustment for officers on grade levels 07-14 and 5 percent for those on grade levels 15-17.

The workers expressed concern that rather than presenting the two positions to technical subcommittee as agreed, but “Surprisingly, when the Technical Sub-Committee reconvened, the Government Side introduced a strange clause to the discussion insisting that the Term of Reference of the Committee was to work out the consequential adjustment of salaries of Public Servants based on the subhead provided for salaries in the 2019 Budget.”

“All efforts by the Trade Union Side to persuade the Government Side to return to the right track of negotiation and agree on a realistic percentage increase proved abortive.”

“Thus, the Government Side deliberately created a stalemate and thereafter adjoined the meeting of the Technical Committee sine die.”

According to a communiqué, a copy of which was issued to newsmen, the workers said the downward review by labour was due to a promise by government to undertake a general salary review in no distance time.

The communiqué was jointly signed by the acting chairman and Secretary, Comrades Anchaver Simon and Alade Bashir Lawal. The communiqué reads in part, “The Trade Union Side of JNPSNC has now resolved that the Federal Government should reconvene the meeting of the Technical Committee on Consequential Adjustment immediately so that it can conclude its deliberations and ensure that all Public Service Employees benefit adequately from the N30,000 new monthly National Minimum Wage signed into Law by Mr. President since April, 2019.”