News
Coup trial: Accused colonel rejects military court
Ma’aji, in a preliminary objection filed before the court martial in charge No: DHQ/GAR/ABJ/49/ADM, between the Armed Forces of Nigeria and Brig Gen M.A. Sadiq, Col Ma’aji, alongside 35 others, urged the court martial to strike out the charges instituted against him, arguing that the military tribunal lacked the jurisdiction to entertain the case.
Ma’aji, in the objection, contended that the charges were fundamentally defective and incompetent in law.
The objection, brought pursuant to Rules 36(1) and 37(1) of the Rules of Procedure Army 1972, urged the tribunal to make an order striking out and/or dismissing the charges against the 2nd Accused.
“An Order striking out and/or dismissing the charges against the 2nd Accused in Charge No: DHQ/GAR/ABJ/49/ADM for lack of jurisdiction. An order declining jurisdiction to entertain the charge as constituted.
“And for such further order(s) as the Honourable General Court Martial may deem fit to make in the circumstances.”
The second accused in the charge also argued that the complainant, listed as the Armed Forces of Nigeria, lacked the legal capacity to institute criminal proceedings.
According to Ma’aji, “The complainant (Armed Force of Nigeria) is not a juristic person and thereby lacks the requisite competence to initiate and prosecute the criminal proceedings in Charge No: DHQ/GAR/ABJ/49/ADM.”
Ma’aji further maintained that because the complainant allegedly lacked legal personality, the General Court Martial was equally deprived of jurisdiction to hear the matter.
Citing several Supreme Court and Court of Appeal authorities, including Green v. Green, Fawehinmi v NBA, and Mothercat Nig Ltd v Reg. Trustees of the Full Gospel Assembly Nig, the defence argued that only natural persons or entities expressly recognised by law could sue or be sued.
The written address submitted in support of the objection stated, “The name ‘Armed Forces of Nigeria’ described as ‘complainant’ in Charge No: DHQ/GAR/ABJ/49/ADM is unknown to law and destitute of any legal capacity to exercise Prosecutorial powers in respect of the charges preferred against the 2nd Accused.”
The second accused also challenged the competence of counts one to nine of the charge, which allegedly accused him of inciting other officers to join a plot to overthrow President Tinubu.
Ma’aji insisted that the allegations contained in the particulars of the charges did not fall within the offence of mutiny as contemplated under Section 52(1)(b) of the Armed Forces Act, 2004.
He argued that the particulars of the charge “disclose offences against the Sovereign State otherwise known as the Federal Republic of Nigeria and constitutional order rather than offences relating to military or service discipline or command structure.”
He maintained that the phrase “plot to overthrow the government of the Federal Republic of Nigeria” contained in the charge could not be equated with “lawful authority in the Federation” as envisaged under Section 52(3) of the Armed Forces Act.
“It is submitted that the Federal Republic of Nigeria does not fall within the phrase ‘a lawful authority in the Federation’ as used in Section 52(3) of the Armed Forces Act, Laws of Federation, 2004,” Ma’aji contended.
Ma’aji also cited the Supreme Court’s warning against judicial expansion of statutory provisions, insisting that any ambiguity in penal legislation must be resolved in favour of the accused persons.
Quoting the Supreme Court decision in Nigerian Navy v. Lambert, the second accused submitted: “It is settled law that penal statutes are to be construed strictly to the benefit of the accused person and that where there is a reasonable construction that avoids the penalty in any particular case, the court must adopt that construction.”
The preliminary objection further contended that for a charge of mutiny or incitement to mutiny to stand, there must be allegations of concerted insubordination, defiance of military authority or refusal of lawful command or organised military rebellion against superior military command.
According to the defence, the particulars supplied by the prosecution failed to disclose those essential ingredients.
On this ground, he urged the General Court Martial to uphold his preliminary objection and dismiss the charges against him for want of jurisdiction.
Meanwhile, a witness in the ongoing trial of six alleged coup plotters before the Federal High Court in Abuja, on Wednesday, told investigators that Ma’aji allegedly threatened to force his way into the Presidential Villa, even if insiders refused to cooperate.
The fourth defendant, Zekeri Umoru, made the allegation in a video previewed in court during proceedings in the trial-within-trial over the admissibility of the defendants’ extrajudicial statements.
Umoru and five others in April were arraigned before Justice Joyce Abdulmalik on 13 counts of criminal charges over alleged complicity in an alleged coup plot to overthrow Tinubu’s government.
The six defendants: Maj Gen Mohammed Ibrahim Gana (retd), Capt Erasmus Victor (retd), Insp Ahmed Ibrahim, Zekeri Umoru, Bukar Kashim Goni and Abdulkadir Sani, however, pleaded not guilty to all the counts after the charge was read to them.
At the resumed sitting, Umoru, who worked with Julius Berger on the Presidential Villa clinic project, alleged that Ma’aji, through the third defendant, Insp Ibrahim, asked him to recruit between 18 and 19 persons working inside the Villa, including soldiers, Department of State Service personnel and Julius Berger staff.
According to the video evidence played in court, Umoru alleged that plans were discussed to switch off electricity within the Presidential Villa to aid the operation, but he warned that such an action would immediately trigger investigations and lead to the detention of workers on duty.
He further claimed that Insp Ibrahim later demanded N100m from Ma’aji to facilitate access into the Villa through an ambulance route, but Ma’aji allegedly rejected the amount as excessive, insisting he could still gain entry by force, although “there would be bloodshed.”
The witness also told investigators that he became uncomfortable with the alleged plan and repeatedly attempted to return the money given to him, insisting that the Presidential Villa “was not child’s play.”
He denied having access to the Villa’s solar power plant, despite allegations that he intended to sabotage the electricity supply within the complex.
The court further heard that Umoru did not immediately report the alleged plot to authorities because Insp Ibrahim allegedly advised him to delete messages and avoid contacting Ma’aji due to an ongoing audit in their office.
Following the screening of the video evidence, Justice Abdulmalik adjourned the matter until May 21 for continuation of the trial-within-trial.
…Explains Promotion Dispute
The Medical Director of the Federal Neuropsychiatric Hospital Enugu, Dr. Ngozichukwu Unaogu, has appealed to workers’ unions in the hospital to reconsider their indefinite strike action and return to the negotiation table in the interest of patients.
Dr. Unaogu urged the union leaders to consider the plight of patients receiving treatment at the hospital, especially those travelling from distant locations for medical care.
The workers had embarked on an indefinite strike over alleged irregularities in staff promotions, accusing the management of stagnating them.
Appealing for calm, the CMD said management remained open to dialogue and amicable resolution of the dispute.
“I am appealing to the union executives of the hospital to reconsider their decision and come back to the negotiation table for amicable resolution of the issue. They should consider the patients in the wards and people travelling from far distances for medical services,” she said.
Dr. Unaogu explained that the controversy stemmed from efforts by the hospital to correct what she described as a faulty staff structure in line with directives from the Office of the Head of Service of the Federation.
According to her, before the 2025 senior staff promotion exercise, management held meetings with union executives to explain the need to regularise the structure and establish proper vacancies for promotion.
She said the directive meant that some successful staff members would remain on their current salary scale temporarily because they had already been enjoying benefits attached to positions/rank they’re seeking promotion to.
“We informed them before the promotion interview that the Office of the Head of Service instructed the hospital to correct the structure before promotions. The union executives agreed at the time,” she stated.
The CMD said after the promotion results were forwarded to the Federal Ministry of Health for approval and eventually released, some workers protested and demanded withdrawal of the promotion letters.
She noted that management made several attempts to explain the situation through meetings and also a town hall session where the Director of Administration outlined the benefits of the restructuring exercise.
“We thought they understood, but they later issued a 21-day ultimatum demanding reversal of the promotions or they would embark on strike,” she added.
Dr. Unaogu further disclosed that the Federal Ministry of Health had been informed of the dispute and has already made arrangements to send representatives to intervene within the week.
She said management had continued engagements with labour leaders, including meetings held Wednesday last week and two days ago, but expressed surprise that the unions still proceeded with the strike despite pleas for more time to allow the ministry’s intervention.
Also speaking, the Director of Administration, Federal Neuro-Psychiatric Hospital, Enugu, Dr. Ndidi Igwenagu, explained that correcting the promotion structure would open up the system and create opportunities for more departments to attain directorate status.
According to her, “the present structure has limited the hospital to only two directors, the Director of Administration and the Medical Director, because of the inconsistencies in the promotion framework,”she said.
She stated that once the structure is corrected in line with the approved Federal Civil Service and CONHESS arrangement, departments such as Nursing, Pharmacy, Accounts and Social Welfare would be able to produce directors.
Dr. Igwenagu noted that the current system has stagnated career progression and blocked officers from reaching their appropriate levels.
She maintained that the restructuring would allow deputy directors and other senior officers to rise naturally through the ranks without distortions caused by the skipping of CONHESS 10.
She appealed to the unions to return to work and present concrete proposals to the Federal Ministry of Health for consideration rather than continue the strike.
She insisted that the management was not victimising workers but only implementing corrections directed by the Office of the Head of Service and relevant authorities to align the hospital with the approved civil service structure.
Meanwhile, clinical services have continued albeit in the hospital as the doctors, interns and locum staff are not on strike. In addition, the heads of departments and officers on directorate cadre have also continued to ensure essential services are provided while they supervise the interns under them.
Ekweremadu’s Mother-in-Law for Burial 28th May
…Mbah, Otti, Anyim, Wabara, others mourn
The family of Mrs. Monica Okwunerigo Okah, mother-in-law of former Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Ike Ekweremadu, has announced funeral ceremonies for their late matriarch, with her burial scheduled for Thursday, May 28, 2026.
This was made known in an obituary issued on Wednesday by Engr. Isaac Okah, on behalf of the late Chief John Nnolum Okah family.
According to the family, Mrs. Okah’s final journey begins on Monday 25, 2026 with service of songs at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Trans Ekulu, Enugu at 5pm.
A requiem mass and wake keep will be held in her honour at her country home, Enugu-Agu Achi in Oji River LGA at 5pm.
The funeral mass will hold on Thursday, May 28, at St. Theresa’s Catholic Church, Enugu-Agu Achi. This will be followed with condolence visits and celebration of her life.
There will be an outing and thanksgiving Service in her honour at the same church on Sunday, May 31.
According to the obituary, Mrs. Okah, who died on March 20, 2026, was a devout Christian, bridge builder, mentor, and community leader as well as a charitable, and hardworking woman.
She raised nine children, among them Lady Beatrice Nwanneka Ekweremadu, wife of former Deputy President of the Nigerian Senate and Speaker of the Parliament of the Economic Community of West African State, ECOWAS.
Meanwhile, tributes have continued to pour in ahead of the funeral ceremonies.
Leading the tributes is Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State, who described Mrs. Okah’s life as one marked by selfless service to God and mankind.
“She not only lived to a ripe age of 95, but equally made indelible marks on the sands of time as a community leader, peace builder, generous giver and indeed a woman of immeasurable impacts. She bequeathed laudable legacies that will always keep her memories fresh in our hearts,” Mbah asserted.
Also, eulogising the late nonagenarian, Governor Alex Otti of Abia State described her as a fervent Christian and respected community leader.
“She made sure people around her felt loved and accepted, and was admired for her deep wisdom and guidance. She will be remembered for her inspirational leadership and commitment to uplifting people around her,” he added.
On his part, former President of the Senate, Senator Adolphus Wabara, saluted what he described as her exemplary life of service.
“Mrs.Okah lived a life worthy of honour and resemblance, touching many with her kindness, strength, and motherly presence,” Wabara stated.
Also, in his tribute, former President of the Senate and Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator Anyim Pius Anyim, reflected on Mrs. Okah’s resilience and life of service.
Senator Anyim noted, “Mama’s long life is a testament to God’s grace and a legacy of resilience, love, and commitment to family and community. She lived to a ripe old age, witnessed generations grow, and fulfilled purpose on earth.”
A two-storey building under construction has collapsed in Umuoma community, Umuoji, in Idemili North Local Government Area of Anambra State, causing panic among residents and passers-by.
It was gathered that some construction workers at the site narrowly escaped death on Monday evening when the structure began caving in after loud cracking sounds were heard from the walls.
When our correspondent visited the scene on Wednesday, it was observed that the building, reportedly intended to serve as a hotel, had tilted dangerously to different sides after partially collapsing.
A resident living near the building, who identified himself simply as Uzor, said over 20 workers were on the second floor of the structure when it suddenly began to cave in.
The collapsed building
“Prior to the collapse, more than 20 workers were seen busy working at various sections of the building. But hours later, at about 5pm, the structure started caving-in following loud cracks from the second floor, but luckily among the workers, nobody was trapped as they jumped down one after another.
“The structure still under construction is designed to be a three-storey building and to be used for hotel business. It caved in such a way that both sides are now slanting to various directions from the top and it’s posing danger.
“The fortunate thing is that nobody was trapped in the structure. The speed at which the structure is being constructed and following heavy rainfalls might have contributed to the collapse,” he said.
Another resident, simply identified as Amaka, blamed the collapse on what she described as hurried construction work and possible use of substandard materials.
“How can you be putting blocks on top of the ones that have not dried and you know this is rainy season. And most of these iron rods we have today are mostly inferior and are not meant for storey buildings like this.
“Some government officials visited the place on Tuesday and sealed the premises so that it will not cause further danger. Although, the structure is still slanting and posing danger. A thorough investigation should be conducted to ascertain the cause of the collapse,” she said.
One of the officials at the scene, who spoke anonymously because he was not authorised to speak officially, said investigations had commenced to determine the cause of the collapse and whether proper approvals and building standards were followed.
“The premises were sealed off pending investigation. As you can see, it is now slanting towards different directions and posing danger. Preliminary reports gathered indicated multiple damages.
“Authorities would move swiftly to establish how the structure failed and whether regulatory procedures were ignored or not. And also whether the building has approval.
“From the report we got, the building caved-in while some construction workers were on site. Fortunately, no life was lost. The Urban and Town Union Planning had already taken steps to seal off the property, while further enforcement measures were underway,” the official said.
When contacted on Wednesday, the spokesperson for the Anambra State Police Command, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, confirmed the incident but said details were still sketchy.
“Yes, it’s true, but details are still sketchy. I’ll get back to you when I have the full information,” he said.
Building collapses have remained a recurring concern in several parts of Nigeria, often linked to structural defects, use of substandard materials, poor regulatory compliance, and weak supervision of construction projects.
In recent years, authorities and professional bodies have repeatedly called for stricter enforcement of building regulations to prevent avoidable disasters.
Ahead of Thursday’s governorship primaries of the All Progressives Congress, resistance to consensus arrangements has intensified in at least 10 states, as several aspirants rejected pressure to step down and insisted on testing their popularity at the polls.
The growing pushback comes despite efforts by party leaders and governors in many states to streamline the primaries through endorsements, negotiations, and consensus agreements aimed at avoiding divisive contests ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Investigations showed that while incumbent governors in several APC-controlled states have successfully secured consensus backing for second-term tickets, succession battles in states such as Kwara, Gombe, Oyo, Adamawa, Bauchi, Plateau, Lagos, Nasarawa, Rivers, and Yobe remain fiercely contested.
The APC had fixed the cost of its governorship expression of interest form at N10m and nomination form at N40m. Findings indicated that the ruling party generated about N5.05bn from the sale of forms to 101 governorship aspirants nationwide.
The party is scheduled to conduct governorship primaries in 28 states on Thursday, May 21, with direct primaries to be adopted in states where consensus arrangements fail. Appeals arising from the exercises are expected to be heard on May 24.
Consensus gains ground
Despite growing internal resistance in some chapters, no fewer than 11 governors and sole aspirants have already secured overwhelming backing from party structures.
Among those who emerged as consensus candidates are Governors Sheriff Oborevwori (Delta), Abba Yusuf (Kano), Peter Mbah (Enugu), Umar Namadi (Jigawa), Dikko Radda (Katsina), Nasir Idris (Kebbi), Ahmed Aliyu (Sokoto), Dauda Lawal (Zamfara), Mohammed Umar Bago (Niger), Umo Eno (Akwa Ibom), and Ogbonna Nwifuru (Ebonyi).
Party leaders in those states described the arrangements as strategic moves to preserve internal stability and avoid unnecessary factional crises.
In Sokoto, a party stalwart, Abubakar Umar, said members had unanimously resolved to back Governor Ahmed Aliyu for a second term.
“We don’t have any other contestant apart from Governor Ahmed Aliyu. As was the case in the previous primaries, what remains is simply the ratification of his candidacy for another term,” he said.
Similarly, a Kebbi APC chieftain, Abdullahi Zuru, confirmed that Governor Nasir Idris had secured the backing of party stakeholders across the state.
“The party has agreed to present only the governor as its candidate. There is no opposition to his second-term ambition within the party,” he stated.
In Jigawa, the state APC chairman, MK Garba, said the party had settled for Governor Umar Namadi as its sole governorship aspirant.
“We don’t have any other contestant apart from Governor Umar Namadi. The process will simply ratify the consensus already reached by party leaders and members,” he explained.
Speaking on Tuesday in a telephone interview with The PUNCH, Garba said the party remains united in its support for the governor.
He explained that the process in Jigawa will mirror previous primaries where consensus was used to avoid rancour.
“As was the case in the other primaries we held before now, we will only have to confirm the ratification of his candidacy for a second term,” he said.
Kwara succession battle
However, consensus efforts have suffered major setbacks in Kwara State, where 15 aspirants are preparing to confront Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq’s preferred candidate, Amb Yahaya Seriki.
The governor had on Tuesday publicly endorsed Seriki as his preferred successor after what he described as “extensive consultations” with party leaders and stakeholders.
In a statement posted on his Facebook page, AbdulRazaq said Seriki possessed the capacity and political reach required to sustain the administration’s achievements.
“Following extensive consultations with party structures and leadership, I am pleased to endorse Ambassador Abdulfatai Yahaya Seriki as my preferred successor under the platform of our party, the APC,” the governor stated.
He described Seriki as “young, pro-people, astute and broad-minded,” adding that the businessman and political mobiliser enjoyed “profound investments and extensive goodwill among the people of Kwara State.”
The governor, however, stressed that his endorsement did not invalidate the ambitions of other aspirants.
“While this does not in any way preclude all other aspirants from contesting in the primaries, I urge members and leaders to affirm the choice of Seriki for cohesion, unity and continuous success of the party,” he added.
The endorsement was followed immediately by a flurry of approvals from grassroots leaders, top politicians, aspirants, and transport unions in the state.
Speaker of the House of Assembly, Salihu Yakubu-Danladi, who stepped down from the race, congratulated Seriki over the endorsement and pledged to work for him.
NILD Director-General Prof. Abubakar Suleiman said he would no longer be participating in the race after the announcement.
The entire party structure is also poised to announce their support, with all the Local Government APC chairmen in Kwara Central and Kwara South having sent their endorsement for the nominee.
The Kwara State chapter of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria also congratulated Seriki, while key sociocultural platforms in Kwara Central sent their congratulations.
Kwara ALGON chairman, Abdullahi Danladi, said in a statement that “local government chairmen across the state are in full support of the governor’s decision.”
At least five strong party blocs are to hold various endorsement engagements for the nominee on Wednesday, practically guaranteeing his emergence at the primaries that are slated for Thursday.
Tens of thousands of party enthusiasts and supporters thronged the Tunde Idiagbon International Stadium, Ilorin to welcome Seriki just about three hours after his name was announced.
However, despite the endorsement, party sources said that several aspirants had rejected moves to step down, insisting on participating in Thursday’s direct primary election.
A senior party official in Ilorin, who requested anonymity because he was not authorised to speak publicly, said many aspirants believed the race should be decided democratically.
“The governor may have made his preference known, but many aspirants are not willing to surrender their ambitions. They believe the ticket should be determined through open contest and not predetermined arrangements,” the source said.
Kwara currently has the highest number of APC governorship aspirants in the country with 14 contenders, including former Senate Leader Ibrahim Oloriegbe, Muhammed Belgore (SAN), and Salihu Mustapha.
Others are Olufemi Sanni, Mohammed Bio, Dr. Alabi Tajudeen, Amb. Yahaya Abdulfatai, Tajudeen Abdulkadir, Azeez Muideen, Bashir Bolanrinwa, Ahmad Mahmoud, Yetunde Bello, Mahalia Pategi and Prof. Olawale Sulaiman.
Other states
Oyo State followed closely with 11 governorship aspirants, while Adamawa recorded 10 contenders, reflecting heightened political activity ahead of the primaries.
Notable aspirants include former Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu; Senator Sharafadeen Alli; Akeem Agbaje and Dr. Muyiwa Gbadegesin.
Adamawa’s crowded field includes Abdulrazak Namdas, Mustapha Salihu, Senator Aminu Abbas, Abdurahaman Haske, Felix Tangwami, Joel Madaki, Bello Ibrahim and three others.
Bauchi also recorded eight aspirants, among them the immediate past Minister of Foreign Affairs Yusuf Tuggar, Senator Shehu Buba Umar, and former governor Mohammed Abdullahi Abubakar.
In Abia State, the party recorded four aspirants namely Mascot Uzor-Kalu, Henry Ikoh, Martins Azubuike, and Opah Chinemeucheya.
Benue State has four aspirants – Mathias Byuan, Kuraun Isaac, Akutah Ukeyima and Terwase Orbunde – vying for the state’s top job against Governor Hyacinth Alia.
Gombe State recorded two aspirants – Senator Sa’id Alkali, who is vying against Governor Inuwa Yahaya’s preferred candidate Jamil Gwamna.
Party insiders said the large number of aspirants in the affected states reflected unresolved zoning interests, succession calculations, and dissatisfaction among stakeholders over attempts to impose preferred candidates.
In Plateau State, one of the two governorship aspirants, retired military officer Yilcini Bida, dismissed reports that he had stepped down for Governor Caleb Mutfwang.
Speaking on Tuesday, Bida insisted he was fully in the race and was prepared to challenge the incumbent governor at the primary.
“I want to inform the people of Plateau State that I am still in the race. Rumours are flying around that I have stepped down, but I remain fully committed to contesting the primary on Thursday,” he said.
Bida said his administration, if elected, would focus heavily on infrastructure renewal, economic development, and security reforms.
“On the lighting project alone, we intend to spend N1tn within one year. We are also proposing the construction of 40km of road in each local government area,” he said.
On insecurity, the retired officer promised to strengthen Operation Rainbow, the state-owned security outfit.
“As a former military officer, I understand what it takes to restore peace and security in the state. We plan to recruit personnel from rural communities to improve operational efficiency,” he added.
Bida said he was confident of winning the primary despite facing an incumbent governor.
Lagos succession permutations
Political negotiations also intensified in Lagos State as aspirants continued to align behind Deputy Governor Obafemi Hamzat.
One of the governorship aspirants, Samuel Ajose, formally withdrew from the race on Tuesday and announced his support for Hamzat.
Ajose described the decision as painful but necessary for party unity.
“I know it is a very tough decision. I struggled with it overnight, but when I woke up in the morning, I had my peace,” he said.
“In the interest of the party, I have decided to step aside and support Hamzat. We are going to be part of his campaign and play an important role,” he added.
His withdrawal came weeks after former PDP governorship candidate Abdul-Azeez Adediran, popularly known as Jandor, also stepped down and endorsed Hamzat following consultations with APC leaders.
Jandor said his withdrawal followed the endorsement of Hamzat by President Bola Tinubu and APC leaders in Lagos State.
“Following the endorsement of Dr. Kadiri Hamzat by our leader, the President of Nigeria, and leaders of our party in Lagos, and in recognition of the prevailing realities within the political landscape of our great party, I have decided to withdraw from the 2027 Lagos State gubernatorial race,” Jandor had said.
The former PDP governorship candidate described the decision as a sacrifice made for party cohesion and unity, while pledging loyalty to the APC leadership structure.
However, businessman and politician Lanre Jim-Kamal, who formally declared his intention to contest the APC Lagos governorship ticket last month, has reportedly not stepped down from the race.
Jim-Kamal, who made his declaration in Ikeja before party leaders, supporters and political stakeholders, also introduced a five-point agenda and a claimed $50bn partners’ investment proposal for the state.
The protesting workers, who came out in large numbers, marched from the hospital’s Boulevard area to the main gate, chanting solidarity songs and carrying placards demanding immediate reversal of the promotion exercise which they said amounted to stagnation and demotion of staff.
The industrial action followed the expiration of a 21-day ultimatum issued to the management of the hospital on April 27, 2026, during which the unions demanded the withdrawal of the controversial promotion policy.
Addressing the workers during the demonstration, the Enugu State Vice Chairman of National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives (NANNM), Comrade Innocent Ejike, assured the aggrieved staff of labour’s support, insisting that injustice against workers would not be allowed to stand.
“As far as we’re concerned, what is wrong will never stand. If they’re working against you, they’re working against all of us and we’ll never allow that to stand,” he said.
He urged the workers to remain united and disciplined throughout the struggle, stressing that division among workers would weaken their cause.
“There’s no way somebody will go through the rudiments and process of promotion exams and you still keep him in the same position. That is another name for stagnation,” he added.
Also speaking, Chairman Joint Health Sector Union, JOHESU, National Orthopedic Hospital Enugu, Comrade Chukwuemeka Edwin, said the unions were at the hospital to demonstrate solidarity with their members, recalling a similar experience at the National Orthopaedic Hospital Enugu in 2011.
According to him, workers in the orthopaedic hospital resisted attempts to deny them “skipping” during promotions under the Consolidated Health Salary Structure (CONHESS), warning that labour would resist any attempt to revive the policy at FNHE.
“What they did to us then was that people moving from CONHESS 10 to 11 were promoted to the same CONHESS 10, while those moving from 11 to 12 were retained on the same level of 11. We resisted it completely.
“After 15 years of that dark era, we are now seeing the same thing being implemented at the Federal Neuropsychiatric Hospital Enugu. It will never happen,” he declared.
Edwin described the implementation of same-scale promotion as “illegal,” insisting that healthcare promotion remained a “no-go area.”
“The only thing that should call you back from this strike is the withdrawal of that letter,” he told the protesting workers.
Chairman of the National Union of Allied Health Workers and Professionals Enugu State Chapter and past Chairman of Trade Union Congress, TUC, in the state, Asogwa Benjamin, said the unions resorted to strike action after exhausting all avenues for dialogue with management.
“After the 21-day ultimatum, we still gave a grace period of two days. So, we are constrained to take up this last option,” he stated.
Similarly, Acting Chairman of NANNM in the hospital, Comrade Ajiri Okezie, insisted that the workers were only demanding their legitimate rights.
“Promotion is not a privilege but a right. We consulted widely before taking this action. Until you hear from us, don’t come to work,” he said.
The Acting Chairman of JOHESU and Senior Staff Chairman, Comrade Cletus Nweke, also threw his weight behind the strike, describing the workers’ action as justified.
In the April 27 ultimatum jointly signed by leaders of JOHESU affiliates and NANNM in the hospital, the unions accused the management of subjecting workers to “same-scale promotion” during the 2025 exercise.
The unions stated that the exercise was “not promotion but rather stagnation/demotion,” warning that they could no longer guarantee industrial harmony if the decision was not reversed.
The workers anchored part of their demands on a 2017 circular issued by the Federal Ministry of Health following a memorandum of terms of settlement reached with JOHESU after a nationwide strike.
In the October 3, 2017 document signed on behalf of the Minister by Dr. W. D. Balami, Head of Department of Hospital Services, the ministry expressly directed federal health institutions that “there should be no same-scale promotion in accordance with the Public Service Rule.”
The document also directed hospitals to pay arrears of “skipping” and other allowances owed to health workers.
Union leaders at the protest argued that the current promotion exercise at FNHE violated the 2017 agreement and contravened established public service rules guiding promotions in the health sector.
As of the time of filing this report, the management of the hospital had yet to officially respond to the allegations and the ongoing strike action.
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