You can't go on strike, Court tells Enugu health workers

BY MADU EZENOHA

 The Enugu Division of the National Industrial Court has issued Interim Orders restraining the leadership and members of the Enugu State chapters of three different workers' unions from embarking on any strike/industrial action.

The unions are, the National Association of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives, the Medical and Health Workers’ Union of Nigeria and the Nigerian Union of Allied Health Professionals (NUAHP), respectively.

The Court ordered the health workers to shelve the strike pending the hearing and determination of Motions on Notice for Interlocutory Injunctions already filed separately by the Enugu State Government, on August 24, 2020.

The court also made an Order of Interim Injunction restraining the members of the affected three bodies “or any other persons however so called or described acting under the instructions, direction or mandate of the Defendants from embarking on, or continuing in furtherance of, any strike/ industrial action, pending the hearing and determination of the Motion on Notice already filed”.

The court therefore granted the Claimant/Applicant (Enugu State Government) leave to serve the Originating Summons, Motions on Notice and all other processes in the Suits on the Defendants, respectively, along with the Interim Orders granted.

The court orders were granted by Hon. Justice N.C.S Ogbuanya, on August 28, 2020, in Suit Nos: NICN/EN/31/2020, NICN/EN/32/2020 and NICN/EN/33/2020, filed against the National Association of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives, the Nigerian Union of Allied Health Professionals (NUAHP), and the Medical and Health Workers’ Union of Nigeria, respectively. 

 

 

Gov Ugwuanyi intervenes in Ezeagu erosion-ravaged federal road, approves fund for maternity hospital

Gov Ugwuanyi at the Ezeagu erosion site 

 

BY MADU EZENOHA 

Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State, on Friday announced that the state government would intervene in the rehabilitation of some erosion-devastated federal road projects in Ezeagu local government area of the state to save the people from harrowing experience they have passed through since 2013.

Governor Ugwuanyi said the state would intervene through the options of meeting with the federal government on the issue of funding or embarking on remedial work during the dry season, among others.

 He reiterated his administration's commitment to rural development, youth empowerment and people’s wellbeing.

 Governor Ugwuanyi gave the assurance when he visited Obinofia Community, in Ezeagu LGA for the inspection of the erosion-ravaged federal road project (Ozoechine Road) which was abandoned for lack of funding.

The governor, accompanied by a team of engineers from the Highways Department of the Federal Ministry of Works and Housing, led by the Chief Engineer, Engr. S.T. Oluwadun, and the State Project Manager of Nigeria Erosion and Watershed Management Project (NEWMAP), Barr. Vincent Obetta, was informed by Engr. Oluwadun that the road was being constructed by the federal government since 2013 but was abandoned because of lack of funding.

On his part, the State NEWMAP Project Manager, Barr. Obetta, disclosed that Gov. Ugwuanyi had on March 16, 2019 commissioned the agency to assess the road with engineering experts, adding that they realized, after scooping of the road, that it was a federal project under the Exclusive List of the Federal Government.

He therefore suggested that the state government should interface with the federal government with a view to declaring the road an emergency erosion site.

But Governor Ugwuanyi, who asked the people of the community to mention their most pressing need, approved the sum of N5 million for equipping of the community’s maternity hospital, after the people called his attention to it.

He told the people of Obinofia that his administration will not abandon them, reassuring them that there will be a remarkable difference.

Gov. Ugwuanyi was received by the Chairman of Ezeagu LGA, Hon. Chukwudi Ani and jubilant sons and daughters of Obinofia, including the clergy, traditional ruler, President General of the Town Union and the immediate past Council Chairman, Hon. Fred Chukwudi Ezinwa, who all expressed their deep gratitude to the governor for coming to the rescue of the people of the community.

 

Enugu govt constitutes panel of inquiry on Ugwuaji land dispute

                                                       Gov Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State

By MADU EZENOHA

Enugu State Government has constituted a six-man Administrative Panel of Inquiry into the disputed land in Ugwuaji Community, in Enugu South Local Government Area of the state.

This is even as the governor directed all claims and activities on the disputed land to cease until outcome of panel’s report and its disposal action on the matter.

In a statement by the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Simon Uchenna Ortuanya, the panel which has Chief James Ikeyi, SAN, as Chairman, is to establish the true owner of the parcels of land in dispute as well as ascertain the entire area of disputed land.

Other terms of reference of the panel are “to ascertain individual claims or title to parcels of land in the disputed area” and “make any other finding that will ensure lasting peace in the area”.

 Prof. Ortuanya, who disclosed that the setting up of the panel was approved by the State Executive Council in its 10th meeting held on Friday, August 21, 2020, added that it is expected to complete its assignment within two (2) months of its constitution.

 “To this end, all claims to, and/or activities on the disputed parcels of land should cease forthwith until final submission of panel’s report and state government’s disposal action on the matter”, the statement said.

 Other members of the panel are: Brigadier General Godwin Ugwoke (Rtd); Prof. Daniel Nwachukwu; Mr. Godwin Ishiwu (Surveyor General, Enugu State); Barr. Chudi Ozokolo and Mr. Robinson Odoh, Mni, who serves as the Secretary.

 

We’re impressed by your developmental strides, visiting fed lawmakers tell Gov Ugwuanyi

 

By Madu Ezenoha

Members of the House of Representatives Committee on Health Institutions on Thursday expressed satisfaction with the developmental strides in Enugu state under the leadership of Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi.

The federal lawmakers made the commendation when they paid a courtesy call on Gov. Ugwuanyi at the Government House, Enugu. 

The committee, which was led by its Deputy Chairman, Rt. Hon. Martin Oke, was in Enugu on an oversight visit to federal health institutions in the state.

Speaking on behalf of the committee, the member representing Oshodi/Isolo Federal Constituency of Lagos State, Hon. Dr. Bashiru Dawudu, applauded the governor for reconstructing and remodeling the historic and undulating Milliken Hill road, Enugu, and other landmark projects, including the ongoing massive construction works at the state’s Infectious Disease Hospital, Enugu, formerly known as Colliery Hospital Enugu.

“This is wonderful, we are very proud of you," the lawmaker told the governor.

Hon. Dawudu also lauded Gov. Ugwuanyi for the various interventions undertaken by his administration towards upgrading and rehabilitating health facilities in the state, pointing out that the state government’s intervention in its teaching hospital was “amazing”.  

He appreciated the governor for spearheading a “peaceful and well organized state”, stressing that “this is a place that should be emulated in terms of planning and organization”.

Hon. Dawudu added that “this is a testimony of good governance, and we are proud of your performance”.

The lawmaker who described Ugwuanyi as “one of the best governors in Nigeria”, assured him of their continued prayers and support.

While acknowledging the synergy between the Enugu State government and the Federal Government, Hon. Dawudu called for more collaboration especially in the health sector, disclosing that “there are a lot federal interventions that will come to this state”.

In his remark, Gov. Ugwuanyi, who welcomed the honourable members to the state, appreciated the purpose of their visit and assured them of his administration’s commitment to peace, good governance and the well being of the people.