The Association of Radiographers of Nigeria (ARN) has strongly opposed the proposed Dental Practitioners Act (Repeal and Re-enactment) Bill, 2026 (HB 2695), warning that its passage could destabilise Nigeria’s healthcare system and undermine the professional autonomy of radiographers.

The position was made known by the National President of the association, Musa Y. Dambele PhD, during a press briefing held at the Nigeria Union of Journalists Secretariat in Kano on Saturday.

Addressing journalists, Dambele described the bill as a “calculated and existential threat” to radiography practice in Nigeria, alleging that it is designed to transfer regulatory authority from the Radiographers Registration Board of Nigeria to the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria.

Dambele highlighted Section 8(1) of the proposed bill, which contains a “notwithstanding clause” granting the MDCN overriding authority over other regulatory bodies.

According to him, the provision directly conflicts with the Radiographers (Registration, etc.) Act, Cap R1, LFN 2004, effectively stripping the RRBN of its statutory mandate.

“The clause is designed to create jurisdictional supremacy and dismantle the existing regulatory structure governing radiography in Nigeria,” he stated.

The ARN President also faulted Section 47 of the bill, which defines radiology as encompassing all aspects of diagnostic imaging.

He argued that such classification amounts to a deliberate attempt to subsume radiography under medicine, stressing that radiography is a distinct scientific discipline involving imaging technology, radiation physics, and patient safety.

He warned that the provision could lead to the “legal erasure” of radiography as an independent profession and place practitioners under the control of a council lacking relevant expertise.

Dambele further raised concerns over Section 8(1)(k), which empowers the MDCN to regulate the use of ultrasound, laser systems, and radiofrequency-based devices.

He maintained that these technologies are core components of radiographic practice and are not exclusive to any single profession.

He cautioned that restricting access to such tools could create workforce shortages, limit specialised services, and reduce patients’ access to essential diagnostic and therapeutic procedures.

On disciplinary matters, the ARN President criticised Sections 30 to 32 of the bill, which propose tribunals composed entirely of medical and dental practitioners to adjudicate cases involving all registered health professionals.

He argued that this arrangement violates the constitutional right to fair hearing, noting that professionals cannot be judged impartially by competing disciplines.

Dambele also opposed Section 18(3), which mandates that a significant percentage of professional fees be shared with external bodies, including the Nigerian Medical Association.

He described the provision as “financial exploitation” and a form of regulatory overreach.

The ARN President further alleged that the proposed legislation, alongside HB 2699, represents a coordinated attempt to weaken radiography through what he described as a “pincer movement.”

According to him, while HB 2695 seeks to erode internal regulatory control, HB 2699 aims to impose external constraints that could cripple the profession.

Dambele expressed concern over provisions that expand the powers of the Minister of Health to influence the composition and leadership of regulatory boards, warning that such measures could politicise professional regulation.

He also criticised attempts to dilute the authority of the RRBN in appointing its Registrar, describing it as an erosion of institutional independence.

Furthermore, he opposed the inclusion of loosely defined “community interest” representatives in regulatory boards, arguing that healthcare regulation should remain technical, evidence-based, and competence-driven.

Citing global best practices, Dambele noted that in countries such as the United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia, healthcare professions are regulated independently to ensure accountability and professional competence.

He warned that adopting contrary measures in Nigeria could set a dangerous precedent, trigger inter-professional conflicts, and weaken healthcare delivery systems.

The ARN, he added, aligns with other health sector stakeholders, including the Joint Health Sector Unions, as well as professional bodies in medical laboratory science and physiotherapy, in opposing the bill.

Dambele said the association is calling on the National Assembly to:

Reject the bill in its current form

Uphold the principle of professional self-regulation

Remove provisions enabling external control and dominance

Retain the statutory powers of the RRBN, particularly in appointing its Registrar

Convene a stakeholders’ summit to develop a harmonised regulatory framework in line with international standards

The ARN President emphasised that radiographers play a critical role in delivering diagnostic and therapeutic services, including X-rays, ultrasound, CT scans, MRI, radiotherapy, and nuclear medicine.

He warned that any attempt to centralise control under a single profession could compromise patient safety and reduce the quality of healthcare delivery.

Dambele reiterated the association’s commitment to defending the integrity of the profession and called on Nigerians to support efforts aimed at preserving a balanced and effective healthcare system.

Responding to the directive given by President Bola Tinubu directing all political appointees contesting for positions in the 2027 elections to resign by March 31, 2026, the Senior Special Assistant on Citizenship and Leadership, Honourable Nasir Bala Aminu, popular called Ja’oji, has tendered his resignation letter.

The Presidential directive applies to Ministers, Ministers of State, Special Advisers, Senior Special Assistants, and other officials appointed by the President, who where appointed to contribute their share in the development of the country.

In the letter, he profoundly thanked the President, for giving him the opportunity to serve his motherland, Nigeria. Emphasizing that, his choice for the two different positions, was informed by President Tinubu’s concern for Nigerian youth. And the confidence he (President) reposed in them.

He pledged that, at whatever rate, he is ready to serve his country at any time President Tinubu deems it fit. Adding that, Tinubu’s keen interest in the development of Nigerian youth, is one of the cardinal principles of his administration, which serves as morale booster to all ages.

While appreciating the administration’s Renewed Hope Initiative as a driving force, he believes that, many of the good policies and programmea of the administration would bear more fruits when Tinubu gets second tenure, come 2027.

With his resignation, it also means that, Ja’oji is ready and confident enough to contest for elective office. His people remain jubilant over his show of seriousness and commitment in seeking for elective position. Assuring that, they would always support him to achieve his political goals. Under sun or rain.

By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa

A fresh crisis has erupted within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), threatening to undo reconciliation efforts as a powerful bloc loyal to Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, rejected a rival faction’s plan to hold a national convention. The move has intensified the leadership tussle between Governor Makinde’s camp and supporters of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike.

The conflict came to a head on Saturday during the party’s 103rd National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting in Abuja, where the Makinde-aligned group dismissed the convention scheduled for March 28–29, 2026, by the Wike-backed faction. The Wike camp, however, insists the convention will proceed as planned, arguing that the current National Working Committee (NWC) led by Kabiru Tanimu Turaki, SAN, lacks legitimacy.

The faction loyal to the FCT Minister has already conducted ward, local government, and state congresses, positioning its upcoming Abuja convention as a move to install a new NWC. Party insiders say the group has intensified mobilisation across several states, engaging delegates and stakeholders to secure support for the exercise.

Proponents of the convention describe it as a “reset” aimed at producing a more assertive and electorally competitive leadership ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Beyond the convention dispute, the crisis reflects a fundamental struggle over who holds legitimate authority within the opposition party. The two camps remain deeply divided over reconciliation efforts and the strategic direction of the PDP, raising concerns about the party’s ability to present a united front in time for the next election cycle.

Tensions were laid bare during the NEC meeting, which had been delayed for weeks to allow for broader consultations. In attendance were key party leaders, including National Chairman Kabiru Tanimu Turaki, SAN; Board of Trustees Chairman, Senator Adolphus Wabara; House of Representatives caucus leader, Hon. Fred Agbedi; Chairman of PDP State Chairmen, Hon. Tony Aziegbemi; and National Publicity Secretary, Ini Ememobong.

Opposition to the planned convention was swift and unequivocal, particularly from state party leaders who accused the Wike-aligned camp of sidelining broader party structures.

“You must have consultation. You must bring more people to the table when you are sharing those positions,” Aziegbemi said. “Here we are, with just one person, or at most two people, presenting us with a list of members of the National Working Committee of our great party. Will you allow that to happen?”

He added: “Which convention? Where did we decide that we are going for a convention? Who agreed to go to that convention? For us at the level of state chairmen, we want to assure you that we will go nowhere, that we will stand with you, no matter what happens.”

Addressing reporters after the meeting, National Publicity Secretary Ini Ememobong denied knowledge of any impending convention, while cautioning against public commentary that could further fracture the party.

“Talking about the convention, there’s no convention coming up to our knowledge,” Ememobong said. “But we will not begin to deconstruct that because that would be an inconvenient truth, and we cannot be saying those inconvenient truths at this point in public.”

On reconciliation, Ememobong acknowledged progress while noting the journey is far from over. “Reconciliation is a journey towards a destination, and so you measure it by movement. Movement is being made along that line. The destination will be met. We have a situation of negative peace at the moment—at least a cessation of hostilities.”

National Chairman Turaki underscored the party’s commitment to due process, explaining the NEC meeting was intended to assess developments carefully before taking decisive action.

“We felt it was important to examine these developments microscopically so that we can take informed decisions, not only to save and strengthen our party, but to ensure that multi-party democracy survives,” Turaki said. “All hope is not lost. Indeed, no hope is lost.”