The association of Resident Doctors, Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital (ARD AKTH), has formally announced its decision to join the nationwide strike declared by the National Association of Resident Doctors (NARD). According to Dr. Bello Aminu Bello, President of ARD AKTH, the strike, known as the Total and Indefinite Consolidated Strike (TICS 2.0), will commence at midnight on Monday, January 12, 2026.

Dr. Bello explained that the decision was reached after “extensive deliberations and in strict alignment with the directive of NARD.” He emphasized that the strike was not taken lightly but was necessitated by “prolonged engagement, repeated assurances, and persistent failure by relevant authorities to address critical welfare, training, and remuneration concerns affecting resident doctors and the healthcare system.”

In outlining the doctors’ demands, Dr. Bello stressed that they remain “clear, legitimate, and long overdue.” Among the key issues highlighted were the immediate reinstatement of the FTH Lokoja Five, payment of all outstanding promotion and salary arrears, and the full implementation of the approved professional allowance table with arrears captured in the 2026 Federal Budget.

The ARD AKTH president further noted that the association is calling for “official clarification by the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare to Chief Executives on skipping and entry-level placement issues.” He added that the re-introduction and full implementation of the Specialist Allowance is also a priority for resident doctors.

Dr. Bello also drew attention to the plight of House Officers, stating that “the resolution of salary delays and arrears, with issuance of a clear pay advisory, is urgently needed.” He explained that the association is equally demanding the re-categorization of membership certificates and issuance of certificates post Part I examinations by the National Postgraduate Medical College of Nigeria (NPMCN).

On working conditions, Dr. Bello revealed that ARD AKTH is insisting on “the immediate commencement of locum practice and work-hours regulation committees.” He added that the resumption and timely conclusion of the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) process is critical to restoring confidence in the system.

Highlighting the implications of the unresolved issues, Dr. Bello warned that “the continued neglect of these matters poses serious risks to healthcare delivery, workforce morale, and patient safety.” He stressed that resident doctors cannot continue to function optimally in an environment of uncertainty and unfulfilled commitments.

Despite the strike declaration, Dr. Bello assured that ARD AKTH remains open to dialogue. “We are open to genuine, concrete, and time-bound negotiations, but until meaningful progress is achieved, we stand in full solidarity with NARD and resident doctors nationwide,” he stated.

The announcement shows a major disruption in healthcare services in Kano and across Nigeria, as resident doctors form the backbone of medical care in teaching hospitals. The government is now under mounting pressure to respond to the doctors’ demands before the strike begins.

By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa

The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Joash Amupitan (SAN), has pledged that the 2027 General Elections will be free, fair, transparent, and driven by technology, warning that misconduct will not be tolerated.

Speaking on Thursday at the opening of a two-day induction and strategic retreat for top officials in Lagos, Amupitan outlined an ambitious vision to meet the evolving demands of Nigeria’s electoral landscape and restore public confidence.

“We are gathered here not just as electoral administrators, but as custodians of the will of the Nigerian people. This retreat is a bridge between our institutional experience and the innovative demands of a fast-evolving electoral landscape,” the Chairman stated.

Building on Past Performance

Amupitan commended INEC staff for their conduct during the November 2025 Anambra State governorship election, calling it a “defining moment” early in his tenure. He emphasized that upcoming polls—including the February 2026 Federal Capital Territory Area Council elections and off-cycle governorship elections in Ekiti and Osun States—would serve as critical tests for the Commission’s preparedness.

“They are not routine exercises, but opportunities to fine-tune our processes and ensure that every technical and logistical gear is well oiled ahead of the 2027 polls,” he said.

Five Non-Negotiable Pillars and the Youth Vote

The INEC boss identified five core principles that will guide the Commission’s work: free, fair, credible, transparent, and inclusive elections. He also highlighted the decisive role of first-time voters, particularly digitally-savvy youth, who he said “demand transparency in real time and have little tolerance for opacity.”

Rule of Law as Operating System

Amupitan stressed an uncompromising commitment to the legal framework governing elections. “Under my leadership, the rule of law is not a suggestion; it is our operating system,” he declared.

The retreat will focus on 17 thematic areas, including logistics, voter registration, election security, and political party management. “We must ensure that the Continuous Voter Registration and revalidation processes are beyond reproach,” he added.

A Watershed Election and Zero Tolerance for Misconduct

Setting a bold target, Amupitan stated that the 2027 election must be “a watershed in Nigeria’s electoral history,” aiming to establish INEC as “the best Election Management Body in Africa.”

He coupled this ambition with a stern warning: “I am committed to staff welfare, but any compromise of our values or processes will have consequences. There is no room for misconduct.”

Strengthening Institutional Readiness

In his opening remarks, Lagos State Resident Electoral Commissioner Prof. Ayobami Salami described the retreat as a milestone in INEC’s evolution, designed to strengthen leadership and operational readiness amid heightened public expectations.

“As we move towards the 2027 General Election, early planning, strategic coordination, and institutional unity are critical,” Salami said.

The retreat, which runs from January 9–10, aims to deepen institutional knowledge and foster cohesion within the Commission ahead of the major electoral cycle.

Concerned Rivers People, CRP has revealed how Rivers Governor Siminalayi Fubara engaged social media influencers to tarnish image of the Federal Capital Territory FCT Minister Nyesom Wike.

This was contained in a statement issued and signed by the CRP’s Director of Communication, Robinson Uke where he stated that:

“Bloggers engaged by public officials to influence politics in Nigeria has become the norm as we are aware of deliberate moves by Fubara to denigrate the hardworking FCT minister before Mr President.

“This obviously will not fly as we are also aware that some bloggers equally turned down mouth watering offers declaring that the minister has not in any way attacked the Rivers Governor either directly or indirectly.

Uke explained that: “All the FCT minister has said is that an agreement is an agreement, Fubara should swallow his pride and respect the agreement.

“This he has not done yet he is lavishing hard earned tax payers money of the state on social media influencers across the country without an Appropriation Act to back his spending.

“This development raises ethical concerns, as it undermines transparency and accountability in governance.

” The Nigerian government has responded by demanding approval for sponsored posts, citing concerns over misinformation and manipulation.

“We want to specially thank those bloggers who are standing by the truth and refused to be used by the drowning Fubara who has betrayal flowing in his DNA.

“To Fubara we wish him the best of luck in his political sojourn as an African proverb says a child who refuses to allow his mother to sleep, the child too will not sleep.