Government Hospital Sacks Two Nurses For Wearing Hijab To Work

National Orthopaedic Hospital, Igbobi Lagos (NOHIL) has sacked two female nurses for wearing hijab while on duty.

The nurses Mrs Fasilat Olayinka Lawal and Miss Sekinat Sanusi, relied on the prescription of their regulatory body, the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria which says nurses should either wear nurse cap or shoulder length hijab as contained in a circular dated February 11, 2002 (reference number N&MCN/CMF/721/1/3).

The circular which was signed by P. N. Ndatsu, Secretary General/Registrar was said to have been sent to all Directors of Nursing and their deputies, chief Medical Directors, chief Executives, and Principals.

In anticipation of the action of the hospital management, the victims approached the court to obtain injunction against further actions by the management of the NOHIL, But this did not deter the hospital management as the two nurses were sacked a few days ago.

Narrating how it happened, Mrs Lawal said she accepted the offer based on the circular of Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria prescribing a shoulder length hijab which she expected the hospital to comply with.

When Vanguard contacted the Medical Director, NOHIL, Dr. O.Odunibi on phone for comments, he declined saying “the matter is already in court and we have been told not to comment on the matter.”

A senior Muslim nurse in the hospital who crave anonimity told Vanguard that they were not wearing hijab merely because no circular was given to them to that effect. She maintained that the development was an eye-opener to other Muslim nurses in the hospital.

“I assumed duty on February 25, 2014, at the commencement of the one month orientation, I was told to remove my hijab but I insisted presenting a copy of a circular from Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria to the head of Nursing Department, Mrs Adebowale, hence I was allowed to do the orientation wearing hijab,” Mrs Lawal said.

“I completed the orientation on March 23, 2014 and resumed duty fully in uniform on Monday March 24, 2014 and I was told that I was not properly dressed as I was using hijab and not a nurse cap.

“On April 8, 2014, I wrote a letter of protest to the Medical Director copying Minister for Health, Minister for State for Health and Board Chairman, National Orthopeadic Hospital Igbobi Lagos and Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria.”

“On April 9, 2014, I was given a query dated April 8, 2014 to explain why disciplinary action should not be instituted against me for insubordination by not wearing Nurse uniform which I replied with a letter dated April 9, 2014 and since April 10, 2014 I have not been allowed to work or even sign the attendance register, we were told to stay outside the Director of Administrator’s office by the Chairman of National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwife (NANNM).

“On April 11, 2014, we were given two letters, one from the Director of Administration summoning us to a disciplinary committee on Monday April 14, 2014 and another from the Assistant Director of Nursing calling our attention to some so called facts.

“On the April 14, 2014, we were at the panel/ disciplinary committee and was told to have a rethink of removing our hijab within 24hrs and get back to the committee the following day at 10:00am to avoid a disciplinary action taken against us.”

“We immediately sort a legal advice since we were determined not to remove our hijab and decided to proceed to court to stop any diciplinary actions taken against us and also seek redress on the violation on our fundamental human rights and be allowed to work and wear our hijabs without hindrance as permitted by Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria, the only body permitted by law to regulate the Nursing Profession in Nigeria.

“We were further prevented from entering the ward and carrying out our official duty, we wrote another letter to the Medical Director in the afternoon of April 15, 2014 notifying him of the situation.”

“On April 17, 2014, a letter was written to the Medical Director by our Lawyer informing him of the implication of their actions of not allowing us to work and if the situation persists a contempt proceeding would be commenced against them. The situation continued that way without been allowed to work until April 23, 2014 when we were given a memo to appear before the Hospital Management Board by 10:00am.”

“We met with the board and was told that by not removing our hijab we have committed an act of insurbodination and disobedience which is punishable by the law of public service.

“We were asked if we were ready to retrace our steps by removing our hijab and we responded that we can not remove our hijab and moreso the matter is in court and we cannot take any further step without informing our lawyer.

“Later that day (April 23, 2014) we were issued a letter of termination of service,” she narrated.

Meanwhile, the Muslim Lawyers Association of Nigeria, MULAN, has described the termination of employment of the two muslim nurses as ‘wrongful dismissal’.

The Chairman of the association, Barrister Musadiq Adunni Sanni said the nurses have right to complain and also have the right to institute legal action if their fundamental human rights were infringed upon.

“It is wrongful dismissal. What I think they should have done is to wait on the court before taking a decision.”

“This is a labour matter and if the institution allows it, then the court will have to decide who is wrong.”

“I also think they don’t have respect for the rule of law and we are not happy that a Federal Institution like that would go that way.”

Speaking on a similar case of hijab involving a student who was punished because she wore hijab while in school, Barrister Sanni stated that although there is a proposal for out of court settlement, the condition was not favourable to the Muslims.

“Just last Tuesday, the state maintained that it only limited the use of hijab to the Mosque on Fridays during Jumat and also during Zhur and Asr prayers, but we are not happy with that; our interest is total use of hijab. We are still on it and we are going to argue our case insha-Allah,” he stressed. 

Chibok Abduction: Four More Girls Escape Boko Haram Stronghold

Four more girls surfaced, Wednesday, after escaping from their Boko Haram abductors.

Wednesday’s escape brings the list of the girls that have gained their freedom to 48, with 230 schoolgirls believed to still be held hostage by the terrorist group.

The new escapees were said to have been sighted around Monguno in the northern part of Borno State.

Despite the promise made by Chief of Defence Staff, Air Vice Marshal Alex Badeh that the military was committed to rescuing the abducted girls, four more of the abducted girls were reported to have surfaced yesterday after escaping from their captors without the intervention of the military.

A credible source, who spoke to journalists in Maiduguri, said the girls were rescued by some good Samaritans in a village near Monguno Council Area last Sunday, before they were handed over to security operatives in Maiduguri, the state capital.

The Minister of Interior, Abba Moro, also confirmed this while speaking on the BBC Hausa Service monitored in Maiduguri. He revealed that the girls were hale and hearty.

According to Moro, the girls are now in the custody of security forces and would be handed over to their parents.

“Information reaching me from the area indicates that four more girls escaped from captivity and they are healthy. Security forces are presently trying to identify their parents so that they can be reunited with them,” he said.

The minister faulted the claims that the federal government was not doing enough to rescue the girls, describing the allegation as baseless.

“Government is doing everything within its powers to ensure that the girls are freed unhurt. People should realise that security agents need more time to do the job and they have to be cautious so as not to endanger the lives of the girls in the process of the rescue operation,” he explained

‘Abducted School Girls Will End Boko Haram Activities’ – Sheikh Gumi Reveals

A renowned Islamic Scholar Sheikh Ahmed Abubakar Gumi has said that the abduction of school girls from Chibok, Borno will bring an end to the dreaded Boko Haram activities.

In a statement in Kaduna, Gumi said the abductors are for the first time confined in a space, the Sambisa forest, therefore security agents should grab this opportunity, encircle the all outlets from the forest and use aerial surveillance that would lead to the capture of the insurgents.

“This abduction is an end game for whoever is responsible for the killings, bombings and terror all over in general. The abductors whoever they may be are confined in space and time for the first time. The abducted girls are known, therefore, lies will have to end. The abductors must be identified. These girls hold the answers to all the melodrama that is called war against Boko Haram.

“Therefore, I see this is the end game of the saga called Boko Haram. There will be surprises definitely!” he said.

According to Gumi, the girls when freed will talk and nobody in the system wants free flow of information on the true nature of things, adding that he was surprised there’s been no free interviews with the ones who escaped.

He criticised the government for not taking responsibility or honourably resigning for more responsible officials to clear the mess

He wondered why the military has not used the drone developed and manufactured by the Nigeria Air Force Institute of Technology in Kaduna or sought help from the United states.

Gumi however prayed for Allah to ease their release and protect the nation from criminals and irresponsible officials.

Meanwhile, the Nigerian Army has concluded plans to storm Sambisa Forest with about four battalions this weekend in ordere to secure the release of the abducted 234 students of the Government Girls’ Secondary School (GGSS), Chibok, Borno State.

Full Details On Nyanya Bomb Blast: How It Happened – NEMA

Director-General of the National Emergency Management Agency, NEMA, Sanni Sidi disclosed that yesterday’s bomb blast happened when a parked car with explosives exploded.

Sidi, who spoke to journalists at the Asokoro General Hospital, Abuja, noted that the blast was not as intense as the previous one, stressing that yesterday’s blast happened fifty metres away from the last one, but the same Nyanya, outskirts of Abuja.

Also speaking with Journalists at hospital, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory Senator Bala Mohammed described the incident as unfortunate especially coming barely some weeks after the last one. He however assured residents of the territory of government’s readiness to provide security as well as protect lives and property, adding that it was early to give numbers of casualties as he was at the hospital to assess the level of services being rendered by his staff.

Giving the number of injured persons at the various hospitals, Secretary, Health and Human Services, Ademola Onakomaiya disclosed that the total number of those who sustained injuries at Asokoro, Maitama General Hospitals and National Hospital were 41 with 30 at Asokoro, 2 in Maitama and 9 at National Hospital, adding that arrangements have been put in place as 20 bed spaces have been created in three hospitals where those at Asokoro would be taken to.

BREAKING NEWS: Another Bomb Explodes in Nyanya Abuja.

Aanother bomb has just exploded in Nyanya, Abuja this evening, Opposite the same park that was under attack last month. The number of casualties has not been ascertain at the time of this report. more updates will come up shortly. 

45-year-old Man Defiles Daughter In Ibadan

A 45-year-old man has been remanded in prison by an Iyaganku Chief Magistrate’s court, Ibadan, after allegedly defiling and impregnating his daughter.

The Chief Magistrate, Mrs Kehinde Durosaro-Tijani, gave the order pending the duplication of the case file by the Directorate of Public Prosecution, DPP.
She, therefore, adjourned the case till May 11.
Prosecutor Oluyemi Eyiaromi told the court that the accused unlawfully had carnal knowledge of his 16-year-old daughter.
Eyiaromi said that the girl was carrying a three-month old pregnancy for her father, Ahmed Akintola, who resides in a one-room apartment with her mother and other siblings.
He told the court that the girl said her father always come down from bed to r*pe her on the mat on several occasions.
She said she complained to her mother’s family but no help was forthcoming.
Eyiaromi said the offence contravened Sections 357 and 358 of the Criminal Code of Oyo State 2000.
Akintola is to remain in Agodi prison till the court reconvenes on the matter on May 11.

Bootylicious Actress, Daniella Okeke Shows Off Her Exotic Cars (LOOK)

Nollywood actress, Daniella Okeke shows off her car garage filled with exotic cars……See it after the cut:

See The Problems I Encounter For Being Beautiful - Lady Cries Out [PHOTOS]

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Kenyan Policewoman Wears "Tight Skirt" to Work, Causes Scandal

This photo of Corporal Linda Okello has caused major controversy in Kenya

Kenya - Kenyan policewoman, Corporal Linda Okello, has found herself in the epicenter of media scandal when photos of her wearing a tight-fitting skirt surfaced on the Internet.

The policewoman from Kiambu, Kiambu County, was reprimanded by her superiors, but still remains with the police force. She has explained that the skirt was part of the official uniform, but she had put on weight.



Some artwork by Kenyans who reacted to the development

Meanwhile, the development has caused quite a stir on Twitter, with Kenyans defending Okello and supporting her. Some observers have noted that photos of overweight policemen never cause any kind of backlash.

This would not be the first time when the subject of police uniform hits the headlines in Kenya. Last year, authorities banned policewomen from wearing lipstick and earrings to work.

Recently, another photo of the woman wearing a black slinky dress - seemingly off duty - made rounds in the social media.

N4.7bn Fraud: Judge’s Absence Stalls Hearing In Babalakin’s Application Till May 12

Court on Wednesday adjourned hearing in an application filed by the Chairman of Bi-Courtney Services Ltd., Wale Babalakin, till May 12.

Babalakin, in the application filed before Justice Lateef Lawal-Akapo, had asked the court to dismiss the N4.7 billion fraud charge preferred against him and four others.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the court had earlier fixed Wednesday, April 30 for hearing of the application but could not sit due to Lawal-Akapo’s absence.
The judge was said to be attending a workshop on Continuous Legal Education organised by the Ikeja branch of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA).
NAN gathered that the new date has been communicated to the parties involved in the suit.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) had charged Babalakin with allegedly transferring the money on behalf of convicted former Delta State Governor, James Ibori.
Babalakin is standing trial alongside Alex Okoh and their companies-Stabilini Visioni Ltd., Bi-Courtney Ltd. and Renix Nigeria Ltd.
They are facing a 27-count charge bordering on conspiracy to commit felony, corruptly conferring benefit on account of public action and retention of proceeds of a criminal conduct.
His co-defendants had also filed similar applications, challenging the court’s jurisdiction to entertain the charge.
They had also challenged the competency of the charge, arguing that the EFCC lacked the power to prosecute them before a state high court without a valid fiat.

Protesters Chant ‘Bring Back Our Daughters’ In March To National Assembly

Nigerian protesters marched on the National Assembly Wednesday to demand the government and military do more to rescue scores of schoolgirls kidnapped by Boko Haram gunmen at Government Girls Secondary School, in Chibok,Borno State, more than two weeks ago.

Dubbed “a million woman march” and promoted on Twitter under #BringBackOurGirls, the protest was not expected to draw a massive crowd and turn-out was hindered by heavy rain in the capital Abuja.
But several hundred women and men, mostly dressed in red, marched through the rain towards the National Assembly carrying placards that read “Find Our Daughters.”
Protest organiser Hadiza Bala Usman had earlier said that the size of the protest was less important than raising awareness about the plight of the hostages whose April 14 abduction at gunpoint from their school in the northeast has outraged Africa’s most populous nation.
“The government has to understand that we are not going to allow this silence to continue,” Usman said.
In the northern city of Kano, roughly 100 people dressed in black marched towards the state governor’s office, calling for the girls’ immediate release.
The mass kidnapping in the Chibok area of northeastern Borno state was one of the most shocking attacks in Boko Haram’s five-year extremist uprising, which has killed thousands across the north and centre of the country.
The leader of Chibok’s elders forum, Pogu Bitrus, told AFP that he had received information indicating the girls were trafficked into neighbouring Cameroon and Chad and sold as brides to insurgents for 2,000 naira ($12).
Parents have voiced fury at the military’s efforts, accusing the security services of ignoring their daughters’ plight.
Former World Bank vice president Obiageli Ezekwesili, also an ex-Nigerian cabinet member, has emerged as a leader of the #BringBackOurGirls movement and addressed protesters at Unity Fountain in Abuja as the march kicked off.
She accused the military of having “no coherent search-and-rescue” plan.
“We are going to the National Assembly because that is where each of these girls has a representative,” she said.
Bitrus said it was “unbelievable” that the military, which claims to be working around-the-clock to find the hostages, had not yet tracked down any of the kidnappers.
Locals have scoured the bushlands of the remote region, pooling money to buy fuel for motorcycles and cars to conduct their own rescue effort.
Usman condemned what she called the official complacency which has followed the abductions.
“If this happened anywhere else in the world, more than 200 girls kidnapped and no information for more than two weeks, the country would be brought to a standstill,” she told AFP.
Usman said she had been promised that the House Speaker Aminu Tambuwal and perhaps even President Goodluck Jonathan will speak to the protesters.
“We have booked an appointment,” she said. “We expect (both men) will come out and address us.”
Jonathan has faced scathing criticism over his handling of the Boko Haram conflict, which has already killed more than 1,500 people this year.
Speaking by phone from Chibok, a father of one of the kidnapped schoolgirls voiced hope that attention to his nightmare from protesters near the seat of government could make a difference.
“We are poor with no influence whatsoever, which we believe is the reason the government does not care about our girls,” said the father, requesting anonymity.
“We believe if Nigerians, the high and the low, raise their voices from different quarters it will make the government sit up and do the right thing to free our girls.”