Opinion

Why Jos orthopedic hospital should not relocate

Published

3 years ago

January 20, 2023

vicky

Residents of Plateau State were full of joy when President Muhammadu Buhari, in July 2021, signed into law the Act establishing the National Orthopaedic Hospital in Jos.

Many people, especially the residents of Jos North Local Government Area felt that, at least for the first time, a tangible development is in the pipeline, perhaps in a show of the federal government’s appreciation for the overwhelming support it has been enjoying from especially, the Hausa and Fulani communities in the LGA.

It is expected that by now, almost six months down the line, the actual site for the hospital infrastructure is given by the state government, hopefully, the abandoned former Jos University Teaching Hospital, situated at the city center, or alternatively secure another land, suggestively, around Narkuta village. But, alas, some available facts at my disporsal are indicating that the affiliating body of the hospital, being the University of Jos Teaching Hospital, has concluded plans to relocate the hospital to an unlawful place entirely out of the lawful geographical area of Jos as stipulated in the Act establishing the Orthopedic hospital.

A reliable source at the Federal Ministry of Health has revealed that there was a pending visibility report recommending relocating the hospital from Jos to Barkin Ladi. This information was confirmed by the Chief Medical Director of the Jos University Teaching Hospital, Dr. Pokop Bupwatda. On November 20, 2022, Mr. Makut Macham, the Director of Press to Governor Simon Lalong, quoted the CMD, on a courtesy visit to have told Lalong that:

“The National Orthopedic Hospital affiliated to the University of Jos and to be located in the Lalong Legacy Model Hospital Barkin Ladi as one of the many good things the governor has done to improve the standard of the hospital.” This was yet another clear gross violation of the: “Orthopedic Hospitals Management Board (Amendment) Act, 2021.”

Herein, I reproduce the amended Act, for all to reason thus: “…amends the Orthopedic Hospitals Management Board Act, Cap. O10 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004 to provide for the establishment of the Orthopedic Hospital Jos, Plateau State under the control of the Orthopedic Hospitals Management Board and affiliated to the Jos University Teaching Hospital to provide specialized orthopedic treatment and medical services. The Orthopedic Hospitals Management Board Act, Cap, O10 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2004 in this Act referred to as “the Principal Act” is amended as set out in this Act. The Second Schedule to the Principal Act is amended by inserting after paragraph 3 a new paragraph 4. The Orthopedic Hospital, Jos, Plateau”.

It is glaring from the forgoing facts that any attempt by whoever or whatever person or authority to relocate the project from Jos elsewhere, is amounting to inflicting serious injury on the rule of law, and by extension, the good people of Jos who have labored so much to bring in the APC led government.

It is indeed sad to hear the news that the Minister of Health, Dr. Osagie Ehanire, is being lobbied and under intense pressure to be an agent of disobedience of the law, should he concede to the unlawful sitting if the hospital away from Jos.

It will be of great interest to all Nigerians, in general terms, the minister of health and all concerned, to know that shifting the hospital will amount to flagrant abuse of our rights, being one of those communities that have so much labored for the successes of the APC in all ramifications.

I am also of the firm view that the minister of health and the Orthopedic Hospitals Management Board should not be part of illegality.

To me and any other mindful person, it will be unbecoming of the attitude of Governor Lalong, who is known for upholding lawful process, and being a just leader to all Plateau citizens, to have allowed the such an unlawful thing to happen. And so in this regard, we are calling on him not only to discourage it, but to also work at ensuring that the Orthopedic Hospital is sited in Jos, in accordance with the extant Act establishing it.

It is also my hope and belief that President Muhammadu Buhari will intervene to ensure that the right thing is adhered to, by directing the minister of health, as well as the Orthopedic Hospitals Management Board, to strictly abide by the Act establishing the hospital in Jos.

It isn’t a secret that civil protestations from members of the Hausa and Fulani, mainly Muslims, have hit the road to the 2023 elections which the APC-led government has enjoyed their support but is now threatening to withdraw such voting support due to the persistent neglect and outright disregard to our plights by the government, should the planned unlawful shifting of the orthopedic hospital from lawful site in Jos, to elsewhere become a reality.

Alhaji Dan’Asabe Muhammad Tanko,

Jos

Related Topics:Jos orthopedic hospital should not relocate Orthopaedic Hospital

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Plateau Information Commissioner Joyce Ramnap, Vindicated as NUJ Rejects Allegations of Journalist Exclusion

Published

1 week ago

June 16, 2026

Preport

The Plateau State Ministry of Information and Communication and the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Plateau State Council, have refuted allegations that some journalists and media publishers were deliberately prevented from covering the recent flag-off ceremony of the state’s ultra-modern abattoir project in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area.

The clarification follows a publication circulated on social media claiming that the Commissioner for Information and Communication, Rt. Hon. Joyce Lohya Ramnap, mni, instructed an aide to stop certain journalists from participating in the coverage of the event held at Pwomol in Heipang District.

In a statement signed by the Special Assistant in the Office of the Commissioner for Information and Communication, Stanley Smiles, the Ministry described the allegation as false, misleading, and without any factual basis.

According to the statement, the groundbreaking ceremony was a public government event, and media participation was coordinated through the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Plateau State Council, the umbrella body representing media organizations in the state.

The Ministry emphasized that neither the Commissioner nor any official of the Ministry issued directives to exclude or restrict any journalist or media organization from covering the programme.

It further noted that journalists from various media platforms attended and reported on the event, underscoring the administration’s commitment to transparency, openness, and equal access to information.

The statement added that Commissioner Joyce Ramnap remains dedicated to promoting government activities and ensuring that citizens receive accurate and timely information about the policies, programmes, and projects of Governor Caleb Mutfwang’s administration.

“It is therefore inaccurate to suggest that the Commissioner would deliberately block media coverage of a major government project, as such actions are inconsistent with her responsibilities and established record,” the Ministry stated, urging the public to disregard the publication and rely on verified information from official sources.

In a separate statement, the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Plateau State Council, also distanced itself from the publication, clarifying that the opinions expressed did not reflect the official position of the Council but were those of the individuals involved.

The statement, jointly signed by NUJ Chairman Ayuku Pwaspo, ANIPR, and Secretary Mary Domtur, acknowledged that while some members were unable to board the vehicles provided for transportation to the venue, they successfully attended the event by making alternative arrangements through personal vehicles and public transportation.

The Council encouraged all concerned parties to adopt dialogue and existing dispute-resolution mechanisms instead of resorting to public narratives capable of creating unnecessary tension within the media industry.

It also observed that administrative decisions relating to media coordination at government functions should not be misconstrued without a proper understanding of established protocols and procedures.

The NUJ commended the Plateau State Ministry of Information and Communication under the leadership of Rt. Hon. Joyce Lohya Ramnap for maintaining productive engagement with media stakeholders and facilitating effective dissemination of government information.

As part of its resolution, the Council passed a vote of confidence on the Commissioner, applauding her commitment to strengthening communication channels between the government and the media.

The NUJ reaffirmed its commitment to defending press freedom, promoting professionalism in journalism, and fostering mutual respect among journalists, media owners, government institutions, and the public in the overall interest of Plateau State.

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2027: SDP’s Adebayo kicks against ADC, other parties deregistration

Published

1 week ago

June 16, 2026

Preport

Presidential candidate of the Social Democratic Party, SDP, in the 2023 election, Prince Adewole Adebayo, has condemned a court ruling which ordered the deregistration of some political parties, describing the development as unconstitutional, undemocratic and a threat to Nigeria’s democracy.

Adebayo, in a post on his X handle, said there was no constitutional, legal or moral justification for alternative political platforms to be suppressed through government action backed by judicial orders.

According to him, the development is particularly troubling as it comes barely days after the nation marked Democracy Day with celebrations, national honors and renewed commitments to democratic values.

He noted that although his party is not among those reportedly affected, remaining silent in the face of injustice would amount to abandoning democratic principles.

The ADP chieftain called on Nigerians and all defenders of democracy to stand in solidarity with the affected parties, including the African Democratic Congress, ADC, Action Alliance, AA, Action People’s Party, APP, Accord Party, AP, and Zenith Labour Party, ZLP.

Adebayo argued that Nigeria’s vast social, cultural, religious, economic and ideological diversity require a broad range of political platforms through which citizens can freely pursue their political aspirations.

He pledged support to the affected parties in their quest for justice and restoration through lawful means, stressing that democratic participation should never be restricted.

The SDP chieftain also advocated constitutional reforms to remove the powers of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, to register or deregister political parties, limiting the commission’s role to conducting free, fair, and credible elections.

He proposed a system where political associations are free to field candidates, subject to statutory deposits, which parties failing to secure a minimum percentage of votes would forfeit.

Adebayo warned against policies capable of raising political tension in the country, urging leaders to focus on strengthening democratic institutions and promoting national development instead.

Recall that Justice Peter Lifu of the Abuja Federal High Court, in a ruling on Monday, had ordered INEC to deregister the African Democratic Congress, ADC, Accord Party, and others, and stop them from participating in the 2027 general election.