We brought you a report about the recruitment of Nigerian medical doctors by the Saudi Arabian Ministry of Health. However, the recruitment exercise has been botched by the men of the Department of State Services (DSS).
The drive which began on Sunday, August 22, 2021, in Lagos state was replicated in the nation’s capital city of Abuja, on Tuesday, August 24, 2021, and was billed to hold at the Ladi Kwali Hall of the Sheraton Hotels, Abuja.
As expected, following the turnout in Lagos a few days prior, the Ladi Kwali Hall was already packed with applicants before the scheduled time, as medical consultants and specialists in their hundreds flooded the venue hoping to get the chance of participating in the Saudi Arabian Ministry of Health recruitment exercise.
The crowd was so much that it was scheduled to continue on Thursday, August 26, 2021, at the same venue. However, The PUNCH reported that the Nigeria secret police had other plans as they made their way to the venue and disrupted the process while dispersing the crowd of medical practitioners who were already gathered at the hall.
A report by Peoples Gazette claimed that the DSS opened fire outside the hotel which made the doctors scamper for safety, thus, aborting the recruitment excerise. The report also said that some doctors were injured and were rushed to a nearby hospital.
One of the doctors who spoke on conditions of anonymity said:
“Some of us, who came here today, came because we don’t even have jobs and we don’t want to do the wrong things. Two categories of people were here today: the jobless ones and the ones who are poorly remunerated. We didn’t commit any crime; we just wanted a better system. So, why is the government trying to frustrate us?”
The DSS has not spoken to confirm or deny the incident and when efforts were made to get a comment from Peter Afunanya, who is the spokesman for the nation’s secret police, he did not take his calls neither did he respond to the messages that were left on his mobile.
On their part, the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) confirmed the incident while also stating the recruitment exercise has been suspended till further notice.
The was made known by the Vice-President of the association, Dr. Adejo Arome. Speaking to the media on Thursday, he said:
“Well, some people got to the venue today (Thursday) and when they didn’t meet anyone, they called me and I confirmed from the recruiters and some other doctors that the recruitment has been suspended.
“The recruitment on Tuesday garnered coverage, because of the media publicity. It was everywhere that doctors were going to Saudi Arabia.
“The recruiters had to suspend it because the Federal Government said it felt embarrassed by the news.
“It is a big shame. The government has no right to infringe on the right of the citizens to choose to go to another country. If the system is not working, let them go to another country.”
It is important that Nigerians know that a Nigerian doctor is entitled to a measly N5,000 every month as a hazard allowance. Now compare that with a sitting Nigerian senator who is entitled to N1.24 million (that’s 248 times higher) as a newspaper allowance every month.
Peter Obi decries Demolition of brother’s property in Lagos – ‘Nigeria is lawless’
Former presidential candidate and ex-Anambra State governor, Peter Obi, has condemned what he described as “coordinated lawlessness” after a property owned by his younger brother was demolished in Lagos without any formal notice or legal order.
In a statement posted to Facebook on Tuesday, June 25, Obi revealed that his brother arrived at the company’s premises in Ikeja, Lagos, only to find demolition underway.
He said security personnel at the scene claimed they were acting on a court judgment, yet failed to produce any legal documents or demolition order.
“How do you sue an unknown person? How does a court issue a judgment in such a farce of a case?” Obi queried, disclosing that the judgment cited was allegedly against “unknown persons and squatters,” despite the property being a registered company site for over 15 years.
Obi said he rushed from Abuja to Lagos upon receiving a distress call, only to be shocked by what he witnessed during the demolition.
He said contractors on-site could not identify who sent them, and no official from any government agency appeared to clarify the situation.
“The whole situation screamed of coordinated lawlessness and impunity,” Obi stated, adding that two men who later appeared only asked him to report to a police station, also without any court backing.
Drawing broader implications, Obi said the experience reflects what ordinary Nigerians endure and explains why foreign investors are reluctant to do business in the country.
“Someone told me he has investments in Ghana, Senegal, and the Benin Republic but won’t touch Nigeria. His reason was clear: ‘Nigeria is a lawless country,’” Obi noted.
I listen to those who insult me and learn governance lessons from them – Tinubu
President Bola Tinubu said he has grown a thick skin against insults from his critics and political enemies to the point that he now learns governance lessons from them.
Tinubu disclosed this while speaking at the town hall meeting held at the Benue State Government House in Makurdi on Wednesday, June 18, 2025.
The meeting was part of activities scheduled for the President’s visit in the wake of recent killings in the state. Governor Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, and other dignitaries, including North Central governors, received the President.
“No matter what I do, they will insult me. I read the papers and I learn from their criticism because I can’t see it all,” the President said.
Over 200 residents of the Yelewata community in Guma Local Government Area of the state were killed when assailants suspected to be herders invaded on Friday, June 13, 2025.
The unfortunate incident attracted both nationwide and foreign attention, with international media outlets reporting it. Following the outrage, Tinubu visited Benue on Wednesday to console the surviving victims of the killings.
Addressing the Governor, the President said, “Your political enemies don’t want you to succeed. Are you just realising that?”
Tinubu also urged leaders from across the region to work together as part of a non-kinetic approach to solving the hydra-headed insecurity situation.
“We cannot do without another.
“I will want us to create a leadership committee now to meet in Abuja to fashion out a strategy for lasting peace. And I am ready to invest in that peace,” he said.
Tinubu also charged security agencies to go after the perpetrators of the Benue killings, questioning the police on why no suspects have been arrested since the incident.
Police, I hope your men are on alert to listen to information. How come no arrest has been made?” the displeased President asked.
“I expect there should be arrests of those criminals.”
“I give you the assurance that we will find peace and convert this tragedy to prosperity.”
Tinubu, you are incapable – Falz slams president over Benue killings
Nigerian rapper and activist, Falz, has condemned President Bola Tinubu over the recent mass killings in Benue State, accusing him of failing in his most fundamental responsibility as a leader.
In a strongly worded post shared on X on June 16, 2025, the rapper expressed deep frustration at what he described as a repeated pattern of government negligence amid growing insecurity across the country.
You have consistently shown that you are incapable of performing the primary duty of securing the lives and property of your citizens. This routine statement does not cut it.
Falz’s comments come in the wake of public outrage over the massacre of more than 200 people in parts of Benue State. The killings, which have been linked to suspected herdsmen attacks, have drawn widespread condemnation from Nigerians and prominent voices in entertainment.
After being called out online for what many people perceived as his silence on the matter, President Tinubu took to X to address the massacre, saying “Enough is enough.”
His statement read in part,
“I have been briefed on the senseless bloodletting in Benue State. Enough is enough! I have directed the security agencies to act decisively, arrest perpetrators of these evil acts on all sides of the conflict, and prosecute them.”
Political and community leaders in Benue State must act responsibly and avoid inflammatory utterances that could further increase tensions and killings.This is the time for Governor Alia to act as a statesman and immediately lead the process of dialogue and reconciliation that will bring peace to Benue.
Our people must live in peace, and it is possible when leaders across the divides work together in harmony and differences are identified and addressed with fairness, openness, and justice.
Despite finally addressing the bloodshed, many Nigerians have still faulted Tinubu for not speaking on it early enough, especially after the Pope.
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