By Eleojo Samuel Adaji, Jalingo

Taraba State is grappling with an unprecedented outbreak of Lassa fever, which has claimed 14 lives in the last three months.
Head of Clinical Services at the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Jalingo Dr. Kuni Joseph, disclosed the alarming figures, noting that six of the deaths occurred in just the past week.
According to him, between October 24, 2024, and now, the state recorded 84 suspected cases of Lassa fever, 33 of which were confirmed positive, while nine patients have been successfully treated and discharged, six remain hospitalized at FMC Jalingo.
“This is the first time we are recording such a significant number of cases in Taraba State,” Dr. Joseph remarked, highlighting the severity of the situation.
Efforts to address the outbreak have intensified, with joint meetings held by FMC Jalingo, the Taraba State Ministry of Health, and officials from the World Health Organization (WHO).
The discussions are focused on mapping out strategies to curb the spread of the disease.
Dr. Joseph assured the public that FMC Jalingo is fully equipped with the necessary facilities for managing Lassa fever cases, eliminating the need for referrals.
However, he called for vigilance and community cooperation to prevent further infections.
The ongoing outbreak underscores the need for sustained public health efforts to combat the deadly diseas

From Eleojo Samuel Adaji,Jalingo

The Secretary to Ibi Traditional Council in Ibi Local Government Area of Taraba state, Alhaji Nurudden Hassan Galadima has denied knowledge of any form of traditional title called “Ter Tiv Ibi” in Ibi Local Government Area of Taraba state.

Galadima in a press statement signed and made available to Journalists in Jalingo on Monday said the recent publications being circulated round on conventional and social media on the purported installation of one Japhet Lorapuur Mkar as Ter Tiv Ibi as ellien to Ibi Traditional Council.

The Secretary of the council said that the Chief of Ibi, His Royal Highness, Alhaji Abubakar Salihu Danbawuro III, a second class ruler of Ibi did not give approval for the installation or crowning of any Ter Tiv Ibi, in Ibi Local Government Area as claimed by a section of people in Ibi.

“I want tell you categorically that the Chief of Ibi , Alhaji Abubakar Salihu Danbawuro III has not at any time given approval for any Tiv indigene in Ibi local government area to be installed as Ter Tiv Ibi. The statement added.

The Secretary noted that the purported election that followed the emergence of Zaki Japhet who was said to have defeated one Zaki Akenawe Saameakpe in an open ballot contest was fake, null and void.

“I want you to know that no traditional ruler is allowed to give approval for any installation of any form of Chief or a traditional ruler without the approval of the Governor, Dr. Agbu Kefas so the Ibi traditional Council disassociate herself from the said installation of Ter Tiv in Ibi Local Government.

The statement warned both elders of Ichongu and Ipusu clans to adhere to the ban on installing or granting approval for the appointment of any chief in the local government.

“I want all sons and daughters of Ibi, Taraba state and the public to note that there is no any substantive traditional head called Ter Tiv Ibi in Ibi Chiefdom.

And the public should further note that there will be no zoning of any form between the Ichongu, Nonguv, Ihyarev, Ugondu and Turan when there is no Tiv substantive traditional head of any kind” the statement said.

The statement further warned that the Nonguv, Ihyarev Ugondu, and the Turan clans of Ichongu should stop parading themselves as kingmakers who voted for Japhet Lorapuur as Ter Tiv Ibi .///.

Eleojo Samuel, Jalingo

The Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU), Taraba State University, on Wednesday announced the withdrawal of her Services to the university and embark on an indefinite strike.

Comrade Bitrus Joseph Ajibauka, the chairperson of the association who announced the Union’s decision in a press statement said, the action follows, both the state government the and university management’s failure to meet her long overdue demands.

The union noted in the statement that it has been shortchanged, neglected and left out by the University Management and the Taraba State Government by failing to address their challenges.

“This is to notify the general public that the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU)Taraba State University Branch has from today Wednesday, the 11thDecember, 2024, commenced a total comprehensive and indefinite strike action. We have withdrawn our services to the Taraba State University, with effective from Monday, 9th December, 2024.

“This action is imperative because we have been shortchanged, neglected and left out by the University Management and the Taraba State Government for failing to address our demands.

“We want both the Taraba state government and the university management to address the following demands before we can resume our services.

“The Outstanding salary /Allowances, Unpaid full salaries of September 2022, Unpaid full salaries of October 2022, the Withheld 28% of June, 2022 salary balance, the Withheld 51% of November, 2022 salary balance and the Withheld 44% of December, 2022 salary balance.

“The promotion arrears balance of 2016 to 2020 promotion arrears. The lack of pension scheme. The Contributory pension Scheme of the university since it inception in 2008 to date, is against the provision of Pension Act, and is a threat to the future and job security of our members.

“The dissolution of the Taraba State University Governing Council by the Visitor Dr. Agbu Kefas, on the 1st June, 2023 is affecting the performance of the University because the University is now operating without Council.

“It is heart touching to report to you that Taraba State University, Jalingo is still using the N18,000 National Minimum Wage Bill of 8th December, 2009. Across the four (4) salary structures, which was implemented in April 2010.

The N30,000 National Minimum Wage of 2019, the 25/35 per cent salary consequential adjustment of 2023 and the N70,000 New National Minimum Wage of 2024 as enacted by the National Minimum Wage (Amendment), Act
2024 have not being implemented in the University by the University
Management and the Taraba State Government.

“Our members in Taraba State University are yet to benefit the N35,000 wage award per month as approved by President Bola Tinubu. The Balance of Earned Administrative Allowances (EAA) for nonteaching staff from 2009 to 2013 has not been paid.

“We totally reject the retrogressive application of the Criteria and guideline for appointment, appraisal and Promotions of Senior Non-Academic Staff of 2012
that was annulled, repealed and replaced for the Appraisal Exercise of 2023/2024.

“The guidelines for Appointments and Promotionsof Senior Non-Academic Staff as approved by Council in 2020 that was used for 2020/2021, and 2022/2023 Appraisal exercise has not been repealed by any Council. Pursuant to this, we are re-appealing to the University Management and the
State Government to use the 2020 policy document for our Appraisal exercise of 2023/2024 and set up a Committee to review it as appropriate”. The statement read.