Britons to leave Nigeria in three charter flights

 

  The United Kingdom Government has announced three more charter flights for the evacuation of Britons stranded in the country. The flights are scheduled for May 29 on the Lagos-London; June 1, Lagos-London and June 6, Abuja-London routes.

   A statement from the British High Commission in Abuja on Sunday, disclosed that a UK-organised special internal charter flight would travel from Port Harcourt to Abuja on June 6 to enable British nationals based in or near Port Harcourt to join the flight from Abuja to London.

It noted that more than 1,700 British travellers had already returned to the UK on special charter flights in April and May from Lagos and Abuja. The Minister of State for Africa, James Duddridge, said Britons in Nigeria would now have access to additional repatriation flights, meaning that hundreds more would be able to fly home.

  “We’ve already arranged for around 1,700 people to return home to their friends and families and continue to support British nationals who remain in the country,” he added. The British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Catriona Laing, urged eligible UK citizens to book seats on these flights “as they are likely to be the last charter flights available.”

 

Father arrested for defiling own daughters aged 6 and 9 in Ondo

 

 

  A 48-year-old father, Femi Onifade has been arrested by operatives of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps in Ondo State for s.e.xually defiling his two daughters.

   The victims who are aged 6 and 9 lived with him at their No 27 Liberty Hospital Road, Oluwatuyi, Akure, the state capital. Vanguard gathered the suspect, a welder who is presently in the custody of the security agency was apprehended based on intelligence gathering by officers and men of the Anti-Human Trafficking and illegal Migration Unit.

  The officials of the state chapter of the NSCDC effected his arrest at his residence following complaints from his neighbours.Reports had it that the arrest of the suspect was made easy through the efforts and  support of the traditional ruler of Akure land, the Deji of Akure, Oba Aladetoyinbo Ogunlade Aladelusi.

The monarch according to source was said to have handed the suspect over to officials of the NSCDC after he escaped from the palace. Findings by Vanguard showed that the relationship between the suspect and the mother of the victims became estranged following constant molestation and maltreatment.

    The absence of their mother from the house reportedly gave the suspect the liberty to harass his daughters s.e.xually.  Sources said the suspect was fond of mixing some powdery substances with a bottle of soft drink and give to the girls to drink after which they will sleep off and he would s.e.xually abuse them.

   It was learnt that the cries of the victims attracted his neighbours who reported their ordeal to the palace after which he was handed over later to the officials of the NSCDC in the state. The spokesperson of the NSCDC in the state, Olufemi Omole said that the suspect “always seize the opportunity of his wife’s absence to harass the minors s.e.xually. Omole added that ” He went further to caress the kids and suck their private parts.

    The neighbours reflected on hearing the wailing of the children throughout the night after sending out their mother. “Medical examination from Federal Medical Centre Annex in Akure, however, revealed that both the 9 and 6 years old kids have lost their Hymen and their private part deeply opened.

   Speaking on the arrest of the suspect, the State Commandant of NSCDC, Mr Philip Ayuba said the suspect would be charged to Court after the completion of investigation Ayuba said, “The state government has shown interest in this case and the welfare of the children has been fully guaranteed” He reassured the public of safety and adequate protection of lives and property noting that “the Command is poised to eradicating all forms of criminal tendencies and social vices in Ondo State.

Strange disease kills 11 in Rivers community

   At least, 11 persons have reportedly died of a strange disease in the Bonny Local Government Area of Rivers State.

  Two of those who died as a result of the strange ailment were identified as Pauline and Fubara. A source in Bonny, who identified himself as Ezekiel, told one of Punch correspondents that while Pauline died on Friday, Fubara died of the ailment on Saturday.

  Ezekiel explained that some officials of the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control moved into the area on Saturday with a view to finding out the cause of the recent deaths in the place. The resident said, “Fubara died yesterday, Pauline died a day before yesterday. Within two weeks, there are up to 11 persons who have died. “As of today (Sunday), the NCDC officials are in town and taking samples from volunteers to test for COVID-19 and will soon make their findings public.

   “A lot of people in Bonny now have malaria and typhoid. Again, over the past one week, many people have lost their senses of smell and taste. That is the worry we have. The next thing we saw after that incident is that some young men started dying.

“For the past two weeks, we have lost 10 men; one of them who worked with Saipem died yesterday; his name is Fubara. It is very painful. We cannot trace this one because the NCDC just entered town on Saturday to ascertain the causes of death and loss of taste and smell.

“Some are saying that the loss of taste and smell is associated with COVID-19. Besides that, the rate of pollution in Bonny has increased. In fact, you cannot drink our underground water because the pipes that enter the water have polluted the water. There is fear everywhere.”

Anambra denies blocking Niger Bridge entrance

The Anambra State Government on Sunday said the report that it blocked the entrance of the Niger Bridge was false and mischievous.

Benedict Okoro, the Personal Assistant to the state Commissioner of Transport, claimed that a viral video purporting that was concocted.

He also described social media reports on the development as misleading and mischievous.

He said: “The information contained in the picture, currently trending on the social media and other online platforms are misleading, concocted and mischievous.

“The purveyors of the falsehood, in their haste to misinform the public, and discredit the administration of Governor Willie Obiano, claim that the Anambra State Government had used concrete slabs as setbacks to prevent movement to and from the state.

“This false information, led the Commissioner for Transport, Dr Christain Madubuko and his team to visit Onitsha Bridgehead.

“It was discovered that the viral picture was not only the figment of the corrupt imagination of the creators, but also that vehicles bearing essential commodities as well as persons on special assignments are enjoying unfettered access.

“It is pertinent however to note that the two pedestrian walkways at the bridgehead had to be barricaded to ensure proper identification by the security personnel.

“The Ministry of Transport therefore enjoins the general public to discountenance the pernicious falsehood and continue to observe necessary protocols aimed at containing the spread of the coronavirus.

“Fifth columnists should not be allowed to distract the state and federal governments as they work with experts to protect the lives of Nigerians.”

RIPPLES NIGERIA

Southeast governors, IG clash community policing plan

  

 

   The South East Governors Forum has expressed dismay that the Inspector General of Police allegedly reneged on its agreements on practice and composition for establishment of community policing in the zone. The Chairman of the forum and Ebonyi Governor, Chief David Umahi made the disclosure at the end of its meeting in Enugu on Sunday.

The chairman said that the recent communication from the IG, Mr Mohammed Adamu, did not conform with the initial agreement reached with him during his visit to the Zone. ‘The South East Governors and their leaders request the IGP to revert to our initial agreement reached on Community Policing at Enugu.

“The forum agrees that all South East States House of Assembly should commence the process of enacting the state security laws in line with the South East Joint Security Programme. “In the circumstance, we cannot begin implementation of it until the programme reflects our earlier agreement,”  he said.

On COVID-19, the governors urged Igbos nationwide to stay safe and obey all directives to contain the spread of Coronavirus (COVID-19). According to him, the forum have directed all Igbos living outside Igbo land to obey all existing COVID-19 orders, Presidential directive on inter-state movement, World Health Organisation (WHO).

He said they should obey the Nigeria Centre of Disease and Control (NCDC) hygiene protocols, presidential Task Force and directives of South East Governors and directives of all Governors where they live. The governor said that the forum agreed to further engage the NCDC to scale up testing of Coronavirus in South East States.

The governors commended President Muhammadu Buhari, the Minister of Works and the Governor of Anambra, Willie Obiano on the extent of work at the second Niger Bridge,” he said.

On the economy, Umahi said the forum agreed to set up committees at the various states to work with Federal Government, World Bank, Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority (NSIA) on repositioning the economy in the zone.

He said they would work in their various programmes lined up to rejig the economy, especially in areas of Agriculture, Small and Medium Enterprises and solid minerals.

The Chairman said it agreed also to hold a virtual meeting with the Group Managing Director of Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) on the issue of linking South East State capitals with pipeline.

This, he said, should be done along with the pipeline programme of the Federal Government running from Imo to Lagos State.

Umahi disclosed that the forum agreed that Ohaneze should submit a working document in their next meeting on setting up of South East Stabilization Fund.

The forum also commended President, Minister of Aviation, the Governor of Enugu State and other governors of South East and the Committee headed by Mr Chris Okoye on the extent of work at Akanu Ibiam International Airport.

“We assure our people that with the progress of work at the site, we are hopeful that the Airport will reopen soonest subject to COVID-19 Federal Government Programme, “ Umahi said.

The governor he said that the next Executive Committee meeting of the South East Traditional Institution shall be hosted by Ebonyi State.

NAN reports that Governors of Imo, Hope Uzodinma and Enugu State attended the meeting while Gov Okezie Ikpeazu Abia was represented by his deputy, Mr Ude Oko-Chukwu and Anambra State governor, represented by his deputy, Mr Nkem Okeke.

Other notable personalities at the meeting were Obi of Onitsha, His Majesty Nnaemeka Achebe, Oh Anezi President General, Nnia Nwodo and some traditional and religious leaders.

THE NATION

Jude Okoye Replies Call Out By Cynthia Morgan And Talks About His Estranged Brother Peter

 

On Saturday talented Musician Cynthia Morgan who had been missing in action,resurfaced and did a massive call out on Music label Boss Jude Okoye for destroying her career.

The call out shook the Music industry and got a few responses.

Jude gave his own side of the story to Tundednut on instagram and slammed his estranged brother Peter Okoye....

Tunde: Bros you have been accused seriously, to be honest with you, Cynthia Morgan said many things about you, Peter P-square talked MayD also talked. Bros, I'm just going to ask you a question what is going on?

Jude: You have to ask me a question you cannot ask me what is going on in what you just said, so what exactly do you want to know?

Tunde: so what we want to know now is that she (Cynthia Morgan) said when she left your record label, things started happening to her anyhow, she couldn't progress, she couldn't do anything she was depressed nobody could give her money or anything then the contract you signed with her she couldn't use the name Cynthia Morgan anymore. That it is your fault she can't progress again so what happened? now I have asked my question

Jude: Tunde, first of all which law in this world have you seen that stops someone from answering the name their papa and mama gave them?

Tunde: Bros no..no sometimes in contract.. like kizz Daniels

Jude: wait! I'm coming, Kizz Daniels is a brand name that's not his name. Cynthia Morgan is a complete name. I think clout chasing now is an essential way of life for people. Tunde i'm going to send you the contract I had with Cynthia Morgan. I want you to go through it. It's like a four/five pages go through it and pick out where the name Cynthia Morgan is owned by the contract that is number one, two, I didn't even prepare the contract. Cynthia Morgan and her former manager Joy prepared it, I only put my letter head and signed because Joy herself pressured me "Jude sign her sign her" Joy brought her to America bought her passport and Visa, sent her to America. In Atlanta, she called me just for me to see her one on one because she's been talking about her for a long time that I should give her a chance. So when she brought her to Atlanta where I was resting on vacation that was when I had a chance to listen to her and I said she's good, she can rap and she can sing.

Tunde: Before you bought that your house where we used to drink Hennessy

Jude: Leave it, stop cutting me please. So when we came back to Nigeria Joy said it's a 360 deal kind of contract that I should look at it on the internet. Bro I have never signed any artist before she was the first so I don't know how it happens. I called Clarence Peters to inquire how they do it if it's 50/50, 30/70 how do they share it. Peters said 360 is like a normal average American way of contract with artists. When she was brought to me I said "okay Joy you know what sit down with her and arrange how you want the contract to be let me just put my letter head. I never prepared that contract. Now at the end of the day she's saying.... How is that even possible. Okay I know how gullible Nigerians are, someone said I stopped her from using the name her parents gave her and it's believable?

Tunde: But she posted something did you see what she posted? Part of the contract she said after a certain year as she was part of your record label, so if she wants to move out, she has the right because you gave her the name

Jude: No nothing like that

Tunde: she posted it

Jude: someone can write something and post I will send you my contract with her signature she signed all the pages. This isn't something that even bothering me because all these years she's been trying to get me to come out in the media, believe me I won't have come out. The reason I came out is because Peter said something about this matter like it's seven years now and I have been quiet

Tunde: Peter said many things against you

Jude: I have kept quiet for over seven years on this matter. You know that saying"silence is the best answer". But now anytime I googled my name the things I see are not impressive. If I go abroad and they ask me my name and it's googled they'll be like "wow everything about this guy is just negative". I think it's high time I came out and start spilling every damn allegations that anybody threw at me, this is about my legacy in the future I can't keep quiet again it's very obvious that even if I'm found dead at the corner of a street, Peter will still have something negative to say about me. I don't understand why nigga; I havent spoken to you since 2017, September I haven't communicated with you or in anyway set my eyes on you by mistakes? What is it? What do you still want from me?

Tunde: bro I thought your house is very close his house

Jude: Everyone minds his business, what do you want from me? You were the one who that pushed me away from the boat and you ain't happy that I'm swimming, Asin what do you want? Okay is there anything I have in my possession that you want? People who have lost their love ones three years ago have moved on, Nigga what do you want? It's driving me nuts I don't even know.

Tunde: everyone is asking one question, they are like "before they broke up you are their elder brother and you would have told them Peter stop this, Paul stop this but the fact that you left with Paul is what's making everyone angry.

Jude: I think everything should be blamed on my silence because nobody has heard anything from me. Let me make you understand that there's no problems with Peter and Paul, Peter and Paul are not fighting. Peter was fighting me to leave P-square because usher did it, Beyonce did it everyone did it, Paul was like okay give me a reason why Jude should leave and he couldn't give any reason let him just go then Paul said if you have no reason, then Jude isn't going nowhere. Now Paul has to be punished for supporting Jude.

I'm done keeping quiet with what I see when I googled my name it's not impressive, it's not funny. My children will wake up tomorrow and google my name, then they'll be like look at all the allegations on his head and he couldn't defend himself. I think we have to pass that side, on the main Cynthia Morgan issue. Please you had a contract with me it's a 360 deal I spent over 40million naira on you. You left even before your contract expired. Have I ever gone to court for an injunction on you, I let you go with all the money. When you were busy telling people what I did to you, did you tell them I gave you a range Rover? Did you tell them I paid your house rents all through your temporary time with me? Did you tell people that I gave you money to buy land for your mum  in benin? Asin I don't understand, did you tell people how many shows you played at my back without my knowledge that Joy Tongo reported about that's why you wanted her out of the picture.

I sit down and wonder how someone will think I will spend 40 Million plus on an artist only for the artist to fail, where then goes my money?do I have too much money that I'm looking for where to throw it away. Sometimes I think about what these people want. It's crazy!"

Japanese wrestler and Netflix star, Hana Kimura dies at 22

 

  Professional Japanese wrestler Hana Kimura who was part of the cast in Netflix’s reality show Terrace House has died after complaining about being cyber-bullied.

The cause of her death is not immediately known. Stardom Wrestling, the organisation that promotes women wrestlers including Kimura, issued a statement on Saturday (May 23) to confirm her death.

“We are very sorry to report that our Hana Kimura has passed away,” it said. “Please be respectful and allow some time for things to process, and keep your thoughts and prayers with her family and friends.”

Before her death, the 22-year-old had posted photos on social media showing self-harm with a troubling note that implied she had been cyber-bullied. She posed with a cat in her latest Instagram update on Friday, with a caption that read “goodbye”.

Kimura allegedly had been receiving hate messages after losing her temper on the set of Terrace House when a castmate, comedian Kobayashi Kai, ruined her expensive wrestling outfit while doing his laundry, unaware that it was among his clothes.

The reality TV show follows three men and three women as they temporarily live together in a house in Setagaya, Tokyo. Filming has been halted due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Wrestling journalist Adam Pacitti calls the death of Kimura “an absolute tragedy”. “I hope this serves as a reminder that interactions on social media can have a serious effect on the mental health of anyone, no matter who they are,” he tweeted.

TVC

Another 6 iSON staff test positive for coronavirus in Oyo

 

The Governor of Oyo State, Seyi Makinde has confirmed seven new cases of Coronavirus in the State. As of Sunday night, the latest figure has increased the total number recorded in the state to 240.

Makinde disclosed that six of the new cases have been identified as staff of iSON Xperiences. The tweet read:

 “OYO STATE COVID-19 TASK FORCE UPDATE (MAY 24, 2020);

“The COVID-19 confirmation tests for seven suspected cases came back POSITIVE. Six are from iSON Xperiences and one case is also from Ibadan SW Local Govt Area.

“So, the total number of confirmed cases in Oyo State is 240.

“Please call the Emergency Operations Centre on 08095394000 | 08095863000 | 08078288999 | 08078288800, if you have any COVID-19 symptoms: cough, fever, tiredness, body ache and shortness of breath.”

DAILYPOST

Nigeria Reports 313 More COVID-19 Cases

Coronavirus cases in Nigeria increased further on Sunday with 313 cases reported by the country, despite efforts by authorities to flatten the curve of the pandemic.

The new cases, confirmed by specialist agency the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control on Twitter took the country’s total infections to 7,389 out of which 2,263 have been discharged with 226 losing their lives.

Data from the NCDC showed that the cases were spread across 12 states and the FCT with Lagos accounting for the highest number of infections for the day with 148 cases.

313 new cases of #COVID19;

148-Lagos

36-FCT

27-Rivers

19-Edo

13-Kano

12-Ogun

11-Ebonyi

8-Nasarawa

8-Delta

7-Oyo

6- Plateau

5-Kaduna

4-Kwara

3-Akwa Ibom

3-Bayelsa

2-Niger

1-Anambra

7839 cases of #COVID19 in Nigeria

Discharged: 2263

Deaths: 226 pic.twitter.com/9xnlCpT902

— NCDC (@NCDCgov) May 24, 2020

Pakistan Plane Crashes Killing Over 100 Passengers On Board

   

   A passenger plane belonging to state-run Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) has crashed near the southern port city of Karachi, killing all 107 passengers and crew, the city’s mayor has said.

  The PIA flight PK8303 was on a routine domestic service between from Lahore to Karachi, and was almost at the end of the 90-minute flight when it crashed on the approach to Karachi’s Jinnah International Airport. The Airbus A320 aircraft was carrying 99 passengers and eight crew members when it came down among houses, sending plumes of smoke into the air that could be seen from some distance away.

  Rescue workers and local residents were seen pulling people from the debris, as firefighters tried to put out the flames. “I heard a big bang and woke up to people calling for the fire brigade,” said a Karachi resident, Mudassar Ali. Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan said he was “shocked and saddened” by the crash, tweeting that he was in touch with the state airline’s chief executive.

  The disaster comes as Pakistanis across the country are preparing to celebrate the end of Ramadan and the beginning of Eid Al-Fitr, with many traveling back to their homes in cities and villages and only days after Commercial flights resumed after planes were grounded during a lockdown over the coronavirus pandemic.

Man caught picking out used sanitary pads in dustbin in Abuja

   

A yet-to-be identified man has been nabbed picking out used sanitary pads from a dustbin in an Abuja estate. 

  The man who was confronted by the lady who disposed the used item in the dustbin alongside a male resident of the estate, claimed innocence when questioned.

  He was however accused of specifically searching for the used sanitary pad by the lady who said that she carefully placed the used items in a  "nylon'' , before disposing it. 

 

NDLEA uncovers first-ever hashish oil lab in Lagos

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has dismantled a secret laboratory where hashish oil is manufactured in Lagos. Hashish oil is a derivative of cannabis Sativa, a banned substance in the country.

A statement released by the Principal Staff Officer, Public Affairs of the NDLEA, Jonah Achema on Friday May 22, said the laboratory, located at 7 Imam Augusto Close, Victoria Island, was dismantled by the Serious Enforcement Team of the agency. The suspected owner of the laboratory, Oladapo Ifedayo Oluseyi Adedayo, was also arrested.

 “A clandestine laboratory for the production of Hashish Oil, a derivative from Cannabis sativa has been dismantled by the Serious Enforcement Team of National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA. The laboratory was located in an apartment on No. 7, Imam Augusto Close, Victoria Island-Lagos.

In the course of the operation code-named Hash-Caste, the Agency arrested one Oladapo Ifedayo Oluseyi Adedayo, “M”, the suspected owner of the laboratory which engages in indoor growing of cannabis sativa and processing same into Hashish oil through clandestine laboratory extraction.

Adedayo is an half-caste, with a Nigerian father (late Professor OLADAPO Ifedayo Olawole, an indigene of Ondo town, Ondo State, Nigeria and a Danish Mother, Dr. Mrs. Jyette Marie (nee Roug).

The suspect is a graduate of University of Southern Denmark with a degree in Electronic Engineering. Aged 42, Adedayo claimed to have been pushed into the hydroponic cannabis growing and Hashish Oil extraction following the collapse of his Inverter, Metering and Solar Installation Company in 2019. He said he noticed that there is so much money to be made in view of the high demand for Hashish oil in the international market as a curative medicine for cancer.

Adedayo’s expansive premises is well fortified with protective dogs and himself well armed, ostensibly to put up resistance from the suspected onslaught of law enforcement agencies. In the course of the operation, several drug exhibits were recovered including 911 grams of Cannabis seeds, 21 Kilograms of Cannabis infused Ethanol, 83 grams of Hashish Oil 123mg THC-70 CBD, 1.127 Kilograms of Cannabis Cream, 80 grams of fresh Cannabis plant and 25 grams of dried Cannabis plant.

Other items found in the active laboratory are: 500 grams of Potassium Hydroxide Pellets, Propyl Alcohol, 500 grams of Sodium Hydroxide Pellets, Distilled water, Water Aspirator Vacuum Pump, Round bottom Flasks, Citric Acid, PH Meter, Retort Stands, Distillation Flasks, Printer, Spectronet wireless wifi, Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) Pipes, Wooden base for Hydroponic System of Cannabis growing, LED Flood lighting for Photosynthesis purpose for the Cannabis indoor planting and one product of Berreta 92 Pistol (a short gun) with thirteen (13) rounds of live ammunition.

Two vehicles belonging to the suspect were seized as they were suspected to have been acquired from the proceeds of illicit drug trade. The vehicles are a Toyota Camry Car with Registration Number AKD 609 FV ‘Lagos’ and one Old Model Toyota Hilux with Registration Number AKD 519 AQ ‘Lagos’. Also detected are two bank accounts belonging to the suspect and one jointly operated by the suspect and his mother.” the statement read

While commenting on this new development, the  Chairman/Chief Executive of the NDLEA, Col. Muhammad Mustapha Abdallah (Rtd.), said the drug trade is assuming a hitherto unthinkable dimension for somebody to turn his premises into a cannabis farm and also establish in the same premises a laboratory to process the proceeds into bye products such as Hashish.

 

Captured Boko Haram insurgents are quarantined and given face masks - Defence Headquarters

  

The Nigerian Defence Headquarters has shared some of the measures it has instituted to curb the spread of Coronavirus in the fight against terrorism.  Speaking at a media briefing in Abuja, Coordinator of defence media operations, John Enenche said captured Boko Haram members are provided with face masks and also quarantined to curb the spread of Coronavirus. Eneche said; 

 “The COVID-19 pandemic has changed the way everything will be done. 

“We have ordered for PPE for troops at the frontlines. 

“The moment they (Boko Haram members) are captured, they are quarantined and given face masks while observing social distancing too.

“Captured or surrendered enemies are treated in line with the Geneva Convention. COVID-19 has changed the way things are done at the frontlines and in barracks.

"In addition to the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON)  primary responsibility of producing defence equipment, it has succeeded in diversifying its human, equipment, machinery as well as research and development capacity, to support a much-needed strategic intervention to cushion the effects of the highly dreaded COVID 19 in the country”. 

 

27 More workers in Oyo company test positive for COVID-19

  

  Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has said 27 more members of staff of iSON Xperiences located in the Ibadan South West Local Government Area of the state have tested positive for COVID-19.

At least 63 members of staff had previously tested positive for the virus and are currently being isolated. Makinde made this announcement on Friday via Twitter.

  He said, “The COVID-19 confirmation tests for 28 suspected cases came back positive. Twenty-seven are from iSON Xperiences and the last case is from Akinyele Local Government Area. So, the total number of confirmed cases in Oyo State is 190."

INEC Approves Policy To Conduct Elections Amid COVID-19 Pandemic

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has approved a policy to conduct elections despite the outbreak of coronavirus (COVID-19) in the country.

INEC’s National Commissioner and Chairman of Information and Voter Education Committee, Festus Okoye, announced this in a statement on Thursday.

He disclosed that the strategy tagged “Policy on Conducting Elections in the Context of COVID-19 Pandemic” would be released on Monday next week.

Okoye explained that the policy would enable INEC officials and staff to handle the challenges of conducting elections in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic.

He added that it would provide a guide for engagement with various stakeholders as they prepare for the forthcoming governorship elections in Edo and Ondo States, as well as some bye-elections.

According to the INEC spokesperson, the commission is committed to conducting all elections that are due within the extant legal framework.

He, however, noted that the electoral umpire would put a premium on public safety and mitigation of health risks from coronavirus.

The commission had earlier announced that it would not postpone the governorship elections in Edo and Ondo States scheduled for September 19 and October 10, 2020 respectively.

Read the full statement below:

INDEPENDENT NATIONAL ELECTORAL COMMISSION

PRESS RELEASE

POLICY ON CONDUCTING ELECTIONS IN THE CONTEXT OF THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) met today, 21st May 2020, and approved its “Policy on Conducting Elections in the Context of COVID-19 Pandemic”.

The general purpose of the Policy is to enable officials and staff of the Commission to understand and respond adequately to the challenges of conducting elections in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic and to provide a guide for engagement with stakeholders as they prepare for elections.

The clean copy of the policy document, which will be released on Monday 25th May 2020, covers health and legal issues, election planning and operations, election day and post-election activities, voter registration, political parties, election observation, electoral security and deployment of technology.

Conducting elections in a pandemic such as COVID-19 is yet uncharted waters. Only very few jurisdictions have any experience with this.

That notwithstanding, the Commission is committed to conducting all elections that are due within the extant legal framework. However, in so doing it will put a premium on public safety and mitigation of health risks from COVID-19.

Citizens must be assured that they will be safe while participating as voters, candidates, and officials.

The Commission remains committed to raising public confidence in the electoral process in spite of the challenges posed by the pandemic and to regularly communicate its actions and challenges to the public.

 

STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENTS

In view of the end of tenure Governorship elections in Edo and Ondo States scheduled for 19th September 2020 and 10th October 2020 respectively, the Commission will flag off robust engagements with its critical stakeholders to present the Policy Document. To this end, the Commission will meet with:

Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs) on Saturday, 30th May 2020;

Political Parties on Monday, 1st June 2020;

Civil Society Groups on 2nd June 2020; and

The Media on 3rd June 2020.

 

CONDUCT OF BYE-ELECTIONS

It is to be noted that in addition to the Governorship elections in Edo and Ondo States, the Commission has received official declaration of vacancies for 4 Senatorial Districts and read reports of the passing of a Senator and 4 members of some State Houses of Assembly.

As at today, the Commission is planning for nine (9) bye-elections across seven (7) States of the Federation as follows:

Bayelsa Central Senatorial District

Bayelsa West Senatorial District

Imo North Senatorial District

Plateau South Senatorial District

Cross River North Senatorial District

Nganzai State Constituency, Borno State

Bayo State Constituency, Borno State

Nasarawa Central State Constituency, Nasarawa State

Bakori State Constituency, Katsina State

 

The provisions of the Policy on Conducting Elections in the Context of the COVID-19 Pandemic shall also apply to the conduct of these elections.

In conclusion, the Commission urges all Nigerians to adhere strictly to the COVID-19 protocols issued by the health authorities.

Festus Okoye Esq.

National Commissioner and Chairman,

Information and Voter Education Committee

21st May 2020.

Nigeria’s $1bn Case Against Shell, ENI Suffers Setback

 

  A High Court in London on Friday ruled that the $1 billion case against oil giants Shell and ENI over the Malabu Oil deal cannot proceed. 

The High Court Judge, Christopher Butcher, is reported to have held that the court does not have jurisdiction to hear the matter, which has a parallel proceeding in Italy, also brought by the Nigerian government over the Malabu deal. This was what formed the basis on which shell and ENI had moved to stop or stay proceedings in the $1 billion lawsuit in the UK, during virtual hearings of the case.

Both companies argued that the case in the UK court was a duplication of the ongoing criminal trial and a parallel civil claim brought by Nigeria in Italy over the same matter.

Nigeria had sued shell and ENI for $1.1 billion in 2011 over the licencing of OML 245 which the nation claims the said companies made it miss as a result of bribes they paid to Malabu oil, owned by former Minister of Petroleum, Dan Etete.

CHANNELS

Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen sworn in for second term

 

  Taiwan’s President Tsai Ing-wen has been ​ sworn in for her second and final term in office on Wednesday, ​ in a ceremony at the Taiwan’s presidential palace in Taipei.

Tsai and her Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) won January’s presidential and parliamentary elections by a landslide, vowing to stand up to China, which claims Taiwan as its own.

President Tsai Ing-wen says Taiwan is an independent state called the Republic of China, its official name, and does not want to be part of the People’s Republic of China governed by Beijing.

China has stepped up its military drills near Taiwan since Tsai Ing-wen’s re-election, flying fighter jets into the island’s air space and sailing warships around Taiwan.

​ China cut off a formal talks mechanism with Taiwan in 2016 and views Ms Tsai as a separatist bent on formal independence for Taiwan.

TVC

Ganduje Approves Congregational Eid Prayers In Kano Despite Rise In COVID-19 Cases

  

 

Governor of Kano, Abdullahi Ganduje, has approved congregational Eid prayers in the state. The governor’s special adviser on media, Salihu Tanko Yakasai says the government took the decision after a meeting between Ganduje and Islamic religious leaders in the state, on Monday.

He said the decision is based on the recommendation by a selection of 30 Islamic scholars in the state.

The new development is coming barely 24 hours after President Muhammadu Buhari extended the lockdown in the state by two weeks.

Federal Government Evacuates 292 Stranded Nigerians From Saudi Arabia

Bauchi state govt suspends lockdown imposed in the state

 

Governor Bala Mohammed of Bauchi state has suspended the total lockdown imposed in the state and approved the opening of worship centers. Lawal Muazu, the Special Assistant to the governor on New Media, said the governor announced the suspension at a stakeholders meeting earlier today May 20.

   He said worship centers are expected to open throughout the state with total observance of all COVID-19 precautionary measures which includes wearing a face mask, social distancing among others. He said the lifting of the lockdown will be reviewed in two weeks based on the compliance of the stipulated guidelines.

   The governor announced the lockdown in April as part of measures to curb the spread of COVID-19 in the state. The state currently has 224 confirmed cases of COVID-19.

 

Two positive patients In Bauchi refuse isolation

 

Bauchi state government has lamented the refusal of two Coronavirus positive cases to isolate themselves. Executive Chairman of Bauchi State Primary Healthcare Development Agency (BASPHCDA), Dr Rilwanu Mohammed, yesterday, said two COVID-19 positive people have declined to be isolated in the state.

Mohammed who is also the Chairman, Contact Tracing Committee on Covid-19 in the state, said they refused to be isolated because they denied that Covid-19 is real. He revealed that security agencies in the state have been informed about the situation and they would soon be evacuated to an isolation centre.

Mohammed also revealed that two people taking care of one of the two Covid-19 positive people at home came forward for testing and one of them was tested positive for the novel Coronavirus.

“Some people are still having denial in their minds. We have two people who tested positive and have not reached out facilities. What’s more worrying is that, by their denial, they are infecting family members and other unsuspecting people.

“They refused to go (to isolation centre) because they are still denying the fact that Coronavirus is real. As they stay at home now, already two of the people taking care of one of them came for testing and one of them tested positive for Covid-19,” Mohammed said.

The medical doctor further advised residents of the state to keep abiding by all protocols as set by the government and health experts in order to contain the spread of the virus.

Covid-19 cases on the rise in Oyo

  Oyo State has recorded six new confirmed cases of Covid-19, bringing the total number recorded in the state to 143. According to the latest figures released by the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) on Tuesday night, the six cases in Oyo were among the new 226 recorded in 16 states.

The state government had repeatedly called on residents who believe they had come in contact with Covid-19 cases to come forward for a test.

The government had also admonished people with Covid-19 symptoms such as cough, fever, tiredness, body ache and shortness of breath as well as health workers who had been in contact with high-risk groups to present themselves for a test.

Experts had attributed the recent increase in Covid-19 cases in the state to the high number of people that were responding to the call for testing.

COVID-19: FAAN Announces Reduction In Staff Salary From May

The Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria has announced a reduction in salary of staff from May 2020. In an internal circular to all staff, M.D. Musa, General Manager, Administration, FAAN, said the reduction was due to the drop in revenue caused by the COVID-19 outbreak.

The circular reads, “This is to notify all staff that due to the dwindling revenue generation amidst COVID-19 pandemic, management may not be able to pay full salary to staff from May 2020. 

"However, as soon as the revenue situation improves, the balance will be paid.” Reacting to the reduction in salary, the Air Transport Service Senior Staff Association of Nigeria rejected the slash in salary, urging FAAN to call a meeting where fresh decision would be taken concerning salary modalities.

The union in a joint statement by its General Secretary and Deputy General Secretary, Comrade Abdul Rasaq Saidu and Comrade Frances Akinjole, respectively in Lagos said, “We are indeed amazed and disturbed by management's unilateral decision despite our agreement of inviting the union leaders before any decision could be taken. 

"If such affront could be willfully meted out to a component of the staff conditions of service without the knowledge of the national union, which is a party to the agreement, it portends to a possibility of waking up one day to find the COS document clandestinely reviewed.

“If within 24 hours an urgent meeting with inion is not called, we cannot guarantee industrial harmony and the consequences which may arise shall be put onto your doorsteps.”

Curfew: Lagos NMA Directs Doctors, Health Workers To Stay At Home From 6pm Today

  The Lagos State branch of the Nigerian Medical Association has directed its members to sit at home from 6 pm today, Wednesday, May 20, 2020. This follows the conflicting order restricting the movement of essential workers amid the COVID-19 lockdown.

In a statement signed by the Chairman, Dr. Saliu Oseni and the Secretary of the association, Dr. Moronkola Ramon, the NMA deplored the comment of the Commissioner of Police in Lagos state to the effect that essential workers, including doctors and other health workers, are not exempted from the restriction.

“We have observed that despite the directive of the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, President Muhammadu Buhari, through the Presidential Task Force on COVID-19, which was clear on the exemption of essential workers including doctors and other health workers from the ongoing lockdown movement restriction.

“The Commissioner of Police in Lagos State, Mr. Hakeem Odumosu, has been issuing conflicting directives on social and mainstream media to effect that essential workers including doctors and other health workers are not exempted.

The association revealed that the confusion has led to the harassment and intimidation of its members and other health workers, including stopping an ambulance from conveying a patient from getting to its destination.

“As a direct result of the conflicting directives of the government and Lagos State Commissioner of Police, the Lagos State branch of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), was inundated yesterday (Tuesday, May 19, 2020) evening with several cases of harassment and intimidation of doctors and other health-workers by officers and men of the Lagos State police command on the direct order of the commissioner of police to the extent that even ambulances carrying patients with emergency cases were impounded.

CHANNELS

“My marriage to Ooni of Ife has not crashed” – Olori Prophetess Naomi reacts to rumors

 

  Olori Prophetess Naomi has shut down rumors her marriage to the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, has packed up.

  There have been reports online that she has packed out of the monarch’s house following some marital crisis. On Monday evening, she took to her IG page to set the record straight. Read her press statement below

There have been strange rumours and unfounded news making rounds on social media in recent times.I want all believers of good news to know that, it is all lies and a picture of how the peddlers of the evil news would have loved our love story to turn out. I would have loved to maintain silence, however, due to concerns being expressed by well meaning people something has to be said. Now, the gospel truth is that I have been busy with ministry off the social media space and you’d all agree with me that with the ongoing pandemic which suddenly sprung up on all of us, only means more work needs to be done. I can’t sit still (as nobody privileged enough should) and this isn’t a time for social media presence but a time that calls for solemnity. Hence my break from what people now call normal. Finally, as duty will have me do, I have been in and out of the palace doing Gods bidding.With all being said, I am compelled to ask the following questions :

Why can’t people verify that which is the truth ?

Why do people believe more in falsehood and negativity?

Well, the bible has something to say about them in Psalm 2:1-12. Now i say to you all, please disregard and jettison every fake and malicious news about me and my husband (Ooni Adeyeye Babatunde Enitan Ogunwusi) for ours is a love no earthly force is strong enough to break,we are very fine and healthy

I will leave you with this “please be comforted and know that boredom is a killer and people do unimaginable things when they are” Peace and love always

Woman who smuggled her husband's corpse into Enugu state tests positive for Coronavirus

 

   The Enugu state government has confirmed three new cases of Coronavirus in the state. The State’s Commissioner for Health Obi Emmanuel Ikechukwu who lamented over the continous violation of the interstate travel ban, said the new cases include a widow from Igbo-Etiti Local Government Area of the State who smuggled her late husband’s corpse into Enugu State from Lagos for burial.

   Ikechukwu also revealed that two Coronavirus patients have tested negative for the virus after undergoing successful treatment.  He said; 

  “ 2 more COVID-19 patients in Enugu test negative, as State records 3 new positive cases with travel history

“The Enugu State Ministry of Health wishes to announce that 2 more cases out of the previously active COVID-19 cases undergoing treatment in Enugu State have tested negative and are being assessed for discharge from the isolation and treatment centre.

“However, the state has unfortunately received 3 new results of persons who have tested positive for the virus.

“This means that Enugu State has had 15 cases in all, with 9 active cases and 6 cases discharged after testing negative.

“The two cases that have tested negative are case number 5 and her daughter who is case number 9.

“The 3 new positive cases, who entered Enugu State illegally during this ban on inter-state transportation, are as follows:

“Case 13 is a 25-year-old man from Ondo State who lives in Lagos and made his way first to Akwa Ibom, then to Rivers State and finally to Obollo Afor in Udenu LGA of Enugu State, all within the period of closure of all land boundaries and inter-state movement. He developed symptoms while at Obollo Afor, the health authorities were alerted, he was tested and his result came out positive.

“Case 14 is a 38 year old male, from Okpuje in Nsukka LGA, who lives in Nasarawa State, and found his way back to Enugu State during the same period of lockdown.

“On suspecting he may have contacted the virus, he initially went into self-quarantine in a hotel at Nsukka. He subsequently developed symptoms and alerted the health authorities. He was tested and his test result also came back positive.

“Case 15 is a 28 year old female and a widow who hails from Igbo-Etiti Local Government Area, Enugu State and lives in Lagos State with her husband. She recently lost her husband in Lagos and was able to smuggle her husbands corpse back to Enugu State for burial, despite the lockdown in Lagos State and the national ban on inter-state movement . Her actions raised suspicion and the health authorities were alerted. She was subsequently tested and her result came back positive.

“These unfortunate figures are coming up as a result of individuals who have deliberately disobeyed the lockdown order and inter-state transportation as ordered by the Federal and State governments.

“In these times, we all need to comply strictly with all measures and regulations and exercise restraint from behaviours that will put others at risk.

“The good people of Enugu State are still encouraged to continue to comply with the directives of the Federal and Enugu State governments on containment of the spread of COVID-19 as well as the precautionary measures in the public health advisory of the Federal Ministry of Health, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control, and the Enugu State Ministry of Health.”

 

Muslim leaders in Kaduna cancel congregational Sallah prayers amid Coronavirus pandemic

  

   Ahead of this Saturday's Eid ul Fitr celebration, Muslim leaders in Kaduna state have agreed to cancel all congregational prayers as part of measures to curb the spread of the novel Coronavirus in the state. The clerics met with the state governor, Nasir El-Rufai today May 19 were they notified him of their decision.

   Speaking to newsmen after the meeting, Sheik Ahmed Gumi who spoke on behalf of all other clerics, said Muslims in the state are to pray in their homes on Sallah day. According to the cleric, allowing people to the mosque on Saturday will jeopardize all the gains the state government has made in its fight against COVID-19.

  ''Our Nation is not like Saudi Arabia where we can say maybe just 50 people can come out and pray. Once you allow people to come out, then they are going to troop out in thousands that you cannot control them. We have stayed for two months on Lockdown.

We are afraid that one single day will come and spoil all the gains we have made because Kaduna is one of the states that has the least infection rates.

You could see deaths in hundreds in all the core Northern states from Sokoto, Katsina, Kano, Yobe, but because Kaduna had gone into lockdown earlier than all these states, we have little infection rates than the other states'' he said

 

Nurse quarantined for 14days after sneaking out to visit boyfriend

 

 

   A Kenyan nurse has been quarantined after travelling from the capital, Nairobi, to Nakuru town in the Rift Valley region to visit her boyfriend under the pretext of going to offer essential services.

  The government has restricted travel in and out of Nairobi except for cargo trucks to curb the spread of coronavirus. Health workers are among essential service providers allowed to travel out of the capital and to operate past curfew hours.

  Neighbours alerted police of the nurse’s presence. Police visited the house in the company of health officials who said the nurse’s temperature was higher than normal and took her for 14-days mandatory quarantine. The nurse reportedly identified herself to police manning roadblocks and told them she was going to offer essential services.

Yobe state Chief Judge, Musa Nabaruma is dead

 

  The Chief Judge of Yobe State, Justice Musa Nabaruma, is dead. A family member of the late Chief Judge, Hussaini Nabaruma, confirmed this to Channels Television on Tuesday.

Reps investigate $10 million bribery allegation

 

The House of Representatives has opened an investigation into allegations of a ten million dollars bribe against its leadership.

  But the Coalition of Political Parties insists the committee does not have the moral ground to be a judge in its own case.  Joke Adisa reports that on the 4th of May, the Coalition of political parties in Nigeria issued a statement accusing the leadership of the House of Representatives of collecting ten million dollars to influence passage of the Infectious Diseases Control Bill.

 

The House described the claim as bogus and resolved not only to probe the authenticity of the allegation but to also challenge those behind it in court. Some of the newspapers which carried the report agreed due diligence was not done before using the story.

  The Spokesman of the CUPP, Ikenga Ugochinyere, who alleged that the group was privy to intelligence reports that suggested the House was acting a script of the international community on the bill, has refused to appear before the lawmakers. The legislators insisted the person who made the allegations must appear before them and declined to hear from his lawyers.

The Committee has adjourned sitting to Thursday, to enable spokesman of the CUPP, Ikenga Ugochinyere and other Newspapers appear before it but Ugochinyere’s legal team insists its principal will not honour that invitation.

TVC

Hospitals in Brazil’s largest city ‘near collapse’ as Covid-19 cases soar

 

   The mayor of Brazil’s largest city, São Paulo, has said its health system could collapse as demand grows for emergency beds to deal with coronavirus cases.

  Bruno Covas said the city’s public hospitals had reached 90% capacity and could run out of space in two weeks. He accused those who flouted lockdown rules of playing “Russian roulette” with people’s lives.

 São Paulo is one of the country’s worst-hit regions, with almost 3,000 deaths so far. On Saturday, Brazil overtook Spain and Italy to become the nation with the fourth largest number of infections. The health ministry reported 7,938 new cases in the past 24 hours, taking the total above 241,000. Only the US, Russia and the UK have higher numbers.

   The death toll in the Latin American nation over 24 hours was 485, meaning that the total number of deaths is 16,118 – the world’s fifth-highest figure. Health experts in Brazil have warned that the real number of confirmed infections in the country may be far higher than the official records, due to a lack of testing.

   Brazil’s far-right president Jair Bolsonaro has been strongly criticised both at home and abroad for his handling of the country’s escalating coronavirus crisis. He defied global health advice on social distancing on Sunday when he posed for photographs with supporters and children in the capital, Brasília.

Trump threatens permanent freeze on WHO funding in 30 days

 

  President Donald Trump threatened Monday to permanently freeze US funding to the World Health Organization unless "substantive improvements" were made within the next 30 days.

  Washington suspended funding to the WHO in mid-April, accusing it of being too close to Beijing and covering up and mismanaging the coronavirus pandemic.

  On Monday, Trump tweeted images of a letter he sent to WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, informing the director-general that "if the World Health Organization does not commit to major substantive improvements within the next 30 days, I will make my temporary freeze of United States funding to the World Health Organization permanent and reconsider our membership in the organization."

Almajirai: Let The Children Live, PAN Pleads

 The Paediatric Association Of Nigeria (PAN) says it is concerned at the news report of many children called the Almajiri, evacuated from some states in the north and being sent back by the receiving states.

In a communique on Monday, PAN said various reports suggest that most of the children have been treated unfairly, adding that certain measures said to be put in place to ensure proper care for the almajirai has seen the children become victims instead of beneficiaries .

The health body demanded that the children be given the appropriate tender care that they deserve, stressing that the governments of the states in north must not just see the children as mere humans, but as the most vulnerable in the society.

According to PAN, the almajirai are persons who play no role and cannot take responsibility of adults and leaders that have led to the current situation within the region.

PAN urged all concerned state governments to further engage and resolve any disagreement that may exist, with the view of putting the interest of the almajirai as top priority.

While commending all who have been involved in responsible exercises of moving the children, the PAN urged corporate bodies including non-governmental organisations, to assist the state governments in resettling the almajirai in their various homes and to provide them with optimal opportunities, decent and safe environment and quality education.

Nigeria Records 216 New Cases Of COVID-19, Total Infections Exceed 6,000

 

Nigeria has recorded 216 new cases of the novel coronavirus, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control confirmed on Monday.

In a tweet via its official handle, the NCDC said 74 new cases were found in Lagos, 33 in Katsina, 19 in Oyo, and 17 in Kano.

Other states with new cases include Edo with 13, Zamfara 10, the trio of Ogun, Gombe and Borno with eight each, the duo of Bauchi and Kwara with seven each, the FCT with four, Kaduna and Enugu with three each and Rivers state with two new cases.

The health agency also reported that 1,644 cases have now been successfully treated and discharged, while 191 persons have died.

 

216 new cases of #COVID19;

74-Lagos

33-Katsina

19-Oyo

17-Kano

13-Edo

10-Zamfara

8-Ogun

8-Gombe

8-Borno

7-Bauchi

7-Kwara

4-FCT

3-Kaduna

3-Enugu

2-Rivers

6175 cases of #COVID19 in Nigeria

Discharged: 1644

Deaths: 191 pic.twitter.com/FbcGTJ06iE

— NCDC (@NCDCgov) May 18, 2020

 

Dokpesi Asks AIT To Stop Airing Comments Made By Him And His Son Over COVID-19

 

   Founder of DAAR Communications Plc, has asked the African Independent Television (AIT) not to air comments made by him and his son regarding their COVID-19 experience at an isolation centre in Abuja.

Dokpesi and his son were diagnosed with COVID-19 and admitted to Gwagwalada isolation centre. However, when Raymond Dokpesi jnr was discharged, he complained that although he no longer feels sick, he didn’t get any documentary evidence of his COVID-19 status.

His father in a memo dated May 17 and addressed to the chairman (his son), general managing director (GMD), managing director (MD) AIT and other top members of the management team, said the comments should not be aired as it would be seen as though they are using the platform to promote a personal agenda.

President Buhari will not address the nation today- Femi Adesina

 

   Femi Adesina, Buhari’s Special Adviser on Media and Publicity thrashed reports that the President, Major General Muhammadu Buhari ( retd.) planned to make a broadcast on COVID -19 updates today.

  On Monday, May 18, Femi Adesina stated in a tweet on micro-blogging platform, Twitter Buhari will not make any broadcast on COVID -19 updates today.

  In the tweet, he explained that the Presidential Task Force on COVID-19 led by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha, would update the nation during its debriefings.

“No presidential broadcast on COVID-19 updates today.

“None was planned. Rather, the Presidential Task Force will during its usual media briefings bring the nation up to speed on the next steps,” he tweeted.

Eight members of an organization test positive for COVID-19 in Oyo

  

   8 staff members of a company located in Ibadan South West local government area in Oyo state have tested positive for COVID19.

   This is coming barely two days after 30 workers in the same organisation tested positive for the virus, bringing the total number of Coronavirus cases in the said company to 38. The state governor, Seyi Makinde disclosed this via his Twitter handle on Monday morning, May 18.

''The COVID-19 confirmation tests for eleven suspected cases came back POSITIVE. Eight of these cases are from the same organisation in Ibadan South West Local Government Area referred to in the update of May 16, 2020. One case is from Oluyole Local Government Area.'' the governor tweeted

   The governor also disclosed that two more COVID-19 deaths have been recorded in the state bringing the total number of deaths from the novel virus to four.

''Furthermore, the test results of two suspected cases from the University College Hospital, Ibadan, who passed away and have been buried also came back POSITIVE. So, the total number of confirmed cases in Oyo State is 118 and the total number of COVID-19 related deaths is four.'' he tweeted

   Governor Seyi however added that eighteen more COVID19 patients have recovered and have been discharged.

'' Eighteen confirmed COVID-19 patients have received their second NEGATIVE test results and have been discharged. This brings the number of discharged cases in Oyo State to forty-six.'' he tweeted

Coronavirus in Nigeria is just about the 'monetary gains- Pastor David Ibiyeomie

 

   Nigerian televangelist, and founder of Salvation Ministries, Port Harcourt, Pastor David Ibiyeomie, has said coronavirus in Nigeria is just about the monetary gains.

He made this known while preaching in his church saying the government are using the virus to make money from foreign bodies. He also claimed most people they claim are coronavirus patients are mostly 'high-fever patient''. He also reference the words of Raymond Dokpesi while further mocking the treatment of the virus in Nigeria.

WATCH VIDEO

Chief Superintendent of Police on the run after testing positive for coronavirus in Abuja

 

   Police authorities and officials of the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) are looking for a Chief Superintendent of Police (CSP) who tested positive for Covid-19 but fled when a team came to evacuate him on Friday afternoon, The Nation has learnt. It was gathered the CSP (names withheld) attached to 21 Police Mobile Force (PMF) Nyanya, Abuja, was billed to be evacuated from his residence at Garki Barracks around 2pm on Friday.

   The officer was said to have been under quarantine and treatment at the National Hospital Abuja Isolation Centre after he tested positive. It was however not clear how and why the senior officer left the hospital and returned to his home where he was said to have continued self- treatment with the help of his friends and colleagues until NCDC officials came for him.

    Sources said the health workers were led by policemen from Garki Division to the officer’s residence but he refused all entreaties to open the door and follow them. It was gathered the officer and his family members were seen peeping through the window while the evacuators made unsuccessful efforts to convince him to follow them.

  “He was later seen driving out of the barracks in his car to an unknown destination. His mobile phone has remained unreachable. “Surveillance teams have been set up to trail and take him into custody. Police medical team have been alerted and on standby,” said a source.

US biotech company claims it has discovered cure for coronavirus

 

   Scientists at a California biotech company have found an antibody that completely blocks coronavirus in a discovery they called a 'cure,' Fox News reports.

  Sorrento Therapeutics, based in San Diego, claims its STI-1499 antibody stopped coronavirus from entering 100 percent of healthy human cells in petri dish experiments. It's one of several antibodies planned to be combined for a drug 'cocktail' Sorrento is developing in collaboration with Mt Sinai School of Medicine in New York.

   In a press release, Sorrento said it could produce up to 200,000 doses of the antibody a month - a production timeline that would likely make the drug available months sooner than a COVID-19 vaccine is expected. The company has filed for emergency approval from the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), but has not yet received the green light. Stocks for Sorrento soared by nearly 220 percent on the heels of the announcement.

   'We want to emphasize there is a cure,' Sorrento's CEO, Dr Henry Ji, told Fox. 'There is a solution that works 100 percent. 'If we have the neutralizing antibody in your body, you don't need the social distancing. You can open up a society without fear.'

COVID-19: Madagascar demands 170,000 Euros from Fed Govt for herbal drugs

 

  REPUBLIC of Madagascar has asked Nigeria to pay 170,000 Euros for the quantity of its COVID-19 cure drugs sent to the Federal Government, it was learnt at the weekend.

The quantity of the consignment sent to Nigeria through Guinea Bissau could not be ascertained yesterday. Guinea Bissau President Umaro Sissoco Embalo, who visited President Muhammadu Buhari at the State House in Abuja on Saturday, brought the drugs allocated to Nigeria by Madagascar.

   President Buhari said Nigeria would take the drug through intensive test to determine its suitability. A source on Sunday said: “For our consignments in Guinea Bissau, Madagascar has asked Nigeria to pay over €170,000 (N78, 200,000). We have received the invoice because the African country has made us to realise that the drugs are not being given out free.

  “We are being asked to pay for the drugs yet to be validated. Since the AU directed the supply of the drugs to African countries, we may have no choice than to pay for it. “This payment may, however, be one-off because mass importation of the drugs from Madagascar will not be cost effective. By the time we take into account the cost of freight, the amount will be too high.

THE NATION

COVID-19: President Buhari To Address The Nation Today

President Muhammadu Buhari will address Nigerians on Monday, even as the first phase of the gradual easing of the COVID-19 lockdown comes to an end.

This is according to Aliyu Sani, the national coordinator of the Presidential Task Force (PTF) on COVID-19. Mr. Aliyu made this disclosure when he appeared on Channels Television’s Sunday Politics.

Nigeria Records 338 New COVID-19 Cases, Total Infections Near 6,000

Nigeria has recorded 338 new cases of the novel coronavirus, according to the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control.

In a tweet on its official handle late Sunday, the NCDC said Lagos had recorded 177 new cases, while Kano posted 64 cases.

Other regions with new cases include the FCT with 21, Rivers with 16, Plateau with 14, Oyo 11, Katsina nine, Jigawa and Kaduna with four each, and three cases from the trio of Abia, Bauchi, and Borno.

Gombe, Akwa Ibom, and Delta states also recorded two new cases each, while Kebbi and Sokoto shared two cases between them.

338 new cases of #COVID19;

177-Lagos

64-Kano

21-FCT

16-Rivers

14-Plateau

11-Oyo

9-Katsina

4-Jigawa

4-Kaduna

3-Abia

3-Bauchi

3-Borno

2-Gombe

2-Akwa Ibom

2-Delta

1-Ondo

1-Kebbi

1-Sokoto

5959 cases of #COVID19 in Nigeria

Discharged: 1594

Deaths: 182 pic.twitter.com/1nC9HjskN3

— NCDC (@NCDCgov) May 17, 2020

Six drown while returning from funeral in Cross River

   

  At least six persons drowned when a boat conveying them and other passengers capsized in Ogurude, Obubra Local Government Area. According to sources in the area, the victims were returning from a burial in a village on the other side of the Cross River when the accident occurred.

   A teacher in the village, who identified himself as Ignatius Okpa, stated, “The canoe was overloaded. Some people were advised to stay back, but they insisted on going and the boat helmsman, who was eager to collect money, allowed more than the required number to board and mid river, the boat capsized.” He also said the victims were not indigenes of the area but visitors, who came from Akamkpa, another local government area, for a burial in the community.

   “They came from the Akamkpa Local Government Area to attend the burial of the father of their friend. They were unable to swim when the boat capsized. The helmsman and others from the area swam to safety, while the visitors drowned,” Okpa stated.

   He said divers had recovered some of the bodies, while the search for the others was continuing. Okpa blamed the incident on the non-availability of a boat donated by the state government due to a fault, adding that it was abandoned at the shore of the river in Ogurude, a situation that had left travellers with fewer boats with the attendant overloading of the canoe that capsized

Burundi expels four WHO officials over coronavirus warning

 

 

  Burundi government has kicked out the national head of the World Health Organisation (WHO) and three members of his team during a presidential election campaign despite health risks from the coronavirus pandemic.

  The government confirmed on Thursday that a May 12 letter from the foreign ministry was sent to WHO country head Walter Kazadi Mulombo and three others of the U.N. body’s health experts, ordering them out by Friday.

  An election is due on May 20, to vote for a successor to President Pierre Nkurunziza, whose government has been repeatedly accused of rights violations. Bernard Ntahiraja, the foreign affairs assistant minister, confirmed the WHO officials had been declared “persona non grata” but did not give reasons.

Gunmen abduct Kaduna APC Vice-chairman and daughter

  The Police Command in Kaduna has confirmed the abduction of the Vice-Chairman, All Progressive Congress (APC), Kaduna State chapter, Shu’aibu Idris-Lauge and his daughter.

   The Command’s Public Relations Officer, Mohammed Jalige, confirmed the incident to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Kaduna yesterday. According to him, Shu’aibu and his daughter were abducted from their Kwanar Zango residence along Kaduna-Zaria express way on Thursday morning.

  “Efforts are being made to rescue the kidnapped victims, apprehend and bring the culprits to book,” he said. Jalige, therefore, appealed to the public to support the Police by providing useful information that would lead to the rescue of the victims.

NFF donates PPEs to Lagos state government

 

   Nigeria Football Federation, NFF, has made a donation of Personal Protection Equipment, PPE, to the Lagos State government to enhance the fight against coronavirus.

  First Vice President, Seyi Akinwunmi made the donation on behalf of the NFF in the company of the Head of the Nigeria women’s Football League, Aisha Falode.

  The duo presented the items to the Permanent Secretary of the Lagos State Ministry of Health, Segun Ogboye. Some of the equipment donated includes face-masks, hand gloves, overall gowns and head coverings

Nigeria records 193 new cases of COVID-19

   

   Nigeria has recorded 193 new cases of COVID-19, bringing the total number of infections to 5162. The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control confirmed the new figures in a tweet late Thursday. According to the NCDC, 58 of the new cases were in Lagos, 46 were recorded in Kano, 35in Jigawa and 12 in Yobe state.

   Nine cases were recorded in the FCT while 7 others were recorded in Ogun. Plateau and Gombe had five new cases each, four cases were recorded in Imo state while three new cases each were discovered in Edo, Kwara and Borno state.

   One case each was recorded in Bauchi, Nasarawa and Ondo. The total number of active cases in the country now sits at 3,815 while 1,180 persons have been discharged. As at the early hours of Friday, May 15th, the total number of fatalities recorded is 167.

Court Slams N10m Against DSS For Illegally Detaining Man Who Purchased SIM Card Previously Used By President Buhari’s Daughter

   

   A Federal High Court in Asaba, Delta State, on Thursday slammed the sum of N10m against Nigeria’s lawless secret police, Department of State Services, for illegally detaining Anthony Okolie for 10 weeks for lawfully purchasing a SIM card previously used by President Muhammadu Buhari’s daughter, Hanan.