Coronavirus Invades NYSC Camp, 731 Members Test Positive

January 5, 2021

The Presidential Task Force (PTF) on coronavirus has said that 731 members of Batch B National Youths Service Corps (NYSC) have tested positive for the virus.

The Chairman of the Task Force and Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Boss Mustapha, at a news briefing today, January 5 in Abuja, said the PTF conducted the testing of batch B corps members using RDTs.

According to him, out of the 35,419 in the Batch B, 731 tested positive compared to the 108 recorded in Batch A.

“Cases were recorded from corps members from every state of the federation. There is also a rising rate of infections among healthcare workers and it calls for the escalation of surveillance.

“As at date, the statistics for Nigeria shows the following: Cumulative cases: 91,351; Cumulative Tests: 958,911; Deaths: 1,318 and Week 53 recorded 57 deaths, the highest for any single week since we started,” he said.

Bos Mustapha said that the private sector, under the CACOVID banner, was supporting with 100 oxygen cylinders per day till the end of March, 2021.

He said that approval has been given to rehabilitate five oxygen plants in tertiary health institutions in Abuja.

Iran Asks Interpol To Arrest President Trump Over Murder Of Qassem Soleimani

Editorial staff

January 5, 2021

Iran has applied to Interpol for an international arrest warrant for the President of the United States, Donald Trump in connection with the murder of Iranian top military general, Qassem Soleimani, last year.

Iran’s justice spokesman, Gholam Ismaili, in a television broadcast today, January 5, said that the country has filed a red notice against President Trump and other United States’ commanders.

“In this regard, we have filed a ‘red notice’ at Interpol against 48 people, including Trump, US commanders, and Pentagon representatives as well as US troops in the region.”

A country can use the “red notice” to request other countries to track down and arrest a person.

On January 3, 2020, on Trump’s instructions, the US Army reportedly killed Soleimani, who was on a visit to Iraq with a rocket attack near Baghdad airport.

The influential Iraqi militia leader, Abu Mahdi al-Mohandes, the deputy head of Iraq’s Hashd al-Shaabi militia, was also killed.

Soleimani was the commander of the elite Quds Force, part of an elite unit of the Iranian armed forces.

He coordinated the activities of militias loyal to Iran in Iraq and other countries.

President of Iran, Hassan Rowhani, called Soleimani a national hero who had become a legend in the region after his assassination by the US.

“Tehran will avenge his murder in due course and at the same time take legal action against Trump and the Pentagon,” Rowhani said.

Source: NAN.

Ex Ogun Gov, Osoba Insists Tinubu Has The Right To Contest 2023 Presidency

Editorial staff

January 5, 2021

Former governor of Ogun State, Chief Olusegun Osoba, has insisted that the National Leader of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu has the right to contest for president in 2023.

Osoba, who spoke today, January 5 in a television programme in Ogun State, advised politicians in the Southwest to unite in order to achieve success in 2023, adding that there was a “gentleman agreement” for the southern part of Nigeria to produce the country’s next president in 2023.

He said that though there had been so much noise from the Southeast on the jostle for the presidency, but that nobody from the region has contacted him or other key members of the party on the matter.

“Asiwaju Bola Tinubu as an individual has the right to put himself forward, we have not zeroed in on an individual. Zeroing in on any individual will destroy our efforts now. But Asiwaju Bola Tinubu has a right to pursue his own agenda.

“On the South-East quest for the presidency, nobody from the region has contacted or consulted me to lobby, to even say they are interested in the 2023 presidential election.”

Although, Tinubu has not publicly declared his intention to vie for the presidency, there are insinuations in several quarters that the ex Lagos State governor would vie for the nation’s highest political office in two years’ time.

China Arrives In Nigeria To Advance Digital, Green Economy, Others

Editorial staff

January 5, 2021

China has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Nigeria to promote digital and green economy in addition to engaging in military and security cooperation.

The Chinese Foreign Minister, Wang Yi, who spoke to news men today, January 5, after signing the MoU with his Nigeria counterpart, Geoffery Onyeama in Abuja, said: “we will expand cooperation into new areas of digital and green economy to make development more diversified.

“Our two countries will continue to work closely on COVID-19 response and strongly support each other to a final victory which is a cure.

“We will further engage in military and security cooperation to contribute the Nigeria’s national security capacity building, we will also coordinate in regional and international affairs.

“We have every confidence that China-Nigeria strategic partnership will embrace and even brighter future, together we will make a great contribution to Africa’s peace and development for the stability and prosperity of the World.”

This was even as Onyeama said that the decision by his Chinese counterpart to visit Nigeria first is a reflection of the importance which China attached to her relationship with Nigeria.

He said that China had contributed greatly to the successes recorded in the priority areas of the current administration as declared by President Muhammadu Buhari, which include infrastructure development, economy diversification and job creation.

“He is on a five country tour of Africa and has selected Nigeria to be the first country that he visits, this is not a coincidence, it is a deliberate decision that reflects the importance that they attach to the relationship between both countries.

“This visit by the State Councilor is a very important one, we have held discussions and we agreed to sign a memorandum of understanding on establishing an inter-governmental Committee that will be in charge of coordinating all aspects of cooperation between the two countries in many areas in many sectors in which we are cooperating with the Chinese

“In our meeting today we talked about transportation, our railways, defense system, political matters and how to structure political cooperation.”

At the end of the talks, the Chinese government through the Minister of Foreign Affairs, announced a donation to Nigeria of 100 million Renminbis, the Chinese local currency which we reckon to be roughly 50 million dollars or 6 billion Naira,” he said.

Some of the Minister on the Nigerian delegation included: Minister of Industry Trade and Investment Niyi Adebayo, Minister of Health Osagie Ehanire, Minister of Transportation Rotimi Amaechi, Minister of Education Adamu Adamu and the Minister of Aviation Hadi Sirika.

The MoU is meant to establish and inter-governmental committee that will coordinate the cooperation and relations between both countries.

The Committee which will be co-chaired by the Foreign Affairs Ministers of both countries will also stive to deepen the cooperation between both countries, Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Geoffery Onyeama said in Abuja.

How Security Challenges, Coronavirus Adversely Affected Power Supply In 2020 – Electric Board Chairman

Greenbarge Reporters

January 5, 2021

The Chairman of Kaduna Electric’s Board of Directors, Yusuf Hamisu Abubakar, has narrated how security challenges and coronavirus adversely affected power supply, especially in Kaduna State in 2020.
Addressing the staff of the company and other stakeholders in the power sector, the Chairman acknowledged the great sacrifice and resilience displayed by the operatives of the company during the past year.
He explained that Coronavirus pandemic took a toll on everyone, creating adverse effects on the company.
The Chairman said that 2020 also brought to the fore, the security challenges the company faced in some of its franchise states.
According to him, the spate of banditry and kidnappings in these states have severely hampered the company’s operations, even as he prayed that a lasting solution will be found to the security challenges in the new year.
He charged all staff of the company to redouble their efforts in the new year by providing excellent services to customers more so with the responsibilities thrust on the Company’s shoulders by the Service Based Tariff which came into effect in November last year.
He commended the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission, the state governments in its franchise and the federal government for their worthy efforts in providing the needed support in ensuring the power sector remained viable.

Umahi Orders Arrest Of Those Behind Video Of Fulani Herdsmen Being Chased Out Of Ebonyi

Editorial staff

January 4, 2021

The Governor of Ebonyi State, David Umahi has ordered the arrest of those who are circulating a video on social media that Fulani herdsmen were being attacked and chased out of the state.

The Governor, who addressed news men today, January 4 in Abakaliki, the state capital, said that the video was faked, and asked security agencies to investigate the source of the video and arrest the circulators.

The governor said the video had caused panic and tension.

“Security personnel must ensure that those behind the circulation of the video, which has caused panic across the country, are brought to book.

“We must increase our security surveillance at the grassroots level. I urge the security agencies to step up and arrest persons circulating the video on social media,’’ Umahi said.

This was even as the Secretary of Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association, Ebonyi Chapter, Mr Inusa Sani, condemned the misleading video, saying: “it is fake news.”

“The video is an orchestrated attempt by mischief makers and enemies of peace.

“What happened was that on Jan. 2, one of us, Alhaji Adamu, residing at Ozibo Village in Nkaleke Ichaba/Enyibishiri community, informed the association of his relocation to Taraba State.

“I use this opportunity to urge the general public to disregard the video in circulation and no Fulani herdsman was attacked or chased out of Ebonyi State..”

He said that herdsmen had co-habited peacefully with their host communities without any fear, molestation, threat or intimidation from any quarter.

The Police Command in Ebonyi had on Sunday issued a statement saying that Fulani herdsmen were not attacked or being chased out of the state.

Also speaking at the news conference, Philip Maku, Commissioner of Police in the state, assured the public of the Command’s readiness to protect lives and property.

“The general public should disregard the video in circulation, which is misleading and fake. Keep going about your normal business and support the security agencies and state government at ensuring that those behind the evil plot are fished out,’’ Maku admonished.

Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Keneth Igwe, said that the distorted and misleading video was propagated by the enemies of Ebonyi.

“We cannot keep quiet on any issue that is trying to tarnish the image of our dear state or cause disorder. We have enjoyed maximum peace with our Fulani brothers.

“The security chiefs are here and there is no incident of an attack on herders in the state; we therefore urge the general public to disregard the misleading video.”

Court Remands Sowore, Others Over New Year Eve Protest March In Abuja

Editorial staff

January 4, 2021

An Abuja Magistrate’s court has ordered the remand in Kuje correctional centre, Abuja, of the the publisher of Sahara Reporters online newspaper, Omoyele Sowore and four others over an alleged protest march they participated in Abuja on New Year eve.

They are being charged with criminal conspiracy, unlawful assembly and public disturbance.

Magistrate Mabel Segun-Bello of the Magistrates’ Court, Wuse Zone 2, who gave the order today, January 4, said that they will remain in the correctional centre pending the consideration of their applications for bail.

Sowore, Juwon Sanyaolu, Peter Williams, Emmanuel Bulus and Damilare Adenola were arraigned on three-count charge brought against them by the Nigeria Police Force (NPF).

They were arrested by the Special Weapons Tactical Team of the NPF in Abuja over their alleged participation in a protest march a day before the New Year celebration.
The prosecution said that the defendants were arrested on New Year eve with placards calling for a violent revolution against President Muhammadu Buhari.

The defendants pleaded not guilty to the charge.

The Magistrate adjourned the case to tomorrow, January 5, for hearing of their bail applications.

Sowore and another of his associates, Olawale Bakare are also standing trial before a Federal High Court in Abuja, in which they are charged with treasonable felony after he organized the #RevolutionNow protest in 2019.

They were alleged to have conspired to stage a revolution campaign on August 5, 2019, tagged “#Revolution Now,” aimed at removing President Buhari from office as the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria during his term of office, otherwise than by constitutional means.

Information Minister Describes Those Saying Nigeria Is Failed State As Jaundiced Analysts

Editorial staff

January 4, 2021

Information Minister, Alhaji Lai Mohammed

Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed has said that those who are saying that Nigeria is a failed State are “jaundiced analysts.”

The Minister, at a New Year media briefing in Lagos, said that such analysts had constituted themselves into another ‘fighting force’ against the Federal Government.

“You would remember that for the past two decades or so, some pseudo-analysts have been predicting the country’s implosion.

“That has not happened, hence they have found a new watchword – failing or failed state!

“It’s all a ruse aimed at depicting Nigeria as being in a constant state of anarchy so they can achieve their nefarious objectives for the country.

“If Nigeria was not a ‘failing’ state when a large slice of its territory equivalent to the size of Belgium was under the occupation of Boko Haram, which collected taxes, installed and deposed emirs, is it now that no territory is under the terrorists that Nigeria will be a failing state?

“If Nigeria was not a failed state when bombs were raining on towns and cities in Kano, Kaduna, Plateau, Borno, Yobe, FCT and other states, is it now that such bombings have stopped that Nigeria will be described as a ‘failing’ state?

“If Nigeria was not a ‘failing’ state in those years that Christian and Muslim worshippers needed to be screened to even enter their places of worship, is it now that the siege on places of worship has ceased that Nigeria will be described as a ‘failing’ state?’’

Lai Mohammed said that the insecurity was worst in the country before Buhari emerged president, asking: “have we forgotten the constant attacks on military and security formations like Giwa Barracks (Maiduguri), Mohammed Kur Barracks (Bama), Monguno Barracks (Monguno), Airforce Base (Maiduguri), New Prison (Maiduguri) and numerous police stations?

“The fact that these attacks and bombings have stopped is a testimony to the progress we have made in tackling terrorism which, by the way, is not like conventional warfare.

“The stoppage of the attacks didn’t happen by accident. It is therefore mischievous for anyone to discountenance the progress we have made in tackling insecurity, in building and upgrading infrastructure and in diversifying the economy, among others.

“The Federal Government rejects this characterisation of Nigeria as a ‘failing’ state, which is a combination of the wishful thinking of naysayers and the evil machinations of those who don’t wish Nigeria well.”

Source: The Punch.

Atiku Scampers Out Of Intels, Sells His investment To Escape Political Brickbats

Editorial staff

January 4, 2021

Former Nigeria Vice President and co-founder of Integrated Logistics Services Nigeria Limited (Intels), Atiku Abubakar, has sold his shares in Intels.
In a statement today, January 4, Atiku attributed his disinvestment in the company to the fact that “this Government has been preoccupied with destroying a legitimate business that was employing thousands of Nigerians because of politics.”
The statement quoted Atiku as complaining that “there should be a marked difference between Politics and Business.”

Atiku, who contested the 2019 Presidential election on the platform of the main opposition, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), had redirected his investment to other sectors of the economy for returns and creation of jobs.

Amotekun Operative Shoots Policeman In Oyo

Editorial staff

January 4, 2021

An operative of the Oyo State Security Network Agency, Operation Amotekun, has been arrested for allegedly shooting a policeman.

The incident occurred over the weekend at Sanga area of Oyo town around 3pm during a carnival.

The Amotekun officer, Ibrahim Ogundele opened fire on Fatai Yekini, a special police constable, when the police team from Ojongbodu arrived at the scene of the carnival to drive those gathered there away.

Oyo State police spokesperson, Olugbenga Fadeyi said that the Amotekun operative is being held for further questioning while the policeman is currently receiving treatment in an undisclosed hospital.

“This happened when policemen at Ojongbodu Division, Oyo were responding to calls to dislodge recalcitrant youths staging carnival after several warnings that such should not be staged.

“The Amotekun personnel has since been arrested and currently being investigated at Ojongbodu Police station.”

Source: Qed.ng

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