Coronavirus Stricken American President, Trump, Moved To Military Hospital

October 3, 2020

Stricken by coronavirus, a feverish and fatigued President Donald Trump of America has been flown to a military hospital after being injected with an experimental drug combination in treatment at the White House.

The President, who had spent months downplaying the threat of the virus, was forced to cancel all campaign events a month before the election as he fought a virus that has killed more than 205,000 Americans and is hitting others in his orbit as well.

The White House said Trump’s expected stay of “a few days” at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center was precautionary and that he would continue to work from the hospital’s presidential suite, which is equipped to allow him to keep up his official duties.

“Going well, I think! Thank you to all. LOVE!!!,” the president tweeted after having been moved to the military hospital for treatment.

The President’s physician said in a memo released shortly afterwards that Trump was doing “very well” and not needing supplemental oxygen. Navy Cmdr. Dr Sean Conley also said that Trump had undergone therapy employing the antiviral drug remdesivir.

“He has completed his first dose and is resting comfortably,” Conley said.

Earlier in the day, Conley said that the President had also received a dose of an experimental antibody combination by Regeneron that is in clinical trials, adding that Trump “remains fatigued but in good spirits.”

Trump walked out of the White House yesterday, October 2 wearing a mask and gave a thumbs-up to reporters but did not speak before boarding Marine One. Members of the aircrew, Secret Service agents and White House staff wore face coverings to protect themselves from the president on board the helicopter.

In a videotaped before leaving for Walter Reed, Trump said: “I think I’m doing very well, but we’re going to make sure that things work out.”

Just a month before the Presidential election, Trump’s revelation that he was positive for the virus came by tweet about 1 a.m. Friday after he had returned from a Thursday afternoon political fundraiser. He had gone ahead to the event, saying nothing to the crowd though knowing he had been exposed to an aide with the disease that has infected millions in America and killed more than a million worldwide.

First lady, Melania Trump also tested positive, the president said, and several others in the White House have, too, prompting concern that the White House or even Trump himself might have spread the virus further. He said in his video that his wife was doing very well.

Chevron Dismisses 2,000 Nigerian Workers, Allegedly Plans To Employ 600 Americans

Editorial staff

October 3, 2020

A major American oil company operating in Nigeria, Chevron Nigeria Limited has sacked no fewer than 2,000 Nigerians working for it and asked them to re-apply for fresh jobs, even it is allegedly making moves to employ 600 workers from America to replace some sacked Nigerians.

The oil company had earlier announced that it would be reducing its staff strength by 25 per cent as it is reviewing its manpower requirements due to the outbreak of Coronavirus.

In a statement on Friday by its General Manager, Policy, Government and Public Affairs, Esimaje Brikinn, the company said that all employees would retain their employment until the re-organization process is completed.

This was even as the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) vowed to resist the sacking of Nigerian workers by the company.

The association confirmed that Chevron Nigeria had already dismissed over 2,000 staff with 600 of them listed for permanent dismissal.

The branch Chairman, Ete Oyegbanren, and branch Secretary, Lavin Aghaunor, of Chevron PENGASSAN, in a statement alleged that the company planned to replace the Nigerians sacked with Americans, who will be working remotely.

“Chevron Management experimented with Work From Home (WFH) since the outbreak of COVID-19 in March 2020 and discovered that since Nigerians can work from their homes during the lockdown period using internet connection, the same work being done by Nigerians here can be done remotely by Americans from the US hence the move to sack 600 Nigerians and replace them with Americans who would be working remotely from the US. This is a case of worsening the unemployment situation in Nigeria and using same to address those of America.

“The President Muhammadu Buhari led Federal Government has made the creation of one million jobs per year a cornerstone of his administration. The government even went further by approving the recruitment of over 1,000 employees to the Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation.

“We are also aware that the FG advised companies not to sack Nigerian workers under the guise of COVID-19. We have credible information that Chevron management is boasting that the President of Nigeria cannot dictate to them how to run the company, despite the fact that NNPC owns 60 per cent of the Joint Venture.

“The plan of Chevron management is part of a grand scheme by multinational oil companies operating in Nigeria to gradually relocate work being done in Nigeria to their home country. In this instance, there will be offshoring of 600 Nigerian jobs to America thereby worsening the unemployment situation in Nigeria. As patriotic Nigerians, PENGASSAN shall resist this with all tools available to her.”

Members of the association staged a protest to express their dissatisfaction with the plan of the oil company, even as they called on Nigerian Government to call the management of Chevron to order and direct them to comply with Nigerian laws and regulations in the oil and gas industry.

However, the company said that it is focused on cutting cost and not migrating jobs from Nigeria, adding that the company is engaging its workers to reach an understanding on the actions of the company.

“We have prospects for our company in Nigeria. However, we must make the necessary adjustments in light of the prevailing business climate; and we need everyone’s support to get through these tough times stronger, more efficient and more profitable, in order to sustain the business.

“We are actively engaging our workforce to ensure they understand why this is being done.

“We will continue to consistently engage all relevant stakeholders, including the leadership of the employee unions as we continue this process of business optimisation.”

The Only Way To Stop Nigeria From Breaking-Up Is To Restructure – Pastor Adeboye

Editorial staff

October 3, 2020

The General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Pastor Enoch Adeboye, has said that the only way to avoid Nigeria from breaking up is for the Federal Government to quickly address the agitations for the restructuring of the country.

The cleric, who spoke today, October 3 at the 60th Independence Day Celebration Symposium organised by RCCG and the Nehemiah Leadership Institute, proposed the adoption of both the British and the American systems of government to pave the way for Nigeria’s future.

“Why can’t we have a system of government that is 100 percent Nigerian and unique to us? For example, we started with the British system of government, somewhere along the line, we moved over to the American system of government.

“Can’t we have a combination of both and see whether it could help us solve our problems because in mathematics if you want to solve a problem, you try what we call real-analysis, then if it doesn’t work, then you move on to complex analysis and see whether that will help you. If that fails, you move on to vector analysis and so on.

“I believe that we might want to look at the problems of Nigeria in a slightly different manner. Some people feel that all our problems will be over if Nigeria should break up. I think that is trying to solve the problems of Nigeria as if it is a simple equation.

“The problems of Nigeria will require quite a bit of simultaneous equation and some of them are not going to be linear either – forgive me I am talking as a mathematician.

“Why can’t we have a system of government that will create what I will call the the United States of Nigeria? Let me explain. We all know that we must restructure. It is either we restructure or we break. You don’t have to be a prophet to know that one. That is certain – restructure or we break up.

“Now, we don’t want to break up, God forbid. In restructuring, why don’t we have a Nigerian kind of democracy? At the federal level, why don’t we have a president and a prime minister?

“If we have a president and a prime minister and we share responsibilities between these two so that one is not an appendage to the other. For examples, if the president controls the army and the prime minister controls the police. If the president controls resources like oil and mining and the prime minister controls finance and inland revenue, taxes, customs etc. You just divide responsibilities between the two.

“At the state level, you have the governor and the premier, and the same way, you distribute responsibilities between these people in such a manner that one cannot really go without the other. Maybe we might begin to tackle the problems.”

I Became Nigeria’s Head Of State At Age 31 By Accident – General Gowon

Editorial staff

October 2, 2020

Retired General Yakubu Gowon has said that he became Nigeria’s Head of State during the civil war at age 31 by accident.

Gowon became the youngest ever Head of State on August 1, 1966 and remains the longest serving Nigerian head of state after spending nine years in office between 1966–1975.

He spoke at Nigeria’s first virtual reality history competition organized by ANISZA Foundation and Gallery on Friday.

Gowon said: “I felt petrified when I took over as Head of State.”

He said that his ambition then was just to be a good soldier.

“I never planned to be the President, it just happened.”

The former Head of State shared some of his life experiences to the youths and counseled them on the right attitudes and values.

Economic Downturn: Oil Giant, Chevron, Moves To Sack 25 Percent Of Its Workforce

Editorial staff

October 2, 2020

Oil giant, Chevron Nigeria Limited (CNL), operator of the joint venture between the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) and CNL together with its affiliates, has confirmed that it is reviewing its manpower requirements in the light of the changing business environment.

The International Oil Company (IOC) said that it had concluded plans to disengaging 25 per cent of its total staff in a decision it said was to aid its long term survival, following the recent downturn in the oil industry.

The company said that it is continuing to evaluate opportunities to improve capital efficiency and reduce operating costs, stressing that in the process, the company will be streamlining its workforce and improving service delivery and overall performance at all levels.

CNL’s General Manager, Policy, Government and Public Affairs, Esimaje Brikinn, in a statement today, October 2, explained that the aim is to have a business that is competitive and have an appropriately sized organisation with improved processes.

He said that the move will increase efficiency and effectiveness, retain value, reduce cost, and generate more revenue for the federal government of Nigeria.

According to him, the new organisational structures will require just about 25 percent reduction in the work force across the various levels of the organisation.

“It is important to note that all our employees will retain their employment until the reorganisation process is completed.

“CNL supports the federal government in its objectives and efforts to build a prosperous Nigeria. In the area of employment generation, the company has several social investments which are helping to provide employment for thousands of Nigerians.”

Brikinn said that there are no plans to migrate Nigerian jobs outside the country, saying: “we have prospects for our company in Nigeria; however, we must make the necessary adjustments in light of the prevailing business climate. And we need everyone’s support to get through these tough times stronger, more efficient and more profitable, in order to sustain the business,” CNL noted.

The statement said that CNL is in alignment with both its Joint Venture partners, the NNPC, and the Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR) in the entire process.

“We are actively engaging our workforce to ensure they understand why this is being done. We will continue to consistently engage all relevant stakeholders, including the leadership of the employee unions as we continue this process of business optimisation.

“At CNL, the welfare and safety of our workforce is one of our highest priorities. Making changes to the organisation is never easy for anyone that will be impacted.

“But it is necessary to improve our ability to remain competitive in Nigeria. Reducing the cost and improving the efficiency of our operations is critical to generating more revenues for the federal government of Nigeria.”

Japan Advances $9.4 Million Grant To Nigeria For Medical Equipment

Editorial staff

October 2, 2020

The government of Japan has extended a funding assistance of 1 billion Japanese Yen (about USD$9.4 Million) to Nigeria for the provision of medical equipment.

Nigeria’s Minister of State for Budget and National Planning, Prince Clem Ikanade Agba and Japan’s Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to Nigeria, Kikuta Yutaka, signed and exchanged notes in Abuja in respect of the grant.

A statement by the spokes person for the minister, Sufuyan Ojeifo said that the medical equipment funding project would contribute to strengthening the medical system in Nigeria through the provision of ambulances and Computerized Tomography (CT) scanners.

The statement said that the bilateral cooperation “is part of Japan’s contribution to the expansion of the Universal Health Coverage (UHC) and the promotion of Africa Health and Wellbeing Initiative, which Japan expressed during Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD7).”

TICAD7 held from 28^th-30^thAugust, 2019 at Pacifico Yokohama, Yokohama city, Japan, with more than 10,000 people, including 42 African leaders from 53 countries, 52 development partner countries, 108 heads of international and regional organisations, and representatives of civil society and the private sector in attendance.

The government of Japan has led this conference since 1993, co-hosted by the United Nations, United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), World Bank and African Union Commission (AUC).

Ambassador Yutaka was quoted in the statement as saying that Japan remained committed to supporting developing countries’ effort to fight the COVID-19 pandemic, which, according to him, had posed a serious threat to human security globally.

He said that Japan remained focused on achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGS), including the universal health coverage.

Flooding: We’re Going Through Hell In Niger State Now, Gov Abubakar Laments

Editorial staff

October 2, 2020

“At the moment, we are going through hell in Niger State. So I believe something will be done.”

These were the lamentations of the Governor of Niger State, Abubakar Bello, when he spoke to newsmen today, October 2, after an audience with President Muhammadu Buhari at the presidential villa, Abuja.

“At the moment, we have over 150 communities under water in Niger State, thousands of hectares of land have been displaced by flood. Major investments like the Sunti sugar is completely under water. They have lost over 2,500 hacters of Sugar Cane Plantation. And vast majority of the facility itself is under water.”

Governor Abubakar stressed that at the moment, the state is facing difficult times because the rains are quite heavy, saying that most sections of the road have failed completely “and there is need to have some quick intervention to ease the difficulties being experienced by motorists in highways.

He recalled that about two weeks ago he had a meeting, chaired by the Chief of Staff, with the Minister of Works, the GMD of the NNPC, the Director-General of Department of State Service and the Inspector General of Police with regard to the closure of Minna/Bida road.

“We were forced to close Mina/Bida road because the contractor on site had complained that the work in progress was very slow as a result of heavy movement of trucks on that road. As you are aware that road was built for light vehicles, so we were forced to shut down Minna/Bida road.

“Eventually, we had to open it so that we don’t create hardship to other parts of the country especially the Northern states. But at the moment as it today, we have two failed sections of Minna/Bida road and one failed section of Minna/Tekena road which has brought about the complete blockage of that road.

“So, something needs to be done immediately to provide for alternative route between South West and Northern parts of the states. We have a major trunk ‘A’ one road which is the Jabba-Mokwa-Kagara-Tegna-Pandogri-Kaduna road.

“I hope attention should be given to that road so that we divert most of the trailers to that road. There is also an alternative route which is the Mokwa-Bida-Lapai-Lambata road. That will also provide alternative to Minna-Bida road.

“So overall, that has been the main point of our discussion. We touched on flood briefly. I believe in the next few weeks, we may have some reliefs when it comes to flood.”

Governor Abubakar prayed that the state would able to get some quick intervention from the Federal Government so that his government would support the local farmers that have lost their livelihood due to floods.

Nigeria Air Force Disowns List Of Candidates For Recruitment, Circulating In Social Media

Editorial staff

October 2, 2020

The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has disowned a fake list of special candidates for the 2020 NAF Recruitment Screening Exercise, being circulated on Social Media.

It advised members of the public to therefore disregard the said list, as it is a product of fraudsters and mischief makers.

“The public is further kindly requested to note that the authentic list of selected candidates for the 2020 NAF Recruitment Screening Exercise was published on the NAF official website at www.airforce.mil.ng as well as on NAF official Social Media handles on 18 September 2020; and remains available for verification.”

A statement by the Director of Public Relations and Information Nigerian Air Force, Air Commodore Ibikunle Daramola, said that shortlisted candidates are already undergoing screening at the NAF Base, Mando-Kaduna.

“The list of those who emerge successful after the exercise will be similarly published on the NAF website as well as on NAF social media handles, in addition to publication in some national dailies.

“The public is also reminded that the entire NAF recruitment process is completely FREE OF CHARGE and is being conducted in a fair and transparent manner. You are please advised against joining any WhatsApp, Facebook or other Social Media groups so as to avoid being misled or defrauded.

“Should there be any case of fraud or request for any form of payment by anyone, applicants are advised to immediately report such to the nearest NAF Unit, Nigerian Police Station or any other security agency. Complaints could also be lodged by calling any of the following numbers: 09064432351, 09055840142, 08053440802 (available Monday – Friday between 8:30AM and 5:30PM) or by sending an email to careers@airforce.mil.ng.”

Police Promotes 175 Senior Officers, Withholds Promotion Of 112 Others

Editorial staff

October 2, 2020

The Police Service Commission has approved the promotion of 175 senior Police Officers even as it stepped down the promotion of 112 others.

The decisions were part of the highpoints of the 9th Plenary Meeting of the Commission which held in Abuja between September 28 and 29, 2020 and presided over by Commission Chairman, retired Inspector General of Police, Musiliu Smith.

The Commission promoted one Assistant Inspector General of Police, AIG Sanusi Lemu to the rank of Deputy Inspector General of Police, to replace retired DIG Abdulmajid Ali, representing the North Central.

It also approved the promotion of one Commissioner of Police, Mustapha Dandaura, former CP Anambra and Rivers States to the substantive rank of an Assistant Inspector General of Police.

Also promoted were 167 Superintendents of Police to Chief Superintendents, three Deputy Superintendents of Police to Superintendents, two Assistant Superintendents of Police to Deputy Superintendents and four Inspectors to Assistant Superintendents.

The Commission stood down the promotions of 112 senior Police Officers for failure of the Inspector General of Police to comply with the directive of the Commission to attach the Presidential approval for the creation of additional Police Zonal Commands and Departments from where the vacancies for the recommended Officers were harvested.

The Commission stood down the promotion of 13 Commissioners of Police to the next rank of Assistant Inspectors General, eight Deputy Commissioners of Police to Commissioners and 91 Chief Superintendents of Police to Assistant Commissioners.

The 167 Superintendents of Police promoted to Chief Superintendents include; Hezekiah Ali, Chukwuma Johnson Ubasonye, Samson Oyemauche, Ismail Lawal, Oyedele Saka Oyerinde and Nieketien George.

Others are Adamu Garba, Divisional Police Officer, Abakaliki road, Enugu State Command, Ikechukwu Ogoegbunam Udegbunam, Unit Commander, EOD, Jalingo, Taraba State Command, Abiodun Oluwaseun Ayinde, Ogun State Command and Wellinghton Omorogieva among others.

The Commission also confirmed the acting appointments of 60 senior Police Officers, ncluding three Commissioners of Police and four Deputy Commissioners.

The beneficiaries are Egbetokun Adeolu, Commissioner of Police Kwara State, Odumosu Olusegun, Commissioner of Police Lagos State and Shehu Usman Shuaibu, Commissioner of Police Works in the Force Headquarters.

Others are; Deputy Commissioner of Police Nwonyi Emeka, DCP Ibrahim Maikaba; DCP Ahmed Musa and DCP Jimoh Moshood, former Force Public Relations Officer and currently DCP, CID, Airport Command, Lagos. The Commission also confirmed the acting appointments of three CSPs, Azogor Edu Jude, Usman Musa, Presidential Villa and Alhassan Idris Gambo.

The appointments of three Superintendents of Police were also confirmed. They are Ijomah Chidebere Joseph, Sector Commander, FIB, STS, Enugu, Ogarachi Chima Eze, O/C Marine Command Port Harcourt and Olusegun Osunbure.

The Commission’s decisions are expected to be conveyed to the Inspector General of Police on October 5 for implementation.

U.S President Trump, Wife Test Positive For Covid-19

Editorial staff

October 2, 2020

The United States President, Donald Trump and his wife Melania have both tested positive for the sprawling coronavirus.

Trump first announced this in a tweet early Friday morning that he and his wife Melania have both tested positive for the novel coronavirus.

“We will begin our quarantine and recovery process immediately,” he wrote. “We will get through this TOGETHER!”

The news came just hours after it was reported that Hope Hicks, a close adviser to Trump who traveled with him aboard Air Force One several times this week, had tested positive.

The president’s physician, Sean P. Conley, wrote later that Trump and his wife “are both well at this time, and they plan to remain at home within the White House during their convalescence.”

Details later

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