We Have Not Approved Paxherbal For Coronavirus Cure – NAFDAC

July 11, 2020

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has made it clear that it has not approved a Paxherbal product or any herbal mixture for the treatment of coronavirus.

The Director General of NAFDAC, Professor Mojisola Adeyeye, today, July 11 described as inaccurate, the reports that the agency NAFDAC has approved a Paxherbal product “specifically for treating symptoms associated with Coronavirus.”

Adeyeye explained that no clinical study has been done on any of the products to prove claims of efficacy and that until a clinical study is done in a scientific manner, no herbal medicine manufacturer can claim effectiveness to treat coronavirus associated symptoms.

“Once the product is able to meet all requirements, a listing status is granted with a clear DISCLAIMER that states clearly that claims have not been evaluated by NAFDAC.

“The applicant can arrange for clinical trials that will involve the use of human subjects in order to prove efficacy or claim for treatment following laid down procedures and with the approval of NAFDAC.

“Most of the applicants that submitted herbal medicines that are currently undergoing processing have been issued compliance directives to provide additional information or/and evidence of Good Manufacturing Practice or environment fit for the production of the medicines.

“Paxherbal applied for Listing of Pax Herbal Cugzin capsule 290mg which was approved by NAFDAC and Listed as “Safe to use.

“The applicant claimed that it is an immune booster and an anti-infective. However, as part of the labelling of the product, and in line with global practice, a Disclaimer is on the product label which clearly states that the claims have not been evaluated by NAFDAC.”

Academic Staff Caution Against Proliferation Of Universities In Nigeria Without Funding

Editorial staff

July 11, 2020

File photo: Students sitting on the floor to receive lecture at one of the Nigerians universities

The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has cautioned state and federal governments against the proliferation of universities in the country without adequate provision for funding..

The National President of ASUU, Professor Biodun Ogunyemi, at a Town Hall Meeting in Jos, Plateau State today, July 11, said that some of the universities being established by both federal and state governments are needless.

“Federal and State Governments are establishing universities without adequately funding them. For instance, why do we need a university of transportation, or that of Information and Communication Technology (ICT)? All these can be taken care of by the existing public universities.

“So, proliferation of university education will not help us; it is grossly affecting the quality of education in the country.”

Professor Ogunyemi regretted that state governments have made the setting up of universities a constituency project, rather than centre of development, adding if care is not taken, university education in the country would go into comatose just like the current state of primary education system.

“What we see today is that state governments have turned the establishment of universities to constituency project; every governor wants to have a university in his constituency. This is really sad, and if we are not careful, university education will collapse like the public primary schools in the country.

“So, what ASUU is really fighting for is to stop the total collapse. Our demands are not selfishly motivated.”

ASUU President advised federal government to fix public universities, saying that by so doing, such institutions can be spinners of revenue generation.

He advised government to implement the recommendation of the union based on the Needs Assessment Report of 2012 and other demands of the union.

The town hall meeting attracted students, parents, teachers, journalists, lawyers and religious leaders, among others, as participants.

Source: NAN.

Buhari Insists On Common Position On Asset Recovery To Fight Corruption In Africa

Editorial staff

July 11, 2020

File photo: President Muhammadu Buhari at Anti-Corruption Summit in London, United Kingdom 2016.

President Muhammadu Buhari has called on African leaders to ensure the immediate actualization of the Common African Position on Assets Recovery (CAPAR), as the continent celebrates Anti-Corruption Day today, July 11.

In a letter to South Africa’s President and Chairman of African Union, Cyril Ramaphosa, the Nigerian leader asked for a re-commitment to the anti-corruption war by leaders on the continent to engender an integrated, prosperous and peaceful Africa, driven by its own citizens, representing a dynamic force in the international arena.

The President lamented that the massive corruption being perpetrated across the national governments has created a huge governance deficit that had in turn, created negative consequences that have worsened the socioeconomic and political situation in Africa.

The letter by President Buhari reads in part:

“As Your Excellency is aware, the continental fight against corruption has been premised on an irreducible minimum that can pave the way for Africa’s transformation. In this effort, the emphasis has been on the continent’s collective determination to forge resilient partnerships among our national governments, civil society organizations and other interest groups, such as women, youth and the physically challenged, to ensure improved socio-economic, political and security development and ultimately, the improvement of our continent.

“The concern of the African Union is that the massive corruption being perpetuated across our national governments, has created a huge governance deficit that has in turn created negative consequences that have worsened the socio-economic and political situation in Africa.

“Your Excellency may recall that these continental concerns led our colleagues at the African Union, to appoint my humble self as the African Union Anti-Corruption Champion. I believe that the efforts and focus of the Nigerian Government at home, partly informed this decision as well as the need for Africa, as a continent, to recommit herself to the fight against corruption and the imperative to free resources for meaningful development.

“I am, therefore, in full support of the call for the issuance of a continental message to commemorate this day, on July 11, 2020, to re-commit the African Union to the continental fight against corruption, including through a robust approach to assets recovery, hence the need for a strategic framework on a Common African Position on Assets Recovery (CAPAR).

“Happily, in February 2020, at the 33rd Ordinary Session of the Assembly of the African Union in Addis Ababa, CAPAR was adopted. In my view, the African Union must go beyond the mere annual celebration of the Africa Anti-Corruption Day by moving swiftly to operationalize the African Common Position on Assets Recovery by all member states. This is an excellent way to drive Africa’s Agenda 2063, for an ‘integrated, prosperous and peaceful Africa, driven by its own citizens, representing a dynamic force in the international arena.’

“As current Chair of our Union, I sincerely commend to you, this suggestion that seeks to call our leaders in Africa to recommit ourselves to this very important task of reclaiming our continent from the vice of systemic corruption.

“Please accept, Your Excellency and Dear Brother, the assurances of my highest consideration.”

War On Corruption: Magu, Others Are Not Immune – Presidency

Editorial staff

July 11, 2020

The Presidency has made it clear that in fighting corruption, no one, not even the embattled former Acting Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crime Commission (EFCC), Ibrahim Magu is immune.

“Under this President (Muhammadu Buhari) and Government, this is our mantra and guiding principle. There are no sacred cows, and for those who think they have a halo over their heads, their days are also numbered.

“Mr. Magu was not immune – and regardless of the obvious embarrassment that potential acts of wrongdoing by him, given the office he held, may appear for the government.”

Senior Special Assistant to the President on media and publicity, Malam Garba Shehu, in a statement today, July 11 reacting to a series of documented allegations against Magu, said that no government in the history of Nigeria would have moved to bring into the light and public domain such an allegation.

“We must realize that the fight against corruption is not a static event, but a dynamic and ever evolving process, in which the EFCC is just one actor; and as we continue to work towards improving our democratic process so shall every institution of ours also embark on that journey of evolution.”

Garba Shehu said that following a preliminary review of the allegations leveled against Magu and several other members of his staff, there were grounds for a detailed investigation to be conducted.

“As is the proper procedure, when allegations are made against the Chief Executive of an institution, and in this case an institution that ought to be seen as beyond reproach, the Chief Executive has to step down from his post and allow for a transparent and unhindered investigation.

“The EFCC does not revolve around the personality of an individual, and as such cannot be seen through the prism of any individual.

“Therefore, the suspension of Mr. Ibrahim Magu, allows the institution to continue carrying out its mandate without the cloud of investigation hanging over its head.

“The EFCC has many good, hardworking men and women who are committed to its ideal and ensuring that the wealth of our country isn’t plundered and wherein there is an act of misappropriation such person(s) are brought to justice.”

The Presidential spokesman said that Magu is being availed the opportunity to defend himself and answer the allegations against him, adding that under the laws of Nigeria, every citizen is presumed and remains innocent until proven guilty.

According to him, what is important is that there must be accountability and transparency, stressing that every government officer must prepare to be held to account.

“This is the building block in the fight against corruption, the establishment of the concept of Accountability and the recognition of the Rule of Law.

“Those who see Mr. Magu’s investigation, as a signal that the fight against corruption is failing, have unfortunately, missed the boat.

“There is no better indication that the fight is real and active than the will to investigate allegations in an open and transparent manner against those who have been charged to be custodians of this very system.”

Immigration Stops 58 Medical Doctors Trying To Sneak Into UK From Nigeria

Editorial staff

July 10, 2020

Nigeria Immigration Service boss, Muhammad Babandede

The Nigeria Immigration Service has stopped 58 doctors, who attempted to sneak into the United Kingdom from Nigeria, on an aircraft with registration number ENT 550.

The Public Relations Officer of the Immigrarion service, Sunday Jamess, in a statement today, July 10, said that the doctors had no visa for entry into the United Kingdom.

“The 58 medical doctors were refused departure in line with Section 31 subsection 2a and b, on powers conferred on the Comptroller General of Nigeria Immigration Service by the Immigration Act 2015, to prohibit departure of any person under the conditions stated in the Act.

“The chartered flight approved for landing in Nigeria was to carry 42 medical doctors for a training program but they were 58 with only two having visa for entry into UK, a situation that calls for refusal of departure.

“The Nigeria Immigration Service as the agency saddled with control of entry and departure from Nigeria of persons will not allow individuals or groups of well-educated Nigerians who should know the procedures for travelling out of their country and the requirements, which include having a valid visa for entry into a destination country to leave.

“This is to avoid refusal of entry and repatriation back to Nigeria amidst COVID-19 pandemic and spreading of same as well as flouting the Federal Government’s directive on restriction of international flights unless for essential reason as approved by government.

“There is no official communication to the Service from the Ministry of Health in Nigeria or any known medical body notifying the NIS of the travel of this number of medical doctors. The aircraft has departed for London without the medical doctors.

“The Comptroller General of Nigeria Immigration Service, Muhammad Babandede, is taking this opportunity to advise Nigerians to always adhere to travel protocols and ensure they have valid passports with valid visa to the country they intended travelling to before going to any airport, seaport or land border control to avoid refusal to depart.”

I Swear I Did Not Say Gov Uzodinma Of Imo State Is Fraudster – Gov Wike Of Rivers

Editorial staff

July 10, 2020

ImoRivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike has swore that he never call his Imo State Counterpart, Governor Hope Uzodinma an international fraudster as was featured in some social media.

Social Media reports had quoted Governor Wike as alleging that Governor Hope Uzodinma of Imo State is an international fraudster, saying: “when governors are talking, Hope Uzodinma shouldn’t talk because he is an internationally recognized fraudster who stole a mandate that does not belong to him through the help of his APC cabals and tomorrow if democratically elected governors are talking, someone declared governor through the back door will come out and talk too.”

Governor Wike, through his Commissioner for Information and Communications, Paulinus Nsirim, in a statement today, July 10, said that the comments ascribed to him are false, and fabricated by desperate people.

“The attention of the Rivers State Government has been drawn to the news circulating in the Social Media that Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers State denigrated his Imo State counterpart, Governor Hope Uzodinma.

“The purveyors of the deliberate falsehood alleged that Governor Wike replied Governor Uzodinma over a recent statement where he allegedly boasted that the All Progressives Congress (APC) will teach the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Governor Wike how to conduct a transparent election in the forthcoming Edo State gubernatorial election.

“The concocted story only existed in the imagination of the authors and so there was also no disparaging comment by Governor Wike.

“Members of the public are hereby advised to discountenance all the information contained in the said publication as they did not emanate from Governor Wike.”

Bishop Kukah’s Mother Dies At 86, Buhari Sympathizes With Family

Editorial staff

July 10, 2020

The Bishop of Sokoto Catholic dioceses, Dr Mattew Hassan Kukah, on Friday, lost his mother, Mrs. Janet Hauwa Kukah, in Kaduna. She was aged about 86.

This was as President Muhammadu Buhari sent a message of sympathy to both Bishop Kukah and family of Mrs. Kukah, who died today, July 10, in her home in Kaduna.

Samuel Kukah, brother to Bishop Kukah, who spoke on behalf of the family had said: “Mama lived a blessed life and was extremely dedicated to a peaceful living.

“Mama was a loving mother who treated us with love and empathy. She was a lover of peace and lived peacefully with all and sundry. Her death has definitely created a vacuum.”

Mrs. Kukah was described as a dedicated member of the Christian Mothers Association.

She was born in 1934 at Katul village in present day Ikulu chiefdom of Zango kataf local government area of Kaduna State.

In a condolence message, President Buhari expressed sympathy to the Bishop and to members of the family of Kukah, even as he prayed to God to grant the soul of the departed one eternal rest.

I Never Gave Vice President Osinbajo N4 Billion, Magu Tells Panel

Editorial staff

July 10, 2020

Suspended acting Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) Ibrahim Magu, has denied giving N4 billion to Vice President, Yemi Osinabjo.

Responding to a question by at the presidential panel investigating him, Magu, according to a source: “I did not tell the panel that I gave the Vice President N4 billion.

“Where will I get such money? Do I have access to such funds? It is part of mudslinging. Please clear this. I do not have any control of such cash, I did not order the transfer of N4 billion to the VP or to anybody.”

Magu insisted that Osinbajo’s name “never came up at the panel’s session at all. Since the VP was not an issue, I could not have mentioned that I gave him N4 billion.”

Meanwhile, the Vice president has asked the Inspector-General of Police to investigate the allegation against him.

His demand was contained in a July 9 petition signed by his lawyers, Taiwo Osipitan and Abimbola Kayode.

We’re Investigating Member Who Purportedly Took APC To Court – Lagos Chairman

Editorial staff

July 10, 2020

The Lagos State Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Tunde Balogun, has said that investigation is being conducted on a purported APC member in Lagos State who was reported to have instituted a case at a Federal High Court, against the party’s National Caretaker Committee.

The chairman, in a statement today, July 10, believed that the person who instituted the suit is not a member of the party, “because it is highly doubtful that a bonafide member of the APC in Lagos in good standing would initiate such an action; we will, however, investigate the matter.”

He reiterated the stance of the APC in Lagos that no party member should file a court action regarding the recent National Executive Committee meeting of the party in Abuja, particularly if that person has not even sought to initiate internal conflict resolution processes to resolve any dispute they may have with the NEC decisions.

“Filing any such legal action is clearly against the spirit and letter of the party constitution, which prohibits legal action before a member exhausts all internal resolution mechanisms. Our resolve against institution of any court case by any member is in consonance with the constitution of the party.

“Lagos APC will not turn a blind eye to the flouting of the constitution in this manner. We are trying to restore order and decorum to the party and thus no member should seek to sow confusion. Any party member involved in the institution of any such case should withdraw the case from court forthwith. Failure to do so, will subject thatparty member to sanctions enumerated in the constitution, which may include suspension or expulsion.

“No party can flourish when members engage in instituting frivolous court cases for the sole purpose of causing disunity and turmoil. This is an act of gross indiscipline which cannot be sustained and which we will not allow.”

Give Us Jobs, Ebira Youths Cry To Kogi Commissioner For Works

Editorial staff

July 10, 2020

Youths in Ebiraland, Kogi State Central Senatorial Area, have pleaded to the State Commissioner for Works and Housing, Alhaji Abubakar Sadiq Ohere to create more job opportunities for them.

In statement today, July 9, the youths, represented by the Ebira Youth Elite Association, said that there are numerous graduates in ebiraland with good qualifications but who have no job.

The statement, signed by the President, Mohammed I. Hadi told the commissioner “we need more provisions that will embrace the youths of ebiraland in terms of job perspective. We need work from the state goverrnment. We need your intervention as a commissioner of works and housing please create more opportunities for the youths of ebiraland that will enable them to earn a good living.”

They however commended the commissioner for his tireless efforts toward the development of ebiraland under the administration of Governor Yahaya Adoza Bello

“Indeed, you have done extremely well in terms of road infractructure, hospital rehabilitations and house monitoring.”

They are happy with the directive by the commissioner to the companies operating in the area to employ Ebira youths to enable them earn a living and acquire some skills.

1...802803804...2,495 Page 803 of 2,495