Edo: Power Of Incumbency Won’t Help Gov Obaseki, Kogi Gov Swears

June 22, 2020

Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Yahaya Bello

Governor of Kogi State, Alhaji Yahaya Bello has made it clear that power of incumbency will not help the Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki, who defected from the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), on which platform he won election, to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for possible second term.

Governor Yahaya Bello, who answered reporters’ questions today, June 22 at the presidential villa, Abuja, said Obaseki would not be the first incumbent to be defeated.

“We have seen those in power before that are dethroned. We have seen practically that President Muhammadu Buhari of APC dethrone PDP, the former President that was on seat. So, that is not any trouble at all.”

The Kogi State governor said that APC is going to win Edo State.

“But unfortunately, I really felt the leaving of my colleague, His Excellency, Governor Godwin Obaseki in whatever circumstance to another political party. It is painful anyway, but as a political party, we are going to take it back.”

Governor Yahaya Bello insisted that the APC solid, saying that in a particular big family like APC, “you won’t rule out any misunderstanding in one way or the other. But I can assure you that our party is strong under the leadership of President Muhammadu Buhari and as a father, he is already looking into it and I can assure you that we are going to come out very strong.

“We are going to go to Edo State and we shall win Edo state election overwhelmingly. We are going to go to Ondo state and win it overwhelmingly for APC. “We will take Anambra State and record it as a second APC state from the South East and integrate our Igbo brothers into the fold, and we are going to take Ekiti and Osun once again.

“So, we are going to continue to expand our coast. So, APC is strong: we are not divided. We are only seeing the same point from different angles and we are trying to make ourselves understand the points. That is just it. There is no misunderstanding.”

2020 Hajj Will Hold, But…Saudi Arabia Announces

Editorial staff

June 22, 2020

The Saudi Arabian Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has announced that the 2020 hajj will hold amidst the raging coronavirus across the world, but said however that it will be restricted only to all nationalities residing in that country.

In a statement today, June 22, the ministry said: “it has been decided that Hajj for this year (1441 H/ 2020 AD) will be held whereby a very limited number of pilgrims from various nationalities who already reside in Saudi Arabia, would be able to perform it.

“This decision is taken to ensure Hajj is performed in a safe manner from a public health perspective while observing all preventative measures and the necessary social distancing protocols to protect human beings from the risks associated with this pandemic and in accordance with the teachings of Islam in preserving the lives of human beings.

“It recalled that the government of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques had always served millions of Hajj and Umrah pilgrims annually, emphasizing that the decision to confine this year’s hajj to the people within the country stems from the top priority the government accords maintaining the safety of pilgrims on its land until they depart to their home countries.

The statement said that the decision was taken in light of the fact that the Coronavirus has spread to more than 180 countries around the world, and that deaths related to COVID-19 have reached almost half a million and over 7 million cases have been confirmed globally, and in accordance with what has been stressed by the Saudi Ministry of Health regarding the continued risks stemming from this pandemic and the lack of available vaccinations and a cure for those who have been infected by Covid 19 around the world, and to preserve the security of global public health especially in light of the increase in the number of cases in most countries, according to reports issued by global health organizations and institutions, and considering the risks of the disease and infections spreading in crowded gatherings where it is difficult to maintain safe social distancing among the individuals gathered.

It stressed that the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, whose top priority is to always enable Muslim pilgrims to perform Hajj and Umrah rites safely and securely and which has been keen since the beginning of the pandemic to take all necessary precautionary measures to protect pilgrims, including by suspending the entry of Umrah pilgrims while ensuring the safety of the pilgrims already present at the holy sites, such decision has received many approbations from Islamic and international organizations in recognition of its wide contribution to fighting the virus globally and supporting the efforts of health organizations in limiting the spread of the deadly disease.

The Kingdom regretted the continuation of the pandemic along with the risks of it spreading in crowded spaces and large gatherings, and its transmission between countries, and the increase in average infections globally, “We ask Allah the Almighty to protect all countries from this pandemic and keep all humans protected and safe.”

Akwa Ibom Govt Seals Off Christ Embassy Church As Members Allegedly Assault Coronavirus Team

Editorial staff

June 21, 2020

The Akwa Ibom State Government has sealed off the premises of Christ Embassy Church, Nung Akpa Ime branch, Uyo over an alleged attack, by the church members, on the coronavirus Compliance Monitoring Team.

Secretary to the State Government who doubles as coronavirus Management Committee in the State, Dr. Emmanuel Ekuwem, said in a statement in Uyo today, June 21 that the Church was sealed for obstructing, attacking and brutalising members of the monitoring team.

He said that the sealing off of the Church was due to acts of lawlessness and to avoid the risk of community transmission of Coronavirus.

The State scribe said that the Pastors and members who were involved in the attack would be made to face the full wrath of the law.

“In response to this act of lawlessness by the Church and in order to avoid the risk of community transmission of COVID-19 in Akwa Ibom State, the Christ Embassy Church building and premises are hereby sealed off with immediate effect until further notice.

“The suspected pastors and relevant members of the church will be made to face the wrath of the law.”

Senate President To Buhari: Let’s Rise To Save APC From Disintegration

Editorial staff

June 21, 2020

Senate President, Ahmed Lawan has personally met President Muhammadu Buhari to ask him to rally the leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC) on a mission to rescue the party from disintegration.

He said that the President as the leader, cannot afford to remain aloof in the face of the challenges facing the party, which said is the ruling party.

Senator Lawan, who spoke to newsmen today, June 21 after a private audience with the president at the presidential villa, Abuja said: “this is the ruling party of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, with the President, with the control of the National Assembly, with more governors than any other political party…the situation should not, must not be allowed to degenerate further than it has. And I believe that we must go into the constitution of our party and see how we are to address this but we must not allow this to continue as it is today.”

The Senate President stressed that the stability of APC is the stability of Nigeria, being the party that is running the affairs of the country.

“So, I believe that we have to sort this out and that will make our work even better and easier when we have a stable party. The party is supposed to be part of the apparatus of running government. We are supposed to run or operate or implement or execute the manifesto of the party. And therefore the party is so key, so central, so essential to ensuring that government, whether on the executive or legislative side, continues to face those issues in the manifesto and of course, the manifesto will be to make Nigeria better.

“So, I had the opportunity to discuss that with the president who is the leader of the party in Nigeria and by the grace of God, in the next few days, we will see that certain actions will be taken and we are praying that all our leaders in the party across the country will make every possible effort to get the party reconciled.”

President Buhari Celebrates Declaration Of Nigeria As Polio Free Nation

Editorial staff

June 21, 2020

President Muhammadu Buhari is celebrating as Nigeria becomes free of Wild Polio Virus.

The President congratulates Nigerians on this historic achievement even as he ex appreciation to all partners, local and international, for their relentless efforts in ensuring the clean health bill.

A statement today, June 21 by the senior special assistant on media and publicity, Malam Garba Shehu, quoted the President as saying that this achievement reflects the resilient spirit of Nigerians, particularly the capacity of hardworking men and women in the health industry, who drew resources and support from multiple sectors to deal a final blow to the deadly virus.

“This achievement is not only one of the great successes of this generation of Nigerians but also one of the obvious dividends of this administration, which is consistent with our progressive investment in the health of our people since 2015.

“This landmark achievement is also a promise kept to all Nigerians. As you will recall that in August 2015, barely three months after we assumed office, I promised Nigerians that: ‘My government shall provide the necessary resources and commitment required to strengthen the health system, routine immunization and ensure the country is certified Polio free.’’

The President recalled that in 2016, the country suffered a major setback in the polio eradication efforts with the outbreak of the Wild Polio Virus in Borno State, after about two years without any case.

He said that he promptly directed the immediate release of N9.8 billion to the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA) to contain the outbreak.

“Subsequently, we have been meeting all our financial obligations to bilateral and multilateral agreements, and also provided the moral support and leadership required at all levels to motivate the men and women in the frontline of polio eradication. In addition, we sincerely appreciate our donors and development partners who stood by the country during those trying times.

“This achievement of polio free status is a hard-won battle spanning over three decades of hard work and dedication by the Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI), the Federal, States and Local Governments, polio eradication team at all levels, our donors and development partners, both local and international.

“As we recall, the polio eradication structures were used when Nigeria successfully eradicated Ebola Virus Disease within the shortest possible time in 2014. I am glad that these same human, material and technological resources have been deployed to steadily increase Routine Immunization coverage and are being organized to implement the fight against community transmission of the Covid-19 pandemic.

“This big battle would not have been won without the support of our donors and development partners including Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, Aliko Dangote Foundation, Rotary International, United States Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, USAID, Sir Emeka Offor Foundation, Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), European Union, Global Health Canada, German Development Bank (KfW), WHO, UNICEF, Nigeria Governor’s Forum, Polio Survivors Group, the media, faith-based and other non-governmental organizations.’’

President Buhari acknowledged the contribution of traditional and religious leaders who mobilized communities to accept immunization and other government programmes.

“The final theatre of the polio eradication fight was particularly championed by the Northern Traditional Leaders Committee on Polio Eradication and Primary Health Care (NTLC) under the guidance of His Highness, Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammad Saad Abubakar, and strategic leadership of late Shehu of Bama, Alh. Kyari Ibn Umar El-Kanemi.

“We thank you all for the leadership and partnership over the years,” the President said.

Legislature To Team Up With Presidency To Set Target For Ending Insecurity In Nigeria

Editorial staff

June 21, 2020

The Federal Legislature, made up of the Senate and House of Representatives has declared a total war against the growing insecurity in Nigeria and vowed to give the presidency full backing by setting target date for ending it.

The legislature warned that any leader in the security circle who failed to deliver the required results after the set target will be shown the way out.

Senate President, Ahmed Lawan, who spoke to newsmen today, June 21, shortly after a private audience with President Muhammadu Buhari at the presidential villa, said that the national assembly will give express approval to request from the President of any amount of funds required to recruit more security personnel and acquire more equipment to fight the battle, but that performance of the personnel will be monitored.

Senator Ahmed Lawan said that during the discussion he had with the President, they were worried about the raging insecurity in the the country, adding “what we discussed was that we should do whatever it takes to improve the security situation in the country. “And we believe that the senate and, indeed the National Assembly is positively disposed to receiving even supplementary budget purposely to address the fundamental needs of the security agencies of our country. so that we will be able to empower them, enable them to fight the Boko Haram in the North East, banditry and other security challenges across the country.

“Secondly, in the senate, we believe we need to provide more resources for recruitment by the security agencies: the Army, the Navy, Air Force, Police, immigration and the paramilitary generally. We need to have more manpower or personnel and this is not something you get on platter of gold. Whoever wants to make an omelette will break an egg.

“Section 14 subsection 2b of the constitution of the Federal Republic Nigeria is very categorical and crystal clear, that the purpose of government shall be to provide for security and welfare of the people. “Therefore, we have no luxury of any option other than to address the security challenges more than any other thing.

“We provided for N500 billion intervention for COVID 19 for the revised budget, and various agencies: the CBN, the NNPC and the IOCs provided for palliatives and some kind of interventions for the COVID 19 challenge.

“I think we must tell ourselves the truth, that the security situation in the country, especially in the northern part of the country, require that we give much more resources to the security agencies. And those who are heading these agencies, especially the service chiefs, must sit up. In fact, we must have milestones and timelines on how we are going to deal with this.

“We can’t just go on without any time frame for dealing with these issues.

“If after we provide some support and someone is found short of expectations, he should be shown the way out if he refuses to go.

“Because the lives of Nigerians are so precious and therefore must be more important than any other considerations or sentiments.

“I believe that today, the most essential thing in government is to address the security challenges.”

Edo PDP Youths, Women Rise In Protest Over Gov Obaseki’s Candidature

Editorial staff

June 21, 2020

Youth and women in the Edo State Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have risen in protest against the waiver the party national headquarters granted Governor Godwin Obaseki, who left the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) after he was screened out on his way to second term in office.

The PDP Youths for Justice, in a statement today, June 21 by its coordinator, Musa Kadiri, expressed worry that the party failed to reward loyalty, and, instead, is fishing for opportunities.

According to him, the three aspirants already screened before Obaseki came in: Ken Imasuagbon, Gideon Ikhine and Omoregie Ogbeide-Ihama. are capable of defeating any candidate the APC would present.

Kadiri warned that the PDP might witness implosion if Obaseki got the ticket.

“We, the youths on ground in Edo know that the PDP has positioned itself to win the forthcoming gubernatorial election. “We do not need Obaseki who is chased out of the APC based on questionable credentials,” he said.

Obaseki’s academic credentials and affidavit have become a problem that won’t disappear easily—plaguing his candidacy asfar back as 2016 when the PDP itself took him to court over the matter.

The PDP women wing in the Egor Local Government also insisted the party does not need Obaseki.

Mrs. Imuwahen Osasu said that the election provided another opportunity to reward those that have been loyal to the party for over 12 years that the party has been out of power in the state.

Earlier, Imasuegbon, one of the aspirants, has vowed that he will not take it sitting down if Obaseki arm-twists the party to get the ticket.

Restriction Of Movements: Expert Introduces Virtual Wedding

Editorial staff

June 20, 2020

File photo for illustration purpose | Credit: Pulse Nugeria

A seasoned wedding planner in Lagos, Mrs. Molara Akande, has introduced virtual, online wedding to beat restriction of movement across states as a result of the growing cases of coronavirus.

Akande, who is the founder of Just Weddings and Association of Professional Party Organizers and Event Managers of Nigeria (APPOEMN) confirmed, at the maiden edition of the online wedding today, June 20 that it was conceived against the backdrop of the restrictions on social gathering to contain coronavirus pandemic.

“Covid-19 is changing the world as we all know, and being a professional in a world that now needs social distancing, we are looking at evolving, hence we came with the virtual wedding fair.

“People have been planning their weddings and we don’t expect them to just cancel or put off their wedding plans because of the pandemic.

“The wedding fair is really for people getting married between the year 2020/ 2021 be it a bride-to-be, a wedding/event vendor and anybody who has a passion for the wedding industry. Event vendors will be given a platform to showcase themselves, especially those who have had to go back into the background due to the pandemic; they will now have the opportunity to advertise themselves to prospective clients on a large platform.

“We see it more as a wedding market for brides- to- be and potential vendors who are looking for deals and bargains, from the comfort of their homes.”

6 Trump’s Aides Catch Coronavirus, Hours Before His Campaign In Oklahoma

Editorial staff

June 20, 2020

Six members of an advance team who were organizing President Donald Trump’s rally in Tulsa this weekend have tested positive for coronavirus.

The staff members had been in the city ahead of today’s June 20 event, which is expected to draw tens of thousands despite warnings from public health officials against large public gatherings.

Communication Director of the campaign team, Tim Murtaugh, said today, June 12: “per safety protocols, campaign staff are tested for Covid-19 before events. Six members of the advance team tested positive out of hundreds of tests performed, and quarantine procedures were immediately implemented.”

“No COVID-positive staffers or anyone in immediate contact will be at today’s rally or near attendees and elected officials.”

Mr Murtaugh said all rally attendees would be given temperature checks before going security.

President Trump’s decision to hold a mass rally inside a 19,000-seat arena inside Tulsa, Oklahoma, has drawn criticism at a time when cases of the coronavirus are spiking in Oklahoma, and Tulsa specifically.

“Let me be clear: Anyone trying to attend a large-scale gathering will face an increased risk of becoming infected with COVID-19,” Bruce Dart, executive director of the Tulsa Health Department, said.

House Speaker, Nancy Pelosi, has described the president’s rally an “ego trip” that would “endanger” people’s health in an interview with CNN.

“For the President to have this ego trip that he wants to take to Tulsa … for the vice president of the United States to go visiting places without a mask, is a bad example to the public,” she said.

More than 120,000 people have died from the coronavirus in the US, and more than 2 million people infected. While the number of confirmed cases nationwide appeared to have plateaued, outbreaks in the south and west of the country have threatened to undo much of the progress made through lockdowns.

New daily cases exceeded 30,000 on Friday for the first time in seven weeks.

Nigerian Military Retires 243, Most Of Them After 35 Years In Service

Editorial staff

June 20, 2020

File photo: Some Nigeria’s Army Officers

The Nigerian military has retired 342 Non-Commissioned Officers (NCOs) from service after equipping them with skills for self reliance. The retirees are made up of 243 from the Army, 100 Navy and 16 Air Force personnel.

They were disengaged today, June 20 at the Nigerian Armed Forces Resettlement Centre (NAFRC), Oshodi, Lagos, where they were camped for six-month reintegration as well as business and craftsmanship trainings to ease their life outside the uniform.

Speaking at the ceremony, NAFRC Commandant, Air Vice Marshal (AVM) Kingsley Lar said that they were the first batch to be retired this year, adding that the second set would include 100 paramilitary and civil servants from key ministries who are due for retirement.

He commended the retirees for dedicating 35 years of their lives to the good of humanity, a task which has been mentally and physically strenuous.

“As you graduate today, you have transferred from active military duty to the legion of veterans who continue to make positive contributions to the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” AVM Lar told the retirees.

According to him, a total of 359 were billed to attend the pre-retirement training at NAFRC but some of them were returned to their respective services for various reasons while a trainee trainer identified as Master Warrant Officer (MWO) Garuba Mohammed died on June 5, barely two weeks to the graduation.

“When they initially assembled in January, they were about 365 of them. Some were returned for various reasons and then we eventually commenced the training with about 343 of them. All of them completed the training but sadly, early this month, we lost one of the trainees.

“So, we graduated 342 but in keeping with guidelines on COVID-19, we only had symbolic graduation here today. We could not assemble all 342 of them here. Just about 65 of them participated in the ceremony.

“Like I have always said, you cannot separate development from security. The more people are trained, the more people can leave here and go and establish businesses and the more people you take out of the unemployment market. If you have people employed, the tendency for them to be engaging in criminal activities will be reduced.

“So defence headquarters has approved 100 slot for the police, paramilitary agencies including strategic ministries, departments and agencies of government to take up. If these agencies subscribe for the course, the next course is going to have people from the Police, Customs, Correctional Service, Immigration, Nema, Ministry of Finance, Defence, Foreign Affairs and so on.

“These are soldiers. They served 35 years, all they know is themselves but if you bring a hundred civilians, you are creating room for more engagements. They make friends outside their core areas of competence and they are able to leverage the linkages that they create to be able to even do far better in retirement,” he said.

AVM Lar said the COVID-19 lockdown did not affect the field trips aspect of the trainings because all practicals were concluded before the government banned movements. He also explained that all theoretical aspects were concluded inside NAFRC.

In spite of the pandemic, the Commandant described the retirees as fortunate, noting that President Muhammad Buhari had solved the major problem retirees faced.

“He approved a living pension for retiring military personnel unlike before where it was so little such that they did not even bother to register for the pension. But now, what you earn in retirement for some of the categories is even higher than what they were earning currently in service. Resources available to them have been greatly enhanced.

“The fear is that some of them may go out there and some bad guys in the society may want to benefit from where they did not sow. So, my advice is that there is no magic money anywhere that you can get that is better than the pension you will receive legitimately.

“Use the resources wisely. Invest in low risk areas so that you can sleep well and enjoy your retirement with your loved ones whom you did not have time with over the years.”

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