Buhari Advocates Sharing Of Knowledge In Science As Best Way To Fight Coronavirus

June 17, 2020

President Muhammadu Buhari has called on the world leaders to give strong emphasis to the sharing of knowledge in research and science as the best way to fight the coronavirus pandemic.

The President, who spoke today, June 17, at a virtual Extraordinary China-Africa Summit on Solidarity Against the COVID-19 co-hosted by the Forum for China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC), said: ”as we face a common pervasive and invisible enemy, it is important that we all remain united to save our shared humanity, because this virus knows no borders.

“The fight against a global pandemic that continues to take so many lives, threaten livelihoods and challenging the very fabric of societies, requires enhanced cooperation and worldwide solidarity.

“I seize this opportunity to reiterate the need for this Summit to put humanity at the centre of our vision for common prosperity.

“We must learn lessons and share knowledge from research, as we develop more creative, responsive and humane health systems, improve crisis management protocols and support each other in the battle against COVID-19.”

The Nigerian leader commended the Chinese government, the United Nations Secretary-General, António Guterres and the World Health Organization for the respective actions and measures to help developing and middle-income countries in Africa to tackle the pandemic.

Buhari praised the UN Secretary-General for launching coronavirus Response and Recovery Fund for low and middle-income countries to tackle the health emergency, address social and economic consequences of the crisis and, strengthen the recovery efforts of most vulnerable countries.

He also commended the leadership of the global health body, WHO, for its advice that enabled Nigeria take measures and enlighten its people on steps to avoid contracting and spreading the virus.

President Buhari acknowledged that Chinese support had tremendously strengthened Nigeria’s effort in combating coronavirus, adding that President Xi’s strong support has further demonstrated the spirit of solidarity and enhanced the bond of partnership that already exist among FOCAC Member-States.

He gave an update on what his administration has done since the tragedy of the global pandemic hit the country.

“From the outset of the pandemic, we in Nigeria instituted strong surveillance and infection prevention as well as control measures and made provisions to strengthen our testing capacities.

“Several well-equipped treatment and isolation centers were set up across the country to increase bed capacity.

“In the spirit of international collaboration, medical experts in Nigeria participated by video link in learning and experience-sharing exercises organized by experts from various countries, including China.”

The Nigerian President said that his government had trained several thousand healthcare workers, provided Personal Protective Equipment to ensure the safety of frontline workers, and offered incentives for their motivation.

Buhari said that the Federal Government had created the enabling environment for farmers to safely plant and harvest during this rainy season in order to ensure that food security is not compromised during the restrictions in movements occasioned by the need to contain the spread of the virus.

“In addition, we took steps for prompt transportation of agricultural products and food items from rural production areas to the consumers and to industrial processing zones.

“We have also developed practical policies to protect lives and livelihoods at the same time and to ensure our economy continues to function as we maintain an aggressive response to the pandemic.”

In his remarks, the Chinese President said that the summit was convened to discuss joint response to coronavirus and renew fraternity with Africa.

He said that the world must mobilise resources and do whatever it takes to protect lives, adding that China will do whatever it can to support procurement of supplies, sending medical experts, and in other diverse ways.

President Xi noted that China and Africa account for nearly one-third of the global population, even as he pledged to step up support for Africa, adding that China will provide two billion USD over two years to support the work of WHO in the fight against the coronavirus pandemic.

The summit was co-hosted by Chinese President Xi Jinping, South African President and AU Chairperson Cyril Ramaphosa, and Senegal President and co-chair of FOCAC Macky Sall.

APC In Leadership Confusion: 3 People Emerge As National Chairman, NWC Picks One

Editorial staff

June 17, 2020

The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), was thrown into leadership confusion with the sacking, by Appeal Court, of Adams Oshiomhole as the Chairman, as three leaders emerged to take over, but the National Working Committee (NWC), ended up picking one of them.

The party had picked the former Oyo State Gov. Abiola Ajimobi as Acting National Chairman, but the Deputy National Secretary, Chief Victor Giadom, rose from nowhere to declare himself chairman, citing a court judgment even as the third, Prince Hilliard Eta, who is the party’s Vice-Chairman, South-South zone was eventually recognized to lead in acting capacity.

The emergence of Eta was as a result of the absence of Ajimobi at the meeting of the NWC today, June 17. Ajimobi is believed to be recovering from coronavirus infection which has prevented him from physically taking office as chairman.
taking over the mantle of leadership, Eta quickly appointed Imo State Governor, Senator Hope Uzodinma as chairman of the Edo Primary Election.

The Eta-led National Working Committee also declared as vacant, the office of the Deputy National Secretary of the party which was occupied by Giadom.

Meanwhile, an emergency meeting of the NWC was called today to “clarify the apparent confusion’’ regarding the new leadership of the party.

In a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Mr Lanre Issa-Onilu, the party “affirmed’’ Ajimobi as the party’s authentic acting Chairman.

“Due to Ajimobi’s unavoidable absence, the NWC unanimously appointed the party’s National Vice-Chairman (South-South), Prince Hilliard Etta to act.”

He said that Eta’s replacement of Ajimobi was backed by the party’s constitution which empowers the NWC to appoint one of its members in an acting capacity and stipulates that the acting National chairman must be from the zone of the National Chairman.

Only yesterday, June 16, an Appeal Court upheld the suspension of Oshiomhole as the party’s National Chairman thereby creating a lot of confusion in the party’s hierarchy.

Ihima Used To Be Under Attah Igala, Igala Kingdom Claims Again

Greenbarge Reporters

June 17, 2020

The Igala Kingdom in Kogi State has claimed again that Ihima in Okehi Local Government of the State used to be under Igala Kingdom.

In a statement, responding to Channels TV “misinterpretation of interview with Attah,” the President of Arise Igala Kingdom Grassroot Sensitisation Initiative, Onoja J. Okpanachi said: “Attah Igala had an Ambassador in Ihima before the arrival of Ebira from Koto after parting ways with their other brothers.

“The balkanization of the pre-colonial Igala State was designed intentionally to reduce the power of the revered Igala State. One of the negative impacts is the continuous attempt to annex Ajaokuta because it fell into the old Kabba Province, while other parts of Igala Kingdom were shared into other provinces thereby reducing the control of the Attah Igala in colonial arrangement of ‘divide and rule’.

The Igala Kingdom claimed that Ibrahim Onoruoiza, the first Paramount Chief/Attah/Ohinoyi of Ebiraland was part of an investigation during the colonial era and it was concluded that Ajaokuta was founded by an Igala.

It said that Atta Ibrahim Onoruoiza went further to propose that the traditional structure be maintained by the lineage of the founder.

“All these records are there in the archive of the Northern Nigeria. In particular, Memos with reference No. 30631/69 (16th of February, 1939) and No. 851/19A (28TH February, 1939) from Kabba Province settled this matter of founders and owners of Ajaokuta.”

The Igala Kingdom said that Igala and Ebira were never enemies, adding that Igala Kingdom has always provided leadership and protection to many ethnic groups of the great Kwararafa Kingdom including Ebira.

“Igala Kingdom was long established before the settlement of Ebira in Okene and surroundings.

“So, in setting the record straight, our mission is restoration, peace, unity and progress of the people and the state.”

APC Picks Ajimobi As Acting National Chairman

Greenbarge Reporters

June 17, 2020

The National Working Committee (NWC) of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) has picked Senator Abiola Ajimobi as its acting National Chairman.

The development followed Tuesday’s affirmation of the suspension of the National Chairman, Adams Oshiomhole by the Court of Appeal in Abuja.

The party, in a late night statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Lanre Issa-Onilu said that it has received the news indicating the Appeal Court has upheld the suspension of the Party’s National Chairman, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole by an FCT High Court pending the determination of the substantive suit.

“Guided by advice from the Party’s legal department in line with the provisions of Section 14.2. (iii) of the Party’s constitution, the Deputy National Chairman (South), Sen. Abiola Ajimobi will serve as the Party’s Acting National Chairman.

“According to Section 14.2. (iii),of the APC constitution, the Deputy National Chairman, North/South “Shall act as the National Chairman in the absence of the National Chairman from his zone”, the NWC stated.

BREAKING: Court Sacks New Kano Emirs, Dissolves 4 Emirates

Editorial staff

June 16, 2020

A Kano High Court has nullified the creation of four new Emirate Councils in the state by Governor Abdullahi Ganduje. The court also sacked the Emirs appointed for those Emirates, describing the appointments as illegal.

It would be recalled that the state governor created four Emirate Councils of Bichi, Karaye, Gaya and Rano.

However, in his judgment, Justice Justice Usman Naába, said that the creation of the Emirates and the appointment of the Emirs were illegal.

It would also be recalled that Governor Ganduje assented to the bill creating the new Emirates on Wednesday, May 8 the same day it was passed by a unanimous decision of members of the State Assembly.

Justice Na’aba said the law creating the emirates is not in compliance with the constitution.

The suit was instituted by the former House of Assembly member, representing Gwarzo constituency, Muhammad Nasir against Kano State Government, Governor Abdullahi Ganduje, Commissioner for Justice, Kano State House of Assembly and Speaker.

While speaking on the judgement, counsel to the plaintiff, Barr. Maliki Kuliya expressed happiness over the judgment.

According to him, “they were not expecting anything short of this as the law is very clear.

”However, the defendant counsel, Barr. Ibrahim Muktar said the defence team needs to ruminate over the judgement.

Rumble In Nigeria Army Over Missing N100 Million, Demotion Of General Otiki

Editorial staff

June 16, 2020

File photo: Some Nigeria’s Army Officers

All is not well in the Nigerian Army, as General Hakeem Oriki’s Lawyers are set to embark on legal battle over his demotion from General to Brigadier General, following the ruling of the General Court Martial on the missing N100 Million.

The legal team of General Oriki, who is a serving senior army officer and immediate past General Officer Commanding (GOC) 8 Division Sokoto, said that they await the final decision of the Nigerian Army Council on his fate before taking the next steps after his conviction on the five count charges brought against him and demotion to the rank of Brigadier General by an army court martial in Abuja.

Head of the legal team to the accused senior army officer, Israel Olohundare (SAN) told news men after the trial that the conviction and sentencing by the General Court Martial “did not reflect the realities on ground, facts, witnesses called and evidences tendered” hence they are looking forward to a favourable response from the Army Council on the matter.

Major Gen. Otiki had been on trial following the abscondment of five soldiers attached to his office with the sum of N100 million but which had erroneously been reported in the media as N400million. The five soldiers, who absconded with the money were allegedly instructed to deliver it to a senior officer in Kaduna for the purchase of furniture meant for the 8 Division of the Nigerian Army in Sokoto.

The fleeing soldiers, who have since been declared wanted are: Corporal Gabriel Oluwaniyi, Corporal Mohammed Aminu, Corporal Haruna, Oluji Joshua and Hayatudeen. One of them Lance Corporal Isah later returned the sum of N15 million as well as $6,600 to army authorities voluntarily and he was detained.

Lt. General Lamidi Adeosun who is also the Army Chief of Policy and Plans led the nine month trial. Others on the jury of the court martial include Major General A Tarfa, Major General FO Agbugor, Major General FA Nadu, Major General N Mohammed, Major General CT Olukotu, Major General C C Okonkwo. He also named Major A Mohammed was the judge advocate; and Captain A Ibrahim the Liason Officer

The President of the General Court Martial General, Adeosun, in sentencing the demoted army General, had said: “many will be praying to have such an unblemished career and record of military service in the country like the accused senior army officer.”

General Adeosun said that having confirmed that Major General Otiki is a first time offender in his 34 years of “previously unblemished career in the army and to the Nigeria armed forces”, the court president however said it would “not fail in dispensing justice. We would do the very best with the humanness and kindness that the law allows.”

The President of the General Court Martial then went ahead and delivered the sentencing of Otiki and ruled as follows:

COUNT FIVE: Two (2) years loss of seniority on rank of Major General. Subject to confirmation by the Army Council.

COUNT FOUR: Severe reprimand. Subject to confirmation by the Army Council.

COUNT THREE: Reduction of rank to Brigadier General with two years seniority on the rank. Subject to confirmation by the Army Council.

COUNT TWO: Dismissal, disgrace and dishonour. Subject to confirmation by the Army Council.

COUNT ONE: Dismissal, disgrace and dishonour. Subject to confirmation by the Army Council.

ORDERS:

1. All monies recovered by the Special Investigation Bureau (SIB) of the Nigerian Army totaling N135,382 million and $6, 600 dollars from the convicted senior officer should be returned to the Nigeria Army coffers.

2. The N150million stolen by the accused senior officer which remained unaccounted for in Count Two should be returned to the coffers of the Nigerian Army.

The prosecution counsel, Major A. A Onumo had earlier thanked the court martial for doing justice to the case after the conviction of the army general.

JAMB Approves 160 As Cut-Off Mark For Admission Into University In 2020

Editorial staff

June 16, 2020

The 20th Policy Meeting on Admissions to Tertiary Institutions in Nigeria has approved 160 and above as the national minimum benchmark for admission for the year 2020 into public universities.

The meeting held virtually, today, June 16, also approved 140 as minimum Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination score for admission into private universities.

For public polytechnic, 120 UTME score was approved, while 100 was approved for Colleges of Education, innovative enterprises and institutes.

During the meeting, JAMB Registrar, Ishaq Oloyede, urged tertiary institution heads not to increase admission screening charges above N2000.

Oloyede, in his speech, said that only 1,157,977 candidates had the required five credits with English Language and Mathematics that sat for the UTME held in 2019.

“Out of 1,157,977 candidates who sat for UTME in 2019, about 612,557 were admitted.”

According to him, candidates waiting their results would only be considered when they are uploaded on the website of JAMB.

The Federal Government has warned higher institutions against reopening without the Federal Government’s authorization.

The Minister of State for Education, Chukwuemeka Nwajiuba, said: “while we look forward to easing the lockdown which will ultimately lead to re-opening of our campuses, I urge all the Heads of institutions not to wait till the announcement on reopening before putting in place all necessary measures in compliance with the protocols and advisories of the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control.

Environmentalist Seeks Probe Into Cause Of Dead Fishes On Bayelsa Shoreline

Editorial staff

June 16, 2020

A renowned Environmentalist, Rev. Nnimmo Bassey, has asked the governments and oil industry regulators to investigate the cause of dead fishes littering the Atlantic coastline in Delta and Bayelsa States.

Bassey, who made the call in a reaction to reports of massive death of fish by coastline residents, noted that the development portends danger capable of wiping off fish species and depleting the biodiversity of thee Niger Delta.

Bassey, who holds a National Honours Award of Member of the Order of the Federal Republic for Environmental Activism, spoke in an interview with newsmen in Yenagoa, the Bayelsa State capital.

He said that littering of the coastline for more than three weeks may be an indication of increased toxicity of the coastline, adding that consuming the dead fishes may pose a public health danger.

“We have been listening to hear exactly what triggered the death of so much fishes that were washed onshore.

“By this time, NOSDRA should have made a definitive statement, especially since there are oil platforms not too far off that coast.

“While we wait to hear from those who should know, this is a serious health issue.

“The Ministries of Health and Environment at state and national levels should be concerned about the health impact on the communities and the wider region inhabitants who consume the obviously poisoned fish.

“Some stories we hear is that some toxic wastes may have been dumped into the sea by oil company operators.

“If that is found to be true, such a company should be held responsible for endangering the health of the people and for ecological damage and destruction of the people’s livelihood.

“This matter should not be swept under the carpet or locked away because we are focusing attention on the coronavirus pandemic.

“The dead fishes are smoking guns of a serious crime.”

The residents along Foropa and Sangana axis of the Atlantic coastline in Bayelsa State had reported sighting dead fishes littering the shoreline, since the middle of March.

Some of the residents said the occurrence was noticed since March 15 and had yet to abate fueling fears of pollution of the country’s territorial waters by toxic substances.

A forum of Community Development Committees, hosts to Chevron oilfields in Bayelsa State, had appealed to the federal and state governments to check the impact of suspected a toxic pollution across the Atlantic coastline.

They said the pollution was a threat to the predominantly fishing settlement and caused hardship to the host communities.

The forum, led by its Chairman, Chief Captain Patrick Ekubo, and Secretary, Biraladei Brisibe Wuka, said the call became imperative as the oil firms operating in the area had shown no concern.

Wuka said the strange increased toxicity of the Atlantic ocean is causing concerns for their health.

They urged oil industry regulators to trace the source of the pollution, and appealed to NOSDRA to immediately constitute a Joint Investigation Team to ascertain the cause of the toxic pollution that had endanger their lives.

The communities: Koluama, Ekeni, Ezetu, Foropa Fishtown and Sangana in Brass and Southern Ijaw Local Government Area of Bayelsa State, urged NOSDRA to wrap up the probe within 21 days or risk a total shutdown of oil facilities in the area.

However, Chevron Nigeria Limited, which operates oilfield near the communities in a response to requests for reaction by newsmen, said there were no leaks from its facilities in the area.

Esimaje Brikinn, General Manager, Policy, Government and Public Affairs, Chevron Nigeria Limited, denied any links with the alleged pollution with the operations of its oil firm.

“CNL and Star Deep confirm that there has not been any chemical release from any of our facilities,” Chevron said.

Idris Musa, Director-General, National Oil Spills Detection and Response Agency, said the spill agency would commence an investigation as soon as the lockdown for the COVID-19 was lifted.

Minister Describes Naira Marley’s Concert In Abuja As Reckless, Wicked, Insensitive

Editorial staff

June 16, 2020

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, Malam Muhammad Musa Bello has described the concert staged in Jabi area of Abuja by Naira Marley as reckless, wicked, insensitive and utter disrespect and disregard both for the law and the wellbeing and welfare of fellow citizens.

The minister, who reacted angrily to what he called “the illegal music concert” held at the Jabi Lake Mall on Saturday, June 13, said that videos of the event which are still circulating on the social media clearly showed a concert going on with music and live performances by a band and dancers.

He said that the video also showed attendees dancing to the live performances on the elaborately constructed stage”.

According to him, several aspects of the guidelines as postulated by the Presidential Task Force on COVID 19 as well as the FCT Administration were violated with reckless abandon.

“For purposes of emphasis”, said Malam Bello, “the PTF and FCTA’s guidelines clearly states the following;

i. There shall be no gathering of more than 20 people outside of a workplace or places of worship.

ii. There should be mandatory use of face masks when in public

iii. There should be social distancing of at least 2 meters between 2 people while in public

iv. There is a ban on all congregational events such as parties, weddings, concerts etc

v. There is a closure of all clubs, bars, gardens, beer parlors, recreational parks, communal sports facilities, movie theaters and so on

vi. Markets and business premises are to remain open between 8 am and 3 pm

vii. There is a ban on interstate travel

“All the guidelines as postulated above were clearly violated as the videos available on social media indicate.”

Muhammad Musa Bello said that his Administration has a responsibility to protect the lives of the citizenry and is therefore determined to prosecute all those involved in orchestrating these infractions to the full extent of the law.

Appeal Court Affirms Suspension Of Oshiomhole As APC Chairman

Editorial staff

June 16, 2020

The Court of Appeal has affirmed the suspension of Adams Oshiomhole as Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

In a judgment delivered by Justice Mohammed Lamido, the three man panel dismissed Oshiomhole’s appeal for lacking in merit.

The panel accordingly affirmed the decision of an Abuja High Court which had in early March this year, ordered the suspension of Oshiomhole as APC National Chairman.

Details later…

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