Minister Fumes At Inadequate Enforcement Of Lockdown, Gives Stern Marching Order

May 3, 2020

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Malam Muhammad Musa Bello is not happy with the way enforcement of lockdown policy of the government, especially the one on interstate movement is being carried out by the relevant enforcement agencies. “We realized that one weak area that has confronted us is the fact that enforcement of the inter-state movement has not been very successful and that’s an area where if we are not very careful, will make it very difficult for us to prevent infection by people who are visiting the FCT from other parts of the country. “By the same token also, if the enforcement is not very strong, infected people from the FCT will also move out to other states. At the end of the day, nationally, we all lose.”
The minister, who spoke at a reconvened security committee meeting of the FCT in his office, stressed: “I must caution and warn that anybody who, for any reason, flouts the directives of government and is arrested, the full wrath of the law will fall on that person, because we will not allow a few citizens who are not conscious of the wellbeing of the majority of other citizens to put all of us at risk.”Musa Bello confirmed that the security agencies have reviewed their strategies on enforcing the ban on interstate travel and have adopted new ones to ensure its complete compliance.

He insisted that the ban on interstate travel is essential in order to prevent the spread of the virus either by infected persons coming into the FCT, or infected persons from the FCT spreading the virus to other parts of the country.

The Minister said that the security agencies will deploy additional personnel and resources to all the entry points using coordinated joint teams to be headed by very senior officers, to ensure that the enforcement of the directive is carried out totally while being conscious of those that are permitted to move around.

“The ultimate objective of the FCTA and the security agencies is to safeguard the lives of the citizens of the FCT and by extension, the citizens of the surrounding states as well as Nigerians in general.”

He reminded residents of the FCT on the guidelines regulating the easing of the lockdown released earlier, even as he advised residents to comply with the guidelines as that is the only way to ensure that the pandemic is controlled and contained.

“The directives are very clear. Offices are open for specific categories of staff on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays and within a specific time range of 8.00am to 2.00pm. So, my advice is anybody who has no reason to come out based on these directives should just stay at home. We have been at home for about four weeks now, another few weeks would do us good because if we are able to maintain the level of the virus in the FCT the way it has been maintained during the last few weeks, then by the grace of God Almighty, we will get over this.”

Top Member Of Kano Emirate, Isa Hashim, Is Dead

Editorial staff

May 3, 2020

Death of high profile personalities in Kano State continued as a senior Counsellor in Kano Emirate Council, Professor Isa Hashim died today, May 3.Professor Isa Hashim was until his death at the age of 86, after what was described a brief illness, the Jarman Kano.A family source, Ibrahim Aliyu told our reporter that the top traditional title holder died after his health deteriorated following the deaths of some of his childhood friends in quick succession.Isa Hashim, a Professor of Political Science, was a senior lecturer with Bayero University Kano (BUK) where he taught for many years before his retirement.

Coronavirus Spread: Kano Gov Fine – Tunes President Buhari’s Lockdown Order

Editorial staff

May 2, 2020

Kano State Governor, Abdullahi Ganduje has fine-tuned President Muhammadu Buhari’s lockdown order imposed on the state for the purpose of controlling coronavirus spread.The Governor, in a statement today, May 2, said that two days have been set out in a week for purchases during the lockdown period. The two days are Mondays and Thursday.Ganduje said that no markets will be allowed to open unless supermarkets, adding that the list of the supermarkets would be announced on local radio stations.He said that only Yankaba Market where perishable items are sold, and Yan Lemo Market would be allowed to operate on Mondays and Thursdays 10am to 4pm.

Buhari Sacks Emergency Management Agency Boss

Editorial staff

May 2, 2020

President Muhammadu Buhari has sacked the Director-General of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Engr. Mustapha Y. Maihaja.A statement today, May 2 from the office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, said that the Presidentapproved the appointment of retired Ar Vice Martial Muhammadu Alhaji Muhammed in the place of the sacked DG. The statement said that the new appointment took effect from 30th April, 2020, for an initial period of 4 years in accordance with Section 3 of the National Emergency Management Agency Act.
“The erstwhile Director General, Engr. Mustapha Y. Maihaja has been directed to handover all official matters to AVM Muhammadu Alhaji Muhammed (Rtd.) immediately.The statement, signed by the Director of Information in the SGF office, Willie Bassey said that the President thanked the out-gone Director-General for his services and charged the new appointee to serve with diligence and commitment.

Minister To Abuja Residents: Don’t Jubilate Yet On Ease Of Lockdown, Issues Guidelines

Editorial staff

May 2, 2020

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Malam Muhammad Musa Bello has issued guidelines for the observance of partial lifting of the lockdown by President Muhammadu Buhari against coronavirus spread. In a message today, May 2, the minister, said that security agencies have been mandated to arrest and prosecute, through the mobile courts, anyone found contravening the guidelines.He said that the FCT Administration will vigorously enforce the overnight curfew from 8:00pm to 6:00 am in addition to enforcing very strictly, the ban on interstate travel.He said that all workers who reside outside the FCT should remain in their respective States of residence until the ban on interstate travel is lifted.Below are details of the guidelines as issued by the FCT Administration:Based on President Muhammadu Buhari’s National Address, the sector specific guidelines issued by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, the Head of Service of the Federation as well as the Presidential Task Force on COVID-19, on the phased easing of the lockdown, the following guidelines are hereby issued in the first instance, from 4th -17th May 2020:A. OVERNIGHT CURFEWAn overnight curfew will be applicable in the FCT from 8:00pm till 6:00 am.B. PARTIAL RESUMPTION OF CIVIL SERVANTSI. Effective Monday, 4th May 2020, all civil servants in the FCT on Grade level 14 and above are to report for work 3 times a week, on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays between the hours of 8am and 2pm.II. All officers on essential duties are to carry on with their assigned responsibilities.III. All workers are to maintain safe distancing protocols of at least 2 meters and wear face masks at all times.IV. Temperature checks and hand sanitizing protocols should be strictly adhered to at all entry points and access to offices tightly controlled.V. Number of visitors and customers are to be limited to enforce social distancing guidelinesVI. All workers who are not resident in the FCT are directed to remain in their respective States of residence until the ban on interstate travel is liftedC. MARKETS AND BUSINESSESi. Extant guidelines on market operations for sale of food items only remain in effect. Markets are to operate for two days in a week on Wednesdays and Saturdays between 8:00am and 3:00pmii. Neighbourhood selling points will be established in various parts of the city to decongest the major marketsiii. Wearing of face mask is mandatory to gain access to markets in addition to hand washing and sanitizing protocols.iv. The above hygiene related protocols are also applicable to supermarkets and neighborhood markets.v. Banks are to open between the hours of 8:00am and 2:00pm and are to observe temperature checks, hand sanitizing protocols as well as the use of face masks for staff and customersvi. Banks are to limit access by customers to allow for safe distancing reasons and limit the number of staff working on their premises to between 30% and 50%.vii. Residents are encouraged to patronize online banking services as much as possibleviii. Extant rules regulating restaurants and eateries remain in effect. Restaurants are not open to the public and are encouraged to adopt home delivery services. Similarly, eatries are to practice the take-away system and are to maintain all hand sanitizing, face covering and safe distancing protocolsix. Pharmacies may remain open overnight and are to observe all other protocols as enunciated above.x. Companies involved in food processing, drug manufacturing and construction can commence operation, subject to following the approved health and safety guidelinesxi. Operators of these facilities are mandated to refuse access to anyone not observing the hygiene protocols.D. PLACES OF WORSHIPi. The extant directive on places of worship still subsists and they remain closed.E. RECREATIONAL AREAS/FACILITIES/EVENTSi. All clubs, bars, gardens, beer parlors, recreational parks, communal sports facilities, movie theatres etc in the FCT remain closed.ii. Ban on social congregations such as parties, weddings etc remain in forceF. PUBLIC TRANSPORTATIONi. Prohibition of commercial motorcycles within the FCC remain in force including Kubwa and Dutse Alhajiii.Tricycles are to limit their activities to areas already designated and are allowed a maximum of 3 persons (driver and two passengers)iii. Taxis are mandated to carry a maximum of 4 persons at a time (driver and 3 persons)iv. Buses are to reduce occupancy at any time to 50% of installed capacityv. All bus stops and motor parks are to maintain environmental hygiene and officials of the parks and bus and taxi operators should provide temperature checks and hand sanitizing points at the parks and bus stops. Face covering is also mandatory. They are to operate only between the hours of 8:00am and 4:00pm daily.vi. The FCTA will enforce very strictly, the ban on interstate travel. Vehicles conveying goods such as agro products, petroleum products, medical supplies, relief and construction materials as well as courier and security services would be allowed entry subject to the permitted designation in the FCT.G. SCHOOLS AND ACADEMIC INSTITUTIONSI. All schools in the FCT remain closed until further notice. Schools are not permitted to commence third term operations in any form until directed otherwise by the relevant authorities.II. Schools are however encouraged to continue with e-learning and virtual teachings.H. MEDICAL ADVISORYI. Residents are once more reminded that COVID-19 can be fatal and all are hereby advised to take all prescribed measures to avoid contracting it. Persons with underlying medical conditions especially hypertension, diabetes, asthma and low immunity are advised to remain at home. Equally, Persons 65 years and older are also advised to remain at home.II. Use of face masks by residents in all public places is mandatory.III. All business owners and government institutions are hereby directed to de-contaminate their premises, prior to re-opening.I. ENFORCEMENTThe security agencies have been mandated to arrest and prosecute anyone found to be contravening any of these guidelines through the mobile courts.The Honourable Minister reminded residents that COVID-19 is a very serious ailment that can be fatal and there was the need for residents to follow all laid down health protocols.He also thanked public spirited individuals, associations and corporate organisations who made very generous donations for the provision of palliatives to those most in need in the Territory.Malam Bello also thanked volunteers who devoted their time and resources in fighting the pandemic especially the journalists who made appearances on the various radio and television stations to educate residents of the FCT on their personal and collective responsibilities in the fight against COVID-19.

Emir Of Rano, In Kano State, Dies Of Undisclosed Ailment

Editorial staff

May 2, 2020

The Emir of Rano, in Kano State Tafida Abubakar Illa, has been declared dead of an undisclosed ailment.

According to information reaching Greenbarge Reporters, the 75 year old first class Emir was admitted at Mallam Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital yesterday, May 1 for an undisclosed ailment.

He was later referred to the Nasarawa Specialist Hospital for further medical attention, where he died today, May 2 at about 5pm.

Secretary to the Rano Emirate council, Sanka Haruna, confirmed that he received the news about the emir’s death a few minutes to 5 pm

“I’m now on my way to the hospital. The emir is dead,” he said.

Rano is one of the emirates created by Kano State Governor, Abdullahi Ganduje at the height of his rift with Muhammadu Sanusi, whom he deposed as the emir of Kano.

Source: PREMIUM TIMES.

Buhari Challenges Media To Save Nigeria From Doom Via Hate Speech, Fake News

Editorial staff

May 2, 2020

President Muhammadu Buhari has called on media practitioners to save Nigeria from doom resulting from hate speech and fake news that have now dominate social media space in the country.

In a statement marking World Press Freedom today, May 2, President Buhari regretted that social media and some mainstream media have been practicing journalism profession with careless abandon, to the detriment of professional ethics.

Reflecting on the theme of World Press Freedom Day 2020: “Media for Democracy: Journalism and Elections in Times of Disinformation,” President Buhari said that Nigeria has a very unhealthy dose of disinformation, fake news, hate news, purveyed by people who use media platforms, particularly the digital variant.

“They don’t mean well for us, and no country can afford to close its eyes to the evil disinformation can cause. In a plural polity like ours, it has the potential to rupture relationships, sow seeds of discord, and set on the path of destabilisation.

“When fake and hate news are added unabashedly, it can only signpost doom. “I urge the Press to use the occasion of World Press Freedom Day to see how this can be vigorously tackled.”

Buhari said that his government would not however be pushed to apply the big stick on fake news, hate speech and rumour mongering peddlers, stressing that the government is committed to the ideals of freedom of the press.

He noted that democracy thrives better in an atmosphere of transparency, as opposed to opacity.

“We appreciate the cooperation we have enjoyed from the media in tackling the Coronavirus, and look forward to same, post COVID-19, when all hands must be on deck to repair the damages done to our economic and social lives.

“We cannot overemphasize the role of the media in keeping people informed and educated on the pernicious virus, which has no friend or foe. It simply seeks to mow down anyone and everyone in its path, and public awareness is very important, lest we become like sitting ducks.The media are doing this quite effectively.”

Nigeria Records 238 Coronavirus Fresh Cases, Kano Tops With 92

Greenbarge Reporters

May 1, 2020

Nigeria has recorded 238 new cases of coronavirus (covid-19) with Kano state recording 92. This is just as the number of deaths jumped from 58 today, May 1 to 68.

Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) announced this today, saying that 351 patients have so far been discharged.

“238 new cases of #COVID19:

92-Kano
36-FCT
30-Lagos
16-Gombe
10-Bauchi
8-Delta
6-Oyo
5-Zamfara
5-Sokoto
4-Ondo
4-Nasarawa
3-Kwara
3-Edo
3-Ekiti
3-Borno
3-Yobe
2-Adamawa
1-Niger
1-Imo
1-Ebonyi
1-Rivers
1-Enugu

“2170 confirmed cases of #COVID19 in Nigeria
Discharged: 351, Deaths: 68,” @NCDCgov tweeted.

Despite Economic Crisis, No Nigerian Worker Will Be Sacked, Buhari On May Day

Editorial staff

May 1, 2020

President Muhammadu Buhari has assured Nigerian workers both in public and private sectors that none of them will be sacked as a result of the economic crisis brought about by coronavirus pandemic and lockdown in some states.

“I understand the anxiety which has plagued the minds of workers over the possibility of job losses due to economic downturn caused by the pandemic and lock-down, especially in the private sector. In this regard, the Government will ensure that no employer would retrench or lay off workers without going through due process of social dialogue which includes consultations with workers and with the Competent Authority – Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment.”

These were contained in his May 1 Workers’ Day address to the workers, which was observed today, May 1.

President Buhari said that the Presidential Economic Sustainability Committee (ESC), which he put up recently was charged with developing a credible sustainability plan for repositioning the Nigerian economy now and post Covid-19 crisis period.

“The ESC is required to specifically explore ways and means of growing our non-oil sector – all in a bid to minimise the adverse effects of the current crisis and to also protect existing jobs and even create new jobs to help absorb the teeming army of the unemployed even before the crises.

In his speech read by the Minister of Labour and Employment, Dr. Chris Ngige, the President regretted that this year’s May – May is being celebrated in an unusual low-key because “we are fighting an invisible enemy to humanity termed Covid-19 pandemic.

“In a bid to win this war, we set up a Presidential Task Force (PTF) made up of the relevant sector Ministers and highly skilled Health Technical Experts The government had to in a well-designed Expert Advice, lock down some States of the Federation where this pandemic is most prevalent – the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Abuja, Ogun and Lagos States. Lagos State was and still is the EPICENTRE of the disease and of late Kano had to follow because of the new eruptions of Covid-19 in the State.

“Offices, businesses, and various forms of out-door activities have been put in abeyance so that “WE” as opposed to “I” factor may prevail so that we may live for tomorrow. Yes, it is a common problem and interest and it is at this time that we must be our brother’s keeper by ensuring that “I protect myself and protect others from me”. I, therefore, ask Nigerian Workers both in the Public and Private Sectors with her FORMAL and INFORMAL ECONOMY to bear the stringent measures for a while for our common good. This would enable us put the ravaging pandemic under control and restore normalcy within the confines of relevant guidelines issued by health experts and the Government for safety against Covid-19 in order to curtail its spread.”

President Buhari acknowledged that it is not easy, stressing that nations across the world are in a state of war against this pandemic “and in a war situation, survival is paramount.

“Though the lock-down had been partially lifted in States aforementioned, except Kano State, workers are enjoined to observe subsequent rules and regulations issued to ensure the safety of all Nigerian citizens.” The President expressed appreciation to Medical Doctors and Healthcare Workers as well as their respective organisations, the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) and Joint Health Sector Unions (JOHESU) for a great service they are rendering for humanity.

“I thank you all. I have directed that requisite incentives and hazard allowances enhancement and insurance for lives should be taken at these perilous times in favor of our Health Sector workers as a way of showing our appreciation. Also, personal protective equipment for their safety is also guaranteed.”

Buhari also expressed gratitude to Nigerian Workers, whose resilience he said in times of adversity, is not questionable.

“I appreciate you all and I know that with collective will and sense of responsibility, as a team, we shall triumph as a nation.”

AIT Founder, Dokpesi, Wife, 3 Kids Test Positive For Coronavirus

Editorial staff

May 1, 2020

Chairman and founder of Daar Communications Plc, owners of Raypower FM and Africa International Television (AIT), Chief Raymond Dokpesi, has tested positive for coronavirus.

His wife and three children, as well as four other relations, also tested positive.

A few days ago, one of his sons, Dokpesi Jnr, had been confirmed positive for the virus and admitted to Isolation Centre.

It is believed that the test on his father was part of the standard contact tracing efforts to determine the status of those he had been in contact with.

A statement today, May 1 by the organisation reads: “Following the test that was carried out on our Chairman – Chief Raymond Dokpesi Jnr on Thursday, April 23, 2020, by the NCDC which eventually proved positive and his subsequent admission into the isolation centre on Friday, April 24, 2020; we wish to state that in conformity with the Federal Government protocol on the COVID=19 administration and management, his entire household and those that had contacts with him were subsequently subjected to the test and with so much emotional pains, we hereby announce that the under listed have equally been confirmed positive:

“1) High Chief Aleogho Dokpesi (His Father/ Founder DAAR Communications PLC) 2) Our chairman’s wife 3) His 3 Children 4) Some Relatives. A total of 8 .

“They are all presently on their way to the Federal Government isolation centre at Gwagwalada in Abuja.

“The Board, Management and the entire staff wish them their prayers and the grace of the good Lord for speedy recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic.”

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