Nigeria’s Drug Control Body Begins Chloroquine As Clinical Trial For Coronavirus
The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has approved the production of Chloroquine for clinical trials in tackling CoronavirusThe National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has approved the production of Chloroquine for clinical trials in tackling CoronavirusCoronavirus: FCT Restricts Religious,Public Gathering
FCT MInister, Muhammad Musa BelloThe Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has restricted religious and other form of gathering as a way of stemming the Coronavirus in Abuja.
We Want To Take Over Accommodation Arrangement In Makkah From States – Hajj Commission Boss
Chairman of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON),’Zikrullahi Kunle Hassan has sought the approval of President Muhammadu Buhari to take over accommodation arrangement in Makkah, Saudi Arabia, for Nigerian pilgrims from the states.UniAbuja Suspends 24 Students For Alleged Cultism
University of Abuja Main gateThe Vice Chancellor, University of Abuja, Professor Abdul-Rasheed Na’Allah, has approved the indefinite suspension of 24 students of the University for their alleged Involvement in cultism.
Cancer Kills Senator Ben Bruce’s Wife
Senator Ben Murray-Bruce has lost his wife, Evelyn, to cancer.The former Bayelsa East senator announced his wife’s passage today, March 20.
Details later…
This Is Difficult Phase Of World History That Will Soon End And Pass, King Salman Assures Saudians
Saudi King SalmanThe Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques in Makkah and Madinnah, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud has said that the coronavirus pandemic has signified the most difficult phase of the world and is sure that it will soon end and pass.
In a special address to the citizens and residents of the Kingdom, King Salman said: “we are living through a difficult phase of the world’s history. However, we are completely certain that this phase will end and pass.”
The King who gave assurance that the Kingdom will continue to take all precautionary measures in combating this corona pandemic, said: “at the outset, I pray to God to protect citizens and expatriates from the outbreak of coronavirus pandemic that has hit the world.
King Salman who underscored the need for full cooperation of the people for the government to achieve success in stemming the spread of corona, said that despite its harsh and bitter difficulties, there is the belief in God’s words: (Indeed, with hardship [will be] ease, Indeed, with hardship [will be] ease).
“This crisis will become a piece of history that proves man’s defiance in the face of this hardship humankind is experiencing.
“Your nation, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, continues to take all precautionary measures to confront this pandemic and limit its effects. We depend on the aid of God Almighty, then on deploying our full capabilities, supported by your strong determination to face adversities with the steadfastness of believers at the forefront.
“The strength, steadfastness, determination that you have demonstrated during the clear negotiating of this difficult phase, and your full cooperation with relevant government agencies, are the most important contributing factors and pillars of the success of the state’s efforts, which has prioritized safeguarding health and made it the state’s top concern.
“Therefore, rest assured that we are very keen on providing the necessary medication, food, and living necessities for citizens and residents of this blessed land.
“All government sectors, led by the Ministry of Health, are doing all they can and taking all necessary measures to ensure the health of the nation’s citizens and residents.
“We express our gratitude to all the government entities for their devotion and dedication, and in that context, we would like to express our distinct recognition to the efforts of our health sector professionals who are dedicating great efforts to preserve and protect the lives of our citizens and residents, devoting their lives to overcome this critical stage.
“We reaffirm that continuing this sincere and hard work at such a difficult time can’t be achieved but with solidarity and collaboration, and by building on our positive spirits, further enhancing our individual and collective awareness, and strictly adhering to the instructions and guidelines provided to overcome this pandemic.
“You are well acquainted with my honesty in addressing public matters. That is why I started by saying that we are going through a difficult phase, as part of what the whole world is going through.
“I will tell you as well that the coming phase will be more difficult on a global level to confront the rapid spread of this pandemic.
“At the same time, I know that we will overcome hardships by believing in God, trusting His will, doing the deeds we have to do, and exerting and devoting all our efforts to protect the health and safety of humans and provide all the necessities required to ensure they lead decent lives, relying on your determination, the strength of your resolve, and your heightened sense of collective responsibility, may God preserve us and grant us all the best.
“May God protect our country and the rest of the world, and protect humanity as a whole against all adversities.”
“The strength, steadfastness, determination that you have demonstrated during the clear negotiating of this difficult phase, and your full cooperation with relevant government agencies, are the most important contributing factors and pillars of the success of the state’s efforts, which has prioritized safeguarding health and made it the state’s top concern.
“Therefore, rest assured that we are very keen on providing the necessary medication, food, and living necessities for citizens and residents of this blessed land.
“All government sectors, led by the Ministry of Health, are doing all they can and taking all necessary measures to ensure the health of the nation’s citizens and residents.
“We express our gratitude to all the government entities for their devotion and dedication, and in that context, we would like to express our distinct recognition to the efforts of our health sector professionals who are dedicating great efforts to preserve and protect the lives of our citizens and residents, devoting their lives to overcome this critical stage.
“We reaffirm that continuing this sincere and hard work at such a difficult time can’t be achieved but with solidarity and collaboration, and by building on our positive spirits, further enhancing our individual and collective awareness, and strictly adhering to the instructions and guidelines provided to overcome this pandemic.
“You are well acquainted with my honesty in addressing public matters. That is why I started by saying that we are going through a difficult phase, as part of what the whole world is going through.
“I will tell you as well that the coming phase will be more difficult on a global level to confront the rapid spread of this pandemic.
“At the same time, I know that we will overcome hardships by believing in God, trusting His will, doing the deeds we have to do, and exerting and devoting all our efforts to protect the health and safety of humans and provide all the necessities required to ensure they lead decent lives, relying on your determination, the strength of your resolve, and your heightened sense of collective responsibility, may God preserve us and grant us all the best.
“May God protect our country and the rest of the world, and protect humanity as a whole against all adversities.”
Presidency Describes Call On Buhari To Broadcast On Coronavirus As Populism, Cheap Politics
Shehu GarbaNigeria presidency has frowned at those, especially in the National Assembly, asking President Muhammadu Buhari to make a broadcast to the nation on the coronavirus pandemic, saying that such call is populism and cheap politics.
In a statement today, March 19, senior special assistant to the President on media and publicity, Malam Garba Shehu said: “populist advocacies such as the one accusing the President of “complacency” simply because he has not made a television address by ranking members of our respected parliament are cheap and sensational. These are not the times for populism and cheap politics.”
Garba Shehu said that every other country around the world is now dealing with the unexpected and unprecedented impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, adding that the Buhari administration has taken some steps to mitigate the effects on the Nigerian people.
“To prevent the spread of cases imported into Nigeria, the President has already ordered the restrictions of travel from 13 countries, each with more than 1,000 confirmed cases of Covid-19. Government has also suspended visas issued to nationals of these countries. The restriction will take effect from March 20 and will remain until further notice. While Nigeria delights in welcoming the world, the safety and protection of our citizens and land must take priority.
“The various agencies of government including Media owned by the government have embarked on vigorous campaigns promoting hygiene measures. There are, currently, very stringent regimes of checks at the points of air and sea entry into the country. The effort Nigeria is making as is well known, has already received the commendation of the World Health Organisation (WHO).
“The Presidency wishes to assure Nigerians that government is on top of the situation. There is no cause for panic. So far measures put in place are working efficiently. What this country is doing has been recommended as a template.
“The President trusts the relevant Ministers in his cabinet and the officials of the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), who are providing him with constant updates and professional counsel. These officials have a track record of competence.
“The President instructed the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) to reduce the pump price of fuel. The Covid-19 pandemic has led to a crash in the global price of crude oil, and the President decided that every Nigerian should benefit from this. Subsequently, the NNPC announced a 20 naira deduction, and the pump price of fuel has now been reduced from 145 naira per litre to 125 naira per litre.
“The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) on Monday announced a credit relief of N1.1Trillion Naira to businesses affected by the pandemic. The Bank has also established a facility for household, small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and announced a reduction of interest rates for loans from 9% to 5%.
“We do not want to create panic. But we will continue to update the Nigerian public with relevant information. We plead with every Nigerian to cooperate with the government in the fight against Covid-19 and obey all instructions from the NCDC. We have a high level Presidential Coordination Committee chaired by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF). This body should be allowed to carry out its duties.
“We also plead with Nigerians not to see this most peculiar of times as one to be politicised or seen as an opportunity to regurgitate grudges against the government or the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). North, South, East, and West – all Nigerians must unite to fight this plague, irrespective of religious or ideological affiliation.
“President Buhari thanks all those at the forefront of the fight against the deadly disease.”
Islam Supports All Measures Taken To Contain Coronavirus – Supreme Council For Islamic Affairs
The Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) under the leadership of its President-General, the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Saad Abubakar, has thrown its support to the governments across the world over measures that have been taken to contain COVID-19 pandemic globally.The Islamic body, which noted that coronavirus has turned out to be the most virulent that the world has had to deal with in recent times, stressed that Islam, both the Holy Quran and Hadith of Prophet Muhammad are in tandem with such measured.
It warned therefore, against trivializing, oversimplifying or politicising the issue.
The body, in a statement today, March 19, detailed the position of the Holy books thus:
As it is known to all, Islam is not just a religion in the narrow sense of the word. It is a comprehensive and complete way of life. It has provided guidance to humanity in all aspects of our life.The Prophet (s.a.w.) had given us universal guidance on how to behave and conduct ourselves in a pandemic situation like the one in which the world has found itself today. He says in a Hadith reported by Imam al-Bukhari on the authority of AbdurRahman ibn Auf that, “whenever you hear of epidemic do not travel to the affected place, and those already in the place should not travel out to other (unaffected) places”. It is pertinent to point out that if countries in the world today had complied with this teaching of the Prophet (s.a.w) the disease would not have quickly and easily spreaded to other parts of the world like wild fire. However, it is clear that measures taken at quarantining infected persons, prohibiting indiscriminate crowding and banning travels are all in line with the teaching of Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w).
Allah says in the Glorious Qur’an: “God does not intend to inflict hardship on you” (Qur’an 5:6); “Allah desires ease for you, and He does not desire hardship for you” (Qur’an 2:185); “And guard against the mischief that will not only bring punishment to the wrong-doers among you” (Qur’an 8:25); And regarding our duty to take responsible action while at the same time trusting in Allah, the Prophet (SAW) once said to a man who asked if he could let loose his camel and put his trust in Allah?: “Tie her (your camel) and then trust in Allah” (Sunan at-Tirmidhi, no.2517).
Similarly, it is well-known that one of the higher objectives of Islamic Law (maqasid al-Shari’ah) is the “preservation of life” (hifz al-nafs) as well as the promotion of the common good and public benefit (Jalb al-Masalih) and the prevention of harm or evil (dar’ al-mafasid); and in line with Islamic legal maxims (qawa’id al-shariyyah) – such as “Harm must be eliminated” (Al-dararu yuzal); “prevention of evil takes priority over the attraction of benefit” (Dar’ al-mafasid awla min jalb al-masalih), and “harm is eliminated to the extent that is possible” (Al-dararu yudfa‘u bi-qadr al-imkaan) – it becomes obligatory for all segments of the country, including religious and traditional bodies, to cooperate with the government and appropriate agencies to combat this disease, prevent further transmission, and control the virus with Allah’s help.
Hence, the NSCIA wishes to advise all Muslim organizations, Mosque committees, Imams, scholars, Da’awah activists and the general Muslim Ummah and indeed, the entire citizens of our dear Country as follows:
It is strongly advised that all segments of the society, including religious bodies adhere strictly to all public health directives and regulations provided by the competent authorized agencies such as Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) – available on ncdc.gov.ng – and the Federal and State Ministries of Health regarding COVID-19. This is in line with the Qura’nic injunction, “O You who believe, obey Allah and the Messenger, and those in authority among you” (Qur’an 4:59). It is also in line with the injunction of Allah in Chapter 16, verse 43 that says: “…..So ask those who possess knowledge if you do not know”.
It is important for everyone to take all necessary precautions to prevent the spread of the disease. Such precautions include frequent handwashing with soap, limiting physical contact by giving verbal salutations instead of shaking hands and hugging, observing proper hygiene when coughing or sneezing, etc. Imams, preachers, and organizations should sensitize their members about these precautionary steps. It should be noted that these measures are all almost exactly similar to the ones that were taken when such kind of pandemic took place during the reign of Caliph Umar (r.a.) in the 18th year after Hijra which caused the death of several companions of the Prophet (s.a.w). That was ta’uun amwaas (the Amwaas epidemic).
It is important for all parties to cooperate with appropriate agencies working to limit the spread of the disease and to eradicate it. The command of Allah is for the faithful to “cooperate in doing goodness and piety, and not help one another in sin and transgression” (Qur’an 5:2). Thus, there should be no circulation of rumours, false and misleading information; and only official statements from appropriate agencies should be relied upon.
In the event of confirmed emergence of the infection in several figures, regarding the congregational prayers, in such affected places, including the Friday prayers, funeral prayers, tarawih prayers and Eid prayers; people with compromised immunity such as the elderly, children, those with underlying health conditions amongst others should observe their prayers in their homes or wherever they are, and pray Zuhr in place of the Friday (Jum’ah) prayers.
Regarding the Hajj and Umrah, it is obligatory to adhere to all directives issued by the government of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, which are geared towards ensuring the well-being and safety of all; and are made in consultation with relevant knowledgeable stakeholders for common good.
We urge mosques and Islamic centres to strongly discourage members from attending any mosque activities even if they are only experiencing mild symptoms. The symptoms include respiratory problems, fever, cough, shortness of breath and breathing difficulties. It is obligatory (wajib) for you to keep away and self-isolate if you have been diagnosed with Coronavirus in order to prevent the virus from spreading. Preventing harm, especially to the lives of others, takes precedence over the benefits of attending mosque activities. Self-isolation, quarantine and social distancing are all integral parts of prevention of harm (dar’ul mafasid) in these critical times.
It is very likely that governments and appropriate agencies would start putting social distancing measures in place very soon, depending on the severity of the situation. This could mean that major public gatherings are closed. This will inevitably have a significant impact on the Muslim community, specifically our mosques, schools, study groups, madrasas and Islamic centres, especially with Ramadan just a few weeks away, and we fervently pray to Allah in His Glorious Names and Attributes not to allow the pandemic to last that long. In the event of such restrictions, we emphatically urge all Muslims to comply fully with such measures that are in the public interest of all.
Should it become necessary to suspend congregational prayers in the mosques, the Prophetic example in this regard is for the caller to prayer (Mu’adhdhin) to announce during the Call to Prayer (adhan): “Pray in your dwellings! Pray in your dwellings!” This measure again can be based on analogy that can be drawn from the Hadith in which the Prophet (s.a.w.) prohibits those who eat onion or garlic from attending congregation to avoid harming others with the odour of their mouths. It is obviously more necessary to prevent infection that may lead to death than mere harm with smell.
Business owners and traders should be urged to fear Allah and avoid hoarding essential products, creating artificial scarcity or unnecessary inflation of prices. Similarly, the populace should be considerate in their purchases and avoid reckless and extravagant purchases that prevent others from accessing essential commodities. The Prophet Muhammad (SAW) said, “The merciful will be shown mercy by the Most Merciful…” (Sunan al-Tirmidhi, no.1924)
Indeed, these are trying times for the Ummah, the country, and the world in general; hence we urge everyone to return to Allah in repentance and supplication, asking Him to lift this illness from all people, remove all tribulations from our lands, and grant us all safety and security. It is instructive to note that pandemics like this are sometimes as a result of the inequities, vices and evil deeds we commit. Allah says in the Qur’an chapter 42, verse 30 that, “Whatever misfortune befalls you is a consequence of your own deeds. But much of it He forgives”. And He also says in chapter 30, “Evil has become rife on the land and at sea because of men’s deeds; this in order that He may cause them to have a taste of some of their deeds; perhaps they will turn back (from evil)”. Let us remember that all these measures being taken are necessary because we have been obliged to take humanly possible preventive measures and precautions, but ultimately absolute prevention and cure are both from Allah and we must therefore ultimately put our trust in Him . He says in the Qur’an, chapter 6, verse 17, “Should Allah touch you with affliction, there is none to remove it but He; and should He touch you with good, He has the power to do everything”.
All praise is due to Allah The Lord of the Worlds. May His peace and benedictions be upon Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w.).
Signed
Professor Salisu Shehu
Deputy Secretary General.
Coronavirus: Nigeria Shuts Down Universities, Other Schools
Nigeria’s Federal Ministry of Education has ordered the immediate closure of tertiary institutions, secondary and primary schools nationwide over the outbreak of the Coronavirus in the country, as part of measures to contain the spread.Coronavirus: All Schools, Shopping Malls, Big Business Outlets Shut In Abuja
The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), has shut down all schools in Abuja.
