Edo State Assembly Speaker Catches Coronavirus

March 25, 2020

The Speaker of the Edo state House of Assembly, Frank Okiye, has tested positive to Coronavirus.

This was confirmed by the Deputy Governor, Philip Shaibu, today, March 25, while briefing journalists.

He said the state is taking measures to tackle further spread of the virus in the state.

Coronavirus: Saudi Arabia Goes Tougher, Restricts Movement, Extends Curfew

Greenbarge Reporters

March 25, 2020

The Saudi Arabian government has churned out more stringent measures to checkmate the coronavirus pandemic.

In a statement today, March 25, the government said that there would be restriction on travel between the provinces of the country in which people of each province cannot travel to other provinces starting from 3 pm tomorrow.

It said that Riyadh (the Federal Capital), Mekkah, and Madina will be restricted cities where no one can leave or enter starting from tomorrow 3 pm.

It said that Curfew in Riyadh, Mekkah, and Madina will now start from 3pm to 6am (instead of 7pm to 6am) starting from tomorrow.

“Cases exempted from curfew are also exempted from the new restrictions. The above will continue up to the original 21 day curfew.

“The Royal decree gives the authority to the Ministry of Health and the related committee to apply full curfew on Riyadh, Mekkah, and Madina and to extend in other cities if situation requires.”

Queen Elizabeth’s Son, Prince Charles Catches Coronavirus

Greenbarge Reporters

March 25, 2020

Prince Charles, Queen Elizabeth II’s son and the first in line to the British throne, has tested positive for coronavirus and is now self-isolating in Scotland.

A statement from Clarence House said: “The Prince of Wales has tested positive for coronavirus. He has been displaying mild symptoms but otherwise remains in good health and has been working from home throughout the last few days as usual.

“The Duchess of Cornwall has also been tested but does not have the virus. In accordance with government and medical advice, the Prince and the Duchess are now self-isolating at home in Scotland. The tests were carried out by the NHS in Aberdeenshire where they met the criteria required for testing.

“It is not possible to ascertain from whom the Prince caught the virus owing to the high number of engagements he carried out in his public role during recent weeks.”

I’m Pained By Killing Of Soldiers In Borno Boko Haram Ambush – Buhari

Editorial staff

March 24, 2020

President Muhammadu Buhari has expressed profound grief and sorrow and palpable pain over the killing of soldiers who were ambushed by terrorists in Gorgi Village, Borno State.

He said that the sacrifices of the vgallant patriots cannot be quantified, adding that their sacrifices cannot go in vain.
The President, who sent sympathy message to the families of the fallen heroes as well as to the injured ones, regretted that the death of every soldier causes deep pains because he knows what it means to be a soldier.
He said that he fully understands the extreme risks associated with the profession. He assured however that despite the tragedies and incidents, “we cannot allow anarchists and mass murderers to hold the country hostage.”
The President appealed to the military “not to allow the incident to affect their morale’’. He assured that his administration will continue to motivate and equip them adequately in order to cope with the complex challenges of unconventional warfare.
The Nigerian Army has dispatched a team to assess the situation and is expected to report back to the government.

The Defence Headquarters had earlier confirmed the killing of at least 47 soldiers by members of the Boko Haram terrorist group in Borno State.

The Director of Defence Information, Major General John Enenche, disclosed this during a session with reporters on Tuesday in Abuja.

Giving an update on the military operations across the country, he noted that Nigeria was in a fluid conflict situation while the troops were at the frontlines.

Enenche explained that troops of Operation Lafiya Dole were on clearance and fighting patrol operation to Gorgi in Borno between March 21 and 23.

“During consolidation, they (the troops) were ambushed by elements of Boko Haram terrorists. Sadly, we suffered some casualties in the unfortunate attack,” he said.

The DHQ spokesman, however, revealed that the Air Component of Operation Lafiya Dole scrambled immediately to the scene and provided close air support to the ground troops.

He added that the Intelligence Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) platform, as well as the fighter jets engaged the insurgents, killing some of the terrorists and immobilising a gun truck belonging to them.

“Some others (terrorists) who attempted to withdraw were also mopped up by the jets in follow-on attacks.

“The Defence Headquarters commiserate with the families of our fallen gallant heroes who paid the supreme price in the course of defending our fatherland,” Enenche said.

He assured Nigerians that the military and other security agencies would continue to sustain the offensive against the enemies of the nation.

The military spokesman added that this would be done in furtherance of the objective of restoring peace and security in the North East and other parts of the country.

Contrary to the figures stated by the DHQ, reports say at least 70 soldiers were killed in the ambush on the security operatives’ convoy.

The insurgents reportedly fired rocket-propelled grenades at a lorry conveying the troops as it travelled near Gorgi village yesterday, March 23.

One Of The Di-Registered Parties Drags INEC To Court, Demands N2 Billion As Damage

Editorial staff

March 24, 2020

One of the Di-Registered political parties, Abundant Nigeria Renewal Party (ANRP) has dragged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to court, claiming N2 billion in damages for being delisted as a duly-registered political party, and bringing its hard-earned name and brand value to disrepute.

In the suit filed at the Federal High Court Abuja today, March 24, the party said that its grounds of action are:
1. That section 225A of the constitution which gave INEC power to deregister, not providing a procedure for a party sought to be registered to make representation to INEC before the decision is made, is invalid being in conflict with S.36 (1) and (2) of the constitution whoch provides for fair hearing in the determination of rights and obligations of any person as an inalienable right.
2. The powers granted under section 225A have not arisen given that the section envisages that all events of deregistration must have occurred before the power is exercised. In this case, INEC itself admitted.
3. There are already extant orders of and proceedings of the court preventing INEC from exercising the power which it went ahead to do. For instance, order of perpetual injunction confirmed by the Court of Appeal in Jezie Ekejiuba V Inec & Anor , as well as Advance Congress of Democrats & 32 Ors v AG Fed & INEC.
4. The powers granted under S225A ought not to operate retroactively in imposing the penalty of deregistration on parties existing before its enactment when deregistration was not a term of registration at the time and winning elections is not part of the exhaustive constitutional provisions on the objectives of a political party.
The national spokesman of the part, Sesugh Akume said in a statement today, March 24, said that the case is yet to be assigned to a particular court as well a date for the legal fireworks to commence, after which the defendant, INEC, will be served the court processes.

Coronavirus: Chief Of Staff’s Case Not Fatal – NCDC

Editorial staff

March 24, 2020

The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) has said that the case of Malam Abba Kyari, Chief of Staff to President Muhammadu Buhari, who was tested positive for coronavirus today, March 24, is not fatal.

Official of the Centre who spoke on condition of anonymity, said that Abba Kyari has been confined to self-isolation and being monitored by NCDC.

“His case is not fatal yet,” the official emphasized, adding that his staff have been asked to self-isolate.

“There’s no plan to conduct any test on any of them until they are showing symptoms of COVID-19.”

BREAKING: Minister Locks Down Abuja Over Coronavirus, As Cases Rise To 7

Greenbarge Reporters

March 24, 2020

The minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Malam Muhammad Musa Bello has enumerated measures that translate into partial lockdown of the nation’s capital city, as the case of coronavirus hit seven.
Addressing newsmen today, March 24, the minister said that all gatherings in public parks, gardens, bars, night clubs, event and football viewing centres amongst others are banned till further notice.
He said that all places of worship, including churches and Mosques remain closed, in addition to the closure of all schools and restriction of gatherings of not more than 50 people.
“Shops in markets and neighborhood centers in the FCT are to be shut to traders except those who sell essential commodities and medicines. However, pharmacies and supermarkets selling essential products and bakeries are to remain open but abide strictly by laid down measures.”
Muhammad Musa Bello said that the stay-at-home policy will be strictly enforced, especially for the FCT civil servants on grade level 01-12.
“However, all workers from grade level 01-12 on essential duties such as water supply, fire service, security, medical services, environmental protection, emergency services, FERMA and others are exempted from the stay-at-home police.”
The minister, who stressed the danger of coronavirus to individuals and the society, said that already an Emergency Response Team has been put in place to tackle the pandemic in all ramifications in the capital territory.
“In order to better manage cases of infection, the FCTA will work closely with the University Teaching Hospital to expand the capacity of the current isolation and treatment center to accommodate more patients by providing the essential facilities.
“The Zuba General Hospital will also be converted into an isolation and treatment center to accommodate more patients should the need arise. Other isolation and treatment facilities are being prepared.”
The minister however asked the residents of the FCT to remain calm and to avoid panic buying “and continue to obey all laid down measures.”

Buhari Sends Away Aso Rock Permanent Secretary, In Minor Reshufflement

Editorial staff

March 24, 2020

President Muhammadu Buhari has approved the redeployment of three Permanent Secretaries, including Jalal Ahmed Arabi, who is moved from Aso Rock presidential villa to Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development. In a minor reshufflement announced today, March 23, by Mrs. Ogunmosunle O.A, Director of Communications in the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Tijjani ldris Umar replaces Jalal from Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development. The circular said that while Sabi’u Zakari moves to Defence from Transportation, the most senior Director in the Ministry of Transportation should oversee the affairs of the office as Permanent Secretary pending the appointment /posting of a substantive one. It said that the circular was signed by the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Dr. Folasade Yemi- Esan. According to the circular, the deployment takes immediate effect and directed that handing /taking-over processes should be completed on or before 5th April, 2020.

American Prophet Says Coronavirus Is Demon That Will Soon Disappear

Editorial staff

March 23, 2020

An American-based preacher, prophet and General Overseer of Royal Place Ministries International, Bishop Blessing Samuel, has described the ravaging Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic as demon that will soon disappear faster than anyone can think.

The Bishop stressed that what the world is going through is a trying time, adding that faith rather than fear should be the watchword.
“This is just a trying time. Coronavirus is not just a virus, it is a demon trying to kill our faith and also close churches but God will fight for His people. This viral virus will soon disappear the same way it came.”
The cleric advised everyone to be aware of how it spread and should take preventive measures.
“Though even doctors and scientists may be confused, but God is not confused: help is on the way.
“I believe strongly that the demon has been destroyed and solutions shall be found quicker than the doctors anticipated.
“Stay safe and be prayerful, having faith in God to see us through. I encourage all Nigerians, religious bodies and everyone in the world not to ignore the laws and instructions of the government. Also to join hands in the mission to rescue the nation system from collapsing.
“Avoid large gathering for now, it is not fear. It is called wisdom,” Bishop Samuel added.

Federal,States, Local Govts Share N581.566 Federation Account For February

Editorial staff

March 23, 2020

The Federation Accounts Allocation Committee (FAAC) has announced the sharing of about N581.566 billion to the Federal, States and Local Governments for February 2020. The decision was announced at the end of the rescheduled meeting of the FAAC held in Abuja today, March 23.

A communique issued by the Office of the Accountant General of the Federation on the behalf of the FAAC said that the N581.566 billion comprised Statutory Revenue, Value Added Tax (VAT), Exchange Gain, and revenue from Forex Equalization Account.
The communique said that the balance in the Excess Crude revenue Account (ECA) stood at about $72.221 million.
Details of the allocations showed gross statutory revenue for the month of February 2020 was about N466.058 billion.
This is lower by N59.195 billion than the N525.253 billion received in January 2020.
For the month, the gross revenue available from the VAT is about N99.552 billion as against N104.758 billion in the previous month, a decrease of N5.206 billion.
Exchange Gain yielded a total revenue of about N757 million, and revenue from Foreign exchange Equalization Account was about N15.199 billion.
The Accountant General of the Federation, Ahmed Idris, said that from the total revenue of N581.566 billion, the Federal Government received N236.118 billion, the State Governments N159.010 billion, and the Local Government Councils N119.305 billion.
The Oil Producing States received N45.310 billion as 13 per cent derivation revenue and the Revenue Generating Agencies N21.822 billion as cost of revenue collection.
A breakdown of the distribution showed that from the gross statutory revenue of N466.058 billion, the Federal Government received N214.915 billion, the State Governments N109.008 billion and the Local Government Councils N84.040 billion.
The Oil Producing States received N43.242 billion as 13 per cent derivation revenue and the Revenue Generating Agencies received N14.853 billion as the cost of collection.
From the VAT revenue of N99.552 billion, the Federal Government received N13.888 billion, the State Governments N46.292 billion, the Local Government Councils N32.404 billion and the Revenue Generating Agencies received N6.969 billion as cost of revenue collection.
The Exchange Gain revenue was N757million and the Federal Government received N350 million, the State Governments N178 million, the Local Government Councils N137 million and the Oil Producing States received N92 million.
The foreign exchange equalization account revenue was N15.199 billion, with the Federal Government receiving N6.966 billion, the State Governments N3.533 billion, the Local Government Councils N2.724 billion and the Oil Producing States received N1.976 billion
The communique confirmed that in the month of February 2020, Petroleum Profit Tax (PPT), Companies Income Tax (CIT), Import and Excise Duties, Oil and Gas Royalties and Value Added Tax (VAT) all recorded a substantial decline.

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