FCTA Designates Coronavirus Isolation, Treatment Center In Idu, Abuja

March 25, 2020

The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), has designated a five storey building in Idu area of Abuja as isolation and treatment for coronavirus patients.
The building is a new training facility that can be modified to suit the purposes of a treatment and isolation center as required by health authorities.
Speaking today, March 25, when he led the relevant officials to inspect the five storey building, the minister, Muhammad Musa Bello said: “the most critical thing is that this place has a lot of space.
“We are talking of five floors. I don’t think the whole of Abuja will have a hospital facility that can accommodate up to five floors.
“More importantly, there is power (electricity) here constantly, and there is adequate water supply.”

Muhammad Musa Bello said however that the relevant health authorities will further inspect the facility to determine its suitability. “I leave it now for the officials of the Federal Ministry of Health, Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and of course our public health officials. Jointly, they will decide what needs to be done here and we have a lot of commitment from the private sector organizations who are willing to support the national efforts to fight this disease.
“Once they all agree, I’m sure that within a very short period of time, this place can be made functional”
This was even as the Acting Secretary of Health and Human Services Secretariat, Dr. Muhammed Kawu said that the building is very adequate and can be converted into a 300 bed facility.
The Director of Public Health, Dr. Josephine Okechukwu said that the structure is ideal and would serve the purpose as a treatment center. She said: “this is a perfect place that we have been looking for and it’s quite good. It’s a new structure with so many available rooms that we can fix up for now as a holding centre or a treatment centre if need be.”
[3/25, 18:27] oziusman: American Lawyer, Groups Insist Coronavirus Is Bioweapon By China, Institute $20 Trillion Lawsuit

A $20 trillion lawsuit has been filed against Chinese authorities in the US over coronavirus outbreak.
American lawyer Larry Klayman and his advocacy group Freedom Watch along with Texas company Buzz Photos have filed the lawsuit against the Chinese government, Chinese army, the Wuhan Institute of Virology, Director of Wuhan Institute of Virology Shi Zhengli and Chinese army’s Major General Chen Wei.
The plaintiffs have sought $20 trillion, which is a bigger amount than China’s GDP, claiming coronavirus is the result of a biological weapon prepared by the Chinese authorities.
They accused China of aiding and abetting death, provision of material support to terrorists, conspiracy to cause injury and death of US citizens, negligence, wrongful death, and assault and battery.
They allege the virus was released from the Wuhan Virology Institute, adding that the COVID-19 virus was “designed” by China to kill mass populations. Biological weapons were outlawed in 1925 and hence such a biological weapon is a terrorist-related weapon of mass destruction, the lawsuit mentioned.
The American group cites multiple media reports that said that there was only one microbiology lab in China that handled advanced viruses like the novel coronavirus — in Wuhan. To cover up, the plaintiffs alleged, China linked statements on coronavirus with national security protocols.
Klayman and the plaintiffs also alleged that Chinese doctors and researchers who spoke out about coronavirus and “raised the alarm to the outside world internationally” have been “silenced”. They added that such was the desperation of Major General Chen to save herself from the virus that she injected herself and six members of her team with a potential vaccine that was yet to be tested.
They also alleged that all the defendants were working together to perpetuate “international terrorism.”
The lawsuit stated that while coronavirus is slow-acting and slow-spreading to be used against a country’s military, “it was designed to be used against the general population of one or more of China’s perceived enemy nations, such as the United States.”
The American plaintiffs also asked for a jury trial against the Chinese defendants.

Presidency To Nigerians: Coronavirus Is Not Death Sentence, Don’t Panic

Editorial staff

March 25, 2020

Presidency has given encouragement to Nigerians being tested positive for coronavirus that it is not a death sentence, and that there is no need for the citizens to panic.

Answering reporters’ questions today, March 25 at the presidential Villa, Abuja, special adviser to President Muhammadu Buhari on media and publicity, Femi Adesina expressed confidence that those who tested positive would recover and go back to their work.

He said that anybody that does the coronavirus test and the test is negative, “we will rejoice with that person. And anybody that does it and test positive, it’s not a death sentence.

“We also would pray along with the person, give the person our good will and best wishes and they will surely come out of it.

“Even the index case in Nigeria recovered and has been discharged. So God that has shown us mercy thus far will continue to show that mercy. Anybody that tests positive is not a death sentence, they will be attended to. They will be tested and they will be fine.”

On the suspension of the weekly Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting:

“The Council was suspended because of the size. You have over 50 people seated in the Council Chambers whenever the meeting holds and that is not advisable at a time like this.

“But if there would be a very important decision to be taken, you can always summon the relevant people, three, four or five and hold a small meeting and arrive at a decision.

“It does not mean that one man is going to be taking all the decisions. Of course yes there are executive decisions but the ones that must pass through consultations of which must have a buy in of the federal executive council can always be discussed at a smaller meeting.”

On the present situation of things in the Villa:

“Well, things are a bit on a low key. It doesn’t mean that the State House is shut down. It’s just that things are a bit on the low key just like the rest of the country. The rest of the country is also on a low key, there is partial lockdown in most parts of the country. So, what is happening at the State House can also be called a partial lockdown but not a complete lockdown.”

Asked if President Muhammadu Buhari indeed was tested for coronavirus, Adesina confirmed by saying the result, which was negative calls for rejoicing with him.

“Anybody that does the test and test is negative, we will rejoice with that person. And anybody that does it and tests positive, it’s not a death sentence. We also would pray along with the person, give the person our goodwill and best wishes and they will surely come out of it.

“Even the index case in Nigeria recovered and has been discharged. So, God that has shown us mercy thus far will continue to show that mercy. Anybody that tests positive is not a death sentence, they will be attended to, they will be tested and they will be fine.”

On the reported media ban from the State House:

“Ban is a wrong word. Anybody that uses that word ban is just operating from a mindset and you know that Nigerians love conspiracy theories but this one is no conspiracy at all. There is no ban.

“What happened is that in the press gallery, you have about 108 journalists in that single hall and it goes contrary to the spirit of the times.

“The time dictates that you don’t have too many people congregated in one place. Imagine 108 journalists: if one of them happens to catch the virus, he spreads it among all the journalists. So we said for now, let them stay away, not much is happening for now. But we picked a certain number, representative of the media, they will come in, if there is anything they will cover and those outside will also not miss because there would be a system in which they can share reports. So ban will be a wrong word. It will be operating from a mindset of conspiracy and there is no conspiracy here at all.”

On other measures adopted by the presidency to curtail the spread of coronavirus:

“Of course, you know when you come into the State House you have about three, four, five spots in which your temperature is tested and you have to sanitize your hand. And if you come in and your temperature is way above a certain figure, then you will be advised to go for test and take care of yourself. So I think so far so good.

“Before you go into the general area you will meet about three areas of test and before you get into the President’s area you will meet like another two. So I believe that a lot has been done to ensure that those who operate in the presidency are taken care of.”

On Nigerians in panic:

“Panic will not be the right thing to do because when you panic you are bound to make mistakes. When you panic you get agitated and the situation does not call for that, rather it calls for cooperation with government. When they give instructions lets abide with those instructions. And a number of things have been put in place to ensure that the well being of Nigerians is taken care of.”

President Buhari Reports In Office, No Supporting Aides

Greenbarge Reporters

March 25, 2020

Contrary to social media reports that President Muhammadu Buhari has gone into self isolation following confirmation of his Chief of Staff, Abba Kyari of being coronavirus positive, he reported in his office to carry out official duty, but without most of the supporting aides.

A Presidency source confirmed today, March 25 that the President resumed work today at about noon and that no government functionary was around for the usual briefing.
In adherence to the directive by the Presidential Task Force on coronavirus, the federal executive council meeting did not hold today, being Wednesday. The Taskforce had, on Monday, announced the suspension of the council meeting until further notice.
The Secretary to the Government of the Federation/Chairman PTF-COVID-19, Boss Mustapha, also announced additional measures by government to curb the spread of the pandemic.
The Presidency had on Tuesday scaled down the number of personnel working in the Presidency Villa, including media organizations and their reporters in compliance to the current restriction in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) against gathering of not more than 50 persons at the same time at any venue and social distancing policy.
The Security Department in the presidential villa were on hand today to enforce the restriction measure in the presidency.

It was noted that anyone whose name was not on the list of those cleared to enter the villa was politely turned back.

Edo State Assembly Speaker Catches Coronavirus

Editorial staff

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.”

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