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Friday, March 29, 2024

Nigerian Newspapers Headlines Saturday Morning

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Why we must stay alert over coronavirus  –Tinubu [THE NATION]

…hails Osinbajo, Sanwo-Olu, Fashola, others for hard work on postponed colloquium

National Leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, said yesterday that Nigeria should not be lulled into false security by the current low level of coronavirus spread in the country.

He said while we may not know now why it has not touched us in the way it has affected other nations, strenuous efforts should be made to help educate and lift public awareness on the virus and other issues.

Tinubu, in a letter of appreciation to Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State, and Works and Housing Minister Babatunde Raji Fashola for the hard work they put into organising the postponed colloquium to mark his birthday, said it is “even more urgent that we educate and increase awareness of this possible public health menace.”

He also hailed other members of the committee, Interior Minister Rauf Aregbesola, Mr.Dele Alake and Mr.Yemi Cardoso, saying “over the years, your exertions in this regard have been outstanding.

“Your efforts have deeply enriched the social, political and economic discourse of our nation.

“I am deeply honoured that such a group of talented individuals have devoted so much time and energy toward making the colloquium the excellent annual event it has become.

“The spirit of the colloquium has always been one of public service and social progress.

“To keep faith with that spirit, we must seriously consider the need to postpone the colloquium.

“Due to the troubling promulgation of the Coronavirus, the world has entered an unprecedented phase.

“Many nations have instituted travel restrictions and have curtailed various forms of economic activity and social events.

“We thank God that Nigeria has only had three cases thus far.

“However, we note the number of cases is slowly increasing across Africa.

“This is of great concern. That the virus has not yet come in great numbers should not lull us into false security.

“We know not why it has not touched us in the way it has affected other nations. Thus, we cannot be certain that it will not eventually visit Nigeria in significant numbers.

“I believe we have a unique social responsibility to help educate and lift public awareness on all issues, including the coronavirus.

“We must lead by example.

“The colloquium is something I look forward to every year.

“This year, I was greatly looking forward to the discussion on innovation in basic education.

“However, I think it even more urgent that we educate and increase awareness of this possible public health menace.

“We do not want a situation where we have gathered for a good cause only to later find that the event might have been a conduit to disseminate not only knowledge but also the virus as well.

“We should foreclose this possibility even though it is slight.

“I value the work you have done in preparing the colloquium, for the chosen topic is essential to our national discussion.

“Your work needs to enter the public record and it will do so.

“However, I ask you to take a step back to review and reconsider whether now is the best time to hold the colloquium because of the overriding public health concerns and the need to persuade people that they must begin taking precautionary steps against the virus such as foregoing large public gatherings.

“My fervent prayer is that our nation escapes the brunt of the coronavirus.

“However, we must prepare for the opposite. And we must assume leadership on this matter by focusing public attention on practical measures to blunt a possible spread of the virus.

“If you decide that caution is required, then the colloquium can be postponed but not cancelled.

“It is important that your exceptional work be presented to the Nigerian people once we believe public health concerns have been addressed.”

Oshiomhole Explains How Ajimobi Emerged APC Deputy Chair [THE NATION]

THE National Chairman of the ruling All Progressives’ Congress (APC), Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, has explained why the party settled for the former Oyo State governor, Senator Abiola Ajimobi, as new National Deputy Chairman (South).

Oshiomhole gave the explanation, while speaking to the State House correspondents at the Presidential Villa in Abuja on Friday after introducing Ajimobi to President Muhammadu Buhari as the new replacement for the Minister of Trade and Investment, Otunba Niyi Adebayo, as National Deputy Chairman (South).

The party Chairman was responding to a question on why Ajimobi was still given the position, despite the protest by the Ekiti State chapter of the party, where the former occupier of the office represented.

According to Oshiomhole, the majority of states in the South-West settled for the choice of Ajimobi, adding that the protest by one of the six states, Ekiti, was not enough to stop the former governor.

“We have six states in the South-West where the seat was zoned. Ekiti is the only one opposing it. As we always say, majority had their way and the minority had their say. That’s all”, he said.

Speaking about his mission to the Presidential Villa, Oshiomhole said he had come to introduce the new National Deputy Chairman (South) to the President, adding that Buhari was “excited” to receive Ajimobi and saw him as a man with the wealth of experience to contribute to the growth of the APC.

“I came to present or reintroduce Senator Ajimobi, whom the South-West nominated into the position of Deputy National Chairman, to Mr President. He has filled the vacancy created when Mr President appointed Adebayo as a minister.

“The President was excited and delighted to see him as one who will bring his wealth of experience to bear on the party”, he said.

Meanwhile, the APC National Chairman commended President Buhari for some of the measures the administration had taken during the week to fight the impact of outbreak of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic on Nigerians.

He cited the reduction of the pump price of petrol from N145 to N125 and the travel restriction on 15 high-risk countries as some of the measures deserving commendation.

“I commend the President for the drop in price and we expect people to pass it down to the cost of transportation”, he said.

FG Adds Sweden, Austria To List Of Restricted Countries [THE NATION]

  • Restricts international travels to Lagos, Abuja airports

THE Federal Government has added Austria and Sweden to the list of high-risk countries restricted from entering Nigeria over the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak.

Already, 13 countries considered high-risk have been placed on the list released on Wednesday by the Presidential Task Force on the control of coronavirus.

The countries include China, Iran, South Korea, Germany, Italy, United States, United Kingdom, Switzerland, Norway, Netherlands, Spain, France, and Japan.

“With the addition of Austria and Sweden, the total number of high-risk countries under restriction comes to 15.

The Minister of Health, Dr. Osagie Ehanire, who made this known in a press briefing while giving an update on the coronavirus in Abuja, also said that international travel to Nigeria has been temporarily limited to only two international airports: Murtala Mohammed International Airport, Lagos and Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, for better control of new arrivals.

He said: “Following the declaration of a pandemic by the World Health Organization (WHO) and increasing spread of COVID-19, our strategy is to detect and isolate new cases as early as possible to interrupt or reduce transmission of infections.

“To this end, we have scaled up our response efforts. To reduce the risk of new cases entering Nigeria, the government, through the Presidential Task Force on the Control of Coronavirus (COVlD-19), announced a ban on entry for travelers from 13 known high-risk countries.

“According to our national case definition, we have identified two more high risk countries, Austria and Sweden, who were added in the last 24 hours. We are also including COVID-19 testing in our routine surveillance for influenza-like illness.

“For better control of new arrivals, international travel to Nigeria has been temporarily limited to only two international airports: Murtala Mohammed International Airport Lagos and Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport Abuja.

Port health services will be strengthened at these airports. Other airports shall be closed to international traffic. These decisions will be reviewed as the situation demands.

“Travelers from all countries shall be required to self-isolate for 14 days after entry, along the guidelines provided to them. Non-compliance puts your family, friends, and the public at risk, even if you feel well.

“As for arrivals from the high-risk countries named, their self-isolation shall be supervised in the form of follow up to be conducted by port health services and NCDC with the option of testing, as need arises.

“He further added: “On the 19th of March 2020, four additional cases of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) were confirmed in Lagos State.

“This brings the total number of confirmed cases in Nigeria to 12. Of the 12 confirmed cases in the country, 9 were reported in Lagos, 2 in Ogun and 1 in Ekiti.

“Nigeria is therefore experiencing an influx of imported COVID-19 cases by travelers, including returning Nigerians.

“This emphasises the importance of self-isolation for a minimum of 14 days, even if you feel well.

“Eight of the 12 cases are travelers from Italy, United Kingdom, United States of America and France. Three cases are contacts of imported cases and one case confirmed yesterday has no travel history in the last one month, but may have met with foreign visitors.

“The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) is working closely with Lagos, Ogun and Ekiti state governments to carry out contact tracing.

“l emphasise that this is an extremely important but also arduous task, and I urge all state, local government, law enforcement authorities and community leaders to give full cooperation to investigators.

“Contact tracing is ongoing to identify all persons who have been in contact with confirmed cases. About 1,300 contacts have been traced so far.

“The Port Health Services of the Federal Ministry of Health, in collaboration with the state Ministries of Health, has heightened screening at all air, land and sea points of entry into Nigeria and adapted the protocols to reflect the travel guidance issued by the Presidential Task Force for the Control of Coronavirus (COVID-19).

“The Federal Ministry of Health is working with Nigerian Customs Service and Nigeria Immigration Service to ensure surveillance at land and sea borders.

“Ships coming in through the seaports are also subjected to mandatory health screening and clearance by Port Health Services, especially ships that sailed from high-risk ports, have been at sea for less than 14 days or that have crew members who are ill.

“The multi-sectoral Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) led by NCDC continues to coordinate national response activities.

“Various states have implemented measures to shut down schools and large gatherings.

“However we must now begin to emphasise the importance of personal responsibility by citizens.

“Those who have just returned from overseas travel will be doing themselves, their families and the country a great favour if they stay home in self-isolation for 14 days, during which they shall report their health daily to NCDC on phone numbers provided.

“This is to be done whether you have symptoms or not.

“NCDC published guidance on self-isolation with clear steps on what to do to stay safe.

“We urge Nigerians to wash their hands, avoid contact with people who are sick and practice proper personal hygiene.

“We applaud the efforts of Lagos, Ogun and Ekiti State governments in implementing urgent response activities and urge other states to do the same if and when the need arises.

“At the National Executive Council (NEC) chaired by the Vice President this week, I urged states to urgently scale up investment at sub-national level, especially in contact tracing and usable emergency isolation centres.”

With regard to the self-isolation, especially for people who live in houses that are either too small or too crowded to effectively self-isolate, the Minister said: “Self-isolation is actually a social responsibility.

“It is in the interest of the individual, their family, their neighborhood and the country for them to self-isolate and use any method.

“We are not going to inspect your house to find out.

“If anyone needs to self-isolate, they should as much as possible stay in one room and do not take visitors so that you limit the number of people that stand the risk of being infected.

“That remains a social responsibility of the individual.

“I also know people that have called me and said ‘there are many of us who live in my house and I don’t want to endanger them’. So they went to rent a small hotel room outside.

“I call that social responsibility because they don’t want to endanger their family.

“I also know that there are some people who resist being taken to any kind of isolation centre, so those ones can also take a hotel room if they cannot take the other option.”

On the Enugu suspected Coronavirus patient quarantined in the state isolation centre, and reported to have died, Dr. Ehanire said: “I must commend the family of the case that came in to Enugu for being proactive in noticing that their mother came in from travel abroad, noticing she has a temperature and taking necessary steps to approach the health authorities there.

“They apparently used what they had at the moment. We didn’t know about the kind of facility that he had.

“The focus at the time was if the person was positive or negative for Coronavirus, and once they identify that it was not positive they discharged the patient.

“What happened subsequently we didn’t know.

“While we really do sympathize with the family, if that is exactly the way it happened, according to your reports, we do believe that it is a learning moment for everybody to know what to do and to respond in this case.

“Part of the task that the presidential task force on control of Coronavirus has taken up now is to urge states to have, even if temporarily, isolation centres that will meet the standards.”

Joy, Relief As Italian Man Who Imported Coronavirus Into Nigeria Leaves Hospital [SUN]

It was joy and relief on Friday night as the unnamed Italian man who was the first to import the dreaded coronavirus into Nigeria was discharged and released for good from Infectious Disease Hospital in Yaba, Lagos.

The man who was the first to test positive for the virus now audaciously sweeping through Europe and Asia leaving in it trail death, and sorrow, tested positive to the virus on February 28 after he jetted into the country from Milan via Istanbul. He had lodged in a hotel in Ikeja, Lagos before proceeding to Lafarge Africa Plc, Ewekoro in Ogun state, on a business trip. Then, while at the facility, he took ill; and shortly after he tested positive for the dreaded virus.

But after his treatment at the Infectious Disease Hospital, in Yaba, moments ago, he emerged from the hospital facility a happy, healthy man.

He was said to have donated some blood as mark of good gesture to help in the fight against the scourge.

Elated Lagos State governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu while comment on the success so far achieved and the man’s release said: “The Italian gentleman who was the index case is now negative and is being discharged. Through a combined effort of Lagos State, Ogun State and Federal Health Authorities, we were able to limit the transmission of the virus to a single contact.

COVID-19: Nigerians Panic, Scramble For Essential Items [SUN]

  • Pharmacies hike price of masks, sanitisers, vitamin-C • ATM points record large crowds

This week recorded increasing panic among the populace as the federal and state governments ramp up plans to curtail the spread of the COVID-19 contagion that has devastated parts of the world.

The gravity of the situation sinks as the authorities of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) declared its camps across the federation closed and state governments––including that of Benue, Enugu, Ogun, Lagos and Niger, among others––ordered the shutdown of schools. The federal government also ordered the closure of Unity schools and universities nationwide, alongside the shutdown of Kano, Enugu and Port Harcourt international airports.

By weekend, the grim reality had trickled down to the populace. With the report of rising cases of suspected coronavirus diseases in Lagos, many Lagosians are taking steps to stock up their houses with food and provisions, to forestall being taken unaware in case of a declaration of a lockdown in the state.

From the evening of Thursday, March 19, a huge crowd had started to converge on Enitan Street, in Surulere, an axis with a concentration of four banks––Stanbic IBTC, Access, Zenith and Ecobank. There were endless queues at the ATM points, as they wait to withdraw money.

At the Stanbic ATM queue, a woman who identified herself as Mrs Adebutu told Saturday Sun she was there to withdraw enough money that will last her and her family for two weeks because she doesn’t want to be stranded at any point.

“With the way the virus is spreading, one cannot guarantee that there won’t be a total lockdown soon. My children will be home from this weekend and they eat a lot, so we will need a lot of money,” Adebutu said.

A young man on the queue said he wanted to withdraw all the money in his account so that he can buy drugs and herbs, that will boost his immune system and help him battle the spread of the virus, as well as stock up his house with food and other necessities for as long as it is necessary to self-isolate.

From the bank, most of them entered pharmacies.

At a pharmacy opposite Conoil filling station on Adetola Road, Aguda, Surulere, buyers were seen loading their shopping baskets with Vitamin C, hand sanitizers, garlic tablets and facemasks. An attendant at the pharmacy revealed they have stopped accepting cash from their customers and prefer POS for all their transactions to stop the spread of the coronavirus through notes.

At Alpha Pharmacy, located on Adeniyi Jones, Ikeja, every customer that walked into the store got drops of sanitizer. They were also made to observe social distance while on the queue. A new barrier had also been set up to separate pharmacists from customers. The pharmacists all wore facemasks as they take order and money.

Buyers had to contend with hike in price. Facemask, usually sold at a unit price of N50 was priced at N250, while the smallest bottle of sanitizer, previously sold for N200, carried a N500 price tag.

“We are selling the normal price, just a little addition because of the exchange rate,” the pharmacist tried to explain.

At another pharmacy at Mafoluku, Oshodi, the story is different.

“It’s even difficult to get supply from our distributor that is why we are selling the face mask at N500 each and Chloroquine, which used to be N300 a pack, now sold at N1000,” the pharmacist explained. “Trump’s announcement led to the mad rush for the malaria tablet. My wife left as early as 5am to Ilupeju to see if we can get new supply but she is not yet back because of the long queue she met there.”

On the street, Lagosians are taking caution. They are becoming uncomfortable when they found themselves in close proximity with someone that coughs or sneezes, signs that are symptomatic of COVID-19 disease. A woman, Mama Evelyn narrated the drama that took place inside a commercial bus she boarded from Oshodi to Ikotun.

Pandemonium As Chinese Woman Vomits In Immigration Office [SUN]

There was pandemonium Friday   afternoon at  the Immigration office, Alagbon Close, Lagos,  as a Chinese woman fell down and started vomiting.

Passport seekers, immigration officers, visitors ,including Policemen and military personnel took to their heels on sighting the woman.

Many people were injured while other lost their documents as they scampered for safety .

An Immigration officer who spoke on the condition of anonymity said it was as if death had visited the place as  workers and visitors  ran for safety.

“The lady came to the operations department for some visa issues, she wore  mask when she came  on Thursday ,but she could not finish with what she came to do .She repeated her visit  today( Friday) ,but this time around ,she did not masked her face . As she was being attended to , she started feeling dizzy ,fell down and  started coughing and vomiting. My brother , everybody took to his or her heels’’, he  declared.

Continuing, he said: “The worst of it all was that her relations wanted to take her away ,but our officers prevented them.

We were able to kit ourselves and took her to a room .But those who were not courageous enough hurriedly closed for the day while people who came for one transaction or the other abandoned whatever they came to do. The worst thing is that we have been calling health emergency numbers and they have been promising that they were coming  but we are yet to see them ,but we are keeping vigil until they w come. We won’t let her go.

While adding that the woman kept insisting that nothing was wrong with her, the officer said she would not be allowed to go  until  health officers  carry out comprehensive check on her.

“We are not saying that she has the virus ,but with the symptoms  she was exhibiting, ,we won’t let her go till medical experts examine her .Yes ,we are handing her over to the appropriate office and not to her embassy ,he declared”.

A visitor to the Immigration Office who witnessed the drama, John Madu, said: “I only came to make enquiry when I saw people running helter skeletal and I joined in the rat race. I was later told that a Chinese woman fell down and started vomiting. My fear is that they said she was also there the previous day. If she test positive to the virus ,how will the government locate those that she would have had contacts with. We are lucky because people were not as many as they used to be in the office because of the travels ban to certain countries. Before now, people used to  visit the place in their hundreds, but there were not up 100 people at the scene’’.

As at 5 pm,  emergency health workers being expected were yet to arrive the Immigration office while heavily armed Immigration officers were  keeping  her under close surveillance.

Protecting Nigerians From COVID-19 My Priority Now –Buhari [SUN]

President Muhammadu Buhari has said the priority of his administration right now is to protect Nigerians against the deadly virus, coronavirus (COVID-19).

He said this in an audience with the management of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) in State House, Abuja. President Buhari said: “I am pleased that you are working with the Ministry of Health on protecting our citizens from Covid-19 virus.

“You must work to guarantee the safety and security of our pilgrims. As a government, this is now a key priority for us. I therefore enjoin you to ensure that adequate medical provisions and other welfare requirements are afforded our pilgrims,” he added.

The President expressed his delight with the operations of the Commission so far especially, the 15 percent reduction in Hajj fares.

“I am pleased to hear of the progress you have made thus far especially in reducing Hajj fares by up to 15 per cent.  I am also impressed that you are still working to further bring down the cost next year. This is commendable now especially with the recent global events that have impacted on the economy. Such savings will be timely and most welcome to the pilgrims as well as to Nigeria’s economy,” he said.

The Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu, said Buhari cautioned the commission against sacrificing quality for safety and comfort of pilgrims.

“However, as you assess and reduce these costs, you must ensure that quality service and comfort are provided  for our pilgrims as these are the core mandates of your Commission and must remain your primary goal,” he said.

The Chairman of the Commission, Zikrullah Kunle Hassan had informed the President of the efforts of the commission to make life better for Nigerians on pilgrimage.  He said that the Saudi government had given some concessions to Nigerians especially in the way of accommodation and tents, assuring the President of even better deals next year when his Board fully takes over negotiations.

“With your kind approval this year, we are working to take full charge of Makhan accommodation because hitherto, the states have been in charge. The idea is that when we take full charge, we will be able to reduce further the cost and to do this, we need to engage the accommodation agents and owners in a possible two to three-year lease with a view to having a reduction in price,” he said.

Alhaji Hassan also appealed to the President to constitute the Board of Trustees of the Hajj Savings Scheme to make it easier for pilgrims to perform their religious obligation.

He further assured that he was in discussions with the Federal Ministry of Health on the Covid-19 pandemic as the Commission aligns itself with government positions in tackling the scourge.

Hassan, later told State House Correspondents that the commission was optimistic that the 2020 Hajj exercise will hold. He said the commission would, however, not be reckless in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Coronavirus: Major Blow For 33 Foreign Airlines As FG Shuts Abuja, Lagos Airports In Few Days [PUNCH]

The 33 foreign airlines operating flights into Nigeria may suffer a major blow as the Federal Government says it will in a few days shut the international wings of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, and the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja.

The Director-General of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, Capt Musa Nuhu, in a statement on Thursday announced the closure of the three other international airports in the country, namely Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport, Kano, Akanu Ibiam International Airport, Enugu, and the Port Harcourt International Airport, Omagwa, thereby restricting international flights to only Lagos and Abuja airports.

The statement noted that the closure would be till further notice effective 12am today. It noted that this was part of precautionary measures taken by the government to curb the spread of coronavirus.

On Friday, the Minister of Aviation, Hadi Sirika, told journalists in Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory, that the Presidential Task Force on COVID-19, headed by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Mr Boss Mustapha, would make the announcement at the appropriate time.

But speaking on Friday, the minister said the Federal Government planned to close every gap that could further spread the COVID-19 in the country.

He said, “Yes, we are going to shut all international airports. Domestic operations will not be disrupted. The shutdown will be in a few days, just to allow the necessary ‘Notice to Airmen’ to be issued accordingly.”

Consequently, the 33 foreign airlines operating flights into Nigeria, according to the statistics from the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, might take a financial hit following the closure.

Some of the foreign airlines expected to be affected are British Airways, Lufthansa, Emirates, Ethiopian Airlines, Qatar Airways, Etihad Airways, AirFrance, KLM, Delta Airlines, Virgin Atlantic, South African Airways, Kenyan Airways, Rwandair,  Turkish Airlines, Egypt Air, Royal Air Maroc and Africa World Airlines.

Data from the NCAA showed that from January to December 2019, the foreign airlines recorded 15,474 flights into the five international airports in Nigeria with an average of 298 flights weekly.

This is coming barely 24 hours after the International Air Transport Association said the disruption to air travel due to the continued spread of coronavirus would cost Nigeria’s aviation industry over N160.58bn (using Bureau de Change rate of N370 to $1) ($434m) in revenue and 22,200 jobs.

IATA, which is an umbrella body for 290 airlines globally, added that Nigeria would also lose approximately 2.2 million passengers, adding that the spread of the virus would negatively impact the aviation industry worldwide.

Efforts to reach the President, Association of Foreign Airlines and Representatives in Nigeria, Mr Kingsley Nwokoma, on Friday night, were not successful.

But earlier in the week, he said the industry had been passing through a very difficult time since the outbreak of the disease.

Nwokoma said there was slow traffic, cancellation of flights, and reduction in cargo traffic.

ICPC Arrests Obono-Obla In Abuja [PUNCH]

The former chairman of the Special Investigation Panel on Recovery of Public Property, Okoi Obono-Obla, has been arrested by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission.

Saturday PUNCH gathered that Obono-Obla, who was declared wanted by the commission on October 22, 2019, was arrested in Abuja on Friday.

He was suspended through an approval given by the President, Major General Muhammadu Buhari (retd.), in a letter dated August 14, 2019 with reference number 58788/S.75.18/T1/100, and signed by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha.

ICPC spokesperson, Rasheedat Okoduwa, confirmed the arrest in an interview with our correspondent. “Yes, he is with us. He has been arrested,” she said.

The commission had in a statement accused him of failing to honour its invitation over a number of allegations bordering on fraud and corruption. The statement said there was evidence that Obono-Obla left Nigeria in August 2019 and had yet to return to the country.

It stated further that Obono-Obla was facing series of allegations levelled against him by members of the public on his role as head of the SPIP.

After a series of published reports, which suggested that the former SPIP boss was in Nigeria and attending public functions, ICPC during a press conference said through the spokesperson that the commission would unleash security men to fish him out. She also advised him to come out of hiding and prove his innocence.

Okoduwa had said, “We have read in the media about his being available in the country and making statements on social media. We have advised him to come out of hiding and present himself to ICPC. That is the only way he can clear his name. The notice on him is still there. The declaration about him being wanted is still valid.

“Signals have been given to law enforcement agencies so it is still valid. Whenever they see him in person, they will make sure they get him to ICPC. He has not come even though we have invited him. The best thing for him to do is to come and clear his name. What is difficult in him coming forward to defend himself?”

In a number of comments posted on his Facebook page, Obono-Obla said he was innocent of the alleged crime levelled against him, saying in another post that he was being persecuted by the ICPC without any evidence against him.

ICPC, however, said it had received a number of petitions accusing him of abuse of office, falsification of admission records, living above his income and collection of gratification from suspects under his investigation.

Lagos Hospitals Flooded With Chloroquine-overdose Patients [LEADERSHIP]

Following the reported declaration by President of the United States of America, Donald Trump, that Chloroquine can be used to treat persons infected by Coronavirus, some Nigerians yesterday stormed pharmacies and chemist shops to procure the medication.

LEADERSHIP Weekend gathered that over 20 residents of Lagos who resorted to self-medication are currently hospitalised in various hospitals in Lagos State after taking overdose of the anti-malarial drug.

A family of five, it was learnt, are currently hospitalized in the intensive care unit of a private hospital as a result of chloroquine poisoning.

A doctor in the hospital who spoke to our correspondent in confidence cautioned residents to desist from self –medication, saying it could be worst that coronavirus itself.

‘’Some people were rushed to this hospital on emergency. Imagine, based on unconfirmed rumour that chloroquine can cure COVID-19 people that have not contracted or tested positive to the disease started taking medication without prescription. There is urgent need for sensitization on this issue. It must be discouraged before people do more harm to themselves,’’ he said.

Confirming the development, the Lagos State government hinted yesterday that hospitals in the state had received patients suffering from chloroquine poisoning and overdose.

Senior special assistant on Health, Dr Oreoluwa Finnih, was quoted by the chief press secretary to the state governor, Mr Gboyega Akosile, as saying that some hospitals in the state were now treating patients who took too many quantities of chloroquine, leading to poisoning.

She urged residents of the state to desist from the massive consumption of chloroquine in the hope of curing coronavirus, noting that the best thing to do was to visit hospitals rather than resorting to self-help.

Akosile tweeted in his twitter handle @gboyegaakosile: “Please note: Hospitals Now Receiving Patients Suffering From Chloroquine Poisoning, Says Gov

“@jidesanwoolu’s SSA on Health, Dr @Oreoluwa_Finnih. She urged people against massive consumption of Chloroquine as a measure to fight #coronavirus.”

Also, the NCDC cautioned Nigerians to desist from taking self-medication for treatment of coronavirus as it may cause harm and lead to death.

The NCDC, in its twitter handle on Friday, said, “@WHO has NOT approved the use of chloroquine for #COVID19 management. Scientists are working hard to confirm the safety of several drugs for this disease. Please DO NOT engage in self-medication. This will cause harm and can lead to death”.

Also, Lagos State commissioner for Health, Prof Akin Abayomi yesterday warned residents against drug abuse, saying the state government will be conducting clinical trial on the effectiveness of chloroquine in the prevention or management of COVID-19 infection.

Abayomi noted that that the clinical trial was initiated against the fast-spreading news that chloroquine could be effective in preventing and managing COVID19.

The commissioner, however, said that the use of chloroquine drug had not yet been ascertained as an effective treatment of coronavirus disease, adding that the state was still watching the global research space to clearly define the efficiency of the drug in the control of the diseases.

He said, “We do not have any hard evidence that chloroquine is effective in preventing or managing COVID19. We are watching the global research space to clearly define its efficiency in COVID19”.

Abayomi noted that chloroquine has significant side effects and should not be used without medical supervision as it may cause more harm than good.

He advised citizens to seek the advice of a physician and await the directive of the Ministry of Health on the use of chloroquine and not use it without medical supervision.

The commissioner further urged the public not to panic but strictly abide by the instructions of the government as the government remains committed to the fight against the spread of the virus.

Abayomi appealed to citizens not to take advantage of the present situation on COVID19 to hike or hoard domestic consumables and enrich themselves.

He, however, urged members of the public to continue to be their brother’s keeper and join hands with government to curtail the spread of the virus.

Also, the president of the Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives (NANNM), Adeniji Abdulrafiu Ajani, has said that no case of chloroquine abuse has been reported in Abuja hospitals.

According to him, if such is happening in Lagos State, it is because the state is open to a lot of things and also most of the reported cases has been in Lagos.

 

NAFDAC Warns Against Self-medication

Meanwhile, as chloroquine continues to make huge sales in pharmacies and chemist shops as a result of panic buying, the director-general of National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), Professor Mojisola Adeyeye, has warned Nigerians against self-medication.

She said the agency had approved the production of anti-malarial drug for clinical trials in tackling the deadly coronavirus.

Adeyeye told journalists in Lagos yesterday that NAFDAC was not approving chloroquine for the treatment of COVID-19 but for clinical trials to find treatment for the virus.

She said in the case of chloroquine, it had been demonstrated in the literature and with clinical research which was still ongoing that the drug is superior to the Placebo.

“NAFDAC is not approving Chloroquine as a product that can be used for Coronavirus because there is no submission to us for registration but because it is under clinical trials, NAFDAC approves medicines meant for clinical trials. Therefore, the medicine is being approved just for the clinical trials,” Adeyeye stated.

She called on experts and researchers interested in doing a clinical trial on chloroquine to approach approved outlets, adding that a drug company had been given an approval to produce chloroquine in batches.

“Right now, we have asked one company to make a batch of Chloroquine for the purpose of clinical trial,” Adeyeye added.

 

NMA Directs Striking Members To Suspend Action

On its part, the Nigeria Medical Association (NMA), has directed medical associations that have declared industrial actions against their management to suspend all actions.

NMA president, Dr Francis Faduyile, who disclosed this at a press briefing yesterday in Abuja said that the National NMA shall take over the dispute and interact with the different agencies of government.

He said, “In this regards, the Association of Resident Doctors (ARDs) of FCTA, Gombe, ESUT-Parklane and Kaduna as well as NMA Cross Rivers are directed to report back to work and treat Nigerians.

“This gesture is geared to treat fellow Nigerians notwithstanding the inhuman treatment meted on our members nationwide.

 

250,000 Cases Recorded Globally

Meanwhile, as the number of recorded coronavirus cases across the world is now over 250,000, the index case of coronavirus in Nigeria that tested negative has been discharged.

Worldometer, a website providing updates on the virus, which disclosed this yesterday said there are 252,014 cases, 10,405 deaths and 89,055 recovered cases, as of the time of this report.

On Wednesday, the number of recorded coronavirus cases across the world was 200,000. This implies that there has been an increase of 50,000 within 48 hours.

The worst-hit country is China with 80,967 cases; followed by Italy with 41,035 cases, and Spain with 19,980 cases.

The three countries are followed by Iran, Germany and USA. Although China has recorded more cases than Italy, the death toll in the European country is higher than the number of deaths recorded in the Asian country.

Italy has recorded 3,405 deaths, while China has 3,248 deaths from coronavirus. In Africa, cases of the virus have been confirmed in at least 27 countries.

The outbreak has led to several decisions by governments in the form of measures to limit the spread of the disease.

Such measures include border closure, airport shutdown, travel bans, school closure, and suspension of congregational prayers.

 

FG Adds Sweden, Austria To Ban List

The Presidential Task Force on Coronavirus (PTF COVID-19) has announced the inclusion of Austria and Sweden to the list of 13 countries in which flight restriction was earlier placed.

The 13 countries initially slammed with the ban are China, Italy, Iran, South Korea, Spain, Japan, France, Germany, Norway, United States of America, United Kingdom, Netherlands and Switzerland.

According to a statement by the media office of the secretary to the government of the federation, the addition of Austria and Sweden brings the total number of countries of flight restriction into Nigeria to fifteen (15) countries.

The federal government had earlier said it has identified two more high-risk countries, making the total number of high-risk countries with wide spread community transmission of coronavirus 10.

The two added countries are Austria and Sweden, while eight countries on the initial list are China, Japan, Iran, Italy, Republic of Korea, Germany, France and Spain.

The minister of Health, Dr Osagie Ehanire, who stated this at a press conference on Covid-19 in Abuja also said that international travel to the country has been temporary limited to only two international airports.

He said, “For better control of new arrivals, international travel to Nigeria has been temporarily limited lo only 2 international airports: Murtala Mohammed International Airport Logos and Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport Abuja”

Ehanire also informed that the country has included covid-19 testing in its routine surveillance for influenza-like illness.

On the number of cases in the country, the minister said, “On the 19 of March 2020, 4 additional cases of ‘coronavirus disease (covid-19) were confirmed in Lagos state. This brings the total number of confirmed cases in the country to 12. Of the 12 confirmed cases in country, nine were reported in Logos, two in Ogun and one in Ekiti.

“Nigeria is therefore experiencing an influx of imported COVID-t 9 cases by travelers, including returning Nigerians. This emphasises the self-isolation for a minimum of 14 days, even if you feel well.

“Eight of the twelve cases are travelers from Italy, United Kingdom, United States of America and France. Three cases are contacts of imported cases and one case confirmed yesterday has no travel history in the lost one month, but may have met with foreign visitors.”

Also, as Nigeria heightens measures against the spread of coronavirus in the country, the federal government has suspended the Integrated Medical Outreach (I-MOP) Programme rollout earlier scheduled to hold between 23rd and March 27, 2020 in all the states of the federation and the FCT.

Executive director/CEO of the National Primary Healthcare Development Agency, Dr Faisal Shuaib, who stated this in a statement while expressing concerns over the increase in number of Coronavirus cases in the country, said the outbreak would unavoidably affect the rollout of the I-MOP initiative.

He said, “Experts have recommended that crowded places be avoided to reduce chances of spreading the virus. Thus, the NPHCDA has temporarily suspended the I-MOP intervention being an activity that will pull Nigerians to health facilities in large numbers.”

He said a new date will be communicated, even as he expressed hope that the epidemic will be contained in the shortest possible time.

 

Tinubu Postpones Birthday Colloquium

Meanwhile, leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Bola Ahmed Tinubu yesterday said he has postponed an annual colloquium planned to celebrate his 68th birthday as a result of global medical emergency caused by the outbreak of coronavirus.

Tinubu in a statement he personally signed said although the spirit of the colloquium had always been one of public service and social progress, the reality on ground has compelled him to postpone the ceremony.

He said, “To keep faith with that spirit, we must seriously consider the need to postpone the colloquium. Due to the troubling promulgation of the Coronavirus, the world has entered an unprecedented phase. Many nations have instituted travel restrictions and have curtailed various forms of economic activity and social events.

“We thank God that Nigeria has only had three cases thus far. However, we note the number of cases is slowly increasing across Africa. This is of great concern.

“That the virus has not yet come in great numbers should not lull us into false security. We know not why it has not touched us in the way it has affected other nations. Thus, we cannot be certain that it will not eventually visit Nigeria in significant numbers.”

The former governor of Lagos State said he strongly believes the people have a unique social responsibility to help educate and lift public awareness on all issues, including the coronavirus.

He said,” We must lead by example. The colloquium is something I look forward to every year. This year I was greatly looking forward to the discussion on innovation in basic education. However, I think it even more urgent that we educate and increase awareness of this possible public health menace.

“We do not want a situation where we have gathered for a good cause only to later find that the event might have been a conduit to disseminate not only knowledge but also the virus as well. We should foreclose this possibility even though it is slight.

“I value the work you have done in preparing the colloquium for the chosen topic is essential to our national discussion. Your work needs to enter the public record and it will do so. However, I ask you to take a step back to review and reconsider whether now is the best time to hold the colloquium because of the overriding public health concerns and the need to persuade people that they must begin taking precautionary steps against the virus such as foregoing large public gatherings.

“My fervent prayer is that our nation escapes the brunt of the coronavirus. However, we must prepare for the opposite. And we must assume leadership on this matter by focusing public attention on practical measures to blunt a possible spread of the virus.

“If you decide that caution is required, then the colloquium can be postponed but not cancelled. It is important that your exceptional work be presented to the Nigerian people once we believe public health concerns have been addressed.”

 

Sanwo-Olu Orders Dispersal Of Large Gatherings

Apparently not amused by the utter disregard of government’s pronouncement on religious gathering in the state, Lagos State Governor, Babajide

Sanwo-Olu has directed law enforcement agencies to arrest and disperse any large gatherings to prevent the spread of the coronavirus in the state.

LEADERSHIP Weekend checks showed that several religious outfits defied the order earlier issued by the government and conducted their services including Friday congregational prayer (Jummah prayer).

The governor in a live broadcast yesterday also cautioned residents against panic-buying of the Chloroquine drug, foodstuff, and other household items.

 

JNI Calls For Special Prayers Over Covid-19

Jama’atu Nasril Islam (JNI) has called on all religious leaders to partake in special prayers over the coronavirus pandemic.

The call was made by the secretary general of JNI, Dr. Khalid Abubakar Aliyu while briefing newsmen in Kaduna yesterday.

According to Khalid, repentance, seeking Allah’s forgiveness, engaging in the recitation of the glorious Qur’an with pondering and meditation, fasting as well as giving charity to the needy and a lot of supplications will play a vital role in seeking the intervention of Allah, the Almighty.

“We call on all Imams to engage in special prayers during their sermons, preaching and other sessions for Allah’s quick intervention in wiping away the corona virus pandemic and all other diseases bedeviling humanity”, he said.

 

Kaduna, Nasarawa, Yobe, Zamfara, Ebonyi, Rivers, Others Close Schools, Worship Centres

Some states in the country yesterday closed schools and worship centres in a bid to reduce the chances of spreading COVID-19.

The states include Kaduna, Nasarawa, Yobe, Zamfara, Ebonyi and Rivers.

Kaduna State government advised Imams not to hold Juma’at services as part of efforts to restrict religious services and all large gatherings.

In a statement, special adviser on Media and Communication to the state governor, Mr Muyiwa Adekeye, said that the administration is taking cue from the decision of the government of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the

cradle of Islam, not to hold such prayers in the two Holy Mosques in Makkah and Madina.

He said that church services should be suspended, adding that Christian faithful should learn from the experience of many Christian-majority countries like Italy, France and Germany.

The Nasarawa State Ministry of Education also ordered the closure of public schools.

State commissioner for Education, Science and Technology,  Hajiya Fati Jimaita Sabo, gave the order at an emergency meeting  with Directors, Chief Evaluation Officers and Association of Nigeria Conference of Principals of Secondary Schools (ANCOPSS.

The statement directed all school principals across secondary schools in the state to hasten and complete ongoing examinations.

Also, Ebonyi State government joined its counterparts in other states to close down school activities, worship centers of more than 50 members, night clubs and other night activities in the state.

This was contained in a statement signed by the Secretary to the state government, Dr Kenneth Ugballa and made available to Leadership Weekend. The statement further ordered that schools in the state are to round up its activities on or before 12 pm Friday March 2020 and shutdown all its activities.

Also, Plateau State government has said apart from the closure of all public and private schools in the state all Churches and Mosques must reduce congregation with aspacing of two meters intervals and to provide running water, soap and sanitizers at their entrances.

This was made known on Friday in Jos, during a press briefing by the Secretary to the Government of the State (SGS), Prof. Danladi Atu.

According to SGS, the directive became imperative if the State will make any gain in containing the scourge, adding that anniversaries and cultural festivals are also suspended.

Also, Rivers State government yesterday ordered the closure all public and private primary, secondary and tertiary institutions in the state as a measure to contain the spread of Coronavirus (Covid-19) in the state.

The state government also directed all religious organisations to restrict their activities as a result of the global coronavirus pandemic.

Governor Nyesom Ezenwo Wike, who spoke yesterday in a state-wide broadcast, stated that the action was taken in the interest of Rivers State.

Ikoyi Gate: How Ex-NIA DG, Oke, Collected $289m Without Presidential Approval [LEADERSHIP]

The Senate has uncovered how former director-general of the National Intelligence Agency (NIA), Amb Ayo Oke, collected about $289 million in cash without approval from former President Goodluck Jonathan.

The Senate committee on public account chaired by Senator Matthew Urhoghide made the discovery following an investigation.

The committee said it discovered that the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) had released the $289 million to Oke from the Niger Delta Security Votes which he collected from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) without a presidential approval.

On Thursday, NNPC and NIA had appeared before the committee to explain why the money which was later traced to an Ikoyi apartment was released in cash to the former NIA DG against the extant laws.

Uroghidrle had queried NNPC for giving order to CBN on February 24, 2015 to release such amount of money to the NIA without presidential approval.

But NNPC claimed that the presidency gave the approval to pay $289million to NIA on February 16, 2015.

The chairman, however, said that there was no document before the committee that stipulated that the former president gave approval for the release of such money to the NIA boss.

He said he further discovered from the documents made available to him that it was NNPC that advised CBN to pay the money to former NIA DG in cash, which is against extant law.

Urhoghide said based on the audit query from the Auditor – General of the Federation, the NNPC granted a request from the NIA to pay $289m in cash to the director – general of the NIA, which the NNPC complied to by directing the CBN to pay the cash to the NIA.

The director of Finance, NNPC, Mr Okonkwo who confirmed Urhoghide’s assertion said, “Yes, we complied with the request. It is not true that we said the money should be paid to the Director – General but to the NIA as an institution.

“I’m not defending NIA for requesting for the money to be paid in cash but considering the circumstances, which is for security purposes.

“NNPC obliged because we are not in charge of security. If they request for payment in cash and they said it is for security, NNPC cannot say no, and that it must be transferred through electronic means to a particular account.  If anything happens afterwards, NNPC will

not be held responsible. It is the man who insisted that the money be paid in cash that would answer. “

Urhoghide asked if the NNPC had a mandate from the presidency directing it to pay money in cash to the NIA.

He wondered why the NIA should insist on cash payment when the procurement of the security equipment would be purchased outside the country but Okonkwo said the NNPC was merely carrying out a directive to it to pay.

Urhoghide agreed with the submission of the Auditor- General for the Federation in his audit query that there was no way the president would have directed the NNPC to pay $289m in cash to the NIA.

He said, “We want you to convince this Committee why you think that the transaction must be done by cash payment. Tell us if the President expressly stated that the money should be paid to the NIA in cash. There is no way government business involving such huge sums would be transacted in cash”.

The NNPC representative promised to forward the mandate from the president concerning the money to the committee for its perusal.

The Urhoghide-led committee also learnt from the documents available before them that it was Ambassador Oke that told the NNPC to make the $289 million available in cash.

The Document in possession of the committee also revealed that the former NIA DG asked the NNPC to make the money available in cash.

CBN Moves To Arrest Fall Of Naira [LEADERSHIP]

Amidst panic buying which saw the value of the Naira crash to around N400, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) yesterday officially brought the value of the local currency down to N380 to the dollar.

According to a circular issued by the CBN director, Trade and Exchange Department, foreign portfolio investors who buy foreign at the Importers’ and Exporters’ window as well as Bureau de Change customers will now get dollars at N380 to the dollar.

The circular entitled, “Weekly exchange rate for disbursement of proceeds of international money transfer service operatives, which was issued to banks and BDCs noted: “Please be advised that the applicable exchange rate for the disbursement of proceeds of IMTOs for the period

Monday March 23 to Friday March 27, 2020 is as follows:

“IMTSOs to banks N376/$; banks to CBN N377/$; CBN to BDC N378/$; BDCs to end-users not more than N380/$.”

The apex bank also stipulated that the “volume of sale for each market IS $20,000.00 per BDC.”

Pressure had been mounting on the naira as the local currency remained weak despite sustained support for the naira by the CBN as external reserves deplete.

Panic buying had been prompted by the declining reserves of the country which is fuelled by the crash in the oil price and impact of the coronavirus.

The 30-day moving average of the external reserves had decline to $35.942 billion as at March 19, 2020 from $36.299 which it was at the beginning of the year.

Data from Bloomberg terminal showed that there was very low appetite for the CBN open market operations (OMO) instruments which were available on Thursday as investors quoted higher rates.

This indicated that foreign investors have adopted a cautious approach to the devastating effect of the global pandemic, coronavirus.

“Dear all, kindly be informed that the CBN has moved the rate of FX sales to FPIs from N366.70 to N380.20/$. We will advise as developments unfold,” Bloomberg terminal advised investors.

 

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