Coronavirus: Doctors, nurses demand life insurance as cases hit 318 [PUNCH]
In the light of the increasing spread and casualties arising from the coronavirus disease, the Nigerian Medical Association, the National Association of Resident Doctors and the National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives have again called on the government to immediately put in place life insurance policy for their members across the country.
This, they said, would further motivate their members on the front line of tackling the raging disease, given the hazards they are exposed to on duty.
In Nigeria, as of Saturday, a doctor had died as a result of the disease, two doctors in Edo State had also tested positive for the virus, while about 25 doctors, comprising house officers, resident doctors and a consultant had been in self-isolation after coming in contact with COVID-19 patients.
Similarly, in Lagos, the Chief Medical Director, Lagos State University Teaching Hospital, Prof Adetokunbo Fabamwo, told News Agency of Nigeria on Saturday that four nurses in the hospital had been placed in isolation after they had contact with a patient who died of the virus. He, however, said all the doctors took precaution when attending to the patient.
He added, “When the woman (patient) was about to die, and was gasping for breath, the nurses rushed to her and tried to do pulmonary resuscitation on her.
“They moved more closely to her. Though they were protected, we felt that because of that closeness, we should isolate them so that they won’t go home and be a risk to their families.”
Also, the number of confirmed cases in the country rose to 318, following 13 new cases detected on Saturday.
The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control via its Twitter handle, @NCDCgov, tweeted, “13 new cases of COVID-19 have been reported; 11 in Lagos, one in Delta and one in Kano.
“As of 9:30pm 11th April there are 318 confirmed cases of COVID19 reported in Nigeria. 70 have been discharged with 10 deaths. There are 19 states with confirmed cases in Nigeria.”
Across the world, 1,761,286 cases had been recorded, out of which 107,659 persons had died and 395,665 had recovered.
Meanwhile, the heads of the three medical associations, who spoke on behalf of their members, told Sunday PUNCH on Friday that even though the Federal Government had consistently muted the idea of life insurance for health workers, the implementation was belated. They noted however that there was no better time to put the policy in place than now.
The Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning, Mrs Zainab Ahmed, said in Abuja on Thursday that government “would be engaging with the insurance industry to package special health care insurance, which is life insurance, for health workers.”
She added, “The Federal Government recognises the patriotism and sacrifice of our front line health care workers, whose critical roles in combating the COVID-19 pandemic place their health and lives at risk.”
Prior to this, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation and Chairman of the Presidential Task Force on COVID-19, Mr Boss Mustapha, said on April 3 that government was making efforts to provide medical and life insurance cover for the health workers battling the virus.
He had said, “In recognition of the danger to which our front line health workers are exposed, the government is working with other stakeholders to structure medical and life insurance cover for their protection. I, therefore, wish to assure them of our commitment and urge them to put in their utmost best as they battle to save us from this ravaging disease.”
The task force had further emphasised the need to see to the welfare of the health workers when it said on Wednesday that it did not want to lose the confidence of the health workers, noting that if that happened, they (government) would lose the response in containing the virus.
The Director-General, NCDC, Dr Chikwe Ihekweazu, said at the briefing, “We acknowledge the roles the health workers are playing particularly during this pandemic. No one is more at risk than those who have the closest contact with our patients and those really are the health care workers, particularly our nurses.
“Health care workers are our absolute priority, if we lose their confidence, we will lose the response. So, whatever we are doing, we focus on making sure that our health care workers feel comfortably supported.”
Even though health is not the exclusive responsibility of the Federal Government – states and local governments also have responsibilities at different levels in terms of infrastructure and welfare of personnel – the NCDC, a federal agency, has been coordinating the response to the virus.
While the Federal Government had made promises, states have largely kept mute on the issue of life insurance for the health workers.
Speaking on this, the President of the NMA, Dr Francis Faduyile, stated that life insurance for workers was belated. He added that the country needed motivated workers who knew that their dependants would be catered for if anything happened to them in the course of discharging their duties.
He said, “I don’t think it’s now that they should be talking about this. I think it’s belated. If we have been facing COVID-19 for seven weeks and you are talking of insurance now, that is gross injustice and it shows the nonchalant attitude that the government has.
“It also shows their disdain for health workers. I heard the chairman of the Presidential Task Force on COVID-19 and SGF saying he was surprised with the state of our health sector, when we have been talking about the rot over the years. It is really unfortunate. How then would they know that it is urgent to have better insurance for health workers?”
Meanwhile, despite the promises by the Federal Government on account of the raging virus, the associations said apart from the fact that the life insurance was overdue for their members, the government was also bound by law to have instituted the insurance for them.
They cited the Pension Reform Act 2014 as mandating employers of labour to put in place life insurance for all workers to the tune of three times their annual emoluments.
Section 8(1) of the Act, which was signed into law by former President Goodluck Jonathan, reads, “Where an employee dies, his entitlements under the life insurance policy maintained under Section 4(5) of this Act shall be paid by an underwriter to the named beneficiary in line with Section 57 of the Insurance Act.”
The Section 4(5) that was referenced, however, reads, “In addition to the rates specified in subsection 1 of this section, every employer shall maintain a Group Life Insurance Policy in favour of each employee for a minimum of three times the annual total emolument of the employee and premium shall be paid not later than the date of commencement of the cover.”
Faduyile added, “It is an Act that has become law and so they (government) don’t need anybody to tell them it should be activated. Besides, we are in a war situation and it is unfortunate that the Federal Government had not quickly come up with a comprehensive insurance for our health workers. We have a lot of ineptitude and I hope we would be able to get out of it.
“We need motivated workers who know that nothing bad would happen if something happens to them in the course of discharging their duties. That is very important. It (life insurance) is one of those things that would spur people to give their best.”
Also, the President of NARD, Dr Aliyu Sokomba, said the government should not wait for the health workers to shut down the system before realising the urgency of having life insurance in place for health workers.
He said, “Actually, the best time to do it was yesterday but the next best time to do it is now. This is the time to get all health care workers insured. Life insurance for health care workers is something that should be taken with utmost seriousness.
“That provision (Pension Reform Act 2014) was made by the government itself and we didn’t even advocate for it. The law maintained that life insurance should be procured for all workers, not just health workers, but that has not seen the light of day. Therefore, if the government really wants to do it, that was something we had proposed in the past and that is a good place to start.”
Meanwhile, the President, NANNM, Abdulrafiu Adeniji, said life insurance for health workers was long overdue.
He said, “It’s better late than never and if not that the government is insensitive, this could not have been the best time. I’m aware that the NANNM has made several requests to the government to institute life insurance for its members, thus we would say it’s much desired that we commence it without further delay.
“We shouldn’t need to call for this before it is done because this is not something that should be treated with levity. I think it’s even belated to start now because we have started having a negative impact of that on the people that are working and the impact is beyond death; the motivation, morale and interest you need to face this situation akin to war is lacking.
“We have to praise the efforts of health professionals in this country because the situation is so appalling. In Ghana, their president has rolled out incentives, including tax exemption for their health workers. It will be better for the Nigerian government to do something fast.”
Speaking on the provisions of the Act, Adeniji said, “One problem with the Nigerian government is that there is no continuity. That Act was signed into law by the then President and successive governments are bound by it unless they review it.
“Another problem is that people in leadership positions are so overwhelmed by personal interests such that once their emoluments and benefits are taken care of, they don’t care what happens to the people. We have the laws but people are not willing to implement them. The President and other political office holders swore to uphold the constitution and the laws of this country but are they abiding with the tenets of the oath they have taken?”
Insurers promise deceased doctors’ families N3m each
In a related development, the Nigerian Insurers Association has increased the compensation it promised to pay the dependants of doctors who died in the course of treating coronavirus patients in Nigeria from N1m to N3m.
The NIA Chairman, Mr Tope Smart, who disclosed this to Sunday PUNCH, said this was part of the industry’s contribution to boosting the health workers’ morale and supporting the government’s efforts to contain the spread of the virus.
The underwriters, however, retained the amount they promised to pay nurses and other auxiliary workers if they die while attending to COVID-19 patients at N1m.
Smart said this was in addition to arrangements by the association to procure testing kits and protective materials for the use of health workers in the front line of the fight against the virus.
“In line with our profession as risk managers, NIA has decided to arrange a special life insurance cover for all health personnel and allied professionals who are attending to victims of COVID-19,” Smart said.
The NIA chairman noted that the front-line workers were exposed to a lot of risks and as an association, they felt the need to provide cover for them, adding that all insurance companies, the insurance brokers and the National Insurance Commission decided to come together to support the government’s efforts against COVID-19.
The acting Commissioner for Insurance, Mr Sunday Thomas, had said NAICOM would coordinate the initiative in order to make it impactful.
Also, the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, FBNInsurance, Mr Val Ojumah, said the NIA was working with the Federal Government through NAICOM.
He said the funds being put together by the industry was N500m and the premium for the cover would be taken from the funds.
Ojumah said, “We are looking at covering about 5,000 doctors, nurses and other auxiliary workers involved in the COVID-19 intervention. We decided to modify the compensation; the benefit is N3m for doctors, N1m for nurses and others and it is a death cover only if the death arises from their intervention in the COVID-19 fight.”
“It is the benefit for the families of any of these classified groups if they died during the intervention period.”
He said they would rely on the government, which would have a record of all causalities, for the details of the relatives to be compensated for easy payment of the claims.
He disclosed that 18 life insurance companies were going to participate in the insurance cover.
Ojumah said the contribution into the N500m fund would be paid by both the general and life insurance companies, while some other insurance brokers were expected to join in the contribution.
Health workers’ hazard allowances need urgent review – Atiku
Meanwhile, former Vice-President, Atiku Abubakar, on Saturday called for immediate review of the hazard allowances for health care workers in the front line of the war against COVID-19.
Atiku on his verified twitter handle, @atiku, also said the health workers were the true heroes of the fight against coronavirus pandemic.
He said, “Having acknowledged that health care workers in the front line of the war against #COVID-19 are our true heroes, a review that will enhance their hazard allowance should be given immediate consideration.”
Chinese doctors’ flight: How three airline crew members ‘disappeared’ from Lagos quarantine centre [PUNCH]
Three out of the 17 pilots and flight attendants who flew 14 Chinese medical doctors and medical supplies from China to Nigeria on Wednesday have boycotted the Lagos quarantine centre provided by the Lagos State Government, investigations by Sunday PUNCH have revealed.
The crew, who flew Air Peace’s Boeing 777-200ER jumbo jet from China, landed at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja.
The 17 pilots and flight attendants later on Wednesday proceeded to Lagos to be quarantined by the Lagos State Government in line with an agreement the Ministry of Health reached with the carrier’s management. The Chinese medical personnel were quarantined in Abuja.
Air Peace partnered the Federal Government to ferry the 14-member Chinese medical team and medical supplies from China to Nigeria.
The Chinese team brought about 16 tons of test kits, ventilators, disinfection machine, disposable medical masks, N95 masks, medications, rubber gloves, protective gowns, goggles, face shields, infra-red thermometers and others.
The Minister of Health, Dr Osagie Ehanire, who was at the airport to receive the Chinese doctors and their supplies, said the team would be quarantined for two weeks.
He said, “They knew that before they came and have undergone tests before they left their country.
“Nevertheless, they will be in quarantine for 14 days. The Nigerian Centre for Disease Control has gone to see where they will be quarantined.”
Ehanire added: “The equipment (they brought) will assist a lot to fill some existing gaps. We now have 50 more ventilators.”
However, Sunday PUNCH investigation showed that the flight crew members disagreed with Port Health Services officials on duty at Lagos airport over the 14-day compulsory quarantine.
Port Health Services is a unit of the Ministry of Health that screens arriving and departing passengers of infectious diseases especially COVID-19.
On arrival at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos at about 10pm on Wednesday, the flight crew initially refused to be quarantined.
Ministry of Health sources confirmed that the pilots and cabin crew members claimed their management did not inform them of the 14-day compulsory quarantine.
As such, the flight personnel initially refused to follow the port health officials to the quarantine centre provided by the Lagos State Government.
There was subsequently a heated exchange that lasted for about three hours over the 14-day compulsory quarantine between the crew and the port health officials.
After several calls by the port health officials on duty to top officials of the Ministry of Health in Abuja as well as top officials of the Lagos State Ministry of Health, the crew members bowed to pressure and agreed to go to the quarantine centre at about 1am.
On arriving the Scholars Lodge at the University of Lagos where the state government had prepared for the crew to be quarantine around 2am, another debate ensued over the type of the apartment provided.
The crew members insisted that they wanted a single-user apartment for each member of the crew instead of the two-bedroom apartment meant to be shared by two persons which the state provided.
Top health officials told Sunday PUNCH the crew asked officers on duty to take them to another facility as the apartments were not the type they wanted. This debate, it was learnt, went on for another three hours till about 5 am before the crew finally agreed to stay at the centre.
Meanwhile, before the crew departed the Lagos airport, one of the 17 crew members had escaped and left apparently for his house, unknown to the port health officials.
This was not discovered until Thursday evening when a head count was conducted at the quarantine centre.
It was also at this time officials discovered that two out of the 16 crew members brought to the Scholars Lodge had also escaped.
Findings by Sunday PUNCH revealed that the Ministry of Health and Lagos State Government had reached out to the management of the airline over the whereabouts of the two crew members.
As of the time of filing this report, it had yet to be ascertained where the two crew members were.
When contacted on Friday, the Director, Port Health Services, Ministry of Health, Dr Morenike Alex-Okoh, in her reaction, said she was not authorised to speak on the matter. She directed our correspondent to the minister of health or the health ministry’s permanent secretary.
The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Health, Abdullahi Mashi, confirmed the development but noted that the cabin crew members who left the quarantine centre had returned to the facility, saying “they are back now.”
Asked further about the health risks of the crew leaving the quarantine, having met several other contacts during that period, Mashi said, “They are back, it is left for the Lagos State surveillance team to work on that. They will do the needful. The important thing is that they are back.”
Air Peace also confirmed the development but did not explain the reasons the crew members left the facility.
The Chief Operating Officer, Air Peace, Mrs Toyin Olajide, in a terse message to Sunday PUNCH said, “All crew are back in the quarantine facility, including the engineer.”
Asked when the crew members returned to the facility, she said “Friday afternoon.”
She did not give reasons the crew left the quarantine facility.
Also, the Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Ministry of Health, Dr Olusegun Ogunye, when contacted on the matter, confirmed the development but noted that all the 17 pilots and flight attendants were back in the facility.
Ogunye, who spoke through the spokesperson for the state health ministry, Mr Tubosun Ogubanwo, said, “The state government has reached out to all the 17 pilots and flight attendants through the Epidemiology and Surveillance Team on COVID-19. So, all 17 of them are now together.”
Asked further on the health implications of the crew leaving the quarantine centre and returning after about 24 hours, Ogunye said, “What I want you to know is that the state government has reached out to them and necessary action has been taken. I believe the team is in charge of it.”
Buhari advises against disobeying lockdown orders [PUNCH]
The President, Major General Muhammadu Buhari (retd), has advised Nigerians against disobedience to the lockdown imposed on the Federal Capital Territory, Lagos and Ogun states.
He also urged the people to comply with the restriction directive to defeat the coronavirus, while promising more interventions for vulnerable citizens.
Buhari had on March 29 ordered a lockdown in the FCT, Lagos and Ogun states for an initial period of 14 days. Several other states had put in place similar restrictions to curb COVID-19 spread.
The President, in a statement by his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu, on Saturday, appreciated Nigerians for their patience, resolve and strong determination to defeat the COVID-19 pandemic.
He said, at present, there would be sons and daughters unable to visit their parents, elders that were isolated from young ones, and those who lived day-to-day, “eating as they earned,” who were facing “real and present suffering.”
The statement read, “But we must ask you, once more, to observe restrictions on movement where they are in place, and follow the instructions of our scientists and medical advisers: stay home, wash your hands, save lives.
“The freedom we ask you to willingly forsake today will only last as long as our scientific advisers declare they are necessary. But they are essential, world over, to halt and defeat the spread of this virus.
“For those who suffer most egregiously, the government has announced multiple measures to assist: 70,000 tonnes of grain are being released from the National Strategic Grain Reserves for distribution to those in most need; distribution of small cash payments are also being made and will continue to be made by the Federal Government in the states and local government areas.”
The President appealed to members of the public to listen to and follow public announcements via the mass media for instructions as to how to receive government support, and learn of more public assistance in the coming days.
The statement further quoted Buhari as saying, “All that the government is asking you to endure is because nowhere in the world today is there any known way of defeating this pandemic. There is no vaccine. And that means there are choices to be made: between continuing as usual and accepting the restrictions even when they come with unintended consequences.
“But at this darkest hour, it remains our duty to offer you the full and unvarnished truth: this is a global pandemic – 210 countries and territories across the globe are affected. We cannot expect others to come to our assistance. No one is coming to defeat this virus for us.
“Instead, the defeat of the virus in our country will be in our hands, alone. We cannot wait for others. We can only depend on ourselves now. And so we must – and we will – end this outbreak ourselves as Nigerians.”
PDP, ADC, CAN, NSCIA back lockdown extension, seek more palliatives
Meanwhile, the Peoples Democratic Party, African Democratic Congress, Christian Association of Nigeria and the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs have expressed support for the possible extension of the lockdown if it is inevitable to stop the further spread of the deadly virus in some states in Nigeria.
The spokespersons for the PDP and the ADC, Mr Kola Ologbondiyan and Mrs Yemi Kolapo, respectively, in separate interviews with one of our correspondents in Abuja on Saturday said their parties were not opposed to an extension of the lockdown if it was unavoidable.
Ologbondiyan, however, called on the Federal Government to, in a transparent manner, provide “tangible and substantial” palliatives to the vulnerable groups to cushion the harsh effect of the lockdown.
He stated that many Nigerians relied on daily earnings to survive, adding that extending the lockdown without providing substantial palliatives could be resisted by the poor, who might not want to die of hunger.
He said, “The PDP has never been opposed to a lockdown. Our candid position is that the government should provide palliatives because the majority of Nigerians are in the informal sector. They are the tomato sellers, the Uber drivers, motorcycle and tricycle riders, vulcanisers and the mechanics. They run our economy. And as such, we ask the Federal Government to provide a means of sustaining this group of Nigerians who run our economy for the period during which they have been forced to stay at home and have been denied their means of survival.
“But what did you get? You find a situation where a loaf of bread is being given to a household of 10 people and a cup of rice is being given to breadwinners to go and feed their families. Nigerians are becoming scared, they are worried and they are afraid that it appears that they are being driven away or shielded from coronavirus only to be killed by ‘hunger-virus.’ That is the issue. Our position is that the Federal Government must have a holistic approach to fighting coronavirus. If you ask the people to stay at home, then you must provide palliatives. They must provide incentives that will keep them at home.
“We are not opposed to an extension of the lockdown if, in the wisdom of the Federal Government, it will help in reducing the coronavirus.”
Also, Kolapo urged the people to fully comply with the Federal Government if it decided to extend the lockdown, adding that it was better to have a firm strategy that would curtail the spread of the virus than a soft approach that might escalate it.
She called for collaborative and concerted efforts of all Nigerians to fight against COVID-19, adding that this was not the time to play politics.
She said, “Every small business is losing but that will be small to what will happen to the economy if the disease spreads further. It will be pathetic!”
Also, Christians in the country have been urged not to congregate during the Easter celebration to curb the spread of the disease.
The President of CAN, Rev Supo Ayokunle, gave the advice during a live interview with the Broadcasting Corporation of Oyo State which was monitored by one of our correspondents on Saturday.
Ayokunle said, “I tag the Easter celebration of this year an unusual leap Easter. What is happening is beyond our control because COVID-19 is a rude virus; it is not a respecter of anybody, whether young or old, wise or foolish, black or white. It doesn’t even respect how advanced your nation is. Both the developed and developing nations are cringing under the pandemic.
“The Holy Bible says there is time for everything; there is a time to embrace and a time to cease from embracing in order to come back to embrace. That is what we are doing now because if we are not wise, we might all be consumed. Though God has not promised to destroy our world with the disease, it (COVID-19) can wreak havoc on families beyond human imagination.
“Before COVID-19 would kill many of our loved ones, we need to join hands together to kill it by abstaining from fellowship at this time. It is my hope that if we are obedient to bear the pain – it is a very short pain ¬¬– we would be able to enjoy our togetherness for many years to come.”
Meanwhile, the NSCIA, under the leadership of the Sultan of Sokoto, Sa’ad Abubakar lll, on Saturday warned against the reopening of churches and mosques in contravention of the directive of the Federal Government.
The NSCIA also faulted moves by some governors who, it said, were trying to order the reopening of religious centres in some parts of the country amid the coronavirus lockdown.
The Director of Administration in NSCIA, Yusuf Chinedozi Nwoha, said these in Abuja during the distribution of palliatives to 90 households in Mpape area of the FCT.
The palliatives comprised food items such as rice, beans, garri, groundnut oil, sugar, salt and handwashing soap.
Lagos records two new deaths
In a sad development, Lagos State on Saturday recorded two new COVID-19 deaths, bringing the total number of deaths in the state to five.
The state Commissioner for Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi, announced the development on his Twitter handle, @ProfAkinAbayomi.
He said, “We are, however, saddened by the death of another patient from COVID-19-related complications in a private hospital in Lagos.”
Also, a 37-year-old new mother has died of COVID-19 at the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital, Ikeja.
The death, according to a source at LASUTH, occurred on Saturday morning.
The source said the patient was delivered of her baby at the Alimosho General Hospital but that the woman developed an infection in the course of the childbirth and was subsequently brought to LASUTH, where she was placed on admission for medical treatment.
The source told one of our correspondents that the late patient’s result confirmed her COVID-19 status after she had passed on.
The source said, “The result came out after she had died, but we had suspected after she came in. So, every precaution was taken by all the workers who attended to her.
“She had a baby outside LASUTH (at another hospital). She was brought in as an emergency patient from Alimosho General Hospital with infection.
“She had a baby but she developed an infection. Then, it was noticed that her blood sugar was very high and she had a cough and fever and we suspected it might be coronavirus.
“So, we sent (her samples) for testing and kept on managing (her), with universal precautions being taken.
“Unfortunately, the mortality rate of infection after (child) delivery is very high.
“She was 37-years-old and she died this morning (Saturday).”
Lagos, FCT, Osun discharge 18
But on a positive note, Lagos and Osun state governments as well as the FCT have discharged 18 COVID-19 patients from their isolation centres.
While Lagos State and the FCT discharged four patients each, Osun State discharged 10.
Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, said via his verified Twitter handle @jidesanwoolu on Saturday that the state discharged the four patients after they tested negative to the contagion.
The governor said four male patients, including an 11-year-old boy, were discharged from the facilities to reunite with the society.
Also, the FCT Administration said four patients were discharged in Abuja.
The FCTA, in a tweet on Saturday, said, “The FCTA has confirmed the discharge of four #COVID-19 patients, bringing the total number of discharged to 11 in the FCT as at 12:30 am, April 11, 2020.”
Osun State Governor, Adegboyega Oyetola, also on Saturday said 10 coronavirus patients were discharged in the state.
Those discharged were among the 17 returnees from Côte d’Ivoire who tested positive for COVID-19 on March 28.
Addressing journalists in Osogbo, Oyetola said those that were discharged had tested negative twice for the virus.
Kaduna, Kano, Delta confirm new cases
Meanwhile, Kaduna, Kano and Delta states have confirmed one fresh case each of COVID-19.
While Kaduna recorded one case to bring the number of cases to six, Delta’s new case brought the number of cases to three. Kano recorded its first case.
In a statement on Saturday, the Kaduna State Commissioner for Health, Dr Amina Mohammed-Baloni, said the latest case had no connection with the first five cases.
She said the new case was a male who worked as a gateman in Mando and recently returned from Lagos, noting that the incident could lead to possible community transmission of the COVID-19 in the state.
“The sixth case had travelled to Kaduna by public transport and made contact with the authorities as his symptoms worsened. The patient has been evacuated to the state’s Infectious Disease Centre,” Baloni said in a statement on Saturday.
She added, “It is very difficult and complicated to trace the contacts of a patient who came from Lagos via public transport and has had some instance of local commuting since his arrival.
Also, the Delta State Governor, Dr Ifeanyi Okowa, confirmed one COVID-19 case in the state on Saturday.
Okowa, via his Twitter handle, @IAOkowa, said, “We have just confirmed the third case of #COVID-19 in Delta State. The patient, a male, was diagnosed today in Asaba, our state capital, and is currently being managed by our health care professionals in one of our isolation centres.”
Meanwhile, Kano State has recorded its first coronavirus case.
The Public Relations Officer at the state Ministry of Information, Hadiza Namadi, confirmed the development.
But the Special Assistant on Media to the Governor, Salihu Tanko-Yakasai, said the index case arrived in Kano from Abuja before the closure of the state border.
“Kano has recorded its first case of COVID-19 in the state. The index case lives around UDB (Urban Development Board) Road. He returned from Abuja on the eve of the border closure in the state.
“All those close to him have been tested and are awaiting results. He is currently at the Kwanar Dawaki Isolation Centre,” he said.
Akeredolu, Wike make a U-turn, cancel Easter services
Ondo and Rivers state governments on Saturday announced the cancellation of the Easter Sunday church services which they had earlier granted.
Ondo State made the U-turn following the confirmation of a second case of COVID-19 in the state.
The government had earlier lifted the ban placed on the restriction of movement in the state to enable the Christians to worship in their churches on Easter Sunday.
This had followed an agreement reached between the state governor, Mr Rotimi Akeredolu, and the leadership of CAN in the state.
But in a statement by the state Commissioner for Information, Mr Donald Ojogo, on Saturday, the government said there would be no church service on Easter Sunday. It said all Christians should worship in their houses.
According to the statement, the government said the emergence of the second COVID-19 case in the state had once again reinforced the need to “deepen our collective efforts to combat the COVID-19 pandemic.”
Also, Rivers State had in March asked churches to restrict the number of worshippers to 50.
But the state government on Thursday temporarily relaxed the restriction on large religious gatherings to enable Christians to carry out their religious obligations during the Easter period.
The state Governor, Nyesom Wike, said the directive also permitted Muslims to observe their Jumat within the period.
However, making a U-turn, the government said in a statement signed by the Commissioner for Information and Communication, Mr Paulinus Nsirim, that the state government had cancelled the concession earlier granted churches to hold full Easter church service.
The statement read, “The Rivers State Government has cancelled the concession granted churches to hold Easter church services with their full congregations.
“This decision was taken after due consultations with eminent clergymen, well-meaning Nigerians and civil society groups.”
Anambra, Niger impose fresh two-week lockdown
In a related manner, Anambra and Niger states have declared a fresh lockdown for 14 days in an effort to curb the spread of the coronavirus.
Declaring the new lockdown, the Anambra State Governor, Willie Obiano, said this followed the recording of the index case in the state on Friday.
Before the governor’s announcement of complete restriction of movement in the state, there had been partial lockdown as a result of the pandemic.
The governor in a broadcast to the people of the state on Saturday ordered law enforcement agencies to arrest those who violate the “no movement order.”
He said, “The restriction on movement is hereby extended by two weeks. This time, we are placing a comprehensive lockdown on Anambra State. We shall not tolerate any movement across the state by individuals and groups.
“Only people on essential services are permitted to move round in the delivery of those services to the people.”
Similarly, the Niger State Governor, Abubakar Bello, on Saturday imposed a total lockdown on the state for two weeks beginning from the midnight of Sunday, April, 12, following the discovery of one case of COVID-19 in the Limawa area of Minna, the state capital.
Bello further directed that Limawa community people be completely isolated from the rest of the public for two weeks.
“The decision to lock down the state was arrived at after a joint emergency meeting of the state executive council with the COVID-19 task force to review the situation and stop further spread of the coronavirus,” he said.
He added that the two weeks lockdown was subjected to review if the need arose, stressing that window had been created within the lockdown for the people to purchase their domestic needs.
He said April 16, 20, 23 and 27 had been set aside to give people the opportunity to buy essential goods.
People with disability call for special palliatives
Meanwhile, the Joint National Association of Persons with Disability on Saturday called on the federal and state governments to provide special palliatives for people living with disability.
The group in a statement by its women leader, Kwara State chapter, Mrs Joy Bolarin, also alleged that the government had not provided them with palliatives during the ongoing lockdown.
She stated that they had been exposed to hardship since the lockdown started, adding that those they depended on for assistance had been observing physical distance, while they had been left on their own.
Wike, Akeredolu make U-turn on lockdown relaxation [THE NATION]
GOVERNORS Nyesom Wike of Rivers State and Rotimi Akeredolu of Ondo State on Saturday backed down from their relaxation of the lockdown they had imposed on their states to stem the spread of the coronavirus pandemic.
The governors and some of their counterparts in other parts of the country had given Muslims the go ahead to resume Jumat on Friday, and Christians the nod to celebrate the Easter services in their churches.
But the relaxation orders had not gone down well with many who warned that they were not meant to serve the interest of the generality of the citizens.
Information and Communications Commissioner Paulinus Nsirim said on behalf of government on Saturday that the decision to withdraw the concession followed “due consultations with eminent clergymen and well-meaning Nigerians.”
He said: “The Rivers State Government has cancelled the concession granted churches to hold services with their full congregations.
“This decision was taken after due consultations with eminent clergy men, well-meaning Nigerians and civil society groups.
“For the avoidance of doubt, churches should stick to the 50 persons per service to maintain social distancing.”
In a swift reaction on Friday to the relaxation order, the Catholic Bishop of Port Harcourt, Camillus Etokudoh dispatched a letter to all priests, religious and laity of diocese advising them to “continue to keep to the CBCN and our Diocesan Pastoral directives/guidelines for the celebrations of Holy Week including Easter Sunday till further notice.”
He thanked Wike for temporarily relaxing the restrictions for the Easter but said that “in the face of the threats of Covid-19 and having prayerfully considered the implications of the risks to our expected crowded congregation on our normal Easter Sunday celebrations” it would serve the people better to stay at home.
We have #LockdownOndo as you have all requested, says Akeredolu
Governor Rotimi Akeredolu announced on Twitter that “We have #LockdownOndo as you have all requested. Now, once again, by popular demand, we have commenced the #FeedOndo Project.”
Earlier in the day Information and Orientation Commissioner Donald Ojogo had, in a statement, said government had withdrawn the relaxation order following the discovery of a second case of coronavirus in the state.
He said: “The Ondo State Covid-19 Response Team has reported that the second index case having travelled from Lagos to Ondo State must give the Government greater concern to avoid community transmission.
“Against the backdrop of the above, the Ondo State Government has directed the cancellation of the special concession granted Churches across the State to celebrate the Easter Sunday/Service. This decision was taken after due consultations with the leadership of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN).
“All measures and steps taken in respect of Covid-19 still remain in force. In particular, government has taken further steps to effectively man the boundaries in the light of reported cases of compromise and breach of the directive to close all inter-state entry points into Ondo State.”
The latest patient is said to be a worker at the Murtala Muhammed Airport in Lagos State.
He is believed to have stayed at Ijoka area, Akure on his arrival from Lagos.
He was discovered on April 8.
Government sources said he was immediately quarantined and his samples taken for laboratory test which was returned positive.
His mother and three siblings with whom he had contact have been quarantined while others are being traced.
Stay away from churches, Ondo CAN tells Christians
In a follow up to the government announcement, the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in the State asked Christians in the state to stay away from churches today.
Chairman of the association, the Reverend Ayo Oladapo said Christians should hold Easter services at home.
“In view of the present situations with the second index case of Covid-19 in the state, and in due consultation with all stakeholders, we have resolved to cancel the Easter Sunday Service,” he said.
Buhari: Lockdown will last as long as necessary [THE NATION]
- More states may be affected
- Confirmed cases now 318
- Pandemic ravages 19 states, FCT
- Sharing of palliatives continuing
- Anambra, Niger announce 14-day shutdown
- Anxiety in Kano as state records index case
THE ongoing lockdown in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and Lagos and Ogun States may continue for as long as necessary, President Muhammadu Buhari hinted on Saturday.
The lockdown may even be extended to more states as the total confirmed cases in the country reached 318 last night.
Governor Willie Obiano of Anambra State has, on his own, ordered that the state be shut down immediately.
Violators of the lockdown will be arrested, he said.
His Kano State counterpart, Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje, directed tricycle operators in the state to carry only one passenger for now following the detection of an infection in the state -a 75 year old man described as a retired ambassador.
Buhari in a statement on Saturday by his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Mallam Garba Shehu said made afresh appeal to Nigerians to endure the harsh realities of some of the conditions imposed in the fight against Coronavirus.
He said all countries of the world are currently fighting for their own survival and Nigeria’s help will come from no other country but from Nigerians themselves.
While appreciating Nigerians for their understanding so far, he warned that the current lockdown in parts of the country might be extended.
The original 14-day lockdown in the FCT and Lagos and Ogun States should have ended on Tuesday.
He said: “we realize that today, there will be sons and daughters unable to visit their parents, and elders that are isolated from young ones. And there will be those who live day-to-day, eating as they earn, who face real and present suffering.
“No elected government could ask more of the citizens of the country that elected them than today we ask of you. But we must ask you – once more – to observe restrictions on movement where they are in place, and follow the instructions of our scientists and medical advisers: stay home, wash your hands, save lives.
“The freedoms we ask you to willingly forsake today will only last as long as our scientific advisers declare they are necessary. But they are essential – world over – to halt and defeat the spread of this virus.
“For those who suffer most egregiously, the Government has announced multiple measures to assist: 70,000 tonnes of grain is being released from the National Strategic Grain Reserves for distribution to those in most need; distribution of small cash payments are also being made, and will continue to be made by the federal government in the states and local government areas.
“We ask you to listen and follow public announcements via the mass media for instructions as to how to receive this government support – and learn of more public assistance in the coming days.
“All that the Government is asking you to endure is because nowhere in the world today is there any known way of defeating this pandemic. There is no vaccine. And that means there are choices to be made: between continuing as usual, or accepting the restrictions even when they come with unintended consequences.
“But at this darkest hour, it remains our duty to offer you the full and unvarnished truth: This is a global pandemic. 210 countries and territories across the globe are affected. We cannot expect others to come to our assistance. No one is coming to defeat this virus for us.
“Instead, the defeat of the virus in our country will be in our hands, alone. We cannot wait for others. We can only depend on ourselves now. And so we must – and we will – end this outbreak ourselves as Nigerians, together.”
NASS may reconvene soon over budget cut, others [THE NATIONS]
BARRING a last minute change, the National Assembly may reconvene soon to deliberate on the falling oil price and the adjustment of the 2020 Budget benchmark from US$53 per barrel to US$30
Also slated for discussion by the legislative arm are budget cut especially capital votes, the COVID-19 Crisis Intervention Fund and fiscal stimulus.
The National Assembly may also approve the N102.5billion resources provided by the Federal Government for healthcare sector direct interventions including the N6.5billion given to the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) for critical expenditure.
The break in the recess by the lawmakers will depend on whether President Muhammadu Buhari will extend the coronavirus lockdown.
The Nation gathered that Senators and Representatives were informally asked at the weekend to be on standby for a possible recall this new week.
A reliable source said: “Following consultations by the leaders of the National Assembly, we have been tentatively and informally told that we may reconvene on Wednesday to attend to urgent issues on the state of the nation’s economy and COVID-19 pandemic.
“Most of us are now in Abuja awaiting the final decision of our leadership. We will expect a formal notice from Monday.
“A major issue which will determine the decision of the National Assembly leadership on our sitting is President Muhammadu Buhari’s position on the extension or otherwise of the lockdown in the Federal Capital Territory, Lagos and Ogun states.
“If the lockdown is extended, we will not want to be seen as breaking the law or else we are now treated as essential workers.
“We are ready but our leaders are trying to sort out the logistics with the Presidency.”
Ahead of the recall of members of the National Assembly, the Presidential Fiscal Stimulus Committee team, led by the Minister of Finance, Hajiya Zainab Shamsuna Ahmed, was at the National Assembly on Wednesday for a consultative meeting.
The issues discussed with the National Assembly leaders will be the template for the plenary of the two chambers this week.
On her twitter handle, the Minister of Finance, Hajiya Zainab Shamsuna Ahmed, gave insights into the expectations of the Federal Government from the lawmakers.
She said: “The Federal Government is revising the benchmark oil price for 2020 to US$30 per barrel and oil production to 1.7million barrels per day.
“We have similarly had to adjust downwards our non-oil revenue projections, including various tax and customs receipts, as well as proceeds of privatization exercises.
“The Budget Office is currently working on amendments to Medium Term Expenditure Framework (MTEP 2020-2022) and 2020 Appropriation Act.
“The proposed amended budget will provide for COVID-19 Crisis Intervention Fund and other adjustments required due to the decline in international oil prices.
“The Presidential Fiscal Stimulus Committee members, led by the Minister of Finance were at the National Assembly on April 8 for a consultative meeting with the leaders on COVID-19 measures; oil price decline and Nigerian budget review amongst others.
“More to be provided from the proposed crisis intervention fund to address emerging and priority funding needed.
“We have projected that monthly Federation Account Allocation Committee receipts may decline to below N400billion over the next three to six months.
“Due to the significant drop in international oil prices, FAAC monthly disbursements have declined in recent months to N716.3b (January); N647.4b (February) and N581b (March).
“The details of the moratorium for states on Federal Government and CBN-funded loans will be expeditiously worked out.”
Gbajabiamilia, Obi, Ugwuanyi, Diri, others felicitate with Christians at Easter [SUN]
Speaker of the House of Representatives Femi Gbajabiamila has urged Christian faithful to see the Easter period as a time for sober reflection, during which to pray for Nigeria and the world at large, especially at this time of the COVID-19 pandemic.
He admonished all Nigerians to be their brother’s keeper at this time of national challenge, saying with brotherliness, the country would continue to be one.
“I believe this is one period that requires us all as patriots to dwell much in prayers for our nation to come out of its current challenges.
“I call on all Nigerians, especially Christians, to as a matter of responsibility to pray fervently at this time for God to bring an end to the COVID-19 pandemic that is ravaging the world,” the Speaker stated.
Former Anambra State governor and vice presidential candidate of the People’s Democratic Party, PDP, in the 2019 general election, Mr Peter Obi while felicitating Nigerians, urged them not to despair but to be steadfast in the face of adversity.
Obi said that the Easter period provided the sort of hope needed in this period of suffering and despair.
His words: “That we are marking this great season under this circumstance that we cannot even worship in our various churches because of a virus disease, throws a huge challenge that we must reflect on our existing relationship with God. We must therefore in the joy of Easter intensify our prayers for peace in the country.”
ENUGU: In his Easter message, Enugu State governor, Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi said that Christians for God’s abiding grace for the country and the world to overcome the rampaging Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) pandemic.
Governor Ugwuanyi said that Easter is the hallmark of Christianity, adding that the feast, which brought salvation to mankind, “offers Christian faithful and indeed all Nigerians an ample opportunity to come closer to God, promote peace, love, and unity as well as other virtues that would enhance the progress of the country.”
While wishing the good people of Enugu State and indeed all Nigerians a happy Easter celebration, Ugwuanyi reiterated his resolve to continue to serve with the fear of God, and to work tirelessly towards the progress of the state and the wellbeing of the people.
OSUN: Osun State Governor Governor Adegboyega Oyetola, in his message said that Easter exemplified the sacrifice that Jesus Christ made to save mankind. He called on the people of the state to also re-dedicate themselves to the service of God and mankind as they reflect on the ideals of Easter period, and them to be their brothers› keepers by reaching out to the less privileged around them.
LAGOS: The senator representing Lagos Central Senatorial District, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has said that the circumstances of the celebration this year’s Easter are peculiar, noting that like never before the world is bound together to deal with unprecedented adversity.
“In spite of the lockdown, we must continue to strive to be more like Jesus, lovingly accepting one another, and extending a helping hand to the most vulnerable amongst us. Give love, whatever you can, help the elderly, orphans, widows, and let the love of Christ be evident in your actions.”
KWARA: The Speaker, Kwara State House of Assembly, Salihu Yakubu Danladi, in his message said, “The Easter period is indeed a rare opportunity for us all to rededicate our commitment to loving ourselves regardless of social differences and making sacrifice for humanity.»
“We must live by the lessons of unconditional love of God, His incredible power, selflessness and commitment to whatever cause we believe in, especially at this trying time of global emergency, with a strong hope that it is only another test of the strength of our faiths and humanity,” Danladi said.
DELTA: In the wake of the perilous times confronting the world and Nigeria particularly, heightened by the COVID-19 pandemic, Delta State Governor, Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa, has called on Christian faithful to celebrate the resurrection of Christ, that the Easter period is an opportunity for Christians to seek the face of God in prayers to heal Nigeria and the world of the rampaging pandemic. He urged Nigerians to exhibit love and promote peace, justice, sacrifice and kindness to one another.
BAYELSA: From the Glory of all Lands, Bayelsa State Governor Diri enjoined Christians to remain steadfast and keep their hope in Jesus Christ alive in the face of the daunting COVID-19 challenges, stressing that the pandemic was only a temporary setback as «there is always light at the end of the dark tunnel.»
He urged Nigerians and Bayelsans in particular, not to be despaired by the pains brought about by COVID-19.
FCTA: Also felicitating Christian’s in the nation’s capital, Minister of the FCT, Muhammad Bello, called on them to use the Easter period to pray for the end of the COVID-19 pandemic which claimed lives in the country and around the globe.
Covid-19: Christians miss Easter celebration [SUN]
■ Clerics claim pandemic is sign of end time
Christian faithful in Nigeria, today, join their counterparts across the world to commemorate the death of Jesus Christ in rather unusual ways. With the exception of a few states in the country where the lock down directive has been relaxed, church services and religious fanfare, which have become the hallmark of Easter celebrations, are expected to be suspended as Nigeria joins the global battle against the ravaging Coronavirus pandemic, which has put the entire world on the edge in the last few months.
With governments putting the people under various restrictions, including stay-at-home orders and self-isolations, churches and Christian families are devising alternative ways to observe this important religious celebration with the sole aim of complying with the social distancing order to prevent further spread of the deadly virus.
In the spirit of the celebration last year, Lady Ray Okoye, a business woman, said she traveled to her hometown in Anambra State where she claimed to have had a swell time with a lot of functions to attend and had the opportunity of family reunion.
But this year’s Easter celebration, according to her, is an unusual one. “The mood is quite sober this time around. With so many people ill and dying in hospitals as a result of COVID-19. We will just sit at home, tune on to Christian channels on the TV and celebrate the mass. What I miss most with the lockdown is to physically attend daily masses and receive the Blessed Sacrament, particularly during this Holy Week. But in all, we give God the glory,” she said.
Like Lady Okoye, millions of Christians all over the world and indeed in Nigeria, are bound to explore alternative ways of fellowshipping and commemorating this year’s Easter. Many churches resorted to offer parishioners live streaming options to observe Good Friday, and are also expected to offer similar options on televisions, smart phones and computers for Easter.
But the General Overseer, Compassionate Outreach Ministry, Isheri, Lagos, Dr Gabriel Oyediji, described this situation as the strangest thing that has ever happened in the history of the world.
According to him, “it is the strangest thing to have happened to us in the history of the world. The celebration of essential days as Good Friday and Easter period, which have been the centre of the foundation of our faith, we will not come together in the church as usual and the period will be devoid of the fanfare associated with it.”
Dr Oyediji, however, maintained that Christians are bound to accept the situation since it had been foretold by the Bible in 1Thessalonians 3:3. “We have been designed to see all these things. Sometimes when things happen we may want to view them as accidents, but they are not really accidents, some of them are incidents. To us, as Christians, this is just an incident because the Bible predicted that we shall see tribulations and persecution in the world and that the last day would come with different kinds of adversities.
“So, what we have been told before now cannot be an accident, it can only be an incident. So, having Easter in this manner is one of the things that the Bible predicted preparatory to the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. We should just take it as a reality,” he admonished, adding that, “it has not really stopped us from celebrating it at our family level. We are hopeful that there is something coming that God wants to show the whole world. As Christians, we live by faith and this cannot separate us from the love of Christ.”
The General Supervisor of the Catholic Charismatic Ministry, Onyeka Nwankwo, is pained by the lack of the solemnity associated with the Easter festivity this year and contended that the online fellowship option, which most churches have been forced to resort to due to the outbreak of Coronavirus pandemic, lacks the spark to achieve the desired feelings in the people.
His words: “The Holy Week and Easter celebrations are observed because it has always been one of the weeks that have vital programmes that revive the consciousness of Christians on the need to come closer to God. It is the period for people to reconcile and rededicate themselves to God. But this year’s celebration has been quite different. We don’t feel the solemnity associated to the Holy Week, and the impact of Easter. Many churches try to conduct some of their services online, but it can’t be as effective as when you have it inside a church, listening directly and feeling the physical presence of the preacher. The messages preached at the pulpit go a long way in lifting up their spirits and helping them to cope with society and daily living.”
Some other Christian clerics are of the opinion that the state of affair in the world is pre-rapture signals and urged Christians on the need to rededicate themselves to God in order not be caught unawares.
Evangelist Chika Onwuka, founder, Jesus Praise Ministry, Iyana-Ira, Lagos, said that the Coronavirus pandemic is a sign from God to warn people that the time is near.
“So, these hard times and strange happenings are clear signs that we are now at the end of time. God revealed to me that the devil and his agents are wandering all over the world. Coronavirus is ravaging all over the world like a beast, and it will only take God’s mercy to overcome it. The only thing we can do is to call on God’s mercy in the world,” he said.
Dr Samsondeen Saka of the Mountain of Losing Bondage a.k.a Oke Tude, shares a similar view that the COVID-19 pandemic is a pre-rapture signal engineered by God to warn people of his anger.
“All these things that are happening in the world are indications that God is just warning us. It’s not only Nigeria alone, but God is annoyed with the world. The rapture is getting closer. People’s characters have become very bad. Injustice and greed have grown in leaps and bounds, and God has become irritated by it. God is unhappy with the spate of injustice, greed, and wickedness of the Nigerian leaders,” he said.
But besides missing the religious fanfare associated with Easter celebration, Christians in Nigeria are also bracing up to the occasion without the usual fun and excitement. Mrs Orevia Okowa, a fashion designer, said her family has no any form of plans for the occasion. “Considering the situation in the country currently and the lockdown here in Delta State, my Easter will be spent indoors with my kids. We hope to connect to online service and carry out the communion service at home. Last year, Easter was fun because I was able to go to church service, and then saw a couple of movies. But there is absolutely no plans for this year’s Easter; no plans to visit any exciting place because it is those who are alive that will celebrate the coming Easters. For now we must all join hands with the government to fight COVID-19 by staying indoors,” Mrs Okowa said.
To Eunice Efole, a property developer, the signs of the times call for spiritual reawakening. According to her, the lock down directive and the Easter celebration offer the opportunity to focus on what really matters in life.
“The lockdown is a spiritual awakening for me. I have been given more days at home to focus on what really matters in life: self, love, your family, obedience, helping others in need, providing listening ears and caring hand to family and others and to dedicate more time to prayers and worship to my creator, God Almighty.
“I will be spending the Easter with my family. I need them so close to me now more than ever before for the obvious reason of the COVID-19 pandemic. I recall being in the village attending to family issues by this time last year,” she recalled with nostalgia.
Just like Efole, Shola Balogun, a celebrity photographer, said there is no special plan for this year’s Easter celebration, adding that the outbreak of Coronavirus and the attendant stay-at-home directive has negatively impacted on his source of income.
“This year’s Easter is the worst I have ever witnessed because of the outbreak of Coronavirus. There’s no any special plan for the occasion due to the lockdown even though you plan going to the cinema, the cinemas are not open. Even no friend will allow you to see them because everybody is scared about this disease, but we still have to thank God because many people have gone. I believe next year’s Easter will be better,” he said.
Mowa Bakare, a student lamented how the outbreak of Coronavirus has robbed her of the excitement and the fun associated with Easter celebration.
“Last year I spent my Easter with my sisters and their families in London, United Kingdom. We had Easter picnics, visited parks and malls and went to the movies and returned to Nigeria just in time for school resumption. I had a swell time. But this year, there is no much fun, but I thank God that I am able to spend time with my dad and most importantly, my mum,” she said.
COVID-19: President Buhari again pleads with Nigerians to stay at home [SUN]
President Muhammadu Buhari has again pleaded with Nigerians to stay at home for the government to successfully flatten the curve of Coronavirus pandemic.
The president in a statement issued by his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu, thanked Nigerians for their patience, resolve and strong determination to defeat the disease outbreak, stressing that the country would get out of the woods sooner than expected with their cooperation.
“We realize that today, there will be sons and daughters unable to visit their parents, and elders that are isolated from young ones. And there will be those who live day-to-day, eating as they earn, who face real and present suffering.
“No elected government could ask more of the citizens of the country that elected them than today we ask of you. But we must ask you, once more, to observe restrictions on movement where they are in place, and follow the instructions of our scientists and medical advisers: stay home, wash your hands, save lives.
“The freedoms we ask you to willingly forsake today will only last as long as our scientific advisers declare they are necessary. But they are essential, world over, to halt and defeat the spread of this virus.
“For those who suffer most egregiously, the government has announced multiple measures to assist: 70,000 tons of grain is being released from the National Strategic Grain Reserves for distribution to those in most need; distribution of small cash payments are also being made, and will continue to be made by the Federal Government in the states and local government areas.
“We ask you to listen and follow public announcements via the mass media for instructions as to how to receive this government support – and learn of more public assistance in the coming days.
“All that the government is asking you to endure is because nowhere in the world today is there any known way of defeating this pandemic. There is no vaccine. And that means there are choices to be made: between continuing as usual or accepting the restrictions even when they come with unintended consequences,” the president said.
CAN asks Christians to mark Easter at home [LEADERSHIP]
Meanwhile, the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) yesterday urged Christians to marks this year’s celebration of the death and resurrection of Christ from the confines of their homes in states where there are restriction of movement order by the states and federal governments.
Chairman of CAN for the 19 Northern states and the Federal capital Territory (FCT), Dr Rev Yakubu Pam urged Christian faithful to as well observe social distancing and washing of hands with sanitizers within church premises in states that their governors have given permission to Christian faithful to attend church services to mark this year’s Easter celebrations.
Rev Pam in a statement issued in Jos admonished Christians and Church leaders in the North to observe Easter celebrations with joy and thanks to God Almighty for the resurrection of their Savior Jesus Christ from the dead on the 3rd day after he was crucified on the Cross of Calvary over 2000 years ago.
I’m humbled by my ordeal in isolation centre – Bauchi Gov [LEADERSHIP]
The Bauchi State governor, Bala Mohammed, has shared his experience while in isolation for three weeks after he was tested positive for coronovirus disease.
The governor, who addressed journalists on Thursday at the government house, Bauchi shortly after he was discharged said, “This disease that I was infected with is a terrible experience. I went through hell while in isolation for treatment, I felt like I was alone but the love, affection and prayers shown to me by the people of Bauchi State really kept me going.
“I thank Allah that I have now been freed from the virus. I am sorry for the inconveniences it might have caused to anybody in Bauchi and Nigeria, it has never been my wishes to be infected,” he said.
The governor said staying in isolation for days has changed his life forever, adding that he was now more humbled by the experience. Governor Bala added that his experience at the isolation centre has emboldened his spirit to lead and do justice for every citizen of the state, irrespective of tribes or religion.
“I have received best wishes and prayers from many people across the divide, some of whom I do not even know.
“This show of love has strengthened my spirit to work hard and deliver dividends of democracy to the people of Bauchi State, and I can assure the people of Bauchi State that I will do exactly that,” he added.
He pledged to work hard towards meeting the expectations of Bauchi people. Bala expressed gratitude to Nigerian leaders and people of the state especially, the emirs and the religious leaders whom he said
demonstrated rare love and affection to him.
He enjoined his supporters and other well wishers not to bother coming to visit him at the government house, saying he has already acknowledged their prayers.
Don’t Despair, Jonathan, Gbajabiamila Urge Citizens [LEADERSHIP]
Former president Goodluck Jonathan and Speaker of the House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila yesterday extended their wishes to all Christian faithful in Nigeria and around the world as they celebrate this year’s Easter, saying they should not lose hope.
Jonathan in a post on his verified Facebook page said, “It is a moment of thanksgiving as well as an opportunity to reflect on the benefits of the death and resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ.
“From Holy Scriptures, we understand that the purpose of Christ’s death on the cross was to redeem humanity from the bondage of sin, establish His love on us and grant us access to eternal life.
“At Easter, our common testimonies are tales of the triumph of life over death, songs of victory over the devil and celebrations of love, mercy and grace.
“These are not the best of times for Nigerians and many others around the world because of the global crisis caused by the outbreak of COVID – 19 pandemic, which has disrupted the fate and fortunes of many. It has been a season of hardship for some and a moment of fear and despair for others,” he added.
On his part, Speaker of the House, Gbajabiamila, congratulated Christians in Nigeria for marking this year’s Easter in the face of COVID-19.
Gbajabiamila who said the Easter period was a time for sober reflection urged Christians to use the period to pray for Nigeria and the world at large, especially at this time of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Terror in Lagos, Ogun as hoodlums raid communities, Police nab 36 [LEADERSHIP]
Many communities in Lagos and Ogun States are now living in fear as robber and hoodlums have subjected the community to constant robbery attacks.
LEADERSHIP Sunday gathered that the hoodlums stormed Agbado community on Friday night but were repelled by residents who had a sleepless night watching against robbery attacks.
The latest attack is coming on the heel of Tuesday’s attack on residents by hoodlums who shot a dog in the head and stole two motorcycles in a case that has already been lodged at the Ayinla police station, Agbado.
The hoodlums numbering over 100 arrived at about 9:00pm brandishing guns, bottles and other dangerous weapons on Friday thretening to launch attack that night.
According to sources, the residents of Agbado Crossing had a sleepless night making bonfire with used tyres to scare away the hoodlums who later left after looting some shops.
It was gathered that since Tuesday last week when the first midnight attack was launched, residents of the various streets formed themselves into vigilante groups with bonfire set daily at nights to scare away the hoodlums.
It was gathered that the hoodlums numbering over 30 on the first day of attack brandished guns, cutlasses and other dangerous weapons shouting at the top of their voices in pretext of performing a midnight sacrifice popularly referred to as “Oro” in Yoruba language.
According to one of our sources who spoke to our correspondent in confidence, the hoodlums in the process of chanting Incantation’s jumped into houses demanding for valuables like handsets, laptops and other household utensils before carting away two motorcycles.
They were said to have operated for more than three hours moving from house to house without any obstruction.
It was also gathered that residents of Okearo, Matogun, Lambs, Sango Otta also resorted to self-help by keeping vigil at nights in order to forestall threats posed by miscreants in the face of the lockdown.
The residents, however, called on the federal government to call off the lockdown so that people can go back to their various businesses.
When our correspondent contacted the divisional police officers of Alagbado and Alakuko on telephone, they said Agbado Crossing did not fall within their jurisdiction.
They advised that the right person to contact was the divisional police officer, Ayinla police station, Agbado, who could not be reached as at the time of filing this report.
Police Nab 36 Suspects
The Lagos State Police Command said yesterday that its operatives have arrested about 36 suspected robbers who had been terrorising residents and looting shops in Lagos and Ogun States.
According to the command, the commander, Rapid Respond Squad(RRS) , Olatunji Dish, a deputy commissioner of police led the team of police officers in the patrol of Ijoko, Dalemo, Saka, Akinde, Alakuko, Abule, Alagbado, Jankara, Ahmadiya, where the hoodlums are believed to have been harassing and robbing residents where they arrested five suspects.
In a statement by the Lagos State police public relations officer, Bala Elkana, the police said it foiled robbery attempts in communities under Ogun State and deployed Special Strike Force on Social Miscreants and also tactical teams to different parts of Lagos State were it arrested a total number of 36 suspected robbers.
He said the commissioner of police, Lagos State Command, Hakeem Odumosu, has ordered the immediate deployment of operatives of the command’s Special Strike Force on Social Miscreants, Anti Robbery Squad, Anti Cultism Squad and Raiders to various parts of Lagos State to support the efforts of area commands and divisional patrol teams already deployed to the fields.
He added that operatives of the command’s Rapid Response Squad had been positioned in strategic locations to promptly respond to distress calls.
According to him, patrols were intensified around markets and stores to prevent hoodlums from stealing and looting. Patrol teams were equally deployed to the various communities and streets.
He further said that about 20 suspects were arrested on April 10, 2020, at about 1000hours, within Ilaje and Ajah communities for gang violence.
He stated: “On April 10, 2020 at about 1000hrs Area B command and Apapa division responded to a distress call at Burma/Creek Road, Apapa where seven gangsters who engaged in supremacy battle on the street were arrested.
“Their mission on the street is mainly to steal and loot under the guise of supremacy battle. Nine suspects were arrested along Abule Egba and Ifako Ijaiye areas after operatives of the Lagos State command successfully foiled robbery attempts on residents in communities under Ogun State, neighbouring Lagos State”.
He said that investigation was ongoing, adding that the suspects would soon be charged to court.