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COVID-19 UK Red List: NASS Wants Decision Reversed

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4 years ago

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The Senate has taken a swipe at the government of the United Kingdom (UK) following the decision by the British Government to include Nigeria in their COIVD-19 red list.
The Senate also condemned in very strong terms, the U.K Government’s inclusion of Nigeria in their COVID-19 red list without justification.
Similarly, the House of Representatives, yesterday, berated the United Kingdom Government for placing travel ban on Nigerians amid the outbreak of Omicron, a new variant of coronavirus, This is as the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has given the British Mission in Nigeria 72 hours to rescind its decision to pause the issuance and processing of visas to Nigerians over the discovery of the COVID-19 Omicron variant.
The Senate, however, called on the UK government to as a matter of urgency remove Nigeria from the red list and be sensitive to the diplomatic relationship between the two countries in taking decisions that affect Nigerian citizens.
According to the Senate, the action has become imperative against the backdrop of its concomitant implications as the decision was capable of affecting many citizens of Nigeria that have planned to spend their Christmas and New Year holidays with their families.
Resolutions of the Senate, yesterday, were sequel to a motion on the need for the Government of the United Kingdom, UK to remove Nigeria from COVID-19 Red List and sponsored by the former Deputy President of the Senate, Ike Ekweremadu, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Enugu West.
Ekweremadu came under Orders 42 and 52 of the Senate Standing Orders as Amended.
The Upper Chamber has called on the Federal Government to constructively engage the British authorities with a view to reverse this inclusion.
The Senate has also called on the Nigerian Government to remain firm in the enforcement of all necessary protocols in the containment of every COVID-19 variant in Nigeria.
The Upper Chamber also called on the major vaccine powers, namely, Britain, Canada, America, and the European Union, among others, to take urgent and bold steps to ensure vaccine equity in the best interest of the entire human race.
Similarly, the House of Representatives, yesterday, berated the United Kingdom Government for placing travel ban on Nigerians amid the outbreak of Omicron, a new variant of coronavirus, COVID-19 pandemic, currently ravaging the world.
The House said that the decision was hasty and embarrassing to Nigeria.
The anger of the parliament followed a motion on the travel ban moved by the Minority Leader of the House, Hon. Ndidu Elumelu and considered at plenary.
Some members of the House who took turns to ventilate their views on the issue, however, said the ban was a wake-up call for Nigeria as a country to reinvent itself as the true giant of Africa.
They, however, called for a diplomatic way to resolve the matter.
Meanwhile, the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has given the British Mission in Nigeria 72 hours to rescind its decision to pause the issuance and processing of visas to Nigerians over the discovery of the COVID-19 Omicron variant.
NANS gave the ultimatum during its protest at the British Deputy High Commission in Lagos, yesterday, over the travel and visa restrictions placed on Nigerians over the Omnicron variant of the COVID-19 virus.
“If there is an absence of solutions in the next 72 hours, NANS will have no other choice but to shut down the activities of British and Canadian missions across Nigeria,” NANS said at the protest.
Following the discovery of the new COVID-19 variant, Omicron, the British government put Nigeria and other selected African countries on the red list.
The variant was first reported recently in South Africa and has since then been found in 38 countries, including France, Germany, Netherlands, Portugal, Australia and others.
Chairman, NANS Ogun Chapter, Kehinde Damilola, said during the protest, that the association was displeased with the decision of the British government to place a ban on travels from Nigeria.
According to him, the decision is pure racism and an attempt to intimidate African countries, particularly Nigeria.
“We have come to say enough is enough with the treatment Nigeria constantly receives from Europe. The narrative has to change because Nigerians are not a symbol of havoc or hazard.
“This decision will affect not only visitors but also our international students who are studying in the U.K.
“The omicron variant did not emanate from Nigeria, neither do we have up to a dozen cases so why should we be punished for it even over other European countries?” he said.
The student leader urged the British mission in Nigeria to look into the situation without delay, adding that the exorbitant quarantine fee for students and visitors should also be revoked.
Also, NANS South-West Coordinator, Adegboye Olatunji, said that COVID-19 was not an African virus neither was the new variant, Omicron.
“Placing a ban on only African members of the Commonwealth is not right.
“We should be thinking of solutions on how to eradicate the virus and vaccinate Africans instead of coming up with red lists.
“We have thousands of students studying in the U.K. who have plans of returning to Nigeria for the festive season but their plans have been cut short.
“We are not here to fight anyone, neither are we here to cause havoc,” Olatunji said.
He added that NANS was ready to take the mantle to fight relentlessly for Nigerians studying abroad.
Policemen and other security agents were on ground at the British Deputy High Commission to prevent any security breach.
Speaking with newsmen, an official of the British mission, who did not disclose his name, said that audio-visual recording of the protest had been forwarded to appropriate authorities to address the issue.
“We will be relating happenings to the Deputy Head of Mission who will, in turn, make calls to London.
“That is where we are going to take it from because we can’t make instant decisions,” he said.
However, the reasons the United Kingdom added Nigeria to the travel red list amid concerns over the newly detected Omicron variant of Coronavirus, have been revealed by the British Deputy High Commissioner to Nigeria, Catriona Laing.
Laing said the UK made the decision in order to protect the public health of its people while the government tried to understand the new variant.
She noted that despite the ban, the British government would work closely with the Nigerian authorities as the world faced the challenges of COVID-19 pandemic.
Laing further explained that the decision would be reviewed at the three-week review point on December 20.
According to the statement, “This decision is a precautionary measure to protect public health in the UK, whilst we try to understand this new variant,” the envoy was quoted as saying in a statement issued by Press and Public Affairs Officer, British High Commission, Ndidiamaka Eze.
“I know that this decision will have a significant impact on people in both our countries, particularly at this time of year.
“We continue to work very closely with the Nigerian authorities in tackling the pandemic and commend their ongoing work.”
The red list which comes to effect on December 6 means that Nigerians who do not have UK citizenship or residence permit can no longer travel to the country until the advisory is revised.
The Nigerian government has faulted the decision of the UK government, describing it as unjust and discriminatory.

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Rivers: Impeachment Moves Against Fubara, Deputy Hits Rock …As CJ Declines Setting Up Panel

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1 day ago

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January 23, 2026

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The impeachment moves against Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminialayi Fubara, and his deputy, Prof. Ngozi Ordu, by the Rivers State House of Assembly has suffered a setback following the refusal by the State Chief Judge, Hon. Justice Simeon C. Amadi, to set up a seven-man investigate panel to probe the governor and his deputy.

Justice Amadi hinged his decision on subsisting interim court injunctions and pending appeals.

Recall that the Assembly members had earlier requested the Chief Judge to set up a seven-man investigative panel to probe allegations of gross misconduct against Fubara and his deputy.

In a letter dated January 20, 2026, and addressed to the Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon Martins Amaewhule, the Chief Judge acknowledged receipt of two separate letters from the Assembly, both dated January 16, 2026, requesting the constitution of an investigative panel pursuant to Section 188(5) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended).

However, the State Chief Judge explained that his hands were tied by ongoing judicial proceedings directly connected to the impeachment process.

He disclosed that his office had been served with interim injunctions issued on January 16, 2026, arising from two separate suits challenging the actions of the House of Assembly.

The suits include Suit No. OYHC/6/CS/2026, filed by the Deputy Governor against the Speaker and 32 others, and Suit No. OYHC/7/CS/2026, instituted by Governor Fubara against the Speaker and 32 others.

According to him,  the interim injunctions expressly restrain him from “receiving, forwarding, considering and or howsoever acting on any request, resolution, articles of impeachment or other documents or communication from the 1st -27th and 31st Defendants for the purpose of constituting a panel to investigate the purported allegations of misconduct against the Claimant/Applicant for seven days.”

Justice Amadi stressed that obedience to court orders is non-negotiable in a constitutional democracy, regardless of personal opinions about such orders.

“Constitutionalism and the Rule of Law are the bedrock of democracy and all persons and authorities are expected to obey subsisting orders of court of competent jurisdiction, irrespective of perception of its regularity or otherwise,” he stated.

To further underscore his position, the Chief Judge cited judicial precedent, referring to the case of Hon. Dele Abiodun v. The Hon. Chief Judge of Kwara State & 3 Ors. (2007), in which the Chief Judge of Kwara State was faulted for proceeding to constitute a panel despite a subsisting court order restraining such action.

Quoting directly from the judgment, Justice Amadi recalled: “I liken the scenario created by the Chief Judge to the position of a chief priest and custodian of an oracle turning round to desecrate the oracle,” a passage he said highlights the sacred duty of judicial officers to uphold the law.

He added that the judiciary, as “the custodian and head of the judicial arm of the State, ought to abide by the laws of the State, nay the land…”

He further  noted that the Rivers State House of Assembly had already filed appeals against the interim injunctions at the Court of Appeal, Port Harcourt Division, with notices of appeal served on January 19 and 20, 2026.

“In view of the foregoing, my hand is fettered, as there are subsisting interim orders of injunction and appeal against the said orders.

“I am therefore legally disabled at this point, from exercising my duties under Section 188(5) of the Constitution in the instant,” the Chief Judge declared.

He concluded by expressing hope that “the Rt. Hon. Speaker and the Honourable Members of the Rivers State House of Assembly will be magnanimous enough to appreciate the legal position of the matter.

 

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Tinubu Hails NGX N100trn Milestones, Urges Nigerians To Invest Locally

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2 weeks ago

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January 9, 2026

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President Bola Tinubu yesterday celebrated the Nigerian Exchange Group’s breakthrough into the N100tn market capitalisation threshold, saying Nigeria has moved from an ignored frontier market to a compelling investment destination.

Tinubu, in a statement signed by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, urged Nigerians to increase their investments in the domestic economy, expressing confidence that 2026 would deliver stronger returns as ongoing reforms take firmer root.

He noted that the NGX closed 2025 with a 51.19 per cent return, outperforming global indices such as the S&P 500 and FTSE 100, as well as several BRICS+ emerging markets, after recording 37.65 per cent in 2024.

“With the Nigerian Exchange crossing the historic N100tn market capitalisation mark, the country is witnessing the birth of a new economic reality and rejuvenation,” Tinubu said.

He attributed the stellar performance to Nigerian companies proving they can deliver strong investment returns across all sectors, from blue-chip industrials localising supply chains to banks demonstrating technological innovation.

The President added, “Year-to-date returns have significantly outpaced the S&P 500, the FTSE 100, and even many of our emerging-market peers in the BRICS+ group. Nigeria is no longer a frontier market to be ignored—it is now a compelling destination where value is being discovered.”

Tinubu disclosed that more indigenous energy firms, technology companies, telecoms operators and infrastructure firms are preparing to list on the exchange, a move he said would deepen market capitalisation and broaden economic participation.

He also cited what he described as a sustained decline in inflation over eight months—from 34.8 per cent in December 2024 to 14.45 per cent in November 2025—projecting that the rate would fall below 10 per cent before the end of 2026.

“Indeed, inflation is likely to fall below 10 per cent before the end of this year, leading to improved living standards and accelerated GDP growth. The year 2026 promises to be an epochal year for delivering prosperity to all Nigerians,” he said.

The President attributed the trend to monetary tightening, elimination of Ways and Means financing, and agricultural investments, which he said helped stabilise the naira and ease post-reform pressures.

Nigeria’s current account surplus reached $16bn in 2024, with the Central Bank projecting $18.81bn in 2026, reflecting a trade pattern shift toward exporting more and importing less locally-producible goods.

Non-oil exports jumped 48 per cent to N9.2tn by the third quarter of 2025, with African exports nearly doubling to N4.9tn. Manufacturing exports grew 67 per cent year-on-year in the second quarter.

Foreign reserves have crossed $45bn and are expected to breach $50 billion in the first quarter, giving the CBN ammunition to maintain currency stability and end the volatility that previously fuelled speculation, according to the President.

Tinubu also highlighted infrastructure expansion in rail networks, arterial roads, port revitalisation, and the Lagos-Calabar and Sokoto-Badagry superhighways, alongside improvements in healthcare facilities that are reducing medical tourism costs, and increased university research grants funded through the Nigeria Education Loan Fund.

“Our medicare facilities are improving, and medical tourism costs are declining. Our students benefit from the Nigeria Education Loan Fund, and universities are receiving increased research grants,” he said.

He described nation-building as a process requiring hard work, sacrifices, and citizen focus, pledging to continue working to build an egalitarian, transparent, and high-growth economy catalysed by historic tax and fiscal reforms that came into full implementation from January 1.

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RSG Kicks Off Armed Forces Remembrance Day ‘Morrow  …Restates Commitment Towards Veterans’ Welfare

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2 weeks ago

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January 9, 2026

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The Rivers State Government has reiterated its commitment towards the welfare of veterans, serving officers and widows of fallen officers in the State.

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?The Secretary to the Rivers State Government, Dr. Benibo Anabraba, in a statement by ?Head, Information and Public Relations Unit, SSG’s ?Office, ?Juliana Masi, stated this during the Central Planning meeting of the 2026 Armed Forces Remembrance Day in Port Harcourt, yesterday.

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?Anabraba thanked the Committee for their contributions to the success of the Emblem Appeal Fund Ceremony recently held in the State and called on them to double their efforts so that the State can record resounding success in the remaining activities.

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?According to him, the remembrance day events will begin with Jumaàt Prayers on Friday, 9th January at the Rivers State Central Mosque, Port Harcourt Township, while a Humanitarian Outreach/Family and Community Day will be hosted on Saturday, 10th January, by the wife of the governor, Lady Valerie Siminalayi Fubara, for widows and veterans.

?”On Sunday, 11th January, an Interdenominational Church Thanksgiving Service will hold at St. Cyprian Anglican Church, Port Harcourt Township while the Grand-finale Wreath- Laying Ceremony will hold on Thursday, 15th January at the Isaac Boro Park Cenotaph,  Port Harcourt”, he said.

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?The SSG noted that one of the highlights of the events is the laying of wreaths by Governor Siminalayi Fubara and Heads of the Security Agencies.

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