Connect with us

Featured

COVID-19: Wike Heads Task Force To Enforce Orders …As State C’ttee Activates Social Media Platforms, Today …RSG Shuts Oil Mill Market …Panic In Aso Villa As Kyari, Three Staff Test Positive …Osinbajo Goes Into Self-Isolation, Bauchi Gov Tests Positive

Published

on

The Rivers State Government has set up a 12-man task force on the enforcement of ban on public gatherings and places of worship in order to check the spread of Coronavirus.
A statement by the state Commissioner for Information and Communications, Pastor Paulinus Nsirim, yesterday, in Port Harcourt, said that the task force is headed by the state Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike.
Other members include, the Commissioner of Police; Garrison Commander, 6 Division of the Nigerian Army; Air Force Commander; Naval Commander; State Director, Department of State Services; State Commandant, Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps; Secretary to the State Government; Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice; Chief of Staff, Government House; and the Commissioner for Health while the Commissioner for Information and Communications will serve as secretary.
According to the statement, the task force will hold its inaugural meeting, today, by 11am at the Government House, Port Harcourt, and advised members to be seated by 10.30am.
Meanwhile, the five-man Rivers State Inter-ministerial Committee on Enlightenment and Awareness Creation on COVID-19 says that in continuation of its aggressive campaign, it will activate all its social media platforms, today, and carry out sensitisation to car parks and markets going forward.
Making this known, yesterday, Chairman of the committee, and Commissioner for Information and Communications, Pastor Paulinus Nsirim, said alongside activating the social media platforms, the committee will also engage road transport workers and tricycle (Keke) drivers to further send the Coronavirus messages across to the people.
The chairman, who stated this as part of efforts to explain what the committee has been doing since its inauguration on March 12, to the Rivers State House of Assembly Joint Committee on Health and Information in his office, also stated that while all the engagements with various stakeholder groups had been fruitful, the one with the International Oil Companies (IOCs) was “productive.
“What we want to do, beginning from tomorrow (Wednesday) is to activate all the social media platforms, so that we will begin to feed content into those social media platforms in order to reach as many people as possible, knowing that the platforms are one key area with considerably large patronage. We will also engage road transport workers and Keke (tricycle) owners”, he said.
In furtherance of the campaign, the chairman said, “tomorrow, environmental health officers will be engaged to take the message to the streets.
“From tomorrow, we’ll engage environmental health officers. They’ll begin street-to-street campaign and they will start with the markets and (car) parks. Thereafter, street-to-street. They will go with megaphones, through which messages will be conveyed to the people, while also distributing flyers”, he said.
The commissioner also stated that car stickers bearing apt messages on the Coronavirus will be produced and distributed, in addition to vests, which will be worn by the environmental health officers.
Nsirim explained that shortly after its inauguration by Governor Nyesom Wike, the committee embarked on engaging key stakeholder groups, which started with Community Development Committees (CDCs) of all the 23 local government areas of the state.
This was followed by engagement with religious groups, the media, principals/head/teachers/proprietors of schools, traders association/National Union of Road Transport Workers(NURTW), the military/paramilitary/police, IOCs an and the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON).
Of all, Nsirim said the meeting with the IOCs was productive to the extent that they had already activated internal measures of checking the infection with the Coronavirus, and its spread should there be the need.
This, he stated, is in addition to the IOCs’ promise to provide assistance to the state government in the fight against the virus.
“Our meeting with the IOCs was very productive. They too have been proactive: they have a lot of expatriate staff, and on their own, they’ve been doing self-quarantine, and working closely with the Ministry of Health, each time they notice any suspected case among their staff.
“They’re also reducing work hours, the number of personnel that come to work each day as a way of enhancing social distancing. They’ve also assured us of their collaboration in terms of technical expertise and provision of equipment”, he said.
Earlier, the Chairman of the House of Assembly Joint Committee on Health and Information, Hon Samuel Ogeh, had explained the reason for the meeting with the inter-ministerial committee.
According to him, the State Assembly sent them to interface with the committee, to find out what was being done “in respect of the dissemination of information and sensitization of the citizenry.
“We want to hear from you what measures you have put in place, and how you’re going about it, how you’re interfacing with the general public in terms of reaching out to them and keeping them informed”, he said.
On his part, the state Commissioner for Health, Prof Princewill Chike, explained the technicalities involved in the enlightenment campaign and coping with exigencies of the moment as they arise in the course of checking the Coronavirus.
He explained what has been done so far medically, and some of the challenges for which everything possible was being done to resolve.
Members of the Assembly Committee at the meeting also included the committee’s Co-Chairman, Hon Enemi Alabo-George; Hon Christian Ahiakwo; and Hon Ansalem Ogugwo, while the inter-ministerial committee also had in attendance the Commissioner for Youths, Hon Prince Ohia Obi, and his Chieftaincy counterpart, Barrister Olisa Elloka Tasie-Amadi.
Similarly, the Rivers State Government has closed down the popular Oil Mill Market in Port Harcourt.
The state Commissioner for Information and Communications, Pastor Paulinus Nsirim, who made the disclosure in a statement yesterday said the closure of the market is with effect from today.
According to the statement, anyone found trading in the market will be arrested by security agents.
In a related development, the Presidential Task Force on COVID-19, yesterday afternoon, toured the Presidential Villa beginning from the Office of the Chief Staff to the President, Abba Kyari.
It is believed that the Vice President, Prof Yemi Osinbajo, who was not in the office, yesterday, might have gone into self-isolation.
Also on self-isolation is the Deputy Chief of Staff, Ade Ipaye.
Osinbajo and Kyari sat close to each other at the last Federal Executive Council meetings held in the Council Chambers of the Presidential Villa.
Their seats were separated by that of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha.
Osinbajo had also presided over the National Executive Council.
Kyari, last Monday tested positive for COVID-19.
Kyari, who was on a trip to Germany on March 7, to meet with officials of Siemens in Munich on Nigerian electricity expansion programme, returned to the country on March 14.
According to a top government functionary, Kyari “is in self-isolation where he’s being monitored by medical personnel because he’s not showing severe symptoms of the disease.”
Asked if he had been moved to Abuja University Teaching Hospital, Gwagwalada where victims of COVID-19 are being treated, the source replied: “It is not compulsory that everyone who tests positive must be taken to the hospital.
“If the patient is not showing severe symptoms of COVID-19, he can merely be given a bed rest”, noting that most of the victims of the disease naturally recover.
The source added that over 80 per cent of victims recover without any intervention.
“He may test positive and not show severe symptoms and so be in self-isolation. The symptoms in over 80 per cent cases are mild as they manifest modestly. Most people will recover without intervention. Fatality is common in old people.
“They only have to be monitored to find that the situation is not deteriorating. He can be on bed rest and be given drugs related to the symptoms he’s showing. If the symptom is fever, he can be given Paracetamol.
“He will be given water to help him hydrate. His blood sample will be taken to know that he’s not showing any sign of deterioration. The treatment given to them is just to support the immune system,” he said.
According to him, most of the victims of the disease who die are those who show respiratory symptoms like pneumonia and that is why ventilators are needed.
Also, Kyari’s staff as well as presidential aides who had had contact with him have been asked to self-isolate.
The source disclosed that no tests would be done on them unless they show symptoms of the virus, explaining that this is because there is limited number of test kits.
“Tests are done if only people are showing symptoms. If they are not showing symptoms, they will only be told to self-isolate. They will not be tested until they are showing symptoms.
“It’s on account of limited kits that this is done. Ideally, everybody should be tested because there are some people that are not showing the symptoms and are positive. We have people from high-burdened countries but there are no kits. It is not prudent to use the kits for those that are not showing the signs.”
The committee led by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha, all wore face masks.
They went in through the permanent secretary’s wing and came out from the chief of staff’s wing, in a tour that lasted almost 40 minutes.
When approached to comment on the purpose of the visit, Mustapha said “you will be briefed later,” as he led his team members out of the office.
Other members of the committee were National Coordinator for the fight against COVID19, Dr. Sani Aliyu; the Ministers of Health, Interior, Aviation, Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development and Education.
Others were Minister of Information and Culture, Minister of Environment, Director-General, Department of Security Service, Director-General, Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and World Health Organization Country Representative.
However, as part of measures to curtail the spread of COVID-19, the Media Department of the Presidential Villa has reduced the number of accredited journalists covering the Villa to 20 for the next two weeks.
Accredited journalists who are over 100 in number, will now take turns to cover the Presidential Villa.
President Muhammadu Buhari met separately with the Governor of Katsina, Hon Aminu Masari; the National Security Adviser, Major General Babagana Monguno (rtd); Director-General, Department of State Services, Yusuf Bichi; and the Inspector-General of Police, Mr Mohammed Adamu.
Journalists were not briefed at the end of the meeting.
In the same vein, there are palpable fears at the State House as three staff of the Chief of Staff to the President, Abba Kyari tested positive for Coronavirus, yesterday.
A presidential source confirmed the development.
However, all the aides at the Vice President’s wing with the exception of his media aide did not turn up for work.
A source said the VP reported late to work, last Monday afternoon unlike him.
Most of his aides had face masks and hand gloves on when they came to work last Monday.
But for now, the Villa is on a gradual lockdown as none essential staff have been asked to stay away.
Meanwhile, President Buhari’s Chief of Staff, Malam Abba Kyari, now tested positive for Coronavirus, had contacts with many people since his return from Germany on March 14.
And there are emergent fears he may have spread the virus to them.
Apart from Buhari, who has tested negative, Kyari also interacted with Minister of Power, Engineer Mamman Sale.
Both travelled to Germany together.
On Twitter, yesterday, Nigerians called out the engineer to quickly self-isolate.
They also criticised him for hosting the American Ambassador to Nigeria, Mary Beth Leonard on March 19.
Kyari also regularly interacted with Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, with whom he normally sits at the Federal Executive Council meetings.
The Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha, who now heads the Presidential Task Force on COVID-19 was also another Kyari contact.
So was the Inspector General of Police, Mohammed Adamu.
Others are President Buhari’s SSA Media, Garba Shehu; and Minister of Special Duties, Senator George Akume; and Minister of Information, Alhaji Lai Mohammed.
Kyari visited Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello on March 17 on his return from Germany, to deliver Buhari’s message to Bello at the prayers marking the eighth days since the death of Bello’s mum.
Lai Mohammed, Akume, Shehu were all at the event.
Only yesterday, the Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, confirmed that he has tested positive for Coronavirus.
The Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Media, Mukhtar Gidado, disclosed this in a media statement made available, yesterday.
The governor earlier said he met and shook hands with Mohammed, the son of former Vice-President of Nigeria, Atiku Abubakar, who tested positive for COVID-19, last Sunday.
In Lagos, despite shutting down schools, night clubs, banning burial, wedding activities, and restraining religious gatherings, the state Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, yesterday, ordered the temporary closure of all markets that are not selling essential commodities like medical equipment, water, foodstuff with effect from Thursday.
Sanwo-Olu said this in a press briefing, yesterday evening.
During the briefing, he said: “It is not a total lockdown, we still want people on essential services to go about their normal activities.
“We are trying to de-centralise markets in Lagos. This is why we want to use some of our closed schools as markets, so people can buy food and medicine without going a long distance.
“It is only when you are alive that you can talk about economics and finance.”
As the Coronavirus pandemic continues to rage on, former Vice President, Abubakar Atiku has sent a short word of prayer to Chief of Staff, Abba Kyari, after he reportedly tested positive for COVID-19.
Atiku in a tweet said: “My thoughts and prayers are with Chief of Staff, Abba Kyari. Allah ya kare mu gabaki daya, kuma ya bashi lafiya. –AA”.
It was reported that Abba Kyari had been in Germany, one of the countries rocked by Coronavirus on official assignment.
Nevertheless, cases of Coronavirus infection in Nigeria have risen to 42, according to the Nigerian Centre for Disease Control (NCDC).
Two new cases were recorded, yesterday, adding to the already existing 40 cases to take the tally to 42.
According to the NCDC, two new cases of the disease had been confirmed in Nigeria, saying one of the cases was in Lagos and the other in Ogun State.
The centre said one of the cases was that of a returning traveller, while second case was a contact of a previously confirmed case.
“As at 1pm on March 24, there are 42 confirmed cases of #COVID19 in Nigeria-2 discharged, 2 deaths,” it said.
On Monday, nine new Coronavirus cases were recorded in Nigeria.
This brought the total to 40 as at Monday, but two new cases, yesterday take it to 42.
However, there is anxiety written in the faces of many Nigerians.

Featured

Be Firm In Fight Against Oil Theft, Fubara Tells CNS …As Navy Moves Training Hqtrs To Rivers …Seizes 14 Vessels In Three Months

Published

on

Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has encouraged the Nigerian Navy to be firm in the fight against all forms of economic sabotage, particularly crude oil theft, in the nation’s waterways.
The Governor noted with delight the positive results already recorded by the Navy in the State due largely to the tremendous support it has received from his administration.
Governor Fubara spoke when he hosted on courtesy visit, the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ikechukwu Ogalla with his delegation of top officers of Navy High Command at Government House in Port Harcourt,yesterday.
The Rivers State Governor stated that Nigeria was facing myriad of crises, including economic challenges, rising insecurity and criminal activities that threaten the national economy, which should not be overlooked.
He said, “We are working together, we will give you all the support to make sure that you deliver on your mandate.
”And what is the mandate? You were appointed at a time when our country is facing a lot of crises, and your duty, among others, include to reduce, if it cannot be eliminated completely, the criminalities perpetrated on the waterways; oil theft and others.
”And I am happy that they are positive and commendable records of achievement so far, in the course of your tenure.”
Governor Fubara said the good news of reduced level of oil theft in Rivers State is evidence of the many positive things that are happening in the State beyond the much hyped negativity, and assured that such positive achievements will be sustained.
The State Chief Executive insisted: “The success of the Nigerian Navy in our State, in the areas of oil theft, is because the State Government has given you all the necessary support.
”We have collaborated with the command here. We supported them morally, and with all the necessary logistics.
”We have also maintained good relationship with the communities to make sure that whatever it is that is required for these operations to be successful were granted. I am happy to be associated with these very laudable achievements.”
Governor Fubara said: “So, I have to say that I am happy that the Chief of Naval Staff, today, is commending the success of the exercise. He is commending the doggedness of the men in fighting oil theft, not just in the Niger Delta, but particularly in our State.
”I want to assure you that we will continue to give them the support, and discourage any act that would be a sabotage to the economy of our State.”
Governor Fubara said that Rivers State was not named in error: there are several water channels that can boost the operations of the Navy. This is why we are requesting that the Nigerian Navy move all its bases to the State.
”It was not a mistake they called it Rivers State. It is surrounded with all forms of rivers. You want the Atlantic region, you can get it here. You want those small creeks, you can also get it here. Maybe, if you want an Island, you can also find it here.
”So, it is proper if we work with you and you have all that is required within this geographic region, to have all your bases relocated to Rivers State,” he said.
He further said: “We must continue to give you the necessary support to make sure that you succeed. I am happy to also say that, as the Governor of the State by the special grace of God, we are still here, not minding the dramas here and there. We will not let our people down in ensuring that we protect their interest.
”We will support the genuine course of governance; the protection of lives and provision of basic amenities. And these can only be achieved when there is a peaceful environment.
”And the peaceful environment can only come when there is a collaboration with security agencies to prevent crimes, and protect lives and property of residents.”
In his address, the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ikechukwu Ogalla, reiterated that the Nigerian Navy and Rivers State are like conjoined twins who cannot do without each other.
This is because, he said, they needed collaboration on various aspects of their activities ranging from training, operations, logistics, adding that Rivers State is key to their performance.
”My purpose of coming here today are three folds. The first is to inform His Excellency that on Saturday, we are graduating a set of former civilians who have been trained at our Basic Training School, Onne, and are graduating to join the ranks of the Nigerian Navy as ratings in order to beef up our strength.
”The second reason is to first appreciate the Governor and the entire Rivers State Government for the schools they donated to us: the Ambassador Nne Krukrubo Model Secondary School at Eleme in Eleme Local Government Area, and the Model Secondary School, Egbelu in Oyigbo Local Government Area.”
Vice Admiral Ogalla stated further: “We also want to use this opportunity to inform His Excellency that following that donation, and based on our strategic plan of moving our facilities to areas where we have enough space to be able to carryout out duties, we have renovated the school at Eleme.
”We are happy to report, today, that the erstwhile location of Headquarters of Naval Training Command, Lagos, is moving to that particular school location in Eleme, tomorrow.’
Speaking on the operational successes recorded thus far, he said that propelled by the charge given to them by President Bola Tinubu, the Nigerian Navy, under his watch, has impounded 14 vessels caught to be conveying stolen crude oil and several other individuals arrested, adding that investigations into their culpability were ongoing.
”I am here today to report Sir, that, with the “Operation Delta Sanity”, launched in January, 2024, we have been very successful, and within the period, we have recorded tremendous successes and achievements.
”Over 14 large crude carrying vessels have been arrested within that period. Most of them are at various levels of investigation. We have also arrested several barges and other companies and organizations that are involved in oil theft.
”As a result of the operations, we are happy to report that there has been tremendous improvement in terms of security in the maritime environment,” Ogalla added.

Continue Reading

Featured

118 Inmates Escape As Rainstorm Destroys Niger Prison

Published

on

A heavy downpour has wreaked havoc on the Medium Security Custodial Centre in Suleja, Niger State, resulting in extensive damage to the facility and facilitating the escape of 118 inmates.
This was disclosed in a statement signed by the spokesperson, Federal Capital Territory Command of the Nigerian Correctional Service, Adamu Duza, yesterday.
Duza noted that the downpour which occurred on Wednesday night, caused severe damage to the custodial centre’s infrastructure, including a breach in the perimeter fence, which allowed the inmates to flee.
However, 10 fleeing inmates had been recaptured following a swift response by the NCoS in collaboration with other security agencies.
Duazu promised that efforts were ongoing to recapture the remaining fleeing inmates, adding that their database would soon be made known to the public.
Recognising the vulnerability of ageing facilities, many of which were built during the colonial era, Duza acknowledged that the NCoS was committed to modernising its infrastructure.
The statement further noted that the Controller of Corrections, FCT Command, Francis John, assured the public that the situation was under control and urged them to carry on with their daily activities without fear.
The public was encouraged to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities or sightings of escaped inmates to the nearest security agency.
The statement read in part, “A heavy downpour that lasted for several hours on the night of Wednesday, April 24, 2024, has wreaked havoc on the Medium Security Custodial Centres, Suleja, Niger state, as well as surrounding buildings, destroying parts of the custodial facility, including its perimeter fence, giving way to the escape of 118 inmates of the facility.
“The service has immediately activated its recapturing mechanisms, and in conjunction with sister security agencies, has so far recaptured 10 fleeing inmates and taken them into custody, while we are in hot pursuit to recapture the rest.
“The service is not unmindful of the fact that many of its facilities were built during the colonial era and that they are old and weak. The Service is making frantic efforts to ensure that all aging facilities give way to modern ones.
“The Controller of Corrections, FCT Command, Francis John, wishes to assure the public that the service is on top of the situation and that they should go about their normal businesses without fear or hindrance.”
Meanwhile, the United States has underscored the significant challenge of overcrowding in Nigerian prisons.
The US, according to its ‘2023 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices: Nigeria,’ published on its website on Tuesday, noted that numerous correctional facilities were grappling with a staggering 50 per cent increase in the number of inmates beyond their intended capacity, revealing a systemic issue.
Furthermore, it disclosed that a notable proportion of these prisons, some with histories dating back 70 to 80 years, faced difficulties in meeting even the most fundamental standards of living.

Continue Reading

Featured

Rivers’ll Be Known For Peace, Not Crisis -Fubara

Published

on

Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has said that peace has prevailed because he draws strength from God to resist insults and tantrums thrown at him while frustrating attempts by some disgruntled persons who wanted to plunge the State into unending crisis.
The Governor also said that because he has anchored his Government on promoting peace, the enabling atmosphere has been provided for investments and sustainable development to flourish.
Governor Fubara made the assertion when he received a delegation of members of the Bishops and Gospel Ministers’ Association International Incorporated, Rivers State Chapter, at Government House in Port Harcourt, yesterday.
Represented by the Head of Rivers State Civil Service, Dr George Nwaeke, Governor Fubara said while most people took his meekness for weakness, his stance on peace has unarguably enhanced harmonious atmosphere of concord as residents sleep with their two eyes closed, and investors and shareholders are happy with the returns on investment.
He said, “Before, what they hear of Rivers State is that they are fighting, and some genuine investors will not come. Some people even ask you: How are you coping in Rivers State?
“But now”, he asserted: “The Governor has brought about a lot of changes in the State. One of the most important things is that he has changed the negative narrative. It is no longer Rivers of blood. It is now Rivers of peace.
“We are enjoying our lives here. Why? Because there is a change in the narrative. We have peace. The Governor is, as much as possible, absorbing any level of insult at him only for one purpose: that Rivers State may have peace; that we may grow; that this state will experience genuine development.”
Governor Fubara urged them, as members of the Christian family in the State, to continue to pray for the State and the Government so that the enemies of the State will be put to greater shame.
“This peace is what I want you to embrace. Go and continue to pray, because when the sower of the seed went and sowed, the enemy went in the night and sowed tares inside there. But the Governor is sowing peace.
“When I listened to the leader of the team, His Grace Eddy Ogbonda, he said you came all the way from Eleme Junction, and stopped at major junctions, and you uttered prayers for the peace of Rivers State.”
He also said: “I, hereby want to thank you for identifying with the Governor at a time like this. At a time when it looks as if someone wants the Governor’s peace posture misunderstood as weakness.
“When someone has the strength to fight back, but refuses to fight back. That is a bigger strength; that power of restrain does not just come, it can only come from God.
“You cannot give peace, if you do not have peace within you. The Governor is not interested in any form of trouble or violence. What he is interested in is known, and it is: let there be peace in Rivers State,” he said.
In his address, leader of the group, Archbishop Eddy Ogbonda, said they had observed a week-long intensive prayers that culminated into a peace rally, which brought them to Government House, and assured the Governor that God will continue to give him victory over his adversaries while preserving Rivers State.
“It is Rivers State Prophetic Prayer Convocation and Rally 2024 with the theme: ‘Peace be still’. Of a truth, everyone of us understands that we live in a time when we need peace much more than any other thing.
“Rivers State needs peace. Everyone as individuals need peace. The country needs peace, and the world at large needs peace. So, we are here to do a peace march. We pray that God will command His peace to reign in Rivers State,” he said.

Continue Reading

Trending