Home Blog Page 3130

Pay Workers, No COVID-19 Case In Kogi – PDP Leader Warn Gov Bello

1

The National Youth Coordinator of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Usman Okai Austin, has urged the Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello to pay workers their remunerations without delay.

Austin, who is the spokesperson of Wada/Aro Campaign Council, said the fasting period was not a time to slash or withhold workers’ salaries because that will be “tantamount to wickedness and inhumane.”

Addressing journalists yesterday in Abuja, Austin wondered why Bello was planning to pay workers half salaries when there is no established case of COVID-19 in the State.

According to Austin: “Since there is no case of Coronavirus (COVID-19) in Kogi State resulting in stiff lockdown, one wonders why Bello is planning to pay workers half salary,” stressing that such is “criminal and extortion.”

Austin noted that before the 2019 November election, Yahaya Bello promised that percentage payment or owing workers that were prevalent in the entire State would stop “but today he is reinventing the same ignoble practice.”

The PDP Youth Leader advised labour leaders in the state to immediately seek national support should the governor perfect his plans and resort to intimidation and harassment.

Read Also: Bill Gates Offered House Of Reps $10m Bribe For Speedy Passage Of Compulsory Vaccine Bill – CUPP Alleges

He enjoined them not to be compromised by the Governor who is known throughout the country for owing workers.

The PDP youth leader wondered why the governor who is a Muslim should resort to depriving people their entitlements in a sacred month of Moslem fasting that encourages ZAKAT.

He challenged Governor Bello to declare Kogi workers’ wage bill and stop claiming allocation shortfall as a reason for non or part payment.

“It is worthy of note that other state governments are paying complete and regular salaries received from the same national allocation.

“The Kogi State governor who spent months in a protracted workers’ screening exercise upon assuming office in 2016, is expected to have stabilized the state workforce and wage bill by now to ease regular salary payments.

“Kogi stands as a state in the country with the highest number of mineral resources with the capacity to pay her workers regularly from Internally Generated Revenues. However, these gold-mine opportunities in the state are not effectively tapped into by the government of Alhaji Yahaya Bello,” he said.

Bill Gates Offered House Of Reps $10m Bribe For Speedy Passage Of Compulsory Vaccine Bill – CUPP Alleges

3

The Coalition of United Political Parties (CUPP), on Monday, alleged that it has intercepted a human intelligence report that the Nigeria House of Representatives leadership was poised to forcefully pass the compulsory vaccine bill without subjecting it to the traditions of legislative proceedings.

In a statement issued and signed by the spokesperson of the opposition political parties, Barrister Ikenga Imo Ugochinyere and sent to DAILY POST in Abuja on Monday, the body urged lawmakers in the lower chamber to rise against impunity.

The body in the statement alleged that a sum of $10 million was offered by the American Computer Czar, Bill Gates for influence the speedy passage of the bill without recourse to legislative public hearing, at the development they averted as anachronistic, adding that the Speaker, Femi Gbajabiamila should be impeached if he forces the bill on members.

The statement read:

“Opposition Coalition (CUPP) has intercepted very credible intelligence and hereby alerts Nigerians of plans by the leadership of the House of Representatives led by Femi Gbajabiamila to forcefully and without adherence to the rules of lawmaking to pass the Control of Infectious Diseases Bill 2020 otherwise known as the Compulsory Vaccination Bill which is proposing a compulsory vaccination of all Nigerians even when the vaccines have not been discovered.

Read Also: Infectious Diseases Bill: Lawmakers Desperate To Force Vaccine On Nigerians – CSOs

“This intelligence is coupled with the information of the alleged receipt, from sources outside the country but very interested in the Bill, of the sum of $10 million by the sponsors and promoters of the Bill to distribute among lawmakers to ensure a smooth passage of the Bill.

“This will manifest in a wishy-washy public hearing which the promoters still insist on cancelling under the pretext of containment of the spread of the coronavirus. The intelligence is that the House will under whatever guise pass the Bill tomorrow 5th May 2020 upon resumption.

“The Nigeria opposition rejects the Bill and urges opposition lawmakers in the House of Representatives to confront the Speaker of the House with these facts tomorrow at plenary and resist every plan to illegally pass the Bill.

“We have been informed that the alleged deal on the passage of the Bill was struck during a trip to Austria a few months back while the financial support for the promotion of the Bill was allegedly received last week to mobilize for a push leading to the hurried attempt to pass the Bill by any means necessary.

“Nigerians are reminded that at present, there is no discovered/approved vaccine anywhere in the world and one now begins to wonder why the hurry to pass a Bill for a compulsory vaccine when there is none.

“What if the world eventually does not find a vaccine or cure for coronavirus just like it has not found a cure for HIV AIDS? What is the hurry in passing a Bill based on speculation or is there anything else the leadership of the House would want to tell Nigerians? Is this bill what will stop the mass deaths and infections rising in Lagos, Kano, Abuja, Gombe, Borno, Kaduna, Ogun, Bauchi and indeed all over the country?

“Is this Bill going to revive and grow the economy and reduce hunger and give us more testing kits or bed spaces? Is this Bill going to stop the stealing of palliatives meant for poor and vulnerable Nigerians? Is it true that all these noises for the Bill is all for the alleged $10 million?

“The leadership of the House needs to start speaking now on why the hurry when there are a lot of urgent Bills to be passed which are not being attended to.

“Where is the Bill to make the wearing of face masks compulsory now that the Federal Government has against all wisdom insisted on easing the lockdown and the people have trooped out already without obeying the health regulations that will make them safe?

“Where are the economic revival Bills to protect jobs and vulnerable Nigerian workers whose livelihoods are threatened daily by this pandemic? Where are the Bills to compel the Federal Government to look inwards and encourage emergency research for the manufacture of essentials like test kits, ventilators, Personal Protective Equipment, vaccines, drugs, masks, sanitizers etc

“All opposition lawmakers should prove they are not part of the evil or partakers of the financial inducement and confront Speaker Femi Gbajabiamila to come clean.

“Let all parliamentary rules be dropped and opposition members should turn the House upside down using their parliamentary privileges if that is what it takes to stop this foreign-sponsored Bill.

“Why make a law for a vaccine that has not been discovered? Does it mean that Femi Gbajabiamila and the promoters have an idea of the vaccine and when it will be ready? When nations like Madagascar are making local remedies which are working, APC is making a law to compulsorily inject Nigerians with vaccines our former slave masters have not yet discovered.

“The plan to push the passing of the bill is evil

“The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control, NCDC did not make any contributions to the drafting of the Bill and has even told Femi Gbajabiamila to suspend the Bill as the timing is very wrong but Mr Gbajabiamila believes he can secure the silence and acquiescence of the NCDC with all the illegal powers been provided for the NCDC in the Bill hence he still wants to push ahead with it the passage.

“Like we told the Federal Government before, do not bring Chinese doctors, shut our external borders, do not ease the lockdown, do not relax Kano lockdown and they refused to heed to wise counsel preferring to play myopic politics with the lives of Nigerians, today the community transmission is getting worse and it has almost been confirmed that the so-called strange deaths in Kano of hundreds of citizens is a result of the COVID-19.

“We are saying loudly again and calling on House of Representatives to suspend this Control of Infectious Diseases Bill and await for proper input and scrutiny after the pandemic and charge all efforts towards giving the needed support to reduce the spread and find a homegrown solution.”

Infectious Diseases Bill: Lawmakers Desperate To Force Vaccine On Nigerians – CSOs

1

Over forty Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) in Nigeria, on Tuesday, alerted that the House of Representatives was acting too fast in its bid to pass the Control of Infectious Diseases Bill.

The bill to make vaccines compulsory was co-sponsored by the Speaker, Femi Gbajabiamila, Reps Pascal Obi and Tanko Sununu.

The Coalition of United Political Parties (CUPP) already alleged that the Green Chamber of the National Assembly had been offered money to pass the bill despite no input from stakeholders.

The bill passed first and second reading at plenary under controversial circumstances.

The CSOs, in a joint statement by Centre for Democracy and Development, Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre, Say No Campaign, Amnesty International, Yiaga Africa, Human and Environmental Development Agenda, International Press Centre, among others, said the bill almost passed third reading in April before it was resisted by some vigilant members.

The civil society community opined that the legislative and policy measures currently being implemented in response to the COVID-19 pandemic are inadequate to respond to and manage the challenge of infectious diseases with grave implications on the country.

The coalition lamented the House of Representatives’ attempt to give accelerated passage to such critical legislation like the Control of Infectious Diseases Bill without consultation and inputs from relevant stakeholders and the public.

Read Also: Fresh Lockdown Looms As Nigerians Violate Preventive Measures

“We understand that the House is resolute to pass the bill and it has fixed Tuesday, May 5, 2020, for the presentation of the report of the Committee of the Whole and clause by clause voting on the bill without public hearing or consultation with relevant stakeholders.

“This runs contrary to the principles of effective and inclusive lawmaking.

“The Bill violates key principles of legislative drafting rules mandating laws to be simple, clear and unambiguous.

“This leaves room for a significant amount of discretion on the part of the implementing authorities and limits the rights of citizens and respective institutions to question decisions taken in the exercise of the powers provided in the Bill.

“There is, therefore, the need to clearly define the terms used, the extent of powers granted, and penalties for breach.

“For instance, the proposed Bill makes an attempt to define ‘surveillance’ in its interpretation section but fails to provide a clear definition on the reach and extent of the power to demand public health surveillance program and regulating framework.

“Throughout, the Bill is referred to as an “Act” implying that the proposed document is already an enacted legislation (Act). In addition, the Bill does not define who constitutes a health worker, which, as defined in the Bill, as anyone appointed by the Director-General.

“In addition, we have concerns with Clause 74(1) and (2), which deals with the collection of fees, charges and moneys, and some payments to be made to the Consolidated Fund or the agency,” they said.

They demanded that the House of Representatives subject the bill to public scrutiny by embarking on stakeholder consultations and a public hearing to harness public inputs into the legislation.

The coalition asked the House to utilize the opportunity provided by the reviewed lockdown policy to consult with relevant stakeholders and the people.

They called for a review of all provisions of the bill that foster inter-agency conflicts and abuse of power and undermine constitutionally guaranteed rights and are contrary to the rule of law and Nigeria’s international human rights obligations.

“It is important to note that while we understand the importance of a legislative framework that guarantees an effective response to public health crises, we must do so within the rule of law and in conformity with the Constitution and Nigeria’s international human rights obligations. democratic principles”, the CSOs added.

Abia Gov’t At Alert Over Suspected Movement Of ALMAJIRIS Into State

0

The Abia State Government says it has received intelligence reports on the planned movement of a group of almajiris from another state into the state within the next 24 hours.

According to a statement made available to ABN TV, signed by the Commissioner for Information, Chief John Okiyi Kalu, reports available to the government indicate that they are leaving their state Monday night to arrive Abia State Tuesday.

Also Read: NCDC Urged To Step Up Testing, Establish More COVID-19 Testing Centres

The State Governor, Dr Okezie Ikpeazu, has therefore directed all security agencies in the state, especially those posted to inter-state boundary communities, members of the State and LGAs enforcement task force teams as well as the inter-ministerial committee on COVID-19, to ensure that within this period of the subsisting border closure necessitated by the coronavirus pandemic, no individual or group is allowed to enter the state, aside from those duly exempted, from any other part of the country.

“The Governor also directs men and officers of the State Homeland Security Ministry to deploy immediately to relevant inter-state boundary communities to ensure there is no unauthorized entry.

“We wish to reemphasize that traditional rulers and TC Chairmen of inter-state boundary communities will be held responsible and sanctioned for any such unauthorized entry into the state. All necessary lawful measures must be taken to stop the entry of not only the almajiris but also other unlawful migrants into the state till the FG-backed inter-state border closure regulation put in place to control spread of COVID-19 from one state to another is lifted” he stated.

Fresh Lockdown Looms As Nigerians Violate Preventive Measures

1

The Director-General of the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), Chikwe Ihekweazu has warned Nigerians of risking a fresh lockdown if they continue to violate some health guidelines.

Ihekweazu made this known while speaking at the presidential task force briefing on COVID-19 in Abuja on Monday, stating that new cases of the virus may arise if people continued to flout the health directives in some parts of the country where the lockdown was eased.

He said that the Federal government might be forced to impose a fresh lockdown if there are more cases of coronavirus.

Read Also: Abia Gov’t Discharges One COVID-19 Patient, Awaits Results Of 44 Others

He said “How do we want to manage the risk of explosion and transmission?

”Today, we might forgive a little bit because it is the first day.

“We will definitely have more cases because of what happened today, no doubt about that.

“But how can we learn from the mistakes of today into tomorrow, next tomorrow so by Friday hopefully, we have normalised some of these things.

“Yes, we knew today would be a problem because, for the first time, people were let out of their homes but now they are out and we have seen the sunlight again, the challenge for us as a society is how do we now organise ourselves to mitigate these risks and limit transmission?

“We might have a few extra infections today and tomorrow but what we don’t want is an explosion of new infections.

“If the cases of the virus infection increases, there will be almost no choice left for the leadership of the country than to ask all of us to go back into our homes.

“So for the benefit of coming out to reopen parts of the economy, there is a price to pay which is to reorganise ourselves to do this safely.”

Recall that the lockdown in Lagos, Ogun and FCT ended on Monday as residents were allowed to resume work.

However, DAILY POST gathered that some commercial buses, popularly known as ‘Danfo’ flouted the Lagos State transportation guidelines. Pictures and videos of Nigerians overcrowding in public places also emerged online.

Abia Gov’t Discharges One COVID-19 Patient, Awaits Results Of 44 Others

1

The Abia state government has announced the discharge of one of the two confirmed patients of COVID-19 in the state as at about 4:35pm on Monday.

The discharge from the isolation centre according to the State Government came after the patient tested negative to the disease two consecutive times, adding that the other is in a stable medical condition.

In a release signed by the Commissioner for Information, Chief John Okiyi Kalu on Monday, all the samples taken from contacts of the two index cases and sent to NCDC returned negative results, adding that the government is expecting results for 44 other samples sent for testing and will communicate the outcome once they return from NCDC.

Also Read: Abia Mobile Court: Violators Of Lockdown To Engage In Community Service, Fine Payment

“Starting from this week, our Epidemiologists will commence active case search in all the LGAs in the state to ensure that no case in the state goes undetected.

In order to avoid total economic collapse of the state with the consequent possible social structure breakdown, stakeholders in the state, including the clergy, medical experts, commercial transporters, civil society, and market leaders, met with the Governor and members of the state’s inter-ministerial committee on COVID-19 on Friday, May 1, 2020, and agreed on a phased relaxation of some of the existing prevention/control measures in the state as occasioned by the outbreak of COVID-19 in the country.

“While the dusk to dawn (6pm – 6am) curfew imposed by the state government has ended, the one ordered by the federal government (8pm – 6am) will become operative in the state and the rest of the country from Monday, May 4, 2020.

“Security agents and members of COVID-19 Enforcement Taskforce have been directed to arrest and prosecute anyone who leaves his/her house without wearing a face mask.

Also Read: Hon. Ogbulogo Our Bonafide Member, Abia North APC Insists [VIDEO]

“The closure of our boundaries with neighboring states remain in force till further notice.

“Vehicles that breach the curfew imposed by the federal government are to be confiscated and the passengers kept in quarantine at the nearest appropriate medical facility or handled as may be advised by members of the enforcement task force.

“Government has noted with dismay the unpatriotic activities of some traders who open markets at dawn to attend to buyers from mostly outside the state, with particular reference to Kent Street, Aba, Ariaria International Market, Asa Nnentu and Ohiya Spare Parts Market, and wish to warn those engaged in such practices to cease from it forthwith or face the full wrath of the law which will include the sealing of such shops.

“Henceforth, traditional rulers and village heads of boundary communities in the state that permit vehicles and persons from neighboring states into our territory will be dethroned and tried for beach of the state’s COVID-19 regulations.

“All schools in our state remain closed till further notice and parents/guardians are encouraged to be part of the education of their children/wards by preparing and connecting them to the ongoing “Radio Classroom” Program currently aired on BCA 88.1 FM Umuahia and Real 99.1 FM from 8am weekdays. We are making efforts to ensure that all private and government-owned radio stations in Abia State join this program to deepen the reach and ensure that we minimize the effect of the fight against Coronavirus on our top-performing school children.

“All transporters in our state are advised to abide strictly by the guidelines issued on face masks, sitting arrangements, and permissible number of passengers at every given time or risk the impoundment of their vehicles and prosecution of the drivers and passengers.

“All civil servants should await further guidance from the State Head of Service on date of resumption of work as well as associated conditions.

“All markets previously closed in the state remain closed until all formalities regarding the new operating rules are agreed to between the market unions and the inter-ministerial committee on COVID-19,” he said.

Nigeria Confirms 245 New COVID-19 Cases, Total Now 2802

0

The Nigeria Center for Disease Control NCDC has confirmed 245 new cases of coronavirus (COVID-19)

Fish Out Those Who Destroyed Govt Facilities Now, Police Tell Ohafia Community Leaders [VIDEO]

1

Following the reported destruction government facilities, especially a police station located in Ebem Ohafia, Abia state as well as customary and high court in the community in protest over the killing of a native, Friday Arunsi by a team of policemen recently, the police authority has urged leaders of the community to produce all those who took part in the wanton destruction.

ABN TV reports that this advise was given to the traditional rulers in the community and village heads on Monday by the head police investigative panel and the DIG, Force Criminal Intelligence Anthony Ogbizi, who visited the scene of crime along with the Abia State Commissioner of Police, CP Janet Agbede and the AIG in charge of Zone 9 Umuahia, Baba Tijani.

DIG Ogbizi who accused the community of shielding their sons who allegedly committed arson while stating that the police are not weak to deploy the maximum weight of the law insisted that the culprits will not go unpunished.

Also Read: Policemen Involved In Ohafia Shooting Acted Under Influence Of Alcohol – Abia CP

According to the DIG, the police are treating the matter with all needed seriousness, adding that his presence in the community indicates that.

While stating that the police constable who pulled the trigger on the late Mr. Arunsi has been arrested with the team of policemen who were with him on the fateful day, DIG Ogbizi emphasized that the police is transparent in the handling of the issue.

He said the police exercised restraint on the account they are not interested in shielding blood, appealing that all those who looted police weaponry should be fished out in order not to stir the law into anger.

Also Read: Perpetrators Of Ebem Ohafia Disturbances Not Aggrieved — Investigation [VIDEO]

He underlined that Ohafia is blessed with illustrious sons and daughters who can prevail on the leaders of the community to fish out perpetrators of the crime, wondering why they are quiet, saying this is an endorsement of the crime by the community.

Watch The Video Below..

https://youtu.be/TlhdCJFBARs

BREAKING: Abia Gov’t Makes U-turn, Says It Has Not Eased Lockdown, Thanks EEDC, Others For Donation

0

Few days after announcing the gradual ease of lockdown in Abia State, the government has reversed itself, saying lockdown still persists in the state to curb the spread of coronavirus, ABN TV reports.

In a release signed by Secretary to Abia State Governnment/Chairman, Abia State Covid-19 Committee, Barr. Chris Ezem on Thursday, the government is working out modalities to ease out the lockdown.

“Lockdown has not been eased out in Abia State. Government is working out modalities and Guidelines to ease out the lockdown.

“Accordingly, Government lockdown subsists in the state and the curfew by the Federal Government of Nigeria from 8pm to 6am applies in Abia State from today.

“Sequel to the above, all our borders remain closed including inter-state movement. On the other hand, Government has not lifted ban on burials, markets, transporter, keke and public gatherings until laid down modalities are worked out with relevant Government offices.

“Government will continue to enforce use of face mask and prosecute offenders before the Mobile Court” he said.

Abia State Government also expressed appreciation to those who have donated material and cash donations as support in the fight against Covid-19 in the State:

The include:
1. NIGERIA CENTRE FOR DISEASE CONTROL, ABUJA

2. ABIA STATE UNIVERSITY UTURU

3. NIGERIA BREWERIES PLC

4. UNITED BANK FOR AFRICA

5. GREGORY UNIVERSITY

6. CHRISNAK FOUNDATION

7. INNER GALAXY COMPANY LTD

8. ABIA COMETS FC

9. MR. ENYINNAYA NWAFOR

10. MR. BASIL & MRS GLORIA ONYENUCHEYA

11. 7-UP BOTTLING COMPANY NIG. LTD

12. ASSOCIATION OF MEDICAL LABORATORY SCIENTISTS OF NIGERIA

13. BASIL OGBUANU, Ph.D, MD/CEO, SECOND COMING NIG.

14. SERVING CORPS MEMBERS IN ABIA STATE

15. CRUNCHES FRIED CHICKEN

16. ACADEMIC STAFF UNION OF UNIVERSITY (MOUAU)

17. Antouun Abdelehad manager lotto,Aba.

18. SIR C. Y NWANKWO

19. EEDC

20. Chief Uche-Sylva Aladi(OKENWA URUALLA)

21. ASSIOCIATION OF EDUCATION SECRETARIES ABIA STATE

22. ABA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE, INDUSTRY, MINES & AGRICULTURE (ACCIMA)

23.ASSOCIATION OF NATIONAL ACCOUNTANT OF NIGERIA, ABIA STATE CHAPTER

24. R & S LOTTO LIMITED

25. ABIA WARRIORS FC, UMUAHIA

26. ENYIMBA FC ABA

The release also added, “Security Agencies and various State and Local Government Enforcement Teams must ensure continued compliance with the lockdown and curfew in the State. All Local Government Authorities across the state must strengthen their Enforcement Teams immediately.

“Restaurant and Eateries must remain closed in compliance with the curfew.

“Finally, Government sues for the continued understanding steadfastness of Ndi Abia in our renewed fight against Covid-19 pandemic in the State.”

JUST IN: We’ve Agreed To Use Patients From Nigeria For Clinical Trial Of COVID-19 Vaccine – PTF

0

Nigeria has signified interest to be part of a global trial test of the vaccines developed for the treatment of coronavirus, the Presidential Task Force (PTF) on coronavirus (COVID-19) disclosed on Monday.

Already, Nigeria has informed the World Health Organisation (WHO) that it wants to be part of the global solidarity trial of the medicines being tried to tackle the COVID-19 pandemic.

Also Read: Bishop Kukah Donates 30-Room Hotel As Isolation Centre In Sokoto

Speaking at the daily press briefing of the PTF in Abuja, both the National Coordinator of PTF, Dr. Sani Aliyu, and the Minister of Health, Dr. Osagie Ehanire, said Nigeria would be part of the global trial and its patients would be used for the clinical trials.

The national coordinator said the manufacturers of the product had reached out to Nigeria from the United States to be part of the test.

Dr. Aliyu said: “We have also expressed interest in being involved in Oxford trial of the vaccine and we have been reached by the manufacturer of Remdesivir; which is the new drug the US provided, to see whether we can look at using it for our patients. We are looking at that from a clinical trial perspective.”

Also, the Health Minister said: “We have indicated interest to the World Health Organisation to be part of the global solidarity trial of medicines being tried to tackle the COVID-19 pandemic and efforts are on to also conduct research here in Nigeria.

“Other drugs can be added to the trials based on emerging evidence. In all this, we shall ensure the maintenance of ethical standards and the safety of our people.

I wish to recognize our healthcare workers who are at the frontlines, for your commitment and to reiterate the importance of maintaining high personal safety standards and infection prevention and control protocols at your workplace. This not only protects you but your family. We shall ensure more personal protective equipment for you and urge you to ensure its judicious use.”

Also Read: Coronavirus Crisis May Only Last 6 To 10 WEEKS In Some Countries, Says Bill Gates

The WHO Country Representatives, Fiona Brakar, said the COVID-19 vaccine would probably be available between 12 and 18 months to the date the virus was reported by China, saying that the first vaccine trial started as early as 60 days after the genetic sequencing information from the virus was shared by China.

With about 89 products currently under vaccine production, with the accelerated efforts, and an expedited process, she said the first product might be available 12 to 18 months.

She said: “Research in going on globally, to study genetics, of the virus and by styling the genetics of the virus, this helps us to develop a vaccine. Thanks to the rapid sharing of genetic sequencing data from countries, we are able to advance the production of the vaccine. We do acknowledge the contributions of countries in sharing their genetic sequencing data, including Nigeria.

“The first vaccine trial started as early as 60 days after the genetic sequencing information from the virus was shared by China. And we have about 89 products that are currently under vaccine production. The number keeps getting updated because there is an accelerated process going on globally to try and found a vaccine.”

Latest News

Popular News Now