BREAKING: IGP Summons SARS Personnel For Psychological Examination

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October 13, 2020

The Abia State Governor, Dr Okezie Ikpeazu, has highlighted the efforts his administration has continued to make to contain the outbreak of COVID-19 in the state in order to flatten the curve, describing the state as the only one with 16-Modular GenXpert equipment and highest testing capacity in the entire South East region.

Dr. Ikpeazu who stated this during the commissioning of the Abia Care Center – a 50-Bed Isolation facility with Molecular Laboratory donated by the Concerned Abia Professionals to the Federal Medical Center, Umuahia, disclosed that the survival rate at the State owned isolation facility in Amachara is more than 99% making the State one of those with the highest COVID-19 survival rates in the country.

The Governor represented by his Deputy, Sir Ude Oko Chukwu, further disclosed that the State Government provided a total of 209 fully equipped bed spaces for isolation and treatment of COVID-19 patients in both Amachara, Umuahia and Aba including a holding facility at Amachara while there is, at least, one sample collection centre in all 17 LGAs of the State with trained surveillance team.

He stated that at the two major testing centers located in both Umuahia and Aba, Government deployed two units of 4 modular GenXpert and one PCR Machine in Umuahia and a 16-modular GenXpert equipment in Aba.

The State Chief Executive also said that with the confirmation of the index cases of Covid-19 at FMC Umuahia, the State Government, apart from mobilizing critical equipment and resources to support the hospital, also put in place a special allowance for the Frontline workers trained by NCDC in conjunction with the State Government that managed the response.

Dr. Ikpeazu used the forum to announce that the government in 2017 established a first-of-its-kind telehealth facility in the State which served as the communication and response center in the fight against Covid-19 and have since expanded available services at the center to include online medical consultation via video between patient and doctor through a special application developed in the State.

The Governor further disclosed that to further cushion the effect of the lockdown on the people, the administration distributed eight rounds of palliatives to citizens including food items, protective equipment and cash to vulnerable persons through channels like the State geriatric services’ agency, religious organizations, town unions, women groups, physically challenged groups, student bodies, market unions, road transport unions and local government authorities.

He commended the initiator of the Abia Care Center project, Mrs Ngozi Ekeoma, and her team, for the work they have done in establshing the project in the State and assured that Government will do everything in its power to assist FMC Umuahia to ensure that the facility is put into good use. Applauding private and public organizations that have supported the state in the fight against the virus, the Governor also commended the frontline workers who made sacrifices to ensure that the people of the state were protected from the virus.

Earlier in his address, the Minister of State for Health, Senator Dr Adeleke Mamora, while lauding the synergy between the Federal and State Governments, Abians in the Diaspora and other professionals for coming together to support government through selfless services, thanked all that contributed to the success of the project along with the CMD of FMC Umuahia, Dr Onyebuchi Azubuike, for his efforts in making the new centre a reality.

In their remarks, the Senator representing Abia South Senatorial District. Sen. Enyinnaya Abaribe and Member representing Ikwuano/Umuahia Federal Constituency, Chief Sam Onuigbo, described the project as a reminder of the need for Abians to be patriotic and put Abia first in whatever they do as well as be passionate about her development. They commended the commitment of members of concerned Abia Professionals in delivering the project.

Also speaking, the Director-General, Nigerian Center for Disease Control, NCDC, Dr Chikwe Ihekweazu said the successful commissioning of the new Abia Care Center for Covid-19 patients and those of other diseases exemplified the true spirit of Abians rallying around their State irrespective of political differences for the common good of the people.

Earlier, in her address, the initiator of the Abia Care Center, Mrs Ngozi Ekeoma said she was led to undertake the project sited in FMC Umuahia in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic and the need for Abians and all to give back to the society by being patriotic, and lauded all that contributed to the success of the project which will serve as a benchmark for the replication of more of such projects in the State.

The highlight of the occasion included the commissioning and signing of MOU between Concerned Abia Professionals and FMC Umuahia,

Arrest Officers Who Killed #ENDSARS Protesters – Senate Orders Police

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October 13, 2020

The Senate has ordered the Police to arrest officers who fatally shot End SARS protesters.

The Red Chamber of the National Assembly made the call on Tuesday during plenary.

At least, six people have been killed and scores wounded.

Senator Buhari Abdulfatai presented a motion on the death of a member of his constituent, Jimoh Isiaka and attack on the Palace of Soun of Ogbomoso, Oba Oladunni Oyewumi.

The lawmakers observed a minute silence in honour of Isiaka and other Nigerians that lost their lives to police brutality.

Senate President, Ahmad Lawan, declared that the conduct of Special Anti-Robber Squad (SARS) was not acceptable.

He regretted that their actions will be noted in Nigeria’s history.

“The entire essence of the Nigeria Police Force is to ensure there are law and order and when SARS turned against the people, it was right for the people to protest.

“The protest has yielded the desired result so far and there won’t need to continue again when SARS has been disbanded. Those culprits who are involved in the killings should be brought to book.”

Senator Ifeanyi Ubah commended the Inspector General of Police, Mohammed Adamu, for disbanding the Unit.

Senator Rochas Okorocha urged the Senate to request the immediate release of all protesters arrested to allow for peace between the government and the people.

BREAKING: Cristiano Ronaldo Tests Positive To COVID-19

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October 13, 2020

Cristiano Ronaldo has been ruled out of Portugal’s clash with Sweden after testing positive for coronavirus.

The Portuguese Football Federation confirmed the news in an official statement on Tuesday, which reads: “Cristiano Ronaldo was released from training with the national team after a positive test for Covid-19, so he will not face Sweden.

“The Portugal international is doing well, without symptoms, and in isolation.went new tests on Tuesday morning, and all produced a negative result and are available to Fernando Santos for training this afternoon.”

Cristiano Ronaldo will sit out Portugal’s Nation’s League meeting with Sweden on Wednesday night as he begins a ten-day period of self-isolation.

The 35-year-old is also set to miss Juventus’ trip to Crotone in Serie A this weekend, as well as their Champions League group stage opener against Dynamo Kiev on October 20.

He played the full 90 minutes of Portugal’s 0-0 draw with 2018 World Cup winners France on Sunday, winning his 167th international cap in the process.

That result ensured that Fernando Santos’ side stayed top of League A, Group 3 on goal difference ahead of Les Bleus, with Croatia four points further back in third.

Ronaldo had been in top form prior to the clash with France, scoring three goals in his first two appearances at the start of Juve’s latest domestic campaign.

He was, however, denied the chance to add to that tally when the Bianconeri’s home fixture against Napoli on October 4 was postponed in controversial fashion.

#EndSARS: Daddy Freeze Slams Churches, General Overseers Over Silence

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October 13, 2020

Popular broadcaster, Ifedayo Olarinde aka Daddy Freeze has hit out at the Churches and their leaders who are yet to lend their voices in the ongoing #EndSARS campaign against police brutality in Nigeria.

Taking to his Twitter page, The Lagos-based On-Air Personality acknowledged others who have spoken out and pleaded with the rest to publicly come out and stand for the people like late American Christian minister and activist, Martin Luther King Jr, did for his own people.

He wrote;
”The silence from the Churches/GOs regarding #EndSARS is so loud! Except for a few that spoke earlier, everyone else in church leadership is so conspicuously silent? Please, I plead with you, Stand with the people as Martin Luther King did! He was a reverend! ~FRZ #SARSMUSTEND”

https://abntv.com.ng/2020/10/fg-accepts-5-point-demand-of-endsars-protesters/

FG Accepts 5-Point Demand Of #EndSARS Protesters

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October 13, 2020

The presidential panel on police reform has accepted the five-point demand of the #EndSARS protesters.

Over the past few days, there have been renewed calls for the scrapping of the special anti-robbery squad (SARS) of the Nigeria police force over reports of brutality and extrajudicial killings.

Following the protest, Mohammed Adamu, inspector-general of police (IGP), had disbanded the SARS unit.

President Muhammadu Buhari had also issued a directive, calling for a reform of the police force.

According to a statement issued on Tuesday by Femi Adesina, presidential spokesman, a meeting convened by the IGP with stakeholders agreed to meet the demands, which include halting the use of force against protesters and unconditional release of arrested citizens.

Senate Chamber Will Soon Have 50% of Women – Lawan

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October 13, 2020

PRESIDENT of the Senate, Senator Ahmad Lawan said on Tuesday that very soon, the Senate Chamber will be made up fifty per cent of female representation. Speaking at Plenary as part of moves to commemorate the 2020 International Day of the Girl Child, President of the Senate said, ” one day, very soon, this chamber will have fifty per cent of the female.”

Lawan who stressed the need for gender empowerment said that girls should be educated to enable them to be leaders of tomorrow and for a better Nigeria.

According to him, the girl- child needs to be protected from violence considering the several cases of rape happening in the Country. Lawan said, “The country is doing very poorly in gender equality. Young girls should be educated to enable them be leaders of tomorrow.”

Source

#EndSARS: KCEE, Phyno, Zoro Takeover Enugu Streets (Photos, Video)

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October 13, 2020

As the protest against Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) operation continues across the country, popular musicians have taken over the street of Enugu to vent their grievances against the police unit.

ABN TV reports that among those who joined in the Tuesday protest include KCEE, Phyno, Zoro and others.

Recall that despite the announcement of disbandment of the squad by the Inspector General of Police, IGP Mohammed Adamu on Sunday, the protest against SARS has continued nationwide.

https://youtu.be/MX28k3ig5O4

BREAKING: Senate Confirms 8 New Supreme Court Justices

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October 13, 2020

The Senate has confirmed the nomination of Justice Helen M. Ogunwumiju as a Justice of the Supreme Court from the South-West geopolitical zone.

Also confirmed were Hon. Justice Lawal Garba (North West); Hon. Justice Addu Aboki (North West); Hon. Justice I. M. M. Saulawa (North West) and Hon. Justice Adamu Jauro (North East).

Others were: Hon. Justice Samuel C. Oseji (South-South); Hon. Justice Tijjani Abubakar (North East) and Hon. Justice Emmanuel A. Agim (South-South).

The confirmation the Supreme Court Justices followed consideration and approval of the report of the Chairman Senate Committee on Judiciary, Human Rights and Legal Matters, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele (Ekiti Central) at plenary.

Opeyemi, in his findings, said that the appointment of the nominees, satisfied the requirement of Sections 230 (2) and 231 (1) and (2) and (3) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended), which makes provisions for the appointment of Justices of the Supreme Court of Nigeria; and the Senate Standing Orders 2015, as amended.

He noted upon confirmation of the appointment of the nominees by the Senate, all the Geo-political Zones will be represented by 3 or 4 Justices as the case may be “except the North-Central Zone, which will maintain its current two Justices on the Bench of the Supreme Court of Nigeria.”

He added the reason why the North-Central zone has two Justices unlike other zones, can be attributed to the fact that during the selection process, the nomination from the zone was stood down by the selection committee for further review of the nomination by the Federal Judicial Service Commission.

He said that necessary steps are being taken to meet the full complement of the maximum number of Justices of the Supreme Court of Nigeria, in line with the constitutional provision.

“In this regard, one more appointment from the North-Central Zone, which is in the offing, will complete the maximum number of Justices and balance the representation, across the geo-political zones,” he said.

He noted the appointment of Eight Justices of the Supreme Court of Nigeria at one stretch, was a bold step taken by President Muhammadu Buhari to further strengthen the Judiciary to meet up with the challenges of the 21st Century, “being the first time ever, that the country will be having 20 Justices on the Bench of the Supreme Court of Nigeria.”

Nigerian Father Employs His Son As Security Man In His Company (Photos)

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October 13, 2020