Lawmaker Dies At Isolation Center After Showing COVID-19 Symptoms

By

-

June 18, 2020

Godwin Akwaji, the lawmaker representing Obudu constituency at the Cross River state house of assembly, has died after showing symptoms of COVID-19.

He was said to have died at the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital (UCTH) isolation centre around 12:30 pm on Thursday.

Akwaji, who was said to be diabetic, also exhibited fatigue, fever, cough, breathlessness.

A family source told TheCable that the deceased had been treated for malaria and pneumonia with no improvement.

Read Also: “I Built Three Rooms With Abiola’s Money” – Chioma Ajunwa

The source added that some persons who visited the lawmaker at the hospital are already showing symptoms of COVID-19.

Commenting on Akwaji’s death, Ifere Paul, a Facebook user wrote: “I spoke to Hon. Godwin Akwaji weeks before the LGA elections. He told me what a wonderful chairman I’ll make. He ended our conversation on a sad note though.

“That the establishment does not want intelligent people like me, and was afraid I might not make it because I am not somebody’s stooge. I just got information from Agba Jalingo that Hon. Akwaji is late now. He was such a nice guy. May his soul find rest.”

Cross River is the only state where any case of COVID-19 has not been confirmed in the country.

An undercover investigation by TheCable had exposed the lapses in Cross River’s effort to tackle COVID-19.

More to follow…

Lawmaker Dies At Isolation Center After Showing COVID-19 Symptoms

By

-

June 18, 2020

Godwin Akwaji, the lawmaker representing Obudu constituency at the Cross River state house of assembly, has died after showing symptoms of COVID-19.

He was said to have died at the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital (UCTH) isolation centre around 12:30 pm on Thursday.

Akwaji, who was said to be diabetic, also exhibited fatigue, fever, cough, breathlessness.

A family source told TheCable that the deceased had been treated for malaria and pneumonia with no improvement.

Read Also: “I Built Three Rooms With Abiola’s Money” – Chioma Ajunwa

The source added that some persons who visited the lawmaker at the hospital are already showing symptoms of COVID-19.

Commenting on Akwaji’s death, Ifere Paul, a Facebook user wrote: “I spoke to Hon. Godwin Akwaji weeks before the LGA elections. He told me what a wonderful chairman I’ll make. He ended our conversation on a sad note though.

“That the establishment does not want intelligent people like me, and was afraid I might not make it because I am not somebody’s stooge. I just got information from Agba Jalingo that Hon. Akwaji is late now. He was such a nice guy. May his soul find rest.”

Cross River is the only state where any case of COVID-19 has not been confirmed in the country.

An undercover investigation by TheCable had exposed the lapses in Cross River’s effort to tackle COVID-19.

More to follow…

COVID-19: We’re Tired Of Staying At Home – Students Cry Out

By

-

June 18, 2020

Students in Delta State have called on the Federal Government to consider the re-opening of schools amidst concerns of the ravaging COVID-19 pandemic.

The students said they are tired of staying at home, saying some of them have become burdens to parents.

Addressing newsmen in Asaba on Thursday, the president of the National Association of Delta State Students (NADESSTU), Godwin Saturday, regretted the setback the pandemic lockdown has caused to the academic calendar.

Mr Saturday argued that if businesses, markets, churches and mosques are allowed to operate, it was about time schools were re-opened for the continuation of the academic activities.

Read Also: Flood Sweeps Away 4-Year-Old Child In Lagos

He, however, called for the fumigation of school facilities as part of necessary safety precautions before the re-opening of schools in order to safeguard the health of teachers and students.

The NADESSTU president thanked Delta State Governor Ifeanyi Okowa for the steps taken so far by his administration to manage the pandemic in the state.

‘The association wants to thank the governor once again on his prompt response in curbing the menace of the COVID-19; even in this hard times of global economic meltdown where the price of oil has drastically reduced, he still continued with his developmental strides in the state. We want to appreciate his intervention on this struggle to help ensure peace in the state,” he said.

The student leader also appreciated health workers, the police, journalists and government employees involved in the fight against the pandemic for their hard work and sacrifices.

On the impasse between students and the state Commissioner for Higher Education, Prof Patrick Muoboghare, Mr Saturday said the vote of no confidence earlier passed on the commissioner has been lifted following the intervention of Governor Okowa through his aides on students’ affairs, Jerry Ehiwario, Francis Osedume and Ezekiel Okoh.

‘All issues raised were critically reviewed by both parties and the commissioner acknowledged the merits in the demands, prayers and agitations of the students.

‘With all issues reviewed and resolved, the association, therefore, lifts the no-confidence vote, persona non grata and ultimatum on the Commissioner for Higher Educational as we forge a new front with the ministry.

‘In view of the above, we are calling on all Delta State students and interested parties to shield their swords and ceasefire while we consolidate on the resolutions of the meeting,’ he said.

“I Built Three Rooms With Abiola’s Money” – Chioma Ajunwa

By

-

June 18, 2020

Olympic gold medallist, Chioma Ajunwa, says she built a three-room apartment with a cash gift from late businessman and politician, Moshood Abiola, in 1991.

Speaking with our correspondent on her fond memories of the late philanthropist, police officer Ajunwa said the 24-karat gold the fallen Pillar of Sports in Africa also gave her after winning two gold medals at the 1991 African Games in Cairo, Egypt was stolen same year.

Chioma Ajunwa hailed Abiola for his impact in sports and the encouragement given to sportsmen, many of who were from not well to do families.

“I don’t think there is anybody in Nigeria as far as sports is concerned that competed in the early 90s that wouldn’t have one thing or the other to say about Chief MKO Abiola. His memory still lingers in the mind of many.

Read Also: We’re Tired Of Staying At Home – Students Cry Out

“In 1991, I won two gold medals at the African Games, and when we came back, Chief Abiola did us proud. The first three rooms I built in my father’s house was from the money he gave to us. He gave me N370,000 and a 24-karat gold wristwatch, though somebody stole that wristwatch. The wristwatch was so fine and I kept it somewhere, with the case. I never wore it before it was stolen.

“I cannot forget him in a hurry; he was a man of peace and great understanding. He knew those of us in sports were from less-privileged homes and he took care of us,” Chioma Ajunwa told The PUNCH.

Chioma Ajunwa also said in honouring him, an annual sporting competition should be organised.

“Chief Abiola deserved more than the renaming of the Abuja stadium. I was happy when I heard the president renamed the stadium after him because it was long overdue, I thought past administrations should have done that, kudos to the president for doing so.

“There should be a kind of competition that will always be running in his name annually, if that is done for him, it will be very good,” she added.

Flood Sweeps Away 4-Year-Old Child In Lagos

By

-

June 18, 2020

Officials of the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency, LASEMA are carrying out a search to recover a 4-year-old child who was swept away by a flood in Lagos.

The rescue team began their search at 38 Fashola street, Papa Asafa, Orile, Agege, Vanguard reports.

The incident reportedly happened around 10 am during the torrential rainfall with attendant heavy flooding.

Director-General of LASEMA, Dr Femi Oke-Osanyintolu, confirmed the incident to the publication, saying that the agency received a distress call from a witness.

“Response team from the agency has been dispatched immediately with search and rescue operation ongoing,” Oke-Osanyintolu stated.

COVID-19: We’re Tired Of Staying At Home – Students Cry Out

By

-

June 18, 2020

Students in Delta State have called on the Federal Government to consider the re-opening of schools amidst concerns of the ravaging COVID-19 pandemic.

The students said they are tired of staying at home, saying some of them have become burdens to parents.

Addressing newsmen in Asaba on Thursday, the president of the National Association of Delta State Students (NADESSTU), Godwin Saturday, regretted the setback the pandemic lockdown has caused to the academic calendar.

Mr Saturday argued that if businesses, markets, churches and mosques are allowed to operate, it was about time schools were re-opened for the continuation of the academic activities.

Read Also: Flood Sweeps Away 4-Year-Old Child In Lagos

He, however, called for the fumigation of school facilities as part of necessary safety precautions before the re-opening of schools in order to safeguard the health of teachers and students.

The NADESSTU president thanked Delta State Governor Ifeanyi Okowa for the steps taken so far by his administration to manage the pandemic in the state.

‘The association wants to thank the governor once again on his prompt response in curbing the menace of the COVID-19; even in this hard times of global economic meltdown where the price of oil has drastically reduced, he still continued with his developmental strides in the state. We want to appreciate his intervention on this struggle to help ensure peace in the state,” he said.

The student leader also appreciated health workers, the police, journalists and government employees involved in the fight against the pandemic for their hard work and sacrifices.

On the impasse between students and the state Commissioner for Higher Education, Prof Patrick Muoboghare, Mr Saturday said the vote of no confidence earlier passed on the commissioner has been lifted following the intervention of Governor Okowa through his aides on students’ affairs, Jerry Ehiwario, Francis Osedume and Ezekiel Okoh.

‘All issues raised were critically reviewed by both parties and the commissioner acknowledged the merits in the demands, prayers and agitations of the students.

‘With all issues reviewed and resolved, the association, therefore, lifts the no-confidence vote, persona non grata and ultimatum on the Commissioner for Higher Educational as we forge a new front with the ministry.

‘In view of the above, we are calling on all Delta State students and interested parties to shield their swords and ceasefire while we consolidate on the resolutions of the meeting,’ he said.

Flood Sweeps Away 4-Year-Old Child In Lagos

By

-

June 18, 2020

Officials of the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency, LASEMA are carrying out a search to recover a 4-year-old child who was swept away by a flood in Lagos.

The rescue team began their search at 38 Fashola street, Papa Asafa, Orile, Agege, Vanguard reports.

The incident reportedly happened around 10 am during the torrential rainfall with attendant heavy flooding.

Director-General of LASEMA, Dr Femi Oke-Osanyintolu, confirmed the incident to the publication, saying that the agency received a distress call from a witness.

“Response team from the agency has been dispatched immediately with search and rescue operation ongoing,” Oke-Osanyintolu stated.

“Our Party Is Collapsing” – DG, APC Governor’s Forum

By

-

June 18, 2020

Salihu Lukman, director-general of the Progressive Governors Forum, says the All Progressives Congress (APC) is collapsing with no leader in charge.

The APC has been embroiled in a leadership crisis following the appeal court judgment upholding the suspension of Adams Oshiomhole as national chairman of the party.

While the party announced Abiola Ajimobi, former Oyo governor, as acting chairman, Victor Giadom, APC deputy national secretary, declared himself as national chairman on Wednesday.

But members of the national working committee (NWC) loyal to Ajimobi nominated Hilliard Eta, APC vice-chairman south-south, to act in the place of the former Oyo governor who is “unavoidably absent”.

In a statement on Thursday, Lukman said a national executive committee (NEC) meeting should be called over the party’s leadership crisis.

The director-general said the party needs an “organ transplant” by replacing members of the NWC who constitute a problem to the party.

Read Also: Cubana Chief Priest Arrested, Detained By Police

“It is very clear we need an organ transplant by way of replacing the members of the current NWC who constitute the problem. That the All Progressives Congress (APC) is having a leadership crisis is no longer news,” he said.

“What is news now is that the party is collapsing with no leader in charge.

“Following the appeal court ruling sustaining the suspension of Comrade Adams Oshiomhole as the National Chairman of the party, late on Monday, June 16, 2020, members of the National Working Committee (NWC) of the party started making disparate claims as to who is the acting national chairman.

“It is as if the party doesn’t have a constitution or those who operate the constitution are either ignorant of its provisions or have decided to set aside the constitution and just embark on a free for all fight. Yet, APC is the ruling party in Nigeria.”

Lukman said the party could not have people like President Muhammadu Buhari and Bola Tinubu, former governor of Lagos, and still be in a crisis.

“How can a party so blessed with experienced and very skilful leaders such as Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Chief Bisi Akande, Chief Ogbonnaya Onu, Chief Tony Momoh, etc. be incapable of resolving the problem of leadership vacancy,” he said.

“The combined moral authority of President Buhari and Asiwaju Tinubu should have involuntarily moderated the conduct of other leaders of the party, especially members of the NWC.

“Does the current APC leadership crisis, therefore, suggest the declining moral authority of our two leaders? It is very easy to reach conclusions.”

“You’ll Face The Consequences Of Your Actions”, Abia Govt Warns Churches Over COVID-19 Safety Protocols

By

-

June 18, 2020

The Abia state government has expressed dissatisfaction with activities of some churches and markets in the state, accusing them of not keeping to safety rules in curtailment of the spread of coronavirus.

ABN TV reports The Abia government accused some churches of paying lips services by flouting the 50 person maximum per stream in each service and other safety protocols.

In a statement signed by the Secretary to Abia State Government/ Chairman inter-ministerial committee on COVID-19, Barr. Chris Ezem, the government urged the affected churches and markets to get ready to face the consequences of their actions.

“It has come to the notice of Abia State Government that some churches in the state are paying lip service in total disregard to government directives and order on Covid-19 particularly as it concerns the mandatory 50 persons per stream of every church service as well as other necessary safety protocols on general hygiene, wearing of face mask and social distancing during and after church service.

Read Also: Ikpeazu Appoints Prof. Chigbu, Rector Abia College Of Health Science

“Equally worrisome is that majority of the said churches have resorted to midweek activities, children ministries etc. thereby creating multiple platforms that can fast-track the spread of the deadly pandemic in the State.

“On the other hand, an on-the-spot inspection to major markets in Aba by the State Enforcement Team revealed outright disobedience and noncompliance to virtually all the protocols and guidelines meant to curtail the spread of COVID-19 in the state.

“Consequently, Government has directed the leadership of the affected churches and other religious bodies including, enforcement teams of the various markets in the State to live up to their responsibility of ensuring total compliance to all the government protocol order on the pandemic or be ready to face full consequences of being negligent to their responsibility.

“Government, however, appreciates all law-abiding Abians for keeping faith with it in the fight against Covid-19 while reminding the general public that our Mobile Courts are on ground to prosecute all violators of the prescribed protocols on Covid-19 in the state.

“Government remains highly indebted to all our donors, front line personnel and health workers, security operatives, State and local government enforcement teams, the Press and other voluntary organizations in the State for their collective efforts at curtailing the spread of the deadly pandemic in the State” the release concluded.

BREAKING! Ikpeazu Appoints Prof. Chigbu, Rector Abia College Of Health Science

By

-

June 18, 2020

The Abia state governor, Dr Okezie Victor Ikpeazu has approved the appointment of Professor Lawrence Nwaneri Chigbu as new Rector of Abia State College of Health Science and Management Technology Aba.

Prof. Chigbu takes over from the former Rector of the college, Prof. Chidi Felix Ezeama whose tenure in office has elapsed, says Secretary to Abia State Government, Barr. Chris Ezem in a release obtained by ABN TV on Thursday.

“The appointment is effective from the expiry date of the tenure of the former Rector.

“To this end, the Governor uses this medium to thank Prof. Felix Ezeama for his positive contributions in the college and wishes him success in his future endeavours” the statement read.

1...3,6783,6793,680...4,113 Page 3,679 of 4,113

Latest News

Popular News Now