MEGA NEWS

By Magnus- 2020-05-22 15:17:20 – [ News ]

Two persons were confirmed dead while 13 others injured in an accident involving a lorry and a commercial bus along Ihiala axis of the Onitsha-Owerri Expressway in Anambra on Frida

Mr Andrew Kumapayi, State Commander, Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Anambra, confirmed the incident to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Awka.

Kumapayi said the accident which occurred at about 7.10 a.m. could be attributed to speeding and loss of control.

“According to reports, the crash involved a tipper without registration number and a commercial bus with registration number NEN-59XQ.

“An eyewitness told us that the tipper driver was negotiating into his house when the bus suddenly rammed into it. The crash occurred during a heavy downpour.

“A total of 15 persons, 10 adult males and five adult females were involved in the crash.

“Twelve persons sustained serious injuries and were taken to Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital and God’s Favour Hospital Okohia, both in Ihiala town.

“As at the time of filing this report, two victims, the driver whose leg was amputated in the crash and another victim were confirmed dead by doctors at the hospital,” he said.

Kumapayi said the rescue operation was jointly carried out by operatives of the Nigeria Police, the Department of State Services, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps and FRSC.

He said that clearing of obstruction was ongoing at the scene of the crash to ease movement of other vehicles.

The sector commander advised motorists to drive within the stipulated speed limit and shun dangerous driving that could lead to avoidable road mishap.

By Magnus- 2020-04-14 09:48:07 – [ News ]

Police Deploy Special Forces In Lagos, Ogun, Arrest 191

Following the upsurge in criminal activities in some communities in Lagos and Ogun states, the Inspector-General of Police, Mohammed Adamu, has ordered the immediate deployment of additional intelligence and operatives to strengthen security and bolster public confidence in the affected areas.

They include the Police Mobile Force, Federal Special Anti-Robbery Squad, Intelligence Response Team and the Special Tactical Squad.

Suspected hoodlums had reportedly taken advantage of the COVID-19 lockdown in the two states to break into shops and burgle homes in Aiyede, Ota, Ogun State and in the Agege and Agbado areas of Lagos State.

The Force spokesman, DCP Frank Mba, who disclosed this in a statement in Abuja on Monday, said, “A total of 191 suspects have been arrested in Lagos and Ogun states in connection with the incidents. Fifteen locally-made guns, 52 live cartridges, 42 cutlasses and axes and a large quantity of weeds suspected to be marijuana have been recovered from the hoodlums by the police teams in the Agbado, Ifo, Ota and Agege axis.”

The statement explained that the police intervention team was being coordinated by the Deputy Inspector-General of Police, Peter Ogunyanwo, who is in charge of the Department of Research and Planning of the Force and the coordinating DIG for the South-West geopolitical zone.

“He is to immediately oversee the deployments of these additional assets to enhance public safety, public confidence and general security in the two states.

“DIG Ogunyanwo can be reached through 0803 389 3226. The Control Room numbers for Lagos Command are 08127155132, 08065154338 and 07055462708 while that of Ogun Command are 08081770416 and 08081770419,” the police said.

The IG also ordered the state commissioners of police across the country to immediately rejig the security architecture in their various commands to tackle all emerging crimes associated with the COVID-19 lockdown.

Meanwhile, the Presidential Task Force on COVID-19, on Monday, met with the intelligence and security agencies to review the security strategy on the enforcement of the lockdown.

The Chairman of the task force and Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha, disclosed this while speaking with journalists at a press conference in Abuja.

Responding to a question on robbery attacks in Lagos and Ogun, Mustapha said, “This morning, we had a meeting with the intelligence and security community to review our strategies, going forward. We’ve received those reports. I’ve seen some of the clips on social media.

“I even spoke with the governor of Lagos this afternoon. They have been holding their security meetings and consulting because every governor is a chief security officer of his state.”

Source:

By magnus 2020-05-22 15:02:04 – [ News ]
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Javier Tebas
Javier Tebas is excited about LaLiga returning but said it would only resume when cleared by health authorities amidamid the coronavirus pandemic.
Reports on Thursday said LaLiga would restart on June 12 with a derby clash between Real Betis and Sevilla.
While excited about a return, LaLiga president Tebas played down the speculation.
“The clubs, managers, players, referees … of @LaLiga, we are excited about the return,” he wrote on Twitter on Thursday.
“But the competition will only start when the health authorities consider it possible … the coordination work with @deportegob, @rfef is and will be the key.”
Barcelona held a two-point lead over Real Madrid when the season was suspended in March with 11 games left to play.
Fotmob

By- 2020-05-18 18:48:06 – [ News ]

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in Adamawa, has announced the seizure of 619.08kg of psychotropics and other illicit drugs between January and May 2020.

Mohammed Idris, NDLEA’s Commander in Adamawa, said at a press briefing in Yola on Monday that the breakthrough followed the agency’s synergy with other security outfits.

He said that the command also arrested 166 drug suspects during the period under review, saying, “158 of them were male while eight were female”.

According to him, the NDLEA had been w orking in partnership with Operation Farauta, a Joint Security task Force in the state.

Idris also stated that the agency had renewed its vigour and strategies towards tackling drug challenges in all parts of the state.

“I told you earlier this year that we would employ a new strategy to tackle the drug challenges in the state; our searchlights have been on the various drug black spots,” he said.

The commander said that the agency had strategically tackled illegal drug activities in abattoirs and motor parks across the state.

“With our new strategies and cordial working relationship with other sister security operatives, a total of 619.08kg of illicit drugs and substances were seized between January and May,” he said.

He said the agency equally seized abandoned drugs in Jambutu Central Motor Park Jimeta, Fufore, Gombi and Mubi.

By Mod – 2020-04-21 14:32:06 – [ News ]

People wearing facemasks amid concerns over the COVID-19 coronavirus cross a street in Beijing on April 21, 2020. (Photo by NICOLAS ASFOURI / AFP)

China has reached an agreement with South Korea to set up a “fast track” for businesspeople to travel between the countries as Beijing looks to ease an entry ban on foreigners imposed to curb the spread of the coronavirus.
With the deadly disease spreading globally, China last month blocked almost all foreigners from entering as authorities fretted over cases being imported from abroad.

Beijing is also in talks with other countries including Singapore to set up a similar channel to stabilise economic cooperation and ensure supply chains run smoothly, foreign ministry spokesman Geng Shuang told a press briefing Tuesday.

The virus, first discovered in the central Chinese city of Wuhan in December, has since spread like wildfire and killed more than 167,000 people worldwide with cases reported in over 190 countries.

But there are signs that China is looking to relax some of its controls as the measures used to curb the pandemic place a huge economic strain on nations worldwide.

“China is in talks with relevant countries to set up fast-track channels allowing… business and technical personnel to travel,” Geng told reporters on Tuesday.

“The purpose is to stabilise important economic and trade cooperation… and to ensure the safe and smooth operation of international industrial and supply chains,” he added.

Beijing has reached a consensus with Seoul on the fast-track channel and both sides are working to implement the plan, Geng said.

China and Singapore have also discussed personnel exchanges via video conference, he said, but Geng declined to elaborate on which other countries authorities were negotiating with.

The Asian giant has tightened controls on returning travellers and drastically cut international flight routes after largely bringing its virus outbreak under control in recent weeks.

There are signs that the dramatic steps are working, with only four new imported cases of coronavirus reported Tuesday.

9′
Allaying Fears of Purported 5G Link with COVID-19
editorApril 9, 2020 3:04 Pm
The position of telecoms industry regulator and technology experts in the unfounded allegation that 5G network has some correlation with COVID-19 outbreak, will go a long way in addressing the growing fears of Nigerians, write Emma Okonji and Nosa Alekhuogie

Palpable fear gripped Nigerians last week, when unverified news on the purported 5G link with Coronavirus also known as COVID-19, was trending on social media. It was alleged that the Coronavirus that has infected over one million people and killed over 65,000 people globally, including Nigeria, was triggered by the switching on of 5G network in China.

The fear was further heightened among Nigerians, when the peddlers of the unverified information further alleged that the two weeks sit-at-home order given by the Federal Government to curb the spread of the virus, was a deliberate attempt by government to enable telecoms operators in Nigeria to complete the installation of their 5G networks across the country.

It became very obvious that the information was not correct because China had long rolled out its 5G network before the discovery of COVID-19 in December 2009 in Wuhan, an industrial city in China, from where the virus spread to other countries through physical contact and by association.

In order to douse the rising fear among Nigerians, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), the telecoms industry regulator, as well as experts in telecoms networks, including the a Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Dr. Isa Ibrahim Pantami, came out with empirical figures from various research carried out by globally authorised bodies, to prove to Nigerians that is no correlation between 5G and COVID-19. NCC therefore called on Nigerians to remain calm and discard all unverified information about the cause and spread of the Coronavirus pandemic.

About 5G

5G is a fifth generation of mobile technology, which is an improvement of today’s 4G technology with enhanced capabilities. 5G technology provides the platform for new and emerging technologies such as Internet of Things (IoT), Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Big Data to improve the way people live and work. Currently there is no 5G network in Nigeria, but the NCC, last year, approved the trial launch of 5G network in Nigeria, and permitted MTN to do a demo on 5G trial launch in three cities, Lagos, Abuja and Calabar, and the trial launch was to last for three months.

Although Nigeria has available spectrum for 5G rollout, such as the millimetre wave spectrum from 24GHz and above, but till date, NCC has not come up with the exact frame time for the actual launch of 5G network in Nigeria. It plans to auction it at the appropriate time.

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In Nigeria, the National Frequency Management Council (NFMC), chaired by the Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, has the responsibility for allocating bulk spectrum for various services.

Countries like South Korea, China, USA, Germany and others had since June 2019, launched 5G network in their various countries.

Giving the many benefit

By Mod – 2020-04-09 16:17:04 – [ News ]

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Sen. Enang
Sen. Ita Enang, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Niger Delta Affairs, says the ongoing forensic audit on the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) is not targeted at individuals.

Enang said this when he appeared on a News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) Forum on Thursday in Abuja.

He explained that President Muhammadu Buhari had ordered that a forensic audit be carried out at the NDDC to ensure value for money in projects executed.

According to him, the audit will unveil what has transpired in the region in projects executed in the last few years, with a view to making certain amendments for the benefits of people of the Niger Delta.

“The forensic audit is not going after individuals. It is going after money.

“If there had been budgets, for instance, for local refineries, programmes on agriculture, if certain amount was spent on roads and the roads were done, and the government keeps spending on the same projects, it is now time to find out through the forensic audit.

READ ALSO: COVID-19: Plateau residents in last minute shopping ahead of lockdown

“The audit will also find out whether what was done in 2013 was repeated to have been done in 2014, whether there was a process where things were done in previous years, whether there is justification for money paid in those years and to whom it was paid,’’ he explained.

Enang, however, commended the current NDDC presidential interim management for ensuring projects were inspected before giving approval for payment.

He said the present administration was working to ensure that henceforth, projects awarded by NDDC were of high quality that would serve people of the region, unlike what had happened in the past.

The presidential aide explained that 2019 and 2020 budgets were pending in the National Assembly, adding that it was the reason many projects were yet to start in the region.

According to him, until the budgets are approved by the National Assembly and assented to by the president, the NDDC will not be able to implement programmes meant for people of the Niger Delta. (NAN)

By magnus- 2020-04-09 16:02:07 – [ News ]

Landlord locks church building in order to prevent services amid coronavirus lockdown | Image: Leo Venus

The landlord of a California church has changed the locks to the church building in order prevent its pastor from defying a coronavirus lockdown.

The church, Cross Culture Christian Center led by Pastor Jon Duncan, had vowed to continue services in spite of the lockdown. Speaking with Fox 40, Duncan said the services were “protected by the First Amendment and should be considered essential.”

However, on Palm Sunday the pastor and some of his members were met by several police officers when they arrived. They were unable to enter the completely shuttered church, the Los Angeles Times reported.

The building’s owner, the nearby Bethel Open Bible Church, had “changed the locks on the doors in response” to his threats to defy coronavirus restrictions, Lodi police Lt. Michael Manetti told the paper.

The officer said that during a “fairly cordial” discussion with the pastor, they also turned away more than a dozen cars that tried to pull in for Sunday service on a day when even Pope Francis livestreamed Mass from behind closed doors.

“We understand people’s desire to practice their faith,” Manetti told the LA paper. “It’s for everyone’s welfare. We have to protect the public.”

Duncan had no idea that the locks had been changed when he arrived for services, his attorney, Dean Broyles, told the LA Times.

“The landlord did not inform my client that they were going to lock them out of the premises,” Broyles said

He said he is also planning a federal civil rights lawsuit. “The right to peaceably assemble, the free exercise of religion and freedom of speech are unalienable rights found in the First Amendment,” he said. “Constitutional rights are not suspended by a virus.”

Pastor Michael Allison of Bethel Open Bible Church said they “don’t anticipate [Cross Culture Christian Center] re-entering our building.”

“When the public health officer issued an ‘Order Prohibiting Public Assembly,’ we immediately took action to lock the building so that it would not be available for any public assembly,” Allison told the paper.

By Magnus – 2020-03-26 17:17:12 – [ News

NCDC

New cases of COVID-19 have been confirmed by the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control on Wednesday night bringing the total number of confirmed cases to 51.

Confirming the new figure on its Twitter handle, the NCDC said: “On the 25th March 25, 2020, five new confirmed cases of COVID-19 was recorded in Nigeria.

“Till date, 51 cases have been confirmed, two cases have been discharged and one death from COVID-19 recorded in Nigeria

“2 in FCT, 2 in Lagos & 1 in Rivers… 3 are returning travellers into Nigeria & 2 are close contacts of a confirmed case”

By mag – 2020-03-06 23:02:03 – [ News ]

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A map of Nigeria
The National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) says Nigeria recorded N36.152 trillion as value of total trade in 2019, representing a 14.05 per cent increase over 2018.

The bureau said this in its “Foreign Trade in Goods Statistics, Quarter Four, 2019”, released on Friday in Abuja.

However, this was lower than 36.86 per cent recorded in 2018 over 2017.

“The level of imports stood at N16.959 trillion while exports were valued at N19.192 trillion, resulting in a trade balance of N2.232 trillion.

“While imports rose by 28.8 per cent in 2019 over 2018, exports rose by only 3.6 per cent and the trade balance was 58.4 per cent less than in 2018.”

It said that in the fourth quarter of 2019, the value of total trade was N10.1 trillion, or 10.2 per cent higher than the value recorded in quarter three, 2019 and 25.9 per cent higher than in quarter four, 2018.

According to the report, Nigeria’s merchandise trade grew in quarter four, 2019 but imports rose faster, exceeding falling exports.

“The value of the export component (N4.770 trillion) fell by 9.79 per cent against quarter three, 2019 but rose by 7.06 per cent when compared with the corresponding quarter in 2018.

“On the other hand, the import component (valued at N5.349 trillion) increased by 37.20 per cent in quarter four against quarter three, 2019 and 49.34 per cent against quarter four, 2018.

“The faster increase in imports resulted in a negative trade balance of N579.06billion during the quarter under review, the first since mid- 2016.”

Giving an overview of total imports in the fourth quarter of 2019, the NBS said it stood at N5.349.63 billion, representing an increase of 37.2 per cent over the value recorded in quarter three, 2019 and 49.34 per cent over the corresponding quarter of 2018.

It added that in 2019, total imports grew by 28.8 per cent compared to 2018.

“The value of imported agricultural goods decreased by 2.8 per cent in quarter four, 2019 compared to quarter three, but rose 6.6 per cent compared to the corresponding quarter in 2018.

“The value of agricultural imports in 2019 was 12.7 per cent higher than in 2018.

“Raw material imports were 1.63 per cent higher in quarter four, 2019 compared to quarter three and 8.47 per cent higher compared to quarter four, 2018.

“Imports of raw materials grew 19.2 per cent in 2019 compared to 2018,” it said.

The report said that solid minerals imports decreased in value by 6.98 per cent in quarter four, 2019 relative to quarter three, 2019 but were higher by 5.11 per cent relative to quarter four, 2018.

However, the value of solid minerals imports rose by 28.1 per cent in 2019 compared to 2018.

The NBS said that the value of imported manufactured goods was 40.74 per cent higher in quarter four, 2019 than the level attained in quarter three 2019 and 77.50 per cent more than in quarter four, 2018.

This, it said, was due to the importation of other electrodiagnostic apparatus during the quarter.

It added that for 2019, the value of imported manufactured goods imports was 60 per cent higher than in 2018.

According to the report, the value of energy goods imports decreased by 65.27 per cent in quarter four, 2019 compared to quarter three, 2019 and by 75.86 per cent compared to quarter four of 2018.

It added that for 2019, the value of energy goods imports fell by 56.2 per cent compared to 2018.

On other oil products imports, the NBS said that they were 60.59 per cent higher in value in quarter four, 2019 than in quarter three and 2.11 per cent higher than quarter four, 2018.

“For annual 2019, the value of other oil products imports fell by 34.3 per cent relative to 2018 levels.”

For export, the NBS said total export was 9.79 per cent lower in value in quarter four, 2019 compared to quarter three, 2019 but 7.06 per cent higher relative to quarter four of 2018.

It added that i

COVID-19, also called coronavirus disease, is the name of the disease caused by a newly-discovered coronavirus.

The virus and disease were first detected in Wuhan, China on December 31, 2019, and, as of the beginning of March 2020, have led to an outbreak in over 60 countries across the globe, including the US.

While the coronavirus disease is popularly referred to as just coronavirus, coronavirus actually refers to a large family of viruses, which can cause illnesses in humans and many animals.

Some of these illnesses are rare, but severe respiratory infections, including Middle East Respiratory Syndrome, MERS; Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome, SARS, and, as most recently discovered, COVID-19.

ALSO READ: COVID-19 and social media

The christening

On February 11, 2020, the World Health Organisation, WHO, officially named this novel coronavirus COVID-19.

COVID is short for coronavirus disease. The number 19 refers to the fact that the disease was first detected in 2019, though the outbreak occurred in 2020.

The technical name of the virus that causes COVID-19 is severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2, abbreviated as SARS-CoV-2.

COVID-19 is genetically related to, but not the same as, the virus that led to the SARS outbreak in 2003. SARS is deadlier than COVID-19, but less infectious.

Coronaviruses contain RNA and are spherical. Under a microscope, the viruses appear to be surrounded by a spiky array thought to look like a corona, or crown-like shape, hence the name coronavirus.

The source of the new coronavirus is believed to be an animal. The virus spreads through droplets from the mouth and nose of a person with COVID-19 after coughing, sneezing, and exhaling.

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Other people can then pick up the virus by breathing in these droplets or coming into contact with surfaces that have been contaminated with the droplets (such as by touching an object and then touching parts of the face).

This is why it’s important to frequently wash your hands—among other practices—to reduce the risk of spreading or getting the virus.

Symptoms

Common symptoms of COVID-19 are fever, tiredness, dry cough, and difficulty breathing.

Less common symptoms experienced include aches and pains, a runny nose, and diarrhea. Some people infected with COVID-19, however, don’t show symptoms or feel sick at all.

According to the WHO, most people (80%) recover from COVID-19.

However, COVID-19 can develop into a severe illness, especially in older people or people who already have medical conditions.

Both the WHO and US governments have declared public health emergencies due to COVID-19, and experts say an official declaration of a pandemic is likely.

COVD-19 has caused over 3,000 deaths and over 90,000 cases have been confirmed around the world.

The COVID-19 situation is fast-changing.

Again, for help and information, please visit the CDC (Centres for Disease Control and Prevention) and WHO (World Health Organisation).

SOURCE: Dictionary.com

By Magnus – 2020-03-04 22:32:03 – [ News ]

Italy’s Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte (L) and Italy’s Public Education Minister Lucia Azzolina speak during a press conference held at Rome’s Chigi Palace, following the Ministers cabinet meeting dedicated to the coronavirus crisis, on March 4, 2020. – Italy closed all schools and universities until March 15 to help combat the spread of the novel coronavirus crisis. The government decision was announced moments after health officials said the death toll from COVID-19 had jumped to 107 and the number of cases had passed 3,000. Tiziana FABI / AFP.
Italy on Wednesday closed all schools and universities until March 15 as the number of deaths from the new coronavirus in the Mediterranean country hit 107.

The measure is the most restrictive response to COVID-19 of any European nation and tougher than the closure of schools — but not universities — taken by fellow Group of Seven (G7) member Japan.

Italy reported 28 more deaths on Wednesday, the highest single day total to date. The nation of 60 million people has now recorded over 3,000 cases and only trails China in terms of total fatalities.

Other measures discussed by top ministers and reported by Italian media include what promises to be an unpopular plan to play all football matches without fans for a month.

Italy has borne the brunt in Europe of a disease that is now spreading across the world faster than it is in the central Chinese region where it was first detected late last year.

The problem for the Italian government is that existing restrictions — including quarantine of 11 towns with 50,000 people in the north — have failed to stop the outbreak.

The overwhelming majority of the fatalities have occurred in Milan’s Lombardy region and the neighbouring northern area around the cities of Bologna and Venice.

But 21 of the 22 regions have now had cases and infections are slowly reaching Italy’s less wealthy and developed south.

The government reported the first death south of Rome on Wednesday. It came in the Puglia region that surrounds the city of Bari in the heel of the Italian boot on the map.

Top government minister spent hours huddling Wednesday to chart a way out of a health crisis that threatens to tip Italy’s wheezing economy into recession and overwhelm hospitals.

Most of the steps being considered involve ways to avoid crowds and keep people from coming in contact with each other outdoors.

– Crowd control –

Media reports said people will be advised to stay at least a metre (three feet) apart and to avoid crowded places whenever possible.

The traditional greetings of kissing on the cheeks or shaking hands are strongly discouraged.

Exhibits and shows are set to be rescheduled — a measure that will be especially painful for Italy’s already hard-hit hotel and restaurant industry.

Some of the government’s more mundane and common-sense measures include instructions to cough and sneeze in a handkerchief to avoid hands coming in contact with “respiratory secretions”.

Italians will also be urged to avoid sharing bottles and not to drink from the same cups and glasses.

The crowd-control measures will most directly affect football matches and could cause the most resentment in the sports-mad nation.

Italy’s Serie A has already been thrown into disarray by two weeks of postponements that have seen some clubs not play at all and others play multiple matches in a week.

Fans will even be prohibited from attending the training sessions of top teams such as Cristiano Ronaldo’s Juventus in Turin.

The government will also recommend to those over 75 to stay indoors and to avoid public places. The advice extends to those who are at least 65 and suffer from other ailments.

A top civil protection official told AFP that most of those who have died in the past few days were in their 80s and 90s and were already suffering from other pathologies.

All these measures ar

By magnus – 2020-03-04 22:17:08 – [ News ]

File photo

Mr Afolabi Taiwo, a retiree of a five-Star hotel in Lagos, has allegedly committed suicide in his home at Adamo area of Ikorodu, Lagos News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports.

NAN gathered that the victim allegedly locked up himself in his bedroom and took sniper after leaving a suicide note on his death bed.

Sources told NAN that the man allegedly took his life due to undisclosed indebtedness to a woman he borrowed money to carry out a business.

NAN learnt that he spoke with his children before the incident, advising them to watch out for the kind of woman they would marry in future, urging them to ensure that they had a good home.

“The incident happened on Sunday at Akpofure Street, Adamo, Ikorodu. The cause of his death is linked to debt and family row according to his suicide note.

“He is suspected to have swallow poison substance like sniper. The room was smelling such. He spoke with his children before locking himself up in the room.

“When the wife asked of the man from the children, she was told that their father was in his room. After knocking on the door for some minutes without reply, she used her key to open the door and met the man dead on his bed,“ a reliable source said.

When contacted, Spokesman, Lagos State Police Command, DSP Bala Elkana, confirmed the incident, saying that police from Imota removed the corpse to the mortuary for autopsy.

“The corpse has been removed and deposited in the mortuary for autopsy,” he said.

Elkana further said the police had commenced investigation into the incident.

By Magnus – 2020-01-30 06:48:02 – [ News ]

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By Emma Amaize, Regional Editor, South South

Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC
A rights group, Vanguard for Transparent Leadership and Democracy, VATLAD, yesterday, urged the Senate to reject the request by President Muhammadu Buhari to approve an Interim Management Committee, IMC, for Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, saying it was a mockery of the law.

The group also insisted that the Senate, which screened and cleared members of the Commission’s Board forwarded by the same Buhari, last year, should not be invited to approve the interim management it had asked to vacate the Commission because of its illegality..

National President of the group, Mr. Emmanuel Igbini, in a statement, said: “Having carefully analysed this request in light of the majority views of the affected people of the oil producing states of the core Niger Delta region, we patriotically demand that our distinguished Senate must rise up now in the true spirit of patriotism as it did in year 2006 against former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s third term agenda, to reject this new request by President Buhari to seek Senate’s approval for Interim Management Committee of NDDC and rejection of NDDC Board screened and confirmed by the Senate.

“This request like OBJ’s third term must be rejected in its entirety in order to save our dear country from further crisis that if allowed, would worsen national insecurity and threaten existing peace and unity.

“Unlike OBJ’s term agenda, we have stated over and over that we are convinced that President Buhari means well for the peace and development of Niger Delta region, but sadly, some very few unpatriotic Nigerians who are privileged to have access to him are deliberately misleading him to act against the Constitutional decision taken by the 9th Senate to screen and confirm his nominees for the Governing Board of NDDC.

” These persons are misleading President Buhari in order to severe the smooth relationship so far existing between him and the Senate which Nigerians view as Senate being a ‘rubber stamp’.

“These few unpatriotic Nigerians never care about the peace, unity and progress of Nigeria but only about themselves and what they can exploit from our dear country, Nigeria. They do not even care about President Buhari.

“They succeed in their unpatriotic acts only where and when there are crises in our Country which they exploit.

“These are the same people who misled Late Gen. Sani Abacha only to turn around to condemn and betray him after his death.

“These are the same people who misled Gen. Ibrahim Babangida to annul the June 12, 1993 Election only to turn around to condemn and deny him.

“These are the same people who misled President Obasanjo to pursue 3rd term only to turn around to condemn and deny him.

“These are the same people who misled President Goodluck Jonathan not to implement some positive outcomes of National Conference and some decisions of the National Assembly.”

By Magnus – 2020-01-30 06:32:10 – [ News ]

Himba Tribe

They give s*x for free to their guests and also they adorn newborn with bead necklaces.

As if these are not enough, the tribe lives in isolation and is wary of external contacts.

The people work hard to ensure that their beliefs and culture is not contaminated in any form by outsiders.

You can see why we are curious to know this people who have not accepted civilization.

The Himba people are predominately livestock breeders and farmers while their women are preoccupied with gathering firewood, cooking and serving meals and sourcing for freshwater.

Some of the villagers are socially inclined and very religious, reversing and worshiping their ancient gods.

Polygamy is welcome and young girls are married off at their early ages.

Though polygamy is not peculiar in Africa, it is practiced widely on the continent.

However, not taking their bath is strange. Before you are taking aback, the reason why they don’t bath with water is because of the harsh climatic situation in their region.

The Himba people lives in one of the most extreme environments; the harsh desert climate and the lack of potable water are the reasons why this tribe have difficulty getting a bath.

Their lack of bath routine doesn’t mean that they look less pretty. When you find them on their traditional attire, they look great while some have their bodies exposed like the women.

Since the taking of a bath is difficult, they make use of the red ochre on their skins and then make use of a daily smoke bath in order to maintain their hygiene.

A shouldering charcoal is dropped into a bowl filled with herbs and the smoke is allowed to ascend and the people bow over this smoking bowl and because of heat, the body perspires and helps in washing the body.

The people are friendly to strangers and visitors but will not allow any interference in their culture.

By Magnus – 2020-01-30 07:17:05 – [ News ]

Kogi State Governor, Mr. Yahaya Bello, of All Progressive Congress (APC) was sworn into office for a second term on 27 January 2020. Bello took his first oath of office on January 27, 2016 as replacement for late Abubakar Audu, who died shortly before the declaration of the results of the election he had worn.

No doubt the November 16, 2019 governorship election in Kogi State will go down in history as the most controversial election in the history of the state and perhaps Nigeria. The election was marred with the worst violence, murder and other electoral fraud that boggles the mind. Nevertheless, Bello secured another chance to serve his people for a second term in office, but not without complaints from many quarters.
The election generated national discourse due to the alleged poor handling of the process by the electoral umpire, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the security agents, and over-zealous party stakeholders desperate to return Bello to power. There was also protest by the opposition Peoples Democratic party (PDP), which also alleged widespread rigging and manipulation of the process that led to Bello’s victory. The candidate of PDP, Mr. Musa Wada, had rejected the result and is currently at the Election Petition Tribunal sitting in Abuja to challenge Bello’s victory.

But Governor Bello had described his re-election as victory for true democrats, saying it would spur him to do more for the people of the state. In his inauguration speech, Governor Bello called on the people of the state, particularly his political opponents, to put aside all differences of politics, ideology or affiliation and join hands with him to give the state the best of governance.

Bello made the declaration on Monday at Lugard House, Lokoja, shortly after he was sworn in by the Chief Judge of Kogi State, Justice Nasiru Ajanah. He also hit the ground running by naming 17 commissioner-designates. All the commissioner-nominees have been cleared by the state Assembly and were inaugurated immediately.

According to Bello, his ‘Next Level’ in Kogi State would rely on synergy at every stage, primarily the one between the people and the government, but also with a wide array of domestic and international investors, service providers and development partners spread across the public and private sectors.

According to him, “Kogi voters have re-elected us with the most historic margin in a gubernatorial election ever seen in this state and it is now incident on us to keep our electoral promises and we shall do just that.

“We will sustain focus on agriculture for improved food security, mass employment and increase in internally generated revenue. We will take the agricultural revolution, which we started in the first term to the Next Level.”

Governor Bello also promised to build the nation’s largest ethanol plant in Kogi State for the production of ethanol fuel from cassava as this would and further expand the use of green fuels in Nigeria given that climate. He also added that outside agriculture, his administration would also pay greater attention to human capital development by investing more in training of the people for enhanced relevance in a technologically evolving future.

However, the governor’s first tenure was characterized by a series of controversies, which affected governance and development. Firstly, there was the protracted legal tussle between Bello and the former running mate to late Prince Abubakar Audu, James Faleke.

Secondly, the staff verification exercise embarked upon by his administration shortly after his inauguration also generated a lot of misgivings. Labour had accused the governor of trying to illegally lay off its members from work. In the ensuing controversy, the workers had alleged non-payment of salaries for several months. But that incidence appears to be history with the restorati

By Magnus – 2020-01-28 00:02:02 – [ News ]

Babatunde Fashola, Minister of Works and Housing, has said that state governments that desire roads must be prepared to pay compensation to citizens whose lands enter road construction plans.

NAN reports that the minister said this on Monday when he commenced a two-day inspection of highway projects in Niger.

According to him, every road project must pass through somebody’s land.

“It is the responsibility of state governments and Local Government Areas to settle these challenges so that the Federal Government can face the problem of funding the construction of these roads.

“I believe that we will help where we can; the stand of the federal government is that the states that want to see these roads delivered must deal with these challenges.

“One of the issues that bring about such challenges is the land use act which is over 40 years.

“The complaint of funding is already in public view that is why members of the press have been asked to join on these tours to see the real state of things.

“The concern of Nigerians on government borrowing is legitimate, but the borrowing should be weighed with the problems they are used to solve.

“People need the infrastructure; if they can see that the money borrowed is being used to deliver critical infrastructure, then their queries can be assuaged,” Fashola said.

By Magnus- 2020-01-28 00:17:06 – [ News ]

The killing of the Adamawa State CAN Chairman by Bokon Haram insurgents set the tone for the passing week.

Security debates on what should be done to allay the fears of the masses took the central stage on various platforms.

Towards the end of the week, more conversations held around the Corruption Index which did not put Nigeria in a good light.

From security issues to coronavirus and down to corruption debates, here are some of the major quotes that take us deep into what transpired within the course of the passing week.

1. I thank God my husband did not deny Jesus.

Wife of slain chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in Michika local government area of Adamawa State, Rev Lawan Andimi, expresses delight over husband’s faith in the face of terror.

1. Sack all your security chiefs.

Following the recent killing of Reverend Lawan Andimi by Boko Haram terrorists, the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) asks President Muhammadu Buhari to sack all his security chiefs.

1. Is there any hope that our security is guaranteed under this government?

CAN ask about the possibilities that the present government can oust the insurgents in Nigeria’s Northeast.

1. This barbarism is condemnable. We will ensure that these terrorists pay a heavy price for their evil actions.

President Muhammadu Buhari condemns the killing of Reverend Lawan Andimi by Boko Haram terrorists.

1. I never said I’ll probe my predecessors.

Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodinma, debunks rumors making the rounds suggesting that he plans to probe his predecessors.

1. Reverse this injustice now.

Hundreds of supporters of the Peoples Democratic Party in some states across the nation stage protest against the supreme court ruling that sacked Emeka Ihedioha as the governor of Imo State.

1. It brings me great sadness that it has come to this.

Britain’s Prince Harry expresses “great sadness” at the way he and his wife Meghan had to give up their royal titles as part of a separate settlement with the Queen.

1. China can win battle against coronavirus.

President Xi Jinping says China can “win the battle” against the coronavirus epidemic that has infected over 1,200 people across the country.

1. Having the opportunity to work with the coach again is something I’m really happy about.

Victor Moses speaks on signing for Inter Milan on loan from Chelsea.

1. I’d love to go. I’d sort of love (to) sit in the front row and stare in their corrupt faces.

US President Donald Trump says he would love to attend his impeachment trial in the US Senate.

1. Selective adherence to the rule of law and corruption in political parties were some of the reasons for the poor ranking.

Transparency International ranks Nigeria low on Corruption Index for 2019.

1. The empirical evidence does not support Transparency International’s report.

Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami says the facts on the ground do not correlate with the information dished out by Transparency International.

1. Governments should promote open and meaningful access to decision-making and consult a wider range of groups, beyond well-resourced lobbyists and a few private interests.

Transparency International suggests what Nigeria needs to do to get a better rating in the Corruption Index.

1. I am for restructuring. As long as we have a Constitution, we can only restructure within the current Constitution, as imperfect as it is first.

Elder statesman and former governor of Ogun State, Mr Olusegun Osoba, says Nigeria can only be restructured with the current constitution he described as being imperfect.

1. The midwives of Amotekun have repeatedly acknowledged that theirs is only a contribution towards a crisis of escalating proportions. Other states should be encouraged to emulate, not misre

By Magnus- 2020-01-09 16:02:19 – [ News ]

An Abuja High Court has sentenced the Director-General of the National Council for Arts and Culture (NCAC), Olusegun Runsewe, to prison.

Justice Jude Okeke made the order on Thursday while ruling on a motion drawn from a suit filed by Ummakalif Limited against Minister of the FCT, Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA), DG of NCAC, and the Minister for Culture and Tourism, as the first, second, third and fourth defendants respectively.

In the motion, the claimant sought an order of the court committing Runsewe to prison for contempt of court order made on December 15, 2017.

Justice Okeke described Runsewe’s action as highly ‘contemptuous’.

The judge said sentencing Runsewe to the custody of the Nigerian Correctional Services (NCS) will serve as a deterrent to others who abuse office and disobey court orders with disdain.

He ordered the Inspector General of Police (IGP) to arrest Runsewe with immediate effect and hand him over to the NCS pending when he retraces his steps.

The court had ordered parties in the suit to stay proceedings on every activity concerning the demolition of the Arts and Craft village located in the Central Business District area of the FCT.

By Magnus – 2020-01-09 15:48:03 – [ News ]

Governor Simon Lalong of Plateau State has condemned in strong terms the killing of innocent persons following an attack by gunmen at Kulben village in Kombun district of Mangu LGA on Wednesday 8th January, 2020.

Governor Lalong through his Director of Press and Public Affairs, Dr Makut Simon Macham, while reacting to the incident described the attack as “another attempt to puncture the peace that has gradually returned to the State”.

DAILY POST gathered that 13 persons were killed in the attack and 4 others injured are receiving treatment.

While commiserating with victims and families of those killed, the Governor warned that his administration will not sit down and watch any group or individuals causing chaos in the State and return it to the dark days of insecurity.

“We have toiled to ensure that peace returns to Plateau State and we will not allow anyone to make nonsense our efforts.

“We are determined to deal decisively and firmly with anybody found culpable in attacking or inciting people to carry out attacks against one another”.

He commended security agencies for arresting 7 suspects connected to the killings and restoring normalcy in the area.

Lalong assured that thorough investigations will be carried out to get to the roots of the matter as anyone found wanting will face the full wrath of the law.

The Governor called for calm and advised against reprisals as Government is dealing with the situation.

He also said that those injured as a result of the incident have been taken to the General hospital Mangu and are responding to treatment.

Meantime, the member representing Mangu South Constituency in the Plateau State House of Assembly, Hon. Bala Fwangje has described as “Barbaric and an unacceptable act” the killings of 13 persons in the area which is part of his constituency.

Fwanje noted that the people of Kulben community are peaceful and accommodating and wondered why some enemies of the state will lay siege on innocent and harmless people of the area.

The Lawmaker called for calm among his constituents.

He also confirmed that most of the victims of the attack were youths, adding that four of them are receiving treatment in the hospital.

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