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SERG Congratulates New Ohanaeze President General, Amb. George Obiozor |The Source

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The Source
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Professor George Obiozor

Pan-Igbo sociopolitical pressure group, the South East Revival Group (SERG) has hailed the election of the new Ohanaeze President General, Professor George Obiozor.

The President and National Coordinator of the group, Chief Willy Ezugwu, in a statement thanked all Igbo groups and individuals  for rallying round Amb. Obiozor and ensured the best contestant for the job emerged.

The SERG, therefore, urged other contenders to support the new Ohanaeze leadership as only one person can emerge President of Ohanaeze at a time.

“While thanking all Igbo delegates from all Igbo speaking communities in Nigeria, we advise the new President General to avoid being for a few.

“It’s time to carry all Igbo leader and all stakeholders along in the running of the Igbo socio-cultural organization.
“Ohanaeze should not only be a uniting body for Ndigbo worldwide, but also the number one organization that must stand firmly to protect Igbo interests in Nigeria.

“We are very convinced that with the local and international pedigree of the new Ohanaeze leader, his tenure would end as the best ever”, the SERG said.

Mali Will Return To Civilian Rule In 18 months – Jonathan-led ECOWAS Team; Expresses Concern Over Arrests |The Source

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The Source
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Former President Goodluck Jonathan
Former President Goodluck Jonathan

After two days of meetings with Malian political and civil-society figures, the mediator for the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), former Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan, said he had no doubt that Mali’s post-coup interim administration would hand over power to civilians within the agreed 18-month deadline.

“It’s too early to doubt them,” said Jonathan, who was accompanied on the trip to Bamako by ECOWAS President, Jean-Claude Kassi Brou, and other members of his mediation team.

“We believe… they will be able to complete everything that they have set out to do within the 18 months timeframe”, he said, adding that the President of the Transition and Head of State, Bah N’DAW had assured him that they are committed to the deadline.

The visit followed increasing questions over the post-coup government’s ability to reform the constitution and stage elections within the remaining 14 months,  while tackling the country’s brutal jihadist insurgency.

Jonathan told newsmen on Tuesday that the mission encouraged the Transitional Government to finalise and release a road map with an action plan indicating the various activities to be carried out while being respectful of the transition period  scheduled for 18 months.

He said further: “The mission, insists on the necessity to reinforce consultation through open dialogue with all the stakeholders to ensure an inclusive Transition process. This will allow greater internal ownership of the various decisions relating to the transition, in particular the development of fundamental texts.

“On the social level, the mission urged the Transition authorities and social stakeholders to engage in dialogue to reach a solution that preserves interests of Mali.”

The former President also expressed concerns about the recent arrests in connection with an alleged coup attempt, adding that the delegation urged the administration to follow “legal procedures in force, in a transparent manner while respecting human rights.”

The Mediation however reiterated the solidarity of ECOWAS with the Government and the Malian people and expressed its willingness to accompany them in the process of achieving a successful transition.

It also noted the progress made by the Malian authorities with the appointment of all the heads of the organs of the transition, namely, the President, Vice President, Prime Minister and the President of the National Transition Council.

While in Bamako the mediation team met with President of the Transition and Head of State, Bah N’DAW,  the Vice-President of the Transition, the Prime Minister and Head of Government as well as the President of the National Council of the Transition. It also held consultations with other stakeholders, civil society, political parties, the diplomatic corps, the Director-General for elections (or Chairmen of the General Delegation to the Elections) and the Independent National Electoral Commission.

Ondo Govt Goes Tough On Illegal Parking Of Vehicles |The Source

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Ayodele Oni
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Rotimi Akeredolu - Ondo Communal Clash

By Ayodele Oni

Ondo State  Commissioner for information, Mr Donald Ojogo, has observed that the task by the present administration to rid the state capital of refuse is yielding  result.

There was an outcry early in the year by residents of Akure over the take-over of major highways in the metropolis by refuse.

The State Government, thereafter, constituted a task force saddled with the responsibility of clearing the heaps of refuse and make the highway free of logjam.

Reviewing the activities of the Committee  on Thursday, the Commissioner  observed that

“government notes with delight, the subst­antial compliance by all concerned in re­spect of the ban on indiscriminate tradi­ng activities on wal­kways and vehicular paths along market corridors in Akure me­tropolis.

“The level of complia­nce is, no doubt, commendable. Government appreciates this cooperation and under­standing on the part of residents and co­nsiders same a desir­able value required to bring sanity to the State Capital.

“Notwithstanding the displayed cooperation and understanding on the part of those affected by the ban, it has been observ­ed that people, espe­cially motorists goi­ng to the markets pa­rk their vehicles al­ong unauthorized pla­ces.

“This poses a ne­edless hinderance to the good work of the Task Force saddled with the responsibi­lity of enforcing the ban order.

“This is unacceptable as there are enough parking lots along the affected market corridors.

“Governmen­t, therefore, wishes to advise all motor­ists who park along unauthorized parking lots to desist from doing so forthwith.

“Stipulated penalties regulating parking policies in Ondo Sta­te are still very mu­ch potent, and shall be invoked accordin­gly. Let’s all colle­ctively, make our St­ate Capital cleaner and more attractive.”

Peter Obi: FG Has Mortgaged Nigeria’s Future; Wike Hails Govt Over Refund Of N78 Billion To Rivers |The Source

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Akinwale Kasali
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Muhammadu Buhari

By Akinwale Kasali

Strong critic of the All Progressives Congress, APC, and a strong voice from the opposition, the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers State has applauded the President Muhammadu Buhari led administration for refunding the State the sum of N78 billion spent by the Rivers State Government to fix federal roads in its domain.

Governor Wike confirmed the receipt of the cash during the inauguration of the Isiokpo Internal Roads (Phase II) in Ikwerre Local Government Area of the state by former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi.

The Governor assured the refunded money would be deployed in providing more critical projects across the state to enhance the socio-economic life of Rivers people.

He said despite being in his second term, he would continue to work relentlessly, for the interest of the state, and improve its stakes.

He said: “Rivers people! The Federal Government has refunded us the money. I have not touched a dime from it. It is in the bank. I will use it for project execution.

Governor Nyesom Wike
Governor Nyesom Wike

“I kept it to tell those who are making noise to know that I am going to work till the last day in office. I will continue to work for the interest of our people. I’m not resting.

“They need to know that I will make sure what is supposed to be done for the people of Rivers State will be done. I will persist until we have improved and changed Rivers State and bring it back to what it’s supposed to be.”

Like the proverbial lizard, Governor Wike hailed and scored himself high, stressing that it would be difficult for any other party to take the State away from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) with the record of his administration’s performance.

Peter Obi
Peter Obi

He claimed to have laid a good foundation by completing all the projects that he inherited from his predecessor, and would complete all the projects that he initiated so that his successor would have a smooth sail in governance.

He said: “No matter the tactics they deploy, no party can take Rivers State away from the PDP. They have to convince the people why they need their support. It is already known, they (other parties) have nothing to offer.

“We have something to offer and we have offered it to the people. They are angry that we are commissioning projects. Our business as a party is to make the other people to have serious high blood pressure.

Wike recalled that he promised to change the narrative of neglect of Isiokpo people by the previous administration and had kept his promise by completing rehabilitation of all their internal roads.

He spoke of plans to execute more projects in the area, listing the reconstruction of the Ogbodo -Isiodu link road and the rehabilitation of all internal roads in Omerelu community as parts of the programme.

He said only Council  Chairmen who had so far demonstrated competence in office and evidence of projects would qualify for re-election.

Wike said: “Government is about what you can bring to your people. It is not what you will put in your pocket. People of Ikwerre Local Government and Isiopko, ask your people what they have brought back home for the good of the town”.

Obi lamented that the Federal Government kept borrowing in the guise of using it for capital projects to mortgage the future of posterity.

He applauded  s the access roads provided by Wike to the Isiopko people, saying it would raise their quality of life.

Obi: “Accountability in government is the most critical yardstick to determine good governance and to build the trust of the people. For recruitment into governance, competence, capacity, and visible performance like we are seeing here today should be embraced”.

Trump Breaks Record; Becomes First US President To Be Impeached Twice |The Source

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Akinwale Kasali
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By Akinwale Kasali

President Donald Trump on Wednesday made history, and broke record.

The United State of America House of Representatives  impeached  Trump for “incitement of insurrection” at the Capitol Hill on January 6, 2021, thus handing him a certificate of becoming the first American President to be impeached twice. He was first impeached by the House in 2019.

Trump, a Republican, will now face a trial in the Senate, where if convicted he could face being barred from ever holding public office again.

The impeachment cut across party lines, with 10 Republicans joining their Democratic colleagues to pass it.

After several hours of impassioned debate on Wednesday, the Democratic-controlled House voted to impeach him.

Six Republicans said, beforehand, they would side with Democrats to impeach the President. But the majority of conservatives remained loyal to Mr Trump.

It is unlikely Mr Trump will have to leave the White House before his term in office ends on January 20, as the Senate is not expected to reconvene until the 19th.

Last week, 139 Republicans voted against accepting the result of the 2020 election and Trump’s defeat.

The House voted Wednesday to impeach President Donald Trump for a second time in a swift and bipartisan condemnation of the President’s role inciting last week’s riot at the US Capitol.

The House voted 232 to 197 to impeach Trump exactly one week after rioters forced lawmakers to flee from the very Chamber in which they cast ballots in the fourth Presidential impeachment in US history — and the first time a President has been impeached twice. Ten Republicans, including the House’s No. 3 Republican, Liz Cheney of Wyoming, joined with Democrats to impeach Trump for “incitement of insurrection.”

While the vote won’t force Trump from office — the Senate trial isn’t expected to begin until after President-elect Joe Biden is sworn in next week — the vote was a visceral response from lawmakers in both parties furious at Trump after a deadly pro-Trump mob overran Capitol Police, ransacked the US Capitol and put the lives of Vice President Mike Pence and lawmakers in danger last week.

“We know that the President of the United States incited this insurrection, this armed rebellion against our common country,” House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said on the House floor ahead of the vote. “He must go. He is a clear and present danger to the nation that we all love.”

The speed of the vote and the Republican support underscores the fury that lawmakers feel about Trump’s role inciting the rioters who overtook the Capitol, who were fueled by Trump’s months of false rhetoric about the election being stolen from him. Cheney’s statement was cited by impeachment supporters and detractors alike Wednesday after she charged that Trump “summoned this mob, assembled the mob and lit the flame of this attack.”

“There has never been a greater betrayal by a President of the United States of his office and his oath to the Constitution,” Cheney said.

McCarthy said Wednesday that Trump “bears responsibility for Wednesday’s attack on Congress by mob rioters,” urging the President to accept his share of responsibility and “quell the brewing unrest.” McCarthy, however, argued the House should create a bipartisan commission instead of impeachment.

“I believe impeaching the President in such a short timeframe would be a mistake,” McCarthy said. “No investigations have been completed. No hearings have been held.”

The division within the Republican Party starkly contrasts the House Democrats’ 2019 impeachment of Trump, when House Republicans were united in opposition.

In the Senate, Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, is not planning to bring the Senate back for a trial before January 19, meaning the trial won’t begin until Trump is out of office and Biden has been sworn in.

 

In a note to his GOP colleagues Wednesday afternoon, McConnell wrote, “I have not made a final decision on how I will vote and I intend to listen to the legal arguments when they are presented to the Senate.”

McConnell has indicated he believes impeaching Trump will make it easier to get rid of the President and Trumpism from the Republican Party, sources said Tuesday. McConnell is facing a delicate balance — a number of his GOP colleagues have made clear they oppose impeachment and the Kentucky Republican famously loathes anything that divides his conference, according to a source familiar with the matter.

But the source says McConnell is also keenly aware of the moment in history — and the moment for the Republican Party. McConnell’s shift against Trump has been apparent for those watching him closely. He cut off contact with Trump weeks ago and has made clear he has no plans ever to speak to him again.

For House Democrats, the disagreements that divided their caucus on impeachment in 2019 simply never materialized. Democrats quickly coalesced around using impeachment in the final days of Trump’s presidency to serve as a proper response to the President’s conduct and as a way to push for his removal from office before the end of his term, although that scenario looks unlikely.

Pence sent a letter ahead of the vote saying he would not seek to invoke the 25th Amendment as Democrats had urged, and Trump is not considering resigning.

Pelosi has brushed aside Republican efforts to take a different action, such as censure, in response to Trump’s role in the riot. She named impeachment managers on Tuesday evening, a team of nine Democrats who will be led by Rep. Jamie Raskin of Maryland, ahead of a likely trial in the days after President-elect Joe Biden is sworn in. House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer said late Tuesday the House would send the articles to the Senate immediately.

Democrats have only grown more resolute in their push to impeach Trump over the riot as more information has come out about the attack on the Capitol, including violent images of Capitol Police officers being attacked, and the death of a Capitol Police officer. Wednesday’s vote occurred while thousands of National Guard troops were present every nook of the Capitol complex ahead of next week’s inauguration, and they slept on the floors of the Capitol building the night before the impeachment vote.

Trump has showed no contrition for his role in last week’s Capitol riot, railing against impeachment on Tuesday in his first public remarks since the incident. A source close to the President said he’s not considering resigning.

“It’s been analyzed,” Trump said of his remarks last week to the crowd before the riots. “People thought what I said was totally appropriate.”

Trump, unable to post his thoughts on Twitter after his account was permanently suspended in the fallout from the riots, released a statement just before Wednesday’s vote saying, “In light of reports of more demonstrations, I urge that there must be NO violence, NO lawbreaking and NO vandalism of any kind. That is not what I stand for, and it is not what America stands for. I call on ALL Americans to help ease tensions and calm tempers.”

Wednesday’s impeachment vote will complicate the opening days of the Biden administration, both in his efforts to reach out to Republicans and because the Senate is likely to be tied up with a trial just as Biden is taking office.

Both Biden and Schumer have argued that the Senate will try to divide its days while conducting the trial, so the Senate can confirm Biden’s nominees and consider Covid-19 stimulus legislation while also carrying out the impeachment trial.

Presidency, Muslim Group Tango Over Bishop Kukah |The Source

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Akinwale Kasali
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Matthew Kukah and Buhari

By Akinwale Kasali

The Presidency and a Muslim group are in disagreement over a threat by the group to the Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, Matthew Kukah, to either apologise to Muslim faithfuls over his December 25, 2020, Christmas message, or move out of Sokoto State.

Kukah had, in a blunt, stinging message, accused the President Muhammadu Buhari Government of nepotism, insisting that had Buhari not been a Muslim from the North, his actions could have sparked off a coup in Nigeria.

The message attracted both condemnation and commendation from across the country, including from the Presidency and different religious and cultural organisations. A couple of them had accused Kukah of calling for a Coup, an accusation the respected Cleric, decried and denounced as mischievous.

But on  Tuesday,  an Islamic Group, Muslim Solidarity Forum,  based in Sokoto State upped the ante, as if it just woke up from a deep slumber, seeing that it is reacting a couple of weeks late.

In a release, the Group asked Bishop  Kukah to either tender an unreserved apology to the entire Muslim Ummah over his recent “malicious comments” against Islam or quietly and quickly leave the State.

The acting Chairman  of the Forum, Professor Isa Muhammad Maishanu,while addressing newsmen on Tuesday, stated that Kukah’s statements were capable of breaking the age-long peaceful coexistence among the religious faithful in the country.

“Our intention at Muslim Solidarity Forum is not to hold brief for the President, as he has those who are paid to do that; rather our concern is the image and reputation of Muslims, which Mr Kukah finds pleasure in attacking without an iota of caution, and by referring to him [the president] as a Muslim, that automatically brings all Muslims into the issue.

“His reference to a people who possess ‘a pool of violence to draw from’ no doubt is a reference to those he has always characterized with violence – the Muslims. This is a serious provocation.” Isa Muhammad Maishanu maintained.

“He even has the guts to say the killings we are witnessing in Nigeria are part of a grand religious design! Religious? Who are the victims of the killings?

“What religion do they profess? Is it not a fact that over 90 per cent of those being killed are Muslims?

“Who is behind the so-called design?” he asked.

“These callous statements are unbecoming of someone who parades himself as secretary to the National Peace Committee and a member of Nigeria Inter-Religious Council (NIREC).

“As such, we call on Kukah to immediately stop his malicious vituperations against Islam and Muslims and tender unreserved apology to the Muslim Ummah or else quickly and quietly leave the seat of the Caliphate, as he is trying to break the age-long peaceful coexistence between the predominantly Muslim population and their Christian guests.”

The forum added that “The sensible and objective world knows the truth!

“We wonder how Kukah, who lives peacefully and comfortably in the heart of the Sokoto Caliphate, can make such a callous and senseless statement.” Isa Muhammad Maishanu stated.

But on Wednesday, the Presidency chided the Muslim group for asking Kukah to leave Sokoto state. A Presidential Spokesperson, Garba Shehu, in a statement, said that while Kukah’s statement had angered not a few people, the Group had  no constitutional right to ask him to leave Sokoto State.

All these are playing out a few days after the Department of State Services, DSS, revealed that some people were bent on causing a religious crisis in the country in some states. Sokoto was one of the States it pin-pointed. The DSS asked those with such evil plans to perish the thought, and warned of serious consequences,  and the Service’s  readiness to deal with any such situations.

Covid-19: Alleging Incompetence, PDP Urges Buhari To Dissolve PTF |The Source

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Akinwale Kasali
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By Akinwale Kasali

The Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, has condemned the Presidential Task Force on  Covid-19 Pandemic headed by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha, urging President Muhammadu Buhari to urgently sack it for crass incompetence.

In a statement signed by Party’s  National Publicity Secretary, Kola Ologbondiyan, the opposition party said beyond announcing infections and fatalities, the PTF has not shown it is capable of handling the pandemic.

“More distressing is that the Presidential Task Force on COVID-19 has not demonstrated any capacity beyond mere announcement of figures of infected persons, deaths, recoveries, discharges and issues of local protocols rather than engaging in epidemiology, researches and production of equipment, drugs, therapeutics and other medical palliatives that can help stave off the impact of the global pandemic.

“On account of this, the PDP restates our demands for the dissolution of the PTF and in its place allow a convergence of experts in a special department under the purview of the Nigeria Center for Disease Control to professionally tackle the pandemic, rather than allowing an Incompetent body to take charge”.

Since the second wave of the Pandemic, the rate of infection and deaths have increased astronomically.

Ndubuisi Kanu’s Death Shocking – Gov Uzodinma |The Source

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The Source
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Senator Hope Uzodimma

Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State has bemoaned the sudden death of one time  Military Governor  of old Imo State, Rear Admiral Ndubuisi Kanu,  describing his death as a rude shock.

Kanu died in Lagos on Wednesday at the age of 78.

Governor Uzodimma said Admiral Kanu was one of Nigeria’s  finest and brightest who devoted his energy for the good of the country.

He said Kanu got to the pinnacle of his profession by dint of hard work and remained committed to the discipline in the Armed Forces till his death.

Rear Admiral Ndubuisi Kanu
Rear Admiral Ndubuisi Kanu

Governor Uzodimma said Admiral Kanu, also, joined forces with pro-democracy protagonists  around the world and all apostles of democracy in Nigeria to preach for a better society anchored on rule of law.

The Governor  regretted that Kanu died at a time Nigeria in general,  and Ndigbo in particular, needed his services most.

He, therefore, condoled the family, his Isuikwuato community in Abia State, the Abia State  Government , the Federal Government  and the Armed Forces for the irreparable loss.

Governor Uzodimma prayed God to comfort the widow, the  immediate family members,  and numerous friends of Admiral Kanu, and grant them the grace to pull through the shock from the death.

Billionaire Bolu Akin-Olugbade Dies Of COVID-19 |The Source

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Adesina Soyooye
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Bolu Akin-Olugbade

By Adesina Soyooye

Nigeria has lost one of its money men. Billionaire Bolu Akin-Olugbade is dead

He reportedly died on Wednesday of complications from COVID-19 at an isolation centre in Lagos.

His death has hit the Lagos social circle like a thunderbolt.

He was a property merchant, and reportedly had 10 Rolls Royce cars to himself.

An accomplished lawyer and astitute businessman, he attended  some of the best schools – Corona Primary School, Kings College, Lagos, London University.

He obtained his Master’s degree, (distinction), in Law, at the University of California, and  a Doctorate degree in Company Law at the University of Cambridge.

Aged 61 years, he held the traditional title of Aare Ona Kankanfo of Owu Kingdom.

Why Covid 19 Spares The Poor |The Source

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The Source
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By Doyin Okupe

Have you been wondering why  ordinary folks seem to be less affected by COVID-19?

Whenever my drivers, house helps and security come back from their leave at home, I always asked them the state of things in their villages.

Up till today,  in the last one year, none has come back with any news of deaths or serious illnesses requiring hospitalization in their homes or surroundings.

I visited the SABO market in Sagamu, and the tomato market at toll gate in ogere. I questioned many traders if any stall or store owners have been missing, or did not come to the market or have actually died. Responses were always negative.

So, clearly, the prevalence of noticeable infection with covid 19 is less among the lower class and fatalities appear to be higher among the upper class. However, It is  necessary to make some adjustment for the fact that deaths among the elite class readily get media attention than those of regular folks.

Melinder gates prediction failed woefully because there was no way she could have foreseen this demographic prevalence factor in the spread of covid19.

The overall infectivity and fatalities in the Africa is disproportionately much lower than the rest of the World!!!

What Is The Magic Here?

Simply put, the magic is SUNLIGHT.

People who are daily exposed to sunlight are able to convert some chemicals in their skins to vitamin  D, especially D3.

Scientist have incontrovertible evidence that Vitamin D seriously boost the human immunity and actually have capacity to prevent respiratory and lung diseases.

In the case of Covid19, vitamin D3 can prevent infection in some people and in others who still get infected, it decreases the severity of the infection and recovery rate is far better.

Recently a petition signed by 120 physicians spread across the globe, (I have a copy) has been sent to world leaders and governments to treat vitamin D deficiency common in europe and Americas, who have effective sunlight for just a few months in a year and hence have large numbers of the populace suffering from vitamins deficiency leading to high rates of susceptibility to covid19 infections and deaths.

Many of us elites in Africa are also vitamin D deficient and this makes us ready targets for covid19 infections also. This is because we are hardly in the sun all year round.

Yet a 30mins lounge daily in the bright sunlight gives one about 20,000 iu of vitamin D in our blood. This figure is much much more higher than our daily requirement of which is about 4000 iu of vitamin D.

This is why young people,s tudents, hawkers, traders and many who toil daily under the Sun  have very high immunity against covid19.

So my dear elders, VIPs and Ogas please walk leisurely or lounge in the sun for 20 to 30mins daily, and with your face masks always on on public and observing normal covid protocols,  with daily supplications to the Almighty, you will place a Ban on covid 19 from affecting you and your household.

Okupe, is a Medical Doctor-turned Politician

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