NUJ Tackles Gov. Umahi; Calls Him Notorious And Desperate

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April 22, 2020

By Charles Igbo,

Shocked by the actions and choice of words deployed by Ebonyi State Governor, Dave Umahi, in a State wide broadcast, the leadership of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ, has described him as notorious and desperate.

Umahi had, in the broadcast, banned, for life, the State Correspondents of both The Sun and Vanguard Newspapers, Chijoke Agwu and Peter Okutu, respectively, from the Government House and all Government facilities. He, also, said he could no longer guarantee their safety in the state.

He had, earlier, ordered the arrest and detention of Agwu over a story he wrote on the outbreak of Lassa fever in the state, while the Local Government Chairman of Ohaukwu LGA, Clement Odah, also, ordered the arrest of Okuta for writing a story on the alleged invasion, by soldiers of Umuogodoakpu Ngbo community.

In a statement signed by its National Secretary, Shuaibu Usman Leman, the NUJ while condemning Umahi, asked him to stop the impunity. The Union, also noted that the Governor was “ingloriously attaining notoriety.”

Following, NUJ’s statement.

“The NUJ National Secretariat condemns the continuous desperate action of Governor David Umahi of Ebonyi State to destroy Journalists and Journalism in his state.

“The most recent development in which Governor Umahi was instigating attacks against Journalists in the State is frightening to the Union as it signals clearly that such attacks on the media are not going to abate any soon.

“We regret to note that Governor Umahi is ingloriously attaining notoriety in his continuous harassment, detentions and insults on Journalists who dare to report what he feels are against the interest of his government.

“As professionals whose responsibility is to monitor governance and hold Government accountable to the masses, Journalists now live in perpetual fear of being arrested by security operatives or attacked by faceless assailants without any just cause in Ebonyi State.

“The NUJ has, repeatedly, cautioned against such acts of impunity and stressed that it is worth noting that press freedom is key to achieving credible democracy and, this freedom includes the right to seek and receive information from all available sources to enable formulation of proper opinions to whomsoever one desires and to do so through whichever means it is feasible to communicate. Such attacks we believe are meant to curtail such freedoms.

“In the light of these unabated attacks and intimidation of Journalists, we call once more on Governor Umahi to tread with caution because the Union will hold him personally responsible for any untoward action on Journalists in Ebonyi State.

“It must also be noted that the purported ban placed on two journalists in the state from visiting the Government House or any government facility in Ebonyi State is a joke taken too far by the governor since these facilities are public and not private property. It should be noted that neither the Governor nor any government official can determine media content or stop journalists from holding government accountable.

“The Governor may wish to know, also, that both the Union and respective media organisations have their own procedures of disciplining journalists who step out of bounds but, certainly, we can not keep quiet in the face of this brazen attempt to muzzle press freedom which is a critical ingredient for democratic governance.”

Okoro, Retired Commissioner Of Police, Is Uzodinma’s Security Adviser

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The Source

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April 22, 2020

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By Adesina Soyooye

In an appointment which has been roundly applauded in Security Circles, Imo State Governor, Senator Hope Uzodimma, has appointed Mr. Dan Okoro, a retired Commissioner of Police (CP) as his Special Adviser on Security.

The appointment, described as brilliant, puts a round peg in a round hole. While in service, Okoro was a star officer, a crack detective, investigator, and a core operations security personnel.

Announcing Okoro’s appointment in a Press Release, Oguwuike Nwachuku, the Governor’s Chief Press Secretary/Media Adviser, said: “Okoro comes into the job with a huge experience garnered both nationally and internationally over the years as a tested cop.

“Okoro is expected to assist Governor Uzodimma in fine-tuning and implementing the governor’s security policies and programmes that are in sync with his three “R” mantra of Reconstruction, Rehabilitation and Recovery.

“The governor’s choice of Okoro has a lot to do with the former Commissioner Of Police’s profile and records of service in Nigeria Police Force where he retired after 35 years of service.

“While in service, Okoro was one of the most decorated policemen for his iconic breakthroughs like the arrest of the Sierra Leonean rebel leader of the Revolutionary United Front (RUF), Foday Sankoh at the Lagos Airport.

“He was at different times commended and decorated by Nigeria’s past leaders, including late General Sani Abacha and former President Goodluck Jonathan for his crime bursting wits and patriotic disposition.

“A graduate of Law from the University of Lagos, Okoro also has a Master’s Degree in Business Administration (MBA) from the Ladoke Akintola University, Ogbomosho, as well as a Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) degree in Public Administration from the Imo State University, Owerri.

“Okoro has received training at the Egyptian Police Academy and at the Israeli Intelligence Agency, Mossad, among other high profile exposures he got nationally and internationally on security matters.”

A native of Owerri Municipal, the new Security Adviser to Governor Uzodinma is married with children.

COVID19: Sanwo-Olu Hikes Doctors, Nurses Allowances, FG Delays

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Bayo Bernard

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April 22, 2020

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By Fola James

Health workers Lagos state will now enjoy hazard allowance up to 400 per cent of their former allowance, the state government has said.

Governor Babajide Sanwo–Olu had on Tuesday said doctors, nurses and other medical officials in the front line of fight to contain the corona virus pandemic, needed higher allowance to appreciate their effort at this time of the global scourge.

Few hours after, the state goverment has increased the minimum allowance from N5000 to N25,000.

The announcement of the increment was contained in a circular issued by the Lagos State Head of Service, Hakeem Muri-Okunola yesterday.l.

Explaining the rationale for the increment, the Head of Service stated that the gesture was in appreciation of health workers’ in the fight against COVID-19, as well as their daily exposure to hazardous situations.

Okunola said, “In appreciation of the dedication of all Health Officers in Lagos State to the fight against the Coronavirus pandemic, as well as their daily hazardous exposure to the highly contagious disease, it is hereby notified for general information that Mr. Governor has approved the increment of Hazard Allowance for all Health Officers in Lagos State from N5,000 (Five Thousand Naira) to N25,000 (Twenty Five Thousand Naira) for the month of April, 2020”.

He enjoined the health workers to reciprocate the gesture with more doggedness and enthusiasm towards their duties.

Muri-Okunola, however, reiterated that the collective effort of the entire workforce is required to win the battle against the deadly virus, noting that “this pandemic shall also pass”.

Meanwhile, the minister of health,,Mr Ehanire said on Wednesday at the daily press briefing of the Presidential Task Force. PTF on COVID 19, that the federal government had yet to decide the appropriate allowance for health workers at the federal level.

The decision on the matter will be reached soon, the minister said.

Health w

Unbelievable! Gov Umahi Threatens Lives Of Journalists; Bans The Sun, Vanguard Reporters For Life From Ebonyi

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The Source

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April 22, 2020

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By Charles Igbo

In an action that would make the most autocratic Dictator in the world green with envy,

Governor David Umahi of Ebonyi State has banned for life, the Correspondents of The Sun newspaper, Chijioke Agwu, and the Vanguard Newspaper, Peter Okutu, from entering Government House and all government facilities in the State.

He did not stop at that. He told them their safety could no longer be guaranteed anywhere in the state. Ebonyians will descend on then, he further warned.

The Governor made made the unprecedented declaration on Wednesday in a statewide live broadcast aired on both the State’s television and radio stations, Umahi also expressed his displeasure with the leadership of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), for failing to discipline their members.

Last week Saturday, on the orders of the Governor, The Sun Correspondent, Chijioke Agwu, was arrested over a report he did on the outbreak of Lassa fever in the state. He was later released.

Three days later, it was the turn of Mr. Peter Okutu of the Vangard Newspapers to be arrested, this time, on the orders of the Ohaukwu LGA Chairman, Mr Clement Odah, over a report on the alleged military invasion of Umuogodoakpu-Ngbo community in the council area. He has also been released.

In the broadcast, Umahi, who said the safety of the two journalists could no longer be guaranteed by him, noted that Ebonyi people were brimming with anger, and might begin to unleash mayhem on them.

Umahi “If you think you have the pen, we have the koboko.”

“I want to say that I am very displeased with the president and leadership of the Nigeria Union of Journalists and I am going to seize their allowances for two months, because they have failed to discipline their members.

“Ebonyi State is no longer a dumping ground. Only the other day, Chijioke Agwu (referring to The Sun Correspondent) wrote that Lassa Fever is killing Ebonyi people in droves and few days back, Mr Peter Okutu of Vanguard did his own.

“Okutu is fond of degrading Ebonyi State, and I don’t know why my officials have allowed him to continue to do that, because he is not from Ebonyi State. I want to ban him for life with Chijioke Agwu. I don’t want to see them anywhere in any Government facility.

“We are not begging you to give us good report, because the only person that gives good or bad report is God. We are all accountable to him. If you think that Ebonyi State is a dumping ground, try it again.

“If you think you have the pen, we have the koboko. Let’s leave the Court alone. Ebonyi people are very angry with the press and let me warn that I won’t be able to control them or know when they unleash mayhem on you, if you continue to write to create panic in the State.

“I want you to write it that way, that I said, press in Ebonyi is trying to create another COVID that is more dangerous and that is to create panic in our people.

“The other one wrote that cholera has killed 20 people in Ohaukwu. If you try it again, I may not know when Ebonyians may react. This is important for the NUJ to know.

“If you are an Ebonyi man or live in Ebonyi and you don’t feel our pains, it is a shame on you. May be, the press people claim they are untouchable. I have reported to the National President of NUJ, I have reported to State leadership of NUJ and I have reported to the public. Now, the dye is cast. May God save us, in the course of time”.

Trouble Brews As EFCC Probes NDDC’s Failed Contracts

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The Source

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April 22, 2020

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By Akinwale Kasali

Anti-graft agency, Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, is set to probe the Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, for not executing paid contracts.

The EFCC, in a statement on Tuesday said the NDDC’s acting Managing Director, Professor Kemebradikumo Pondei, made the request that the anti graft agency should wade into the issue of contractors not executing projects despite receiving payment.

Pondei made this request during a courtesy visit to the Port Harcourt Zonal office of the EFCC.

According to the statement, Professor Pondei requested the anti-graft agency’s assistance in looking at cases of contracts awarded and paid for, but were not executed. That, he said was necessary to curb the anomalies and Financial misappropriation in the NDDC.

“We have reports of projects awarded and paid for but not executed. There is need for us to work on these cases.

“Abandoned projects have become a source of distraction to the management.”

Professor Pondei who said he was at the commission to “establish good working relationship with the EFCC”, urged the forensic auditors to interface with the agency.

The EFCC Zonal Head, Usman Imam, described the visit by the NDDC team as remarkable, noting that it will go a long way in helping to bridge whatever gaps existed between the agencies.

“I want to assure you that the commission is willing to support you through the investigation of any alleged case of fraud. What we require from you is willingness to share information and trust in our ability to handle such cases with dispatch,” he added.

It woud be recalled that President Muhammadu Buhari had also ordered the forensic audit of the operations of the agency between 2001 and 2019.

How Gunmen Killed NSCDC Officer In Fresh Benue Attack

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The Source

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April 22, 2020

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By Adesina Soyooye

A fresh attack on a Benue community, Abeeka Abeeka has taken the life of an Assistant Commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps (NSCDC).

The killing of the officer, according to the Media Assistant to the Commandant General, Ekunola Gbenga, “took place at Akile village, Tyo Mu along Makurdi-Gboko road at about 4am on Monday outside the officer’s house, where the youths shot him to death.”

Said Gbenga in a Press Release: “The late officer was woken up following the alarm raised by neighbours that some people were coming to attack the village.

“It was gathered that as soon as Abeeka stepped out of his house, one of the gunmen opened fire and killed him.

“Tyo Mu community had witnessed a series of clashes in recent times between the indigenes and settlers over land dispute.

“It could be recalled that for some time now, villagers in the area have been engaged in rivalry over land matters as well as contention over rights over economic sites in the area.

“Abeeka, an assistant commandant of the corps, was a dedicated and energetic person, he would be missed.

“This is a sad incident and very unfortunate coming at a time the NSCDC still mourning the death of Inspector Joseph Ochogwu, an Idoma man from Benue South senatorial zone who was murdered some days back by gunmen suspected to be herdsmen in the state.

“We have commenced full scale investigation into the matter to ascertain those behind the dastardly act, while the manhunt of the fleeing bandits was ongoing with a view to bringing the perpetrators to justice.”

Breaking: El Rufai Recovers From Covid 19, Kaduna Jubilates

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Uche Mbah

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April 22, 2020

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By Uche Mbah
The Kaduna state governor, Nasir el-Rufai, Wednesday announced complete recovery from the dreaded Coronavirus disease after almost one month of personal isolation.
The governor announced more than three months ago that he has the Virus. but in a tweet on his verified handle, elRufai announced his recovery.
“I am delighted to report today, that after nearly four weeks of observing a strict medical regime, I have now received the all-clear after two consecutive negative test results”
There have been rumors that his health has deteriorated and that he is headed to Lagos for treatment, but he debunked it as fake news.
Reports indicate that there was jubilation in Kaduna government house over the news.
Other governors have recovered from COVID-19. They are Seyi Makinde of Oyo, and Bala Mohammed of Bauchi.

Kogi: Gov’r Bello Panics As Hope Rises For Wada

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Bayo Bernard

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April 22, 2020

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Governor Yahaya Bello of Kogi State — Yahaya Bello

Tosin Olatokunbo

The plan by a former governor of Kogi state, Ibrahim Idris to control the heart of People’s Democratic Party, PDP in the Confluence state by proxy has failed. At least for now.

The ex-governor had tried to impose his son, Abubakar as the PDP governorship candidate in the last governorship election against Musa Wada.

Even though the governorship election was later won by the incumbent, Yahaya Bello, Abubakar later challenged the candidacy of Wada in the court and was later declared the authentic candidate by a Kogi state high court.

But that judgment has now been vacated by the Appeal Court sitting in Abuja on Tuesday, which affirmed Wada as the governorship candidate of the PDP in the November 16, 2019 election in the state.

“Every order made by the trial high court that there was no primary election and that the appellant was not a candidate in the election is hereby set aside,” declared Justice Ibrahim Saulawa while ruling on the appeal on Tuesday.

The appellate court held that it was wrong for the lower court to raise an issue on its own and determine same without hearing the parties.\

Close watchers of the politics of the state insist that Wada who lost the election to Bello, the candidate of the All Progressives Congress, has successfully removed one of the hurdles to have himself declared governor.

Wada is currently challenging the outcome of the election at the Kogi State Governorship Election Petition sitting in Abuja.

Justice Roland Olorunfemi of Kogi State High Court had sacked Wada as a candidate of the PDP on the grounds that the party did not conduct valid primaries.

COVID 19: Kano, Oyo, Osun, Edo Next Epicenter of Virus

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Bayo Bernard

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April 22, 2020

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By Fola James

There’s looming apprehension that Kano state could be the next epicenter of the corona virus pandemic, following the death of over 150 persons whose cause of death is yet to be ascertained.

Three other states, Oyo, Edo and Osun are also under serious watch, the Presidential Task Force, PTF on COVID 19 said on Tuesday.

With 59 persons already tested positive for the virus, Kano is now next to Lagos which currently has over 170 positive cases.

Over 80 per cent of the active cases in the state are male while less than 20 per cent according to figures gathered by the magazine.

One person has also been confirmed dead from the virus.

What could have led to the death of the persons whose graves now litter the state? This is the big poser the Director General, Nigeria Centre for Disease Control, NCDC, Dr. Chikwe Ihekweazu was trying to answer when he visited the state governor, Abdullahi Ganduje on Tuesday.

The NCDC boss had rushed to the state following a save our soul message from the governor a day before, asking for the federal government assistance to ascertain what led to the death of his people.

The federal government on its part has expressed concern over the rising number of COVID 19 cases in Kano.

The National Coordinator of the Presidential Task Force on COVID 19, Dr Sani Aliyu, said at the briefing, on Tuesday that the task force was concerned about the increasing cases of the virus in the state.

He said the recent multiple deaths in the state was being investigated and that other fours states have been flagged and under close monitoring.

“We are closely monitoring Kano, Osun, Oyo and Edo states. We note with particular concern, Kano State and we have engaged closely with the state government. (But) because we are increasing the number of tests as we ramp up, we are likely to have increase in the number of cases,” Dr Aliyu said.

Also, the minister of state for Health, Olorunimbe Mamora expressed worry over the development in Kano.

He warned that the state could overtake Lagos in terms of positive cases.

Mamora said, “Part of what we will do is to increase the support for Kano. Kano and Lagos have the highest population and, naturally, we would be worried.

What Lagos has is also what Kano has in terms of population, the density of population and activities, commercial and otherwise. So, we will need to do more of contact tracing, where we can, testing, isolation, and treatment.”

The federal government has intervened following reports deceased persons died of the novel pandemic, also known as COVID 19.

The state government has, however dismissed the claim to be untrue.

In a statement, the information officer of the ministry, Hadiza M. Namadi said an investigation is ongoing to find out the cause of death.

“The attention of Kano State Ministry of Health has been drawn to a post being circulated on social media platforms on purported death of number of people within two days and buried in some cemeteries within Kano metropolis.

As the ministry could not immediately verify the veracity of the claim going round, the state Commissioner of Health, Dr. Aminu Ibrahim Tsanyawa, hereby assured the general public that investigation into the matter is ongoing to verify the claim and possible causes of the deaths.

The investigation will be made public soon.

“While he prayed for the repose of the souls of the departed, the commissioner also advised people to continue to observe social distancing, wash hands regularly, avoid gatherings and stay at home to prevent the spread of Covid-19,” the statement said.

The state government has swiftly responded to the panic by shutting down the entire state.

According to Governor Ganduje, this has become necessary to stop the spread of the virus.

Markets and other public places have also been disinfected as part of the methods to contain the disease that have infected over 700 persons in the country with 19 people dead of the virus.

COVID-19: Friesland Campina Donates N500 Million As CSR Intervention

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The Source

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April 21, 2020

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By Akinwale Kasali

Leading Dairy Industry in Nigeria, FrieslandCampina WAMCO Nigeria PLC, makers of Peak and Three Crowns brands of milk, has donated the sum of N500million as its contribution towards Nigeria’s COVID-19 intervention fund organized by the Private Sector Coalition Against COVID-19 (CACOVID).

The donation, which is coming as part of FrieslandCampina WAMCO’s corporate social responsibility follows the company’s recent donation of N100million worth of Peak and Three

Crowns milk products to support over 100,000 families in low-end communities and vulnerable groups who are at risk of compromising their nutritional needs. This donation is in

line with its purpose of providing better nutrition.

Explaining the corporate gesture in Lagos April 16, the Chairman of the Board of Directors,FrieslandCampina WAMCO Nigeria PLC, Mr. Moyo Ajekigbe, said “The novel coronavirus pandemic is a global disaster that has cost the world thousands of lives and threatens its economic well-being.

“At FrieslandCampina WAMCO, we believe that everyone must come together to make a difference. If we all join hands with government and credible associations to provide substantial palliatives, critical medical supplies, and with the cooperation of every Nigerian through the adherence of precautionary measures, we will defeat the COVID-19. Hence our donation of products and funds” Ajekigbe said.

The Managing Director, FrieslandCampina WAMCO, Mr. Ben Langat further said, “As a company, we have made several donations to support meaningful initiatives in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic; this indeed represents the confidence and care we have for Nigeria. As we encourage Nigerians to unite to defeat the COVID-19 pandemic and reach for their peak again, FrieslandCampina WAMCO Nigeria will continue to take responsible actions that ensure we make nourishing dairy nutrition accessible for Nigerians.”