Breaking: Supreme Court Dismisses APC’s Zamfara Appeal, Punishes Party

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March 27, 2020

By Charles Igbo

In a unanimous verdict, the Supreme Court, Friday morning, threw away the appeal, filed by the APC, seeking for a review of the apex court’s earlier ruling which stripped the party of its victories – NASS, Governorship, House of Assembly – and bestowed same on the candidates of the PDP who were the runners-up during the 2019 General elections.

The Court had ruled that the APC had no candidates for all the elective positions it fielded candidates for, and disqualified all them, a couple of days before their swearing-in ceremonies.

PDP candidates, including its then governorship candidate, Bello Mohammad Matawalle, were sworn-in as winners.

Since then, the APC had been in court, trying to upturn the apex court’s verdict.

Anxiety had gripped the state, especially and the Governor Matawalle, since the Court a’ and reserved ruling.

Friday morning, the Supreme Court threw out the appeal, dismissing it as vexatious and an abuse of court processes.

To show their anger, Their Lordships punished the APC by inflicting on it a fine to the tune of two million Naira, payable to the respondents.

This will be the third case, seeking for a review of judgement, which the Supreme Court has dismissed, beginning with Bayelsa, Imo, and now, Zamfara.

It imposed fines on all the applicants, except on those of Imo.

The ravaging Conoravirus notwithstanding, there is wild celebration in Zamfara state.

Breaking: Lagos Begins Fumigation of Markets Against Covid-19

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Uche Mbah

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March 27, 2020

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By Uche Mbah

Local authorities in Lagos have begun to supplement the efforts of the state government to eradicate the dreaded Covid 19. Besides the Stay at home order by the state, the Local government areas have keyed in to the war against the pandemic by fumigating all markets in the state.

Places that are being currently fumigated are Oba Ogunji/Sango market, managed by Ehoan lagos team; Panada market, Agege and Moshood Abiola Market, Agege.

Ikeja Local government has also been busy disinfecting lockup shops at Ikeja and environs.

This is a developing story…

COVID 19: US Poaches Nigerian Doctors, Nurses, Issues Visa

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Bayo Bernard

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March 27, 2020

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By Fola James

Already stressed by the corona virus pandemic, Nigeria could experience exodus of doctors and nurses to greener pastures in the United States, which has thrown its door open for professional health workers willing to work in that country.

Close to 80 percent of black doctors working in the US are Nigerians who left the country over bad pay and poor working conditions.

With this opportunity, many are likely to move out in droves, labour experts say.

Some doctors told the magazine that this is a lifetime opportunity they have been waiting for.

The United States seems overwhelmed by the pandemic, after ovetaking Italy and Spain as the epicenter of the dissease, and is now searching for medical professioners across the globe to assist in the management of the emergency.

At a regular press briefing on Thursday, President Donald Trump urged health professions, seeking to work in the US to apply for immediate visa.

Trump said doctors and nurses can now approach any US embassy in their countries to apply for work visa.

“We encourage medical professionals seeking to work in the United States on a work or exchange visitor, particularly those working to treat or mitigate the effects of COVID-19, to reach out to the nearest embassy or consulate to request a visa appointment,” Trump said.

According to him, “For those foreign medical professionals already in the United States: J-1 Alien Physicians (medical residents) may consult with their program sponsor, ECFMG, to extend their programs in the United States.

Generally, a J-1 program for a foreign medical resident can be extended one year at a time for up to seven years.

Note that the expiration date on a U.S. visa does not determine how long one can be in the United States,” the US president said.

Meanwhile, well meaning Nigerians have pleaded with professional health workers not to abandon the country at the critical time of global pandemic.

They say patriotism is what is required now among all Nigerians to combat the fast spreading disease.

Nigeria is next to South Africa in terms of number of those that tested positive for corona virus, observers say there could be more yet to be discovered.

Over 60 cases have already been identified, including high profile state officials such as Abba Kyari, the president’s chief of staff and Bauchi state governor, Bala Mohammed.

FIRS: Major Shake-Up, Top Directors Sacked

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Bayo Bernard

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March 26, 2020

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By Fola James

The Executive Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service, FIRS, Muhammad Nami has effected a major shake-up in the tax collector agency.

Four senior directors have been directed to go to pave room for new ones.

The agency, though did not mention the names of the affected directors, those to replace them, in acting capacity have been directed to resume with immediate effect.

Theybare Asheikh Maidugu, CD/Executive Chairman’s Group; Mr. Olufemi Oladeji Oluwaniyi, CD/Tax Operations Group; Mr. Innocent Chinyere Ohagwa, CD/General Services Group; and Mr. Ezra Usman Zubairu as CD/Enforcement Support Group. Those appointed as group leads are; Mrs. Faosat Ogunniyi, Compliance Support Group; and Ms. Chiaka Okoye, Digital Support Group.

The sacked directors are said to have been in the agency for eight years or more.

Apart from.the new directors, some staff were appointed by the chairman as group leads.

They are; Mrs. Faosat Ogunniyi, Compliance Support Group; and Ms. Chiaka Okoye, Digital Support Group.

Meanwhile, watchers of the agency insist that the move was the first by Nami to assert himself fully after he was appointed by President Muhammadu Bihari to replace Babatunde Fowler.

COVID 19: LASG Opens New Markets For Residents

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Bayo Bernard

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March 26, 2020

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By Fola James

Few hours after the Lagos state government debunked suggestions that it was closing all markets in the stste, it has opened new markets across some LGAs and CDAs.

What the government did not say, however, is whether items sold at these markets will be subsidized.

Demands have been made from government at state and federal levels to give palliatives to Nigerians to cushion the effects of the government stay-at-home order.

The state government had earlier shut all markets except those selling food and medicals.

Governor Babajde Sanwo-Olu said selected markets had been left open to prevent panic buying among residents who are trying to stock against any lock down by the government over the corona virus pandemic.

The government has now gone further to open some schools where food and agricultural items will now be sold to residents within the emergency period.

The school grounds, the state goverment said, will be used as temporary markets as part of measures to curb the spread of Coronavirus (COVID-19),

The Commissioner for Agriculture, Prince Gbolahan Lawal disclosed this development, noting that the markets were set up to provide Lagosians access to food supplies during this restriction period in order to prevent panic buying after the directive that all markets and stores trading in non-essential commodities be closed.

According to him food markets have now been set up in the following LGAs :Mushin, Alimosho, Surulere, Ikeja, Apapa, Lagos Mainland, Eti-Osa, Surulere and Ifako-Ijaiye Local Governments.

The schools are – Bishop Aggrey Primary School, Ilasamaja; Ajenifuja Primary School, Ilupeju, Mushin; Papa Ajao Primary School, Ladipo Street, Mushin; Akin Ogun Primary School, Mosan; Meiran Community Primary School, Meiran; and Animashaun Primary School, Ijeshatedo off Omilani Street, Surulere.

Others are Ikeja Primary School, Ikeja; Opebi Primary School, Opebi, Ikeja; Anglican Primary School, Marine Beach, Apapa; St. Jude’s Primary School, Ebute- Metta; St. George’s Boys Primary School, Falomo; Community Grammar School, Adelabu, Surulere; Obele Secondary School, Adelabu, Surulere; Fagba Junior Grammar School, Ifako-Ijaiye; and Stadium High School, Ifako.

He said the Ministry of Agriculture, in conjunction with the Ministry of Health, has put in place safety guidelines at each of the temporary food and agricultural markets, adding that strict adherence to safety measures by shoppers, especially social distancing between visitors to the specified locations are necessary..

The Commissioner said there is no need for panic buying by members of the public since the food and agricultural markets have been put in place to make shopping easy, adding that officials of the Nigeria Police and Neighbourhood Watch will ensure the maintenance of law and order at the various markets.

He, therefore, advised all residents to remain vigilanlance and observe all the precautionary measures outlined by the State to curb the prevalence of the COVID-19 pandemic

Coronavirus: LASG Debunks Total Lockdown Allegation

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The Source

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March 26, 2020

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By Akinwale Kasali

The Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu administration in Lagos State has broken its silence over alleged total Lockdown of the State following the outbreak of the pandemic Coronavirus.

The Lagos State Government, through the Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Gbenga Omotoso, debunked the story that the state Governor has ordered a total lockdown in a bid to curtail the spread of coronavirus in the state.

In a Statement, Omotoso, said the state is not on lockdown despite the measures introduced by the government to curtail the spread of COVID-19.

He stressed that Governor Sanwo-Olu, who is the Incident Commander, only urged private sector establishments to introduce measures that will support the government’s efforts at curtailing the spread of COVID-19.

He said the initiatives being introduced by the government are measures to prevent situations where more than 25 persons will gather in the same place at a time.

“Governor Sanwo-Olu suggested that banks should enhance their online banking services to enable their customers have transactions without visiting banking halls.”

“All markets that are not selling food, pharmaceutical products, water, medical equipment and other essential materials are to close down.”

“Workers providing essential services – Fire Service, Emergency, health, water, telecommunication, security, media and others – are exempted from this directive.”

The Commissioner further said that Governor Sanwo-Olu’s Administration is concerned about the rising number of COVID-19 cases, hence it is adopting measures to keep residents safe.

“The government will continue to appraise the situation, consult various stakeholders and make further announcements to check the spread of this lethal disease.”

“Residents should observe simple hygiene measures, such as washing hands with soap and water, covering mouth while sneezing or coughing and consulting a doctor when feeling ill. Anyone feeling unwell should stay indoors.”

“We should remain observant, prayerful and report all suspected cases of COVID-19 through the emergency hotlines – 08000CORONA, 08023169485, 08033535529, 08052817243,” the statement said.

Martins Set To Replace Ighalo At Shanghai Shenhua

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The Source

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March 26, 2020

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By Akinwale Kasali

The world is presently on its knees. The fangs of the deadly Pandemic, Covid-19, is rocking the World, with all economic, social and sporting activities at a halt.

But Chinese Super League Club Side, Shanghai Shenhua Football Club, is not really perturbed by the Coronavirus Pandemic. Rather, it is planning ahead after the extinction of the Coronavirus disease, when hostilities resume in Soccer arena.

With the future and the possibility of Odion Jude Ighalo returning to his Parent Club, Shanghai Shenhua from his loan spell with English Premier League Club Side, Manchester United Football Club, looking unlikely, following Coach Ole Gunnar Solksjaer’s interest in extending the deal of Ighalo at Old Trafford, the Club is looking for a replacement. Based on that, the management of Shanghai Shenhua are looking at former Super Eagles Striker, Obafemi Akinwunmi Martins, as a replacement for the 2019 African Cup of Nations highest goal scorer.

Martins is not new in the Chinese Super League. He had played for Shanghai Shenhua in the 2017/2018, and early 2018/2019 season, before he was injured.

Having recuperated, Shanghai Shenhua believes he could fit in their plan as replacement for Ighalo.

The mercurial Striker had proved his worth as a reliable forward, having made impact in the English Premier League, Spanish League, Italian League, German Bundesliga, Russian League, Middle East and the MLS League in the United States of America.

Covid-19: Only Essential Cargoes Can Land In Nigeria Says Sirika

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Uche Mbah

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March 26, 2020

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By Uche Mbah

Only essential cargoes coming into the country are allowed in the wake of Coronavirus Pandemic, the Minister of Aviation, Hadi sirika, has said.

Nigerian had earlier banned all international flights, closing down all international airports in the country, including Lagos and Abuja, the main international hubs. But there has been reports that some international flights have been flying into the country even after the ban. But the Minister has debunked this.

In a tweet monitored in Lagos, Sirika said only Cargo planes carrying medical supplies are exempt.

“COVID-19. Henceforth only essential cargoes such as Medicines, Medical equipment, Food, Security, Humanitarian supplies and related items will be allowed. Rumors such as BA flight landing Lagos after the ban etc should be disregarded, it is false. This is a patriotic moment”, he twitted.

All land borders have been closed to effect complete containment.

Meanwhile, Nigeria now has 51 cases of confirmed cases of coronavirus with Lagos having the lion share. One fatality has been recorded. Federal and state governments have put up measures to control the spread.

Minister of Health, Osagie Ehanire announced this in a briefing aimed at sensitizing Nigerians on the Coronavirus Pandemic. “This is not an assignment for government alone”, the Minister said. “The Federal government is doing everything possible to contain the Pandemic.”

Breaking: Fumigation of Aso Villa Begins Against Covid-19

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Uche Mbah

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March 26, 2020

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By Uche Mbah

Following recent developments at Aso Rock Villa, the seat of power, Presidency has contracted a firm to fumigate the whole Villa, starting from the Presidential residence, this magazine was told..

The Chief of staff to the President, Abba Kyari, has been reported to have tested positive to the dreaded Coronavirus, and has since resumed treatment. But fears about the state of health of those he came into contact with has necessitated the testing of many officials within the seat of Power. President Buhari was said to have tested negative, but went on isolation. Vice President Osinbajo was also said to have tested negative too.

Other members of staff of the presidency-like, for example, three personal aids of Abba Kyari-are said to be quarantined for also testing positive.

Though it is not clear from sources which firm is handling the fumigation, indications are that the fumigators are already on site, and may begin the fumigation from the presidential apartments and offices before proceeding to other parts.

More to come…

Corona virus: Atiku Wants Nigerians paid N10,000 Support

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Bayo Bernard

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March 25, 2020

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By Fola James

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has picked holes in the sit at home order of the federal and state governments.

Atiku said asking Nigerians to stay at home without support from the governments at all levels is like sending them home to die.

At least each Nigerian must be paid N10,000 palliative to meet their immediate needs, in the short term, the former vice president said.

The nation is faced with the global corona virus pandemic that has stressed emergency health workers to the limit.

At least one person had died with over 40 Nigerians tested positive to the deadly virus.

As a counter measures to contain the virus, the federal and state governments have orderd businesses to close aside stay at home directive to some class of public servants.

The strictest emergency measures so far taken by any state is that of Lagos state which on Tuesday issued a stern warning for markets and retail businesses to close.

Except food and commodity market, any other businesses remained closed, starting from Thursday, Lagos Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu said on Tuesday.

But Atik said the lock down will compound the misery of poor Nigerians.

Read Atiku’s Message in Full:

As the coronavirus pandemic ravages the world, I applaud the various Nigerian state governments who have proactively taken measures, such as issuing stay at home orders, and shutting down non-essential markets and other places of mass gatherings, while also giving guidelines for social distancing.

However, we must accept the fact that much of the Nigerian public have a subsistence existence. A large percentage of our people do not have the financial capacity to withstand long periods of self-isolation and even lockdown. It is, therefore, incumbent on the Federal and state governments to provide palliatives to the Nigerian people to enable them to survive, even as they abide by these necessary measures put in place for their safety.

At an approximate 30 million households or thereabouts, the government should devise modalities to distribute N10,000 as a supplement for foodstuff to each household, among other palliative measures, with no one left behind.

It is thus time for the National Assembly to reconvene in an emergency session, perhaps by teleconference (in line with the demands of social distancing), to legislate a Stimulus Package Act that will cater for all Nigerian citizens.

I also call on all Mobile Telephony Companies in Nigeria to urgently develop mobile money platforms so that the government can reach the unbanked with financial assistance. I also urge these telecommunications firms to offer each of the 100 million mobile phone lines in Nigeria free credit of at least ₦1500 per mobile line, so that Nigerians who show symptoms, or those who just want information, can call the nearest available health facility, or even an ambulance service, as the case may be.

I commend all individuals and corporate organisations who have one way or the other provided some form of relief for the Nigerian people. In essence, this is what makes Nigeria great, when we help each other at such crisis times as this, irrespective of any differences. I further call on more corporations and individuals with capacity, to assist the public in these trying times.

To this end, Priam Group pledges N50 million on my behalf as my humble contribution to a relief Fund that will form part of the stimulus package.