| Source | Date | Title | Summary of Report | Subject/Category | Weblink/Page No. | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ThisDayLive Online | Thursday, January 28, 2021 | To Curb Spread of COVID-19, Buhari Signs Regulation Mandating Use of Mask in Public | President Muhammadu Buhari has signed the Coronavirus Disease Health Protection Regulations 2021 which makes the use of face masks in public places mandatory as part of measures to curb the spread of COVID-19. Disclosing this on Wednesday, January 26 in Abuja, Secretary to the Government of the Federation and Chairman of the Presidential Task Force on COVID-19, Boss Mustapha, stated that the President signed the document on Tuesday, January 26. Mustapha stated that the President signed the document in exercise of the powers conferred on him by Section 4 of the Quarantine Act, Cap. Q2 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2010. According to him, Part 2 of the regulation stipulates that no person shall be allowed within the premises of a market, mall, supermarket, shop, restaurants, hotels, event centres, gardens, leisure parks, recreation centres, motor parks, fitness centre or any other similar establishment “except he is wearing a face covering that covers the nose and mouth, he washes his hands or cleaned the hands using hand sanitiser approved by the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), and his body temperature has been checked. Any person found to have a body temperature above 38 degrees Celsius shall be denied entry and advised to immediately seek medical attention.” The regulations also stated that all worshipers in mosques and churches must avoid sharing hymnals, praying mats and bottles. Furthermore, the regulations stipulates a penalty of a fine or a prison term of six months for offenders. | COVID-19, Health Regulations | https://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2021/01/27/to-curb-spread-of-covid-19-buhari-signs-regulation-mandating-use-of-facemarks-in-public/ | ||||||
| ThisDayLive Online | Thursday, January 28, 2021 | Make Nigeria Safer, Buhari Orders New Service Chiefs | President Muhammadu Buhari on Wednesday, January 27 met with the new miltary service chiefs, urging them to concentrate their efforts on helping his administration to deliver on its electoral pledge to make Nigeria a safer place for citizens to live. A statement by the President’s Media Adviser, Mr. Femi Adesina, quoted Buhari as congratulating the new appointees, and telling them that their job is well cut out for them given the insecurity wracking the nation. The President’s maiden meeting with the new service chiefs, however, coincided with rising criticism of the presidential appointment without a request for confirmation by the National Assembly as required by law. The President stated thus: “We are in a state of emergency. Be patriotic, serve the country well, as your loyalty is to the country. Buhari also charged the service chiefs to be concerned about the morale of their officers and men, saying they should be made to feel physically and professionally secure. He pledged that the Federal Government will do its best in providing equipment and logistics to make them win the war against insecurity. | President Muhammadu Buhari, Service Chiefs | https://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2021/01/28/make-nigeria-safer-buhari-orders-new-service-chiefs/ | ||||||
| ThisDayLive Online | Thursday, January 28, 2021 | APC Warns against Theft, Hijack of Membership Registration Materials | The All Progressives Congress (APC) has warned against commandeering, stealing or hijacking of registration materials during the party’s membership registration and revalidation. Chairman of the National Registration Committee of the party and Niger State Governor, Mr. Abubakar Bello, gave the warning on Wednesday, January 27 in Abuja at the inauguration of the State Membership Registration Committee. He stated that the last membership registration was conducted in 2014 and since then there were members who have either died or left the party. In addition, new members have joined the party while young ones who have turned 18 between 2014 and 2021 who are willing to join the party should be given the opportunity to register. Bello stated thus: “We should also note that commandeering or theft or hijacking registration materials will not be tolerated. You should also note that domination of the registration process by an individual or group will also not be accepted,” Bello added. Bello, therefore, appealed to the chairmen and secretaries of the committees to ensure that justice and fairness prevail. Governor of Kano State, Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje, told reporters after the inauguration that the exercise was being conducted to ensure that new entrants to the party have a sense of belonging. He expressed optimism that the ruling party would have an efficient registration process. | APC, Membership Registration | https://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2021/01/28/apc-warns-against-theft-hijack-of-membership-registration-materials/ | ||||||
| ThisDayLive Online | Thursday, January 28, 2021 | Gbajabiamila: National Assembly Will Pass PIB into Law April | The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, on Wednesday, January 27 assured Nigerians that the parliament will pass the long awaited Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB) into law in April this year. The Speaker gave the assurances while delivering his remarks at the public hearing organized by the House Ad hoc Committee on PIB at the National Assembly Complex in Abuja. He stated that despite the position of any vested interest, the parliament will ensure that it protects the interest of Nigeria and Nigerians in the Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB). Gbajabiamila stated that although the PIB has been in the National Assembly for decades without much success, the 9th Assembly would ensure that it passes it into law by April. While agreeing that it was a national consensus that there should be a comprehensive reform of the oil and gas industry, he however bemoaned a situation where the oil industry underperforms its potential and national expectations. | PIB, National Assembly | https://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2021/01/27/gbajabiamila-n-assembly-will-pass-pib-into-law-in-april/ | ||||||
| Daily Trust Online | Thursday, January 28, 2021 | Insecurity: Akeredolu, Makinde, Ooni Of Ife Meet Buhari | President Muhammadu Buhari has held separate meetings with Governors Seyi Makinde and Rotimi Akeredolu of Oyo and Ondo States, respectively, as well as the Ooni of Ife, Imperial Majesty, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi Ojaja II, over the security situation in the Southwest geo-political zone. Both Makinde and Akeredole met President Buhari at the State House on Wednesday, January 27 after the Ooni had been hosted on Tuesday (January 26) night in his official residence. The governor of Oyo State, while fielding questions from State House reporters, stated that his meeting with the President provided an opportunity to present accurate information on the security situation in his State. According to Governor Makinde, “There has been a lot of fake news all around and I wanted to be sure that Mr President clearly has first-hand information from me, which I did. “We also exchanged ideas on what we need to do better, some of the programmes we have put in place to ensure that this security issue is tackled. Makinde, while speaking on the specific issues he discussed with the President, stated that he requested for more Mobile Police Squadrons to be deployed to Oyo State and also asked for support for the region's joint security outfit. | Insecurity, President, South West | https://dailytrust.com/insecurity-akeredolu-makinde-ooni-of-ife-meet-buhari | ||||||
| The Guardian Newspaper | Thursday, January 28, 2021 | Oyo PDP Suspends Party Chairman Over Alleged Anti-Party Activities | The crisis rocking the Oyo State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has deepened as its chairman in Ibadan North East Local Council, Mr. Taiwo Iyiola, was suspended for alleged anti-party activities on Wednesday, January 27. In a communique by the State Working Committee, which was made available to journalists in Ibadan, the party stated that Iyiola was suspended over alleged anti-party activities by the executives of his ward. The State chapter of the party also directed the Vice Chairman, Mr. Isiaka Fatokun, to immediately take over the leadership pending conclusion of investigations. However, Iyiola in his reaction, described his suspension as illegal, stating that he got the news of his suspension on a Facebook page. Iyiola stated that he was surprised when he saw the news, adding that he had never been found wanting and the party does not have any evidence of anti-party activities levelled against him. He stated thus: “I’ve never for once engaged in any anti-party activity since I have been in this party, and I have never been served any query. So, I don’t know what my offence was that warranted my suspension. This is the local council of Governor Seyi Makinde and the governor himself knows that I am doing my duty as expected. I am sure that the governor is not aware of the purported suspension. This issue can destroy the party because why will the party suspend an innocent person? It shows that anybody can be tormented and frustrated out of the party.” | Oyo State, PDP | https://guardian.ng/politics/oyo-pdp-suspends-chairman-over-alleged-anti-party-activities/ | ||||||
| ThisDayLive Online | Tuesday, January 26, 2021 | Federal Government Extends Eased COVID-19 Lockdown by Four Weeks | The Federal Government has extended phase three of the eased lockdown by one month with effect from Tuesday, Jnauary 27. The Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Mr. Boss Mustapha, announced this on Monday, Janauary 25 at the Presidential Task Force (PTF) on COVID-19 briefing in Abuja. Mustapha stated that the decision to extend all extant measures that were prescribed in the guidelines in phase three of the ease on lockdown were premised on the fact that the country has continued to see an increase in COVID-19 cases. In line with the reviewed guidelines, all government employees on Grade Level 12 and below will continue to work from home while the government will continue to sanction international passengers who fail to show up for day-seven post-arrival testing. Also, bars, night clubs, pubs, event centres and recreational venues are to be closed for the period as they are considered super spreader venues for the virus. The extension also affected restrictions on weddings, conferences, congresses, office parties, concerts, seminars and sporting activities. They must have in attendance not more than 50 persons, while mosques and churches should not be filled beyond 50 per cent of their installed capacity. He stated that efforts to access and deploy COVID-19 vaccines are progressing as COVAX is due to deliver the initial 100,000 doses next month. | COVID-19 Lockdown | https://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2021/01/26/fg-extends-covid-19-lockdown-measures-by-four-weeks/ | ||||||
| ThisDayLive Online | Tuesday, January 26, 2021 | COVID-19: FG Confirms Four Cases of UK Variant in Nigeria | The Federal Government has confirmed the presence of the deadly UK COVID-19 strain in four persons in Nigeria. The Chairman, Presidential Task Force on COVID-19, Boss Mustapha confirmed the development on Monday, January 25 at the Briefing by the Task Force in Abuja. He stated that local virulogists had been sequencing the variants of the virus. He added that the B117 variant first reported in the UK had been found in three persons travelling out of the country and in one resident. | COVID-19, UK Strain | https://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2021/01/25/covid-19-fg-confirms-four-cases-of-uk-variant-in-nigeria/ | ||||||
| ThisDayLive Online | Tuesday, January 26, 2021 | 10 Feared Killed in Military, IPOB Clash in Imo State | Imo State Governor, Senator Hope Uzodimma has imposed curfew in ten Local Government Areas in Orlu town in the State following a clash between the army and members of Indigenous Peoples of Biafra (IPOB), which was said to have resulted in the death of no fewer than 10 people. Members of the Eastern Security Network (ESN), a security arm of IPOB, allegedly killed a soldier and in reprisal, soldiers stormed the area in their numbers, shot indiscriminately, and allegedly killed many people. Several houses were also burnt during the clash. The governor who condoned with the families of the bereaved and all the victims of the unfortunate incident assured them that those who committed the heinous crime against them and their loved ones will not go unpunished. | Orlu, IPOB, Nigerian Military, Curfew | https://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2021/01/26/10-feared-killed-in-military-ipob-clash-in-imo/ | ||||||
| ThisDayLive Online | Tuesday, January 26, 2021 | Federal Government Warns against Ethnic, Political Sentiments Deepening Tensions | The Federal Government has cautioned Nigerians against political and ethnic sentiments capable of worsening the current ethnic and religious clashes over security issues in some States. It stated that the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari is working assiduously to address all issues currently creating tensions in the country. The Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, at a joint press conference with his counterpart in the Ministry of Interior, Mr. Rauf Aregbesola, briefed reporters on Monday, January 25 in Abuja on efforts being made by the Federal Government to combat terrorism, banditry and other criminalities. The briefing came against the backdrop of renewed tensions in some States, especially in the South West, over the frequent face-off between host communities and herdsmen who are being accused of various crimes, including kidnapping, rape and killing, among others. However, Mohammed stated that with the renewed determination and vigour on the part of the government, the security agencies are set to sustain their onslaught against terrorists, bandits and criminals. He added that the Buhari administration was fully aware of its responsibility to protect the lives and property of all Nigerians and that the President has committed the government to not relenting in learning, and adapting to changing threats to national security and civic wellbeing. | Insecurity, Political Sentiments | https://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2021/01/26/fg-warns-against-ethnic-political-sentiments-deepening-tensions/ | ||||||
| Daily Trust Online | Tuesday, January 26, 2021 | Federal Government Threatens To Shut NYSC Orientation Camps Over COVID-19 | The Minister of Youths and Sports, Sunday Dare, on Monday, January 25 stated that the government would shut down any National Youth Service Corps’ (NYSC) orientation camp where COVID-19 protocols were not complied with. The Minister stated this in Abuja at the joint national briefing of the Presidential Task Force on COVID-19. According to him, this became necessary in view of the discovery that over 700 serving corps members had tested positive for COVID-19. | COVID-19, NYSC | https://dailytrust.com/threatens-to-shut-nysc-orientation-camps | ||||||
| The Guardian Newspaper | Tuesday, January 26, 2021 | COVID-19: FG targets 70% Vaccination in 2 Years- Minister | The Minister of Health, Dr Osagie Ehanire has stated that the Federal Government is exploring all options to ensure the vaccination of 70 per cent of Nigeria population in two years. Ehanire made this known on Monday, January 25 at the national briefing of the Presidential Task Force (PTF) on COVID-19 in Abuja. According to him, Nigeria is exploring all options to secure safe and efficacious vaccines to meet the target of covering at least 70 per cent of the population within two years. Ehanire stated thus: “With an eye on value-for-money, we are negotiating with many parties and planning for flawless execution using recent experience from polio eradication in the face of a global scramble for vaccines.” Ehanire stated that apart from the 100,000 doses allocated as first wave to Nigeria by the COVAX facility, the Federal Government also placed an order for 10 million doses through the Africa Vaccine Acquisition Task Team (AVATT) of the Africa Union Commission. He stated that the commission had secured 270 million doses, with the two billion dollars backing by Africa Exim Bank for a ‘whole-of-Africa’ approach by the Chairman, African Union, President Cyril Ramaphosa of South Africa. He added that, “The vaccine is expected to be rolled out as from late March or April. Nigeria has an indigenous vaccine candidate which will require considerable investment to get through trials. We shall seek sponsorship to take the initiative further." | COVID-19, Vaccination | https://guardian.ng/news/covid-19-fg-targets-70-vaccination-in-2-years-minister/ | ||||||
| Daily Trust Online | Monday, January 25, 2021 | Makinde, Oyo Police Commissioner Meet Fulani Leaders, Others | Oyo State Govenor, Seyi Makinde and the Commissioner of Police in the State, CP Ngozi Onadeko, on Sunday, January 24 visited Igangan, Ibarapa North Local Government Area of the State to ensure peace returned to the troubled community. Youths at Igangan had on Friday, January 22 razed the house of Sarkin Fulani of Oyo State, Alhaji Saliu Abdulkadir, accusing the Fulani community of complicity in kidnappings and killings of the people of the area. The delegation also visited the razed home of the Sarkin Fulani in Igangan to assess the damage and promised thorough investigation of the incident. Addressing a gathering of traditional rulers, government officials and Fulani leaders in Igangan, the CP called for calm. Governor Makinde, represented by his Special Adviser on Security, Fatai Owoseni, appealed to all the residents of the town to find a way to return communal tolerance and understanding to fight off attacks from bandits and kidnappers. He further sued for peace in troubled areas of the State, asking all stakeholders to embrace dialogue and desist from the wanton destruction of lives and livelihood. Owoseni stated that 51 suspected criminals linked to kidnapping and other crimes committed in Oke Ogun and Ibarapa areas were in police custody; while some were had been charged to court. | Oyo State, Security Challenges | https://dailytrust.com/makinde-oyo-cp-meet-fulani-leaders-others | ||||||
| Daily Trust Online | Monday, January 25, 2021 | Speak Out On Restructuring, PDP Urges Tinubu, El-Rufai, Amaechi, Others | The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has challenged leaders of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) to speak out on President Muhammadu Buhari’s decision to go back on their party’s campaign promise of implementing an administrative restructuring for better governance of the country. The PDP also tasked the APC leaders to respond to their members in the Senate who, through their spokesperson, Senator Ajibola Basiru, have declared that restructuring, as promised by APC, is only a “slogan.” The Presidency had on Thursday, January 21, asked prominent Nigerians agitating for restructuring of the country to channel their demands to the National Assembly. However, the PDP in a statement on Saturday, January 23 by its National Publicity Secretary, Kola Ologbondiyan, asked the APC leaders to give clarifications on the revelation that neither the APC nor its leaders had submitted any memorandum for the promised restructuring and devolution of power upon which they rode to power in 2015. Part of the statement read thus: “Our party holds that the inaction of the APC in the face of the dismissive declaration by the Buhari presidency that Nigerians, who they had promised restructuring, should now channel their demands to the National Assembly, only goes to further validate the assertions among Nigerians that the APC is a deceptive power-grabbing platform, which is not interested in governance or fulfilling its promises to Nigerians." | PDP, APC, Restructuring | https://dailytrust.com/speak-out-on-restructuring-pdp-tells-tinubu-el-rufai-amaechi-others | ||||||
| Punch Newspaper | Monday, January 25, 2021 | Lagos in Talks with COVID Vaccine Manufacturers —Sanwo-Olu | Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu stated that his administration has started making contacts with COVID vaccine manufacturers including Pfizer, Oxford–AstraZeneca, Moderna, amongst others. According to him, the government plans to vaccinate up to 50 per cent of the population of Lagos to develop ‘herd immunity’ to the virus. Sanwo-Olu stated that the organised private sector has expressed interest to support the funding of the purchase of the vaccines beside the vaccines procured by the Federal Government. He added that, “We actually want the Federal Government to take the lead and rightfully so. As a sovereign, they have all of the contacts and protocols to make that happen. And we are giving them that space. But other than that, we have also taken our destinies into our hands; we have started conversations with some of the vaccine manufacturers." Lagos State, home to over 20 million population, has recorded about 45,000 COVID infections which is over 37 per cent of over 121,000 cases recorded in the country since February 2020. | Lagos State, COVID-19 Vaccine | https://punchng.com/lagos-in-talks-with-covid-vaccine-manufacturers-sanwo-olu/ | ||||||
| Vanguard Newspaper | Monday, January 25, 2021 | Northern States APC Chairmen Meet in Jos on January 26 | Chairmen of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 19 Northern States are to meet in Jos on Tuesday, January 26 to deliberate on how to move the party forward. Chief Letep Dabang, Chairman, Forum of 19 States APC Chairmen, who is also Chairman of the APC in Plateau State, disclosed this to newsmen in Jos. Letep stated that the meeting which was held periodically in different States of the Federation was coming at a time when the party had concluded all modalities to welcome new members into its fold, as well as revalidate its existing membership. He stated that the clamour by Nigerians to join the APC necessitated the exercise. He stated thus: “As such, the APC Chairmen from 19 Northern States will be in Jos to fashion out ways for more success in the region and discuss other issues critical to the continuous growth of the party. As we are all aware, Nigeria is in a very challenging time at the moment, grappling with the adverse effects of the COVID-19 and economic challenges. Therefore, the meeting has become imperative to further galvanize and build more effective ways of working with the APC governors within the region to further deliver good governance to the people. Our party is set to welcome new members into our growing fold and this exercise will be done at the various polling units across the country.” | APC, Northern States | https://www.vanguardngr.com/2021/01/northern-states-apc-chairmen-meet-in-jos-tuesday/ | ||||||
| Daily Trust Online | Monday, January 25, 2021 | 2023: Kogi Lawmakers Under Attack Over Bello’s Campaigns | Members of the Kogi State House of Assembly are under intense attack following their campaign tour to States to canvas support for the presidential ambition of Governor Yahaya Bello. The lawmakers, who have visited Plateau, Ebonyi and Kogi States, have urged their colleagues to support the presidential ambition of Governor Bello, come 2023. They noted that since the North Central is yet to produce a president, APC should consider zoning its presidential ticket to the geopolitical zone for Bello to contest under its platform. During a visit to Ebonyi, the Speaker of the Kogi House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Matthew Kolawole, urged his counterpart to inform David Umahi to drop his rumoured quest for the presidency and support Bello’s bid for the top political seat in the country. Mixed reactions have continued to trail the lawmakers’ campaign tour. Many Kogites have expressed reservations, alleging that the governor is bankrolling the campaign trips. Idris Miliki Abdul, Executive Director of Conscience for Human Rights and Conflict Resolution faulted the lawmakers’ campaign trip to States. According to him, the State’s parliament could be described as the worst assembly in terms of the number of bills passed, motions moved and the relationship that exists between the legislature and the people in terms of public hearing and encouragement of citizens' participation. Also speaking on the matter, Chairman of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) in the State, Muktar Attimah, noted that the Speaker was only making a mockery of the people, adding that the State and its legislature were unserious. However, the Speaker has defended his action, stating that, “There is no constitutional provision that frowns at the legislature for supporting the executive governor on his political ambition.” He added that the tour is bankrolled by him, insisting that the governor did not contribute anything to it. | Kogi State, Kogi State House of Assembly | https://dailytrust.com/2023-kogi-lawmakers-under-attack-over-bellos-campaigns | ||||||
| Vanguard Newspaper | Thursday, January 21, 2021 | APC Warns against Hijack of Membership Registration, Revalidation Exercise | The Chairman, Caretaker Extraordinary Convention Planning Committee (CECPC) of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Governor Mai Mala Buni has warned critical stakeholders of the party against hijacking its membership registration and revalidation exercise slated to commence on January 25. He gave the charge on Wednesday, January 20 in Abuja when he inaugurated a committee on the membership registration/revalidation. According to him, the party has not had the opportunity of renewing its membership register since the initial registration in 2014. He explained how APC had in the last seven years, received millions of politicians who left other political parties and joined its fold but were not registered. He stated that millions of youth who attained the age of 18 years and above who had joined the party within the period could not be registered, while others who had left the party still had their names in the register. Suni stated thus: “The registration and revalidation, therefore, provides the opportunity for both new and old members to register and update their membership in the party, and for the party to expunge names of those who had left so as to have a clean and up to date membership register. Therefore, this committee holds the key to ensuring a successful membership registration and revalidation across the country. I wish to reiterate that so much is expected from this very important committee. Let me make it abundantly clear that the party would not condone any act of sabotage of denying anyone or group of persons registration. The party would deal decisively with anyone or group who attempts to hijack the exercise." | APC, Registration, Revalidation | https://www.vanguardngr.com/2021/01/apc-warns-against-hijack-of-membership-registration-revalidation/ | ||||||
| The Guardian Newspaper | Thursday, January 21, 2021 | Federal Government Moves to Deepen Reforms in Business Environment | To deepen reforms in Nigeria’s business environment, the Federal Government has resolved that chief executive officers (CEOs) and heads of some regulatory agencies in the country be presented with the result of a recent survey that exposed major pitfalls in their organisations. Specifically, the Cost of Compliance Report presented to the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC) at its first virtual meeting on Tuesday, January 20 revealed persistent corruption, duplication of functions, poor service orientation, and several anti-business acts among some regulators. Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, who presided over the meeting directed that the chief executives be exposed to the outcome of the study conducted by Pricewaterhouse Coopers (PwC). He stated that the report revealed human issues that inhibit seamless business operations. Speaking further about holding those responsible for the major lapses to account, the Vice President stated thus: “I am in full support of holding our CEOs to account because they, in turn, must hold their staff to account. If there is systemic corruption, bribery, and extortion, and nobody is held to account, there is a problem.” According to Osinbajo, the plans of the Federal Government in growing the economy and changing the lives and livelihoods of Nigerians for the better are largely dependent on the business environment in which they operate. | Federal Government, Business Environment, Reforms | https://guardian.ng/news/fg-moves-to-deepen-reforms-in-business-environment/ | ||||||
| Punch Newspaper | Thursday, January 21, 2021 | Parties Tackle Rivers Electoral Umpire, Threaten to Boycott Local Government Poll | Political parties in Rivers State have threatened to boycott the April 17 local government elections if the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) fails to meet with them. The parties working under the aegis of the Inter Party Advisory Council stated that they had started mobilising to register their displeasure over the failure of the leadership of the electoral body to honour their request for a meeting after a series of letters wrtitten to the commission. Spokesman for the group and Chairman of the African Action Congress, Progress Ogbokuma announced this at a media briefing in Port Harcourt on Wednesday, January 20. He stated thus: “All political parties under the umbrella of the Inter Party Advisory Council, we are going to RSIEC to engage the chairman, Justice George Umereji (rtd). We want to know why up till now they have not called to engage with us for us to know the fate of our political parties and the candidates we are fielding to run for this April 17, 2021 local government elections in Rivers State. If they refuse to grant us an audience, then we are going to demonstrate and block RSIEC. That is our stand.” Speaking in a similar vein, Chairman of the Labour Party, Favour Reuben stated thus, “We are going to announce to the world that all the political parties are leaving the election for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) because RSIEC are not ready to do a free, fair and credible election. We are observing that, that is why they have refused to meet with us. | Rivers State, Local Government Polls | https://punchng.com/parties-tackle-rivers-electoral-umpire-threaten-lg-poll-boycott/ | ||||||
| Punch Newspaper | Thursday, January 21, 2021 | Oyo PDP Leaders Back Fayose, Endorse Olafeso South-West Chairman | Some prominent leaders of the Oyo State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have endorsed Dr. Eddy Olafeso, as candidate for the position of South-West Zonal Chairman of the party. The leaders including Chief Nureni Akanbi, Alhaji Bisi Olopoeyan and Femi Babalola made this known this in a statement in Ibadan, after a meeting on Wednesday, January 20. The South-West PDP is expected to hold its congresses to elect party leaders soon but the political feud between the Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde and former Ekiti State Governor Ayo Fayose is threatening the process. The two have been at loggerheads over the plan to return Olafeso, who is from Ondo State as Chairman of the group. While Fayose is backing Olafeso, Makinde appears to be against his plan to return to the position he resigned from to contest the 2020 PDP governorship primary election in Ondo State. The communique which was signed by all the leaders present at the meeting reads in part; “We came here to strategise ahead of the South-West forthcoming congress. We deliberated on a lot of issues and we reached a positive conclusion in all what we discussed. It is no longer news that, there’s no chairmanship candidate coming from Oyo State; there is an agreement made that we are going to return the Eddy Olafeso exco." Former Governor Olagunsoye Oyinlola, who heads the reconciliatory committee constituted by Makinde-led zonal faction of PDP had in December visited Fayose in a bid to reconcile him with the governor. Oyinlola and other leaders at the meeting with Fayose had also endorsed Olafeso. | PDP, South West | https://punchng.com/oyo-pdp-leaders-back-fayose-endorse-olafeso-swest-chairman/ | ||||||
| ThisDayLive Online | Thursday, January 21, 2021 | Borno Introduces Three New Tax Regimes to Boost Revenue | The Borno State Government on Wednesday, January 20 introduced three new tax regimes to boost its internally generated revenue (IGR). According to the State government, the taxes are on Consumption, Entertainment and Presumptive tax (CEPT), which would lead to the rise of the State's IGR. The Chairman of Borno State Board of Internal Revenue Service (BIRS), Mohammed Alkali, while announcing the adoption of the new taxes in Maiduguri, disclosed that technologies have been deployed in ‘revenue and tax collection’ to block leakages in the formal and informal sectors of the economy. He noted that the harmonised revenue law has been passed by the State House of Assembly for 2021 implementation. Alkali stated that the increased IGR could be used to finance developmental projects across the 27 Local Government Areas of the State. He, however, allayed the fears of residents of the State that the State government was planning to increase taxes this year to finance government projects and programmes. According to him, “We are not increasing any tax rates this year as being speculated in some quarters,” insisting that the new tax policy is being enforced in the transport and business sectors. He stated that the State government is not unmindful of the economic challenges the citizens and businessmen are facing amid the Boko Haram insurgency and the COVID-19 pandemic. Alkali, however, called on the people to meet their tax requirements in rebuilding the over a decade-long insurgency ravaged State. | Borno State, Tax Regime | https://dailytrust.com/osinbajo-expresses-concern-as-survey-exposes-corruption-in-regulatory-agencies | ||||||
| The Guardian Newspaper | Wednesday, January 20, 2021 | Osinbajo: One Million Nigerians to benefit from COVID-19 Cash Transfer | No fewer than one million Nigerians are to benefit from the Federal Government’s COVID-19 Cash Transfer Project which aims to lift the urban poor affected by the pandemic out of poverty. The Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, stated this on Tuesday, January 19 in Abuja while inaugurating the COVID-19 Rapid Response Registration (RRR) Cash Transfer Project. According to him, the project is a national initiative to build a shock responsive framework for capturing and registering the urban poor and vulnerable populations across Nigeria. Osibanjo stated that the new register complements the already existing platforms under the World Bank supported National Social Safety nets Project (NASSP). According to him, “As of Dec. 31, 2020, we have identified and registered about 24.3 million poor and vulnerable individuals into the National Social Register; equivalent to about 5.7 million households. Through this project, we are currently injecting about N10billion directly into the hands of about two million poor and vulnerable households every month.” He further stated that the initiative is about the largest evidence-based effort by any administration on poverty reduction and that its impact on the lives of the poor is huge. He explained that, “This is by way of improving the livelihoods of the beneficiaries through enhanced household purchasing power, smoothening consumption, increasing savings and acquisition of household assets and improving the local economy. Also at the event, the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development, Sadiya Farouq, stated that the RRR would provide the gateway to many social development initiatives. | Federal Government, COVID-19 Cash Transfer Project | https://guardian.ng/news/1m-nigerians-to-benefit-from-covid-19-cash-transfer-osinbajo-says/ | ||||||
| The Guardian Newspaper | Wednesday, January 20, 2021 | Federal Government Stresses February 9 Deadline as Telcos Collect 47.8m NINs | The Federal Government has commended Nigerians for their perseverance in the ongoing National Identification Number (NIN)-Subscriber Identification Module (SIM) card enrolment, verification and linkage, which began last month. It urged subscribers not to relent as the February 9 deadline approaches. The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), in a statement by its Director of Public Affairs, Dr. Ikechukwu Adinde, on January 18, 2021, at a review meeting of the Technical Implementation Committee under the Ministerial Task Force acknowledged significant progress in the exercise. The spokesman disclosed that 47.8 million NINs had been collected by the mobile operators. According to him, at an average of three to four SIMs per subscriber, more millions would be linked up before the closing date. Lauding the development, the Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Dr. Isa Pantami, implored Nigerians to remain patriotic with the project in the days leading to the deadline. He charged the technical team to fast-track the process for timely delivery. The committee drew attention to the government application that allows subscribers to link up as high as seven SIMs to their NINs. Pantami advised citizens to protect their special digits and desist from selling or exchanging them for money. The Federal Government had on December 15, 2020 declared that after December 30, 2020, all unlinked SIMs would be blocked. Following widespread opposition, it extended the exercise by three weeks to January 19, 2021 before announcing another 21-day grace till February 9. | National Identification Numbers (NIN) | https://guardian.ng/news/fg-stresses-february-9-deadline-as-telcos-collect-47-8m-nins/ | ||||||
| The Guardian Newspaper | Wednesday, January 20, 2021 | Facilities to Store COVID-19 Vaccines Ready - NPHCDA | The National Primary Healthcare Development Agency (NPHCDA) has confirmed existence of storage facilities to preserve potency of the 100,000 Pfizer COVID-19 vaccines being expected in Nigeria from January 31 to early February. The Executive Director of the agency, Dr. Faisal Shuaib, who spoke when he took journalists on a tour of the agency’s ultra-cold chain equipment in Abuja, observed that the Covax therapy would occupy about 500 litres, as the facility could take a little over 400,000 doses. He stated thus: “Our ultra-cold chain equipment is fully functional and in good working condition with each having the capacity of 700 litres. The total capacity required to store the Pfizer BioNTech vaccines is 2,100 litres. The total requirement for the first 100,000 doses that Nigeria will be receiving by the end of January or early February is 500 litres. So, we have more than the needed capacity to store them.” Shuaib added that his organistion has similar structures in the six geo-political zones, with every State also having a cold store for the medication and related commodities. He explained that the country was prioritising distribution of the therapy, safety of health workers and support staff on the frontline, isolation centres, the elderly and other first responders. The number of doses to be received by each State, the NPHCDA boss added, would be determined by number of health workers on the frontline. He also stated that the focus of the Presidential Taskforce (PTF) and the Federal Ministry of Health was to receive vaccines that do not require complicated cold chain mechanisms like the Oxford AstraZeneca’s that require between +2 and +8 Degree Celsius. | COVID-19 Vaccines | https://guardian.ng/news/facilities-to-store-covid-19-vaccines-ready/ | ||||||
| Daily Trust Online | Wednesday, January 20, 2021 | Yobe To Hold Local Government Polls On February 27 | Yobe State will hold elections into its 17 Local Government councils on February 27 according to Dr. Mamman Mohammed, Chairman of the State electoral body. He told journalists in Damaturu on Tuesday, January 19 that more than 1,365,000 registered voters were expected to participate in the exercise to produce 17 council Chairmen and 178 Councillors. The Chairman called for the co-operation of all security agencies for the successful conduct of the elections. He states thus: “In our efforts to achieve this, we need an environment that is conducive and fully secured to allow free, fair, credible and peaceful election without rancour or acrimony.” | Yobe State, Local Government Elections | https://dailytrust.com/yobe-to-hold-lg-polls-on-feb-27-official | ||||||
| Daily Trust Online | Wednesday, January 20, 2021 | COVID-19: Demand For Oxygen Has Risen From 70 To 350 Cylinders Daily – Sanwo-Olu | Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu told journalists on Tuesday, January 19, that the demand for oxygen at the Infectious Disease Hospital in Yaba had risen from 70 to 350 cylinders per day. He stated that the demand was projected to be more than double to 750 six-litre cylinders before the end of the month. According to him, the State government had decentralised the availability of oxygen across the State through the provision of ten oxygen and sampling kiosks. He assured that oxygen therapy and other related services would be provided to patients that require them. He further explained that, “Five of these ten centers have been commissioned while the remaining five will be ready for use within the next four weeks. It is our expectation that these sampling kiosks would be easily accessible to residents that require oxygen therapy at the level of LGAs as stabilisation points prior to onward transmission to our Isolation centres, if required. As a result of the increasing demand for oxygen, the Lagos State Government also commissioned an oxygen plant at the Yaba Mainland Hospital to mitigate the projected need.” Sanwo-Olu stated that while the State was closely monitoring on-going action by the Federal Government to procure COVID-19 vaccines for use in Nigeria, his government had opened discussions with vaccine manufacturers to cater for Lagosians. | COVID-19, Oxygen | https://dailytrust.com/covid-19-demand-for-oxygen-has-risen-from-70-to-350-cylinders-daily-sanwo-olu | ||||||
| ThisDayLive Online | Tuesday, January 19, 2021 | FG Threatens Second Lockdown over Low Compliance with COVID-19 Protocols | The Federal Government on Monday, January 18, warned of another lockdown if Nigerians continue to disregard non-pharmaceutical interventions (NPIs) introduced to combat the spread of COVID-19. It also cautioned schools against demanding COVID-19 test results as a prerequisite for allowing in students, who resumed studies on that day. The resumption of schools was, however, characterised by low compliance with COVID-19 protocols in many States, according to media reports. At its briefing same day in Abuja, the Presidential Task Force on COVID-19 urged Nigerians to do everything possible to avoid a second lockdown in Nigeria by ensuring strict compliance with the NPIs. The Chairman of PTF, Mr. Boss Mustapha, who is also the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), stated that this can be done by complying with the protocols released by the government. He stated thus “Let me remind you that the pandemic is raging and all tiers of government and citizens must keep their hands on deck. We are in a difficult situation in which a balance must continue to be struck between lives and livelihood. We are considering all options while hoping that broad cooperation will be received. We must do everything possible to avoid a second lockdown in Nigeria.” | Federal Government, COVID-19, Lockdown | https://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2021/01/19/fg-threatens-second-lockdown-over-low-compliance-with-covid-19-protocols/ | ||||||
| The Guardian Newspaper | Tuesday, January 19, 2021 | Imo Government to Sanction COVID-19 Offenders | Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodimma, has introduced sanctions against people who refuse to comply with the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) safety protocols from the Presidential Task Force (PTF). Uzodimma spoke to newsmen on Monday, January 18 after meeting with President Muhammadu Buhari at the State House, Abuja. He stated that his government had already put in place a Task Force on COVID-19 as part of measures to reduce the spread of the disease and ensure the safety of all citizens. According to him, “Few days ago, I issued an Executive Order to make not wearing mask a crime in Imo State. So, any moment from now, we will begin to arrest people refusing to wear masks. I have given 14 days for all those coming into Imo to wear face masks and comply with the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) protocol or be arrested and tried. I have created six mobile courts to handle that. We don’t joke. It is better we offend people than to allow this disease to continue to spread in Imo.” He added that the Imo Task Force on COVID-19 is chaired by Nigerian professor of Pharmacognosy, Maurice Iwu, and that the State has four fully equipped isolation centres. He further announced that the State government, partnering with the private sector has also equipped an additional isolation centre at the University Teaching Hospital, Orlu. According to him, "The number is growing daily, and those testing positive are also on the increase. So, I think we need to prepare more grounds; build more isolation centres, get more medications, get oxygen and also try to have respiratory support equipment for those who have difficulty in breathing after getting infected.” | Imo State, COVID-19, Sanctions | https://guardian.ng/news/imo-to-sanction-covid-19-offenders/ | ||||||
| Daily Trust Online | Tuesday, January 19, 2021 | COVID-19: Kano Orders Civil Servants To Stay Home, Bans Viewing Centres | The Kano State Government has ordered civil servants in the State to stay at home pending further instructions as part of measures to curb the second wave of the coronavirus pandemic in the State. The State also announced the imposition of a fresh ban on the activities of viewing and event centres across the State following increasing COVID-19 cases. The fresh directives were communicated to journalists by the State Commissioner of Information, Malam Muhammad Garba, who explained that these were part of decisions at a stakeholders' meeting held on Monday, January 18. He further stated that: “Workers on essential services such as the healthcare service providers, fire service, water board, teaching staff, security guards and the media are exempted from the ban.” The commissioner reaffirmed the State government’s commitment to working with relevant stakeholders that included the Ulama, to ensuring compliance with the COVID-19 protocols. He also warned that security agents, who were part of the stakeholders' meeting, would not hesitate to take stern measures to ensure compliance with the directive. | Kano State, COVID-19 | https://dailytrust.com/covid-19-kano-orders-civil-servants-to-stay-home-bans-viewing-centres | ||||||
| Daily Trust Online | Tuesday, January 19, 2021 | We’ll Resolve Kwara APC Crisis – Governor Bello | Niger State Governor Abubakar Sani Bello has stated that stakeholders in the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) will resolve the crisis bedevilling the Kwara State chapter of the party. Speaking with newsmen on Monday, January 18 after a meeting with a faction loyal to the Kwara State Governor, Abdulrahman Abdulrazak and another loyal to the Information and Culture Minister, Lai Mohammed and the Minister of State for Transportation, Sen. Gbemisola Saraki, at the APC National Secretariat in Abuja, the governor stated that a gap in communication led to the crisis. While both Abdulrazak and Mohammed were present along with some of their allies, Sen. Saraki was however absent. Governor Bello, who is the North Central representative in the APC Caretaker/Extraordinary Convention Planning Committee, stated that the zone has been mandated to review the issues in Kwara State and report to the national leadership. According to him, “We looked at the issues surrounding APC in Kwara State and we had brief submissions from some of the stakeholders and it was resolved that the matter should be taken back to the zone for it to look at the issues and report to the national caretaker committee. So, I hope that by next week, we should be able to resolve the matter at the zonal level and once that is done, we can put our recommendations to the national caretaker committee for further action.” | Kwara State, APC | https://dailytrust.com/well-resolve-kwara-apc-crisis-gov-bello | ||||||
| The Guardian Newspaper | Tuesday, January 19, 2021 | Ikpeazu Debunks Planned Defection of Abia PDP Members to APC | Abia State Governor, Okezie Ikpeazu, has debunked rumours of mass defection of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) members to the All Progressives Congress (APC), including himself, insisting that he will hand over power to a PDP governor in 2023. He told stakeholders not to panic over the rumour, stating that two party chieftains did so because he refused to promise them automatic tickets for 2023. Speaking on Monday, January 18 during the first PDP stakeholders’ meeting of the year in Umuahia, Ikpeazu asserted that PDP remained the party of choice in the State; hence all hands must be on deck to consolidate on its gains and strength. He states thus: “The PDP remains as strong as ever in the State. The rumour of my imminent defection plan is unfounded. There is no cause for alarm over the rumoured defection of PDP members to other parties.” The governor advised party members not to allow their personal ambitions to override the party’s interest, as the general elections were barely two years away. | Abia State, PDP, APC | https://guardian.ng/politics/ikpeazu-debunks-planned-defection-of-abia-pdp-members-to-apc/ | ||||||
| The Guardian Newspaper | Tuesday, January 19, 2021 | CAN Issues New Advisories for Churches to Check COVID-19 | As the nation experiences second wave of COVID-19, with rising cases of infection, the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has issued new advisories to help churches across the country check the spread of the disease. In the new guidelines, CAN directed that nobody, including worshippers and worship leaders, should be allowed entry into churches without facemasks. Also, church attendance should not exceed a third of the sitting capacity of every church, and churches can make use of their educational facilities and multi purpose halls to avoid overcrowding in the main church auditorium. The association advised that people who are sick or very old should stay at home while there should be temperature screening at every entry point into the church. In a statement issued on Monday, January 18 in Abuja, General Secretary of CAN, Barrister Joseph Daramola, stated that there should be no form of direct contact, and practices such as handshakes as peace signs are discouraged. According to the statement, “Hand sanitizers should be made available in all the rest rooms while practices that require sharing of materials should be limited. Those using microphones must sanitise their hands before using them.” Daramola, who stressed the need to ensure adequate ventilation in halls of worship, with open windows, and doors for air to circulate in and out freely, added that if possible, the use of air conditioners should be avoided. He also stated that worship places should be disinfected routinely, before and after worship, while urging churches to ensure separate entry and exit points to avoid overcrowding at entry and exit points. | Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), COVID-19 | https://guardian.ng/news/can-issues-new-advisories-for-churches-to-check-covid-19/ | ||||||
| The Guardian Newspaper | Tuesday, January 19, 2021 | No COVID-19 Test Required for Resumption of Students, says FG | The Federal Ministry of Education, on Monday, January 18, stated that no COVID-19 test is required for returning students to be admitted into their schools. Director of Press and Public Relations, Federal Ministry of Education, Ben Goong stated that only temperature checks should be carried out on students and any other person crossing any school gate. The ministry advised school authorities to therefore, refrain from asking students or parents to undergo COVID-19 test before they are accepted in their schools. The Federal Government had, in a statement last week, urged teachers, school administrators and other stakeholders to ensure strict compliance with COVID-19 protocols, including compulsory wearing of facemasks by all students, teachers and workers in all schools; temperature checks and provision of hand washing facilities at strategic locations in all schools. Others are ensuring constant supply of water and sanitizers, enforcement of social distancing and suspension of large gatherings such as assemblies and visiting days, and avoiding overcrowding, including limitations in class sizes and hostel occupancy. According to the statement, schools must ensure functional health clinics with facilities for isolation and transportation of suspected cases to medical facilities. There should also be adherence to all other non-pharmaceutical protocols, restrictions and containment measures as may be prescribed by the PTF from time to time. According to the statement, the measures, which are to ensure safe re-opening of schools for academic activities, will be subject to constant review. | School Resumption, COVID-19 Test | https://guardian.ng/news/no-covid-19-test-required-for-resumption-of-students-says-fg/ | ||||||
| The Guardian Newspaper | Tuesday, January 19, 2021 | NCDC Okays COVID-19 Rapid Test Kits, Unveils New Guideline | The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) has recommended the use of Rapid Diagnostic Tests (RDTs) to boost the nation’s COVID-19 testing capacity. Consequently, the centre has unveiled a new guideline for State governments, public and private institutions on use of approved Antigen (Ag)-based Rapid Diagnostic Tests (RDTs) for the virus. The World Health Organisation (WHO) had in September 2020, announced the Emergency Use Authorisation (EUA) of two Ag RDTs, manufactured by SD Biosensor and Abbott for COVID-19 testing. Accordingly, the disease centre, in collaboration with other stakeholders, carried out a national validation of the RDTs during the screening at National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) camps, which showed that the RDTs met minimal standards for sensitivity and specificity of COVID-19 diagnostic tests. NCDC’s Director General, Dr Chikwe Ihekweazu, in a statement on Monday, January 18 in Abuja, disclosed that as more Ag RDTs gain EUA from WHO, the centre would consider their use in Nigeria. He prescribed the use of the kits primarily in congregate settings, including schools and hospitals, for the testing of patients with symptoms of the sickness. Chikwe observed that while RDTs provide a faster turnaround time compared to the molecular polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method, there were limitations with this test. The DG added that the correct use of Ag-RDTs would also enable the Federal Government to increase pace of testing, tracing and provide care for patients. | COVID-19, Rapid Test kits | https://guardian.ng/news/ncdc-okays-covid-19-rapid-test-kits-unveils-new-guideline/ | ||||||
| The Guardian Newspaper | Tuesday, January 19, 2021 | FG Releases N10bn for COVID-19 Vaccine Production | The Federal Government has announced the release N10 billion to support domestic vaccine production. Minister of Health, Dr. Osagie Ehanire, made the disclosure during a briefing by the Presidential Taskforce on COVID-19 on Monday, January 18 in Abuja. He also announced that the first consignment of COVID-19 vaccines would arrive the country in few weeks. The N10 billion for local vaccine production, he explained, was released by the Ministry of Finance and would be used to explore “options for licensed production in collaboration with recognised institutions.” On importation of vaccines, he stated that Nigeria had requested 10 million doses of the injection, which could be supplied from March 2021. He explained that preparing for COVID-19 vaccine required that countries determine the criteria for prioritisation, develop robust vaccine distribution strategy and identify vaccine administration sites and teams, and that countries develop procurement, supply chain and distribution plan for commodities and devices, as well as a sustainability plan. He added that, “These we are already working on to be ready when the vaccines arrive.” The minister also stated that Nigeria was exploring options for the acquisition of approved vaccines, adding that Nigeria is participating in the African Union initiative called “African Vaccine Availability Task Team”, which reports directly to the African Union Chairman, President Ramaphosa of South Africa, and has secured 270 million doses of various types of vaccines. | Federal Government, COVID-19 Vaccine Production | https://guardian.ng/news/fg-releases-n10b-for-covid-19-vaccine-production/ | ||||||
| ThisDayLive Online | Tuesday, January 19, 2021 | Buhari Pledges Nigeria’s Commitment to Promotion of Good Governance | President Muhammadu Buhari on Monday, January 18 emphasised the commitment of Nigeria to the enthronement of democracy and good governance in Africa. Speaking in Abuja at a virtual support mission and signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Committee of Heads of State and Government participating in the African Peer Review Mechanism (APR Forum) and Nigeria on the ongoing second peer review process, the president stated that Nigeria has consistently supported the strengthening of democracy and good governance throughout Africa, including under the umbrella of the African Peer Review Mechanism. He states thus: “We remain fully committed to promoting the good governance practice enshrined in the ideals and vision of the New Partnership for Africa’s Development, which gave birth to this review mechanism." Buhari hailed the progress made so far in the “Africa Peer Review Mechanism as a self-monitoring tool to address governance deficit in Africa, as we conform to our shared values in the areas of democracy and political governance, economic governance, corporate governance and socio-economic development.” He added that Nigeria had the first peer review in 2008 and since then, had covered an appreciable ground in the implementation of the National Programme of Action. | President Buhari, African Peer Review Mechanism Forum | https://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2021/01/19/buhari-pledges-nigerias-commitment-to-promotion-of-good-governance/ | ||||||
| ThisDayLive Online | Monday, January 18, 2020 | Concerns Mount as Schools Re-open Today Amid Rising COVID-19 Cases | As educational institutions resume today, Monday, January 18, concerns continue to rise following an insistence by teachers that necessary measures have not been put in place in compliance with the COVID-19 protocols established by the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC). Consequently, the House of Representatives Committee on Basic Education and Services in a statement, called on the Federal Government to postpone the resumption of schools by three months due to the increasing number of deaths attributed to the COVID-19 pandemic. The committee stated that the decision to re-open academic institutions was ill-timed, adding that most educational institutions are yet to implement the safety protocols established by the Federal Ministry of Education. On Sunday, January 17, the COVID-19 confirmed cases rose by 1,444, bringing the tally to 110,387 with 89,317 discharged and 1, 435 dead. In addition, the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has insisted that the Federal Government must guarantee the safety of its members before lectures could commence in universities. President of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), Prof. Biodun Ogunyemi, on Sunday, January 17, told jpurnalists that the lecturers are ready to resume classes. He, however, stated that the Federal Government and the management of the institutions are yet to conduct the necessary assessment on the state of facilities in the campuses, to curb the spread of COVID-19 virus in schools. | COVID-19, School Resumption | https://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2021/01/18/concerns-mount-as-schools-reopen-today-amid-rising-covid-19-cases/ | ||||||
| ThisDayLive Online | Monday, January 18, 2020 | Federal Government: NIN Mandatory for Foreign Diplomats | The Federal Government has disclosed that the National Identity Number (NIN) is mandatory for foreign diplomats who will reside in Nigeria for a continuous period of two years or more. The Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Dr. Isa Pantami, announced this in a statement issued on Sunday, January 17 by his Technical Assistant, Dr. Femi Adeluyi. He stated that an enrolment centre has been established for the foreign diplomats at the Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs based on the request of the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Geoffrey Onyeama, in order to simplify the process for diplomats. The statement read thus: “The Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Dr. Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami, has approved the setting up of a National Identity Number (NIN) enrolment centre at the Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The desk will be set up by Tuesday, 19th of January, 2021. This enrolment centre will provide support for members of the Diplomatic Corps and will be managed by the Federal Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy, through the National Identity Management Commission.” The statement further explained that enrolment is also mandatory for all other lawful residents in the country as stated in Section 16 of the National Identity Management Commission Act 2007. According to the statement, the law has made it mandatory for Nigerians and legal residents to obtain a NIN since 2007. However, compliance has been low, until recently. In a related development, Pantami, has also approved the closure of enrolment activities at the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) Headquarters, Abuja. The minister however reactivated 20 enrolment centers within the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) to make the process of NIN enrolment much easier. The reactivated centres will commence enrolment activities from today, Monday, January 18th 2021. | National Identity Number (NIN), Foreign Diplomats | https://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2021/01/18/fg-nin-mandatory-for-foreign-diplomats/ | ||||||
| Daily Trust Online | Monday, January 18, 2020 | APC Wins All Chairmanship, Councillorship Seats In Kano | The All Progressives Congress (APC) has been declared winner of all the 44 local government chairmanship and 484 councilorship seats in Kano State. The Kano State Independent Electoral Commission (KANSIEC) announced this on Sunday, January 17. Announcing the result, the KANSIEC chairman, Professor Garba Ibrahim Sheka, stated that even though minor errors were encountered during the election process, he explained that the poll was largely successfully. Sheka applauded the State government for not interfering in the electoral process. Daily Trust reports that Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje of Kano State had predicted that APC will win election in all the 44 Local Governments of the State, as well as the 484 wards judging by the turn out he saw at his polling unit in Ganduje village. | Kano State, Local Government Elections | https://dailytrust.com/apc-sweeps-all-chairmanship-councillorship-seats-in-kano | ||||||
| ThisDayLive Online | Monday, January 18, 2020 | INEC Lists Hurdles to Anambra, 2023 Elections | Ahead of the 2021 governorship election in Anambra State and the 2023 general elections, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has identified five critical areas of concern and challenges likely to confront the commission in the conduct of these elections. According to the INEC National Commissioner in charge of Voter Education and Publicity, Mr. Festus Okoye, these areas of concern include: expanding voter access to Polling Units in the context of a growing population and the growth of new settlements across the country; and validation of the Voters roll and Continuous Voters Registration (CVR) in the shadow of the COVID- 19 pandemic. Others are repeal and re-enactment of a new Electoral Act that would guarantee the conduct of free, fair, transparent elections; deepening technology in the electoral process and rolling out Electoral Voting Machines for the Anambra State Governorship election. Okoye stated that equally of great concern to the commission is how to increase voter turnout in future elections and how to effectively manage the success recorded in the last two off -season elections in Edo and Ondo States. Okoye stated this on Saturday, January 16 in Keffi, Nasarawa State at the close of a five-day Workshop for Review of INEC Voter Education Manual. INEC Voter Education Manual is being reviewed by the Department of Voter Education and Publicity (VEP) with the aim of identifying and including best methods of designing voter education messages to increase citizens participation in the electoral process. This was supported by the Westminster Foundation for Democracy. Okoye stated that for the commission to achieve the concerns enumerated above, the department (VEP) must design new, creative and innovate messages that would address the electoral concerns and challenges of the youth and student population. He reminded VEP Staff that in designing voter education messages, they must be able to compete effectively on the social media and “our narratives and messages must be clear, concise and believable.” | INEC, 2023 Elections | https://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2021/01/18/inec-lists-hurdles-to-anambra-2023-elections/ | ||||||
| ThisDayLive Online | Monday, January 18, 2020 | Senate Committee Queries N98.4m Payment for PIB Enlightenment Campaign | The Senate Committee on Public Account has queried the Ministry of Petroleum Resources over the payment of N98.4 million for the printing of leaflets for awareness programme for the Petroleum Industrial Bill (PIB) without due process. Its committee on Public Accounts has, therefore, accepted the 2015 Auditor-General of the Federation’s Report, which exposed mismanagement of public funds in the Ministry of Petroleum Resources. The report stated that contrary to the procurement process, an entry in the cash book for N98.4 million was made in favour of a company for printing of leaflets for awareness campaign programme for the PIB. According to the report, “There was no formal award of contract and it was also observed that the approval for the payment was via memo presented by the Director (Press) to Ministerial Tender Board meeting of 9th and 11th October 2013.” The report added that the ministry's Permanent Secretary had been requested to take disciplinary measures against the erring officers in line with provisions of extant regulations. However, the Ministry of Petroleum, in a written response, stated that: “Adequate publicity was made: M/S Dangrace and Partners Limited were selected based on proven capabilities and competence. It should be stated that veritable costing proposals were submitted and approved before the authorisation for the award and production of Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB) leaflets. The department complied with necessary rule and procedure.” However, the Auditor-General in another query called to question the payment of N39.7 million to the account of two staff of the ministry for project monitoring in 2014. The query noted that contrary to the e-payment policy of the Federal Government, the total sum of N39.7 million was paid to 178 staff of the ministry for project monitoring and evaluation in 2014. However, the petroleum ministry, in a written response, stated that: “The two staff were appointed as the project accountants for the project. People were grouped and assigned to various projects for prudence and accountability." Not satisfied with the response of the ministry to the queries, the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Public Accounts, Senator Matthew Urhoghide, has written to the ministry asking that the indicted officers be made to return the money to the Federation Account. | Senate, Auditor General, PIB Enlightenment Campaign | https://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2021/01/18/senate-queries-n98-4m-payment-for-pib-enlightenment-campaign/ | ||||||
| Daily Trust Online | Thursday, January 14, 2021 | Kano Local Government Polls: KANSIEC Shares Non-Sensitive Materials | The Kano State Independent Electoral Commission, (KANSIEC) stated that it has attained 95% completion of the election process and that it will be fully ready before the election day scheduled for Saturday, 16th January 2021. The commission said that non-sensitive materials have been distributed to the polling units, while the sensitive materials are yet to be distributed for security purposes, until Friday evening. KANSIEC Chairman, Professor Garba Ibrahim Sheka, disclosed this to newsmen during a sensitisation training for Civil Society election observers, which was organised by the Kano Civil Society Situation Room (KCSSR) in collaboration with the KANSIEC at Mambayya House in Kano. He stated that the commission had made all the necessary arrangements for successful, free and fair election. Sheka stated that, “One of the major objectives of every election is to ensure that it’s credible. I am happy that the Civil Society Organisations that are here to monitor this election are one of the major stakeholders in ensuring credibility of elections." Responding to a question on whether PDP is still participating in the election, Professor Sheka stated thus: “Certainly we are very careful with the PDP issue. The ballot papers are ready and PDP is there too. PDP is contesting and their candidates are there busy looking for support. So, as far as we are concerned, PDP is part of the election. I don’t know of any faction, PDP is PDP. On their candidates’ names we just write PDP. There are 484 councillors contesting and 44 chairmen from the party. And there was no letter; I did not receive any letter from anybody either that he has withdrawing or he is not contesting.” | Kano Local Government Polls | https://dailytrust.com/kano-lgs-polls-kansiec-shares-non-sensitive-materials-says-pdp-still-participating-in-election | ||||||
| Daily Trust Online | Thursday, January 14, 2021 | Kano Local Government Polls: PDP Sues Electoral Commission Boss, Factional Group | The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Kano State has filed a suit before the State High Court asking it to commence contempt proceedings against the Chairman of the State’s Independent Electoral Commission (KANSIEC) and the Ambassador Aminu Wali faction of the party. The party led by Alh. Shehu Wada Sagagi as its State executive chairman, which has the backing of the party’s national headquarters and Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, had earlier withdrawn from the election but the Wali faction of the party, led by Muhammin Bako Lamido, had insisted it will participate in the election. Ahead of the January 16 election, the chairman of KANSIEC, Professor Garba Ibrahim Sheka, on Tuesday, told members of the civil society organisations that the PDP along with 11 other political parties would appear on its ballot paper. Reacting to this on Wednesday, January 13, Sagagi told journalists that the party has instituted a contempt case before the state high court and it was still awaiting assigning to a judge. He stated that the case is to commence contempt proceedings against the KANSIEC chairman and Lamido’s faction of the party for “impersonating the authentic PDP” and the use of the PDP logo on the ballot papers as declared by the KANSIEC chairman. | Kano Local Government Polls, PDP, KANSIEC | https://dailytrust.com/kano-lg-poll-pdp-sues-electoral-commission-boss-factional-group | ||||||
| ThisDayLive Online | Thursday, January 14, 2021 | Jegede, PDP Close Case at Ondo Election Petition Tribunal | Against all expectations, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and its candidate in the October 10, 2020, governorship election in Ondo State, Mr. Eyitayo Jegede, on Wednesday, January 13 closed their case before the State Election Petition Tribunal. Jegede had approached the tribunal to challenge the declaration of the State Governor, Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, as the winner of the election by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). The PDP candidate in the petition alleged that Akeredolu was not validly nominated by the All Progressives Congress (APC) to fly the party’s flag. Jegede also alleged that the election was characterised by some irregularities, which made the declaration of Akeredolu as the winner invalid. The PDP candidate, who listed 400 witnesses and many exhibits, was the first to give evidence before the tribunal last Tuesday, Janaury 5. At the resumed hearing of the matter on Wednesday, January 13, Jegede and the PDP stunned the people in the courtroom, when they announced that they were no longer interested in calling further witnesses. The counsel to the PDP candidate and the PDP, Onyeachi Ikpeazu, SAN, stated that they were no longer interested in calling further witnesses aside Jegede. Ikpeazu stated that they have opted to narrow their case to the evidences presented before the court. Sequel to the action of Jegede and the PDP, INEC counsel, Charles Edosomwan prayed the court for time to further study the petitions, and be able to open their defence. | Ondo State 2020 Governorship Election | https://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2021/01/14/jegede-pdp-close-case-at-ondo-election-petition-tribunal/ | ||||||
| ThisDayLive Online | Thursday, January 14, 2021 | Federal Government Disburses Fresh N123.348bn Grants to States | The Federal Government has disbursed another tranche of performance-based grants totalling N123.348 billion ($324.6 million) to States under its States Fiscal Transparency Accountability and Sustainability (SFTAS) programme for results. This brings the total disbursement under the programme so far to N233.264 billion ($620.2 million) since the first disbursement in April 2020. The Director, Press and Public Relations, Ministry of Finance, Budget and National Planning, Mr. Hassan Dodo, said in a statement on Wednesday, January 13 in Abuja, that the disbursement followed the achievement of results by the States in the just-concluded 2019 Annual Performance Assessment (APA). Dodo quoted the Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning, Mrs. Zainab Ahmed, as saying that the assessment was carried out by the Office of the Auditor-General for the Federation (OAuGF) as the Independent Verification Agent (IVA) and approved by the Programme Coordination Unit (PCU) of the Federal Ministry of Finance, Budget and National Planning. According to her, the disbursement included N91.048 billion ($239.6 million) of performance-based grants for the 2019 APA results achieved by 32 eligible States across various Disbursement Linked Indicators (DLIs) covering fiscal transparency, accountability, expenditure efficiency, revenue mobilisation and debt sustainability. The statement added that States received grants in accordance with the number of results achieved, with Sokoto State receiving the highest amount of N6.612 billion while Kano State got the lowest amount of N1.710 billion. The minister stated that, “Bayelsa, Imo, Rivers and Zamfara States got zero allocations due to their inability to meet the 2019 eligibility criteria, which required States to publish online, approved annual budgets and audited financial statements within a specific timeframe.” | Federal Government Grant, States | https://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2021/01/14/fg-disburses-fresh-n123-348bn-grants-to-states/ | ||||||
| ThisDayLive Online | Thursday, January 14, 2021 | Kwara APC Faction Rejects Removal of Party Chairman By Buni Committee | A faction of the Kwara State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has rejected the removal of the State party chairman, Hon. Bashir Bolarinwa by the National Caretaker Committee of the party chaired by Yobe State Governor, Mai Mala Buni. To this end, the aggrieved members of the party in the State loyal to the Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Muhammed and Minister of State for Transport, Gbemisola Saraki, appealed to President Muhammadu Buhari to save the party from the imminent destruction and deliberate journey to political perdition. Addressing journalists on Wednesday, January 13 in Abuja after meeting with the National Secretary of the party, Senator John Akpanudoedehe, Mr. Iyiola Oyedepo, stated that the decision of the committee worth nothing more than the value of the paper. He stated thus: “We have resolved to reject the verdict of the National Caretaker Committee on the purported removal of Hon. Bashir Omolaja Bolarinwa. It certainly shall not work in Kwara State no matter who is behind it. Though when we told the secretary that the decision could sink the party in the State, he said they really do not care, and he repeated during the conversation more than five times that he was acting under the instructions of the Chairman, Mai Mala Buni." Oyedepo stated that the National Secretary of the party informed them that the Chairman was removed because Governor of Kwara State, Abdulrahaman Abdulrazak, complained to the party that he could not work with him. He said they found it difficult to believe that the leadership of a national political party like the APC would flagrantly abuse its constitution by the purported removal of Bolarinwa. | Kwara State, APC | https://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2021/01/14/kwara-apc-faction-rejects-removal-of-party-chairman-by-buni-committee/ | ||||||
| Daily Trust Online | Thursday, January 14, 2021 | We Must Strengthen APC Bureaucratic Structures Before 2023 – PGF DG | The Director-General of the Progressive Governors’ Forum (PGF), Salihu Mohammed Lukman has asked the leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to audit and strengthen the party’s bureaucratic structure ahead of the 2023 general election. In a statement on Wednesday, January 13 in Abuja, Lukman stated that strengthening the structures would deepen the nation’s democracy and engender good governance. He said the issue of funding of the party’s secretariat should not be taken for granted, adding that once funding is not guaranteed, it would affect the quality of personnel, proposals and recommendations which they make. | Progressive Governors’ Forum, APC | https://dailytrust.com/we-must-strengthen-apc-bureaucratic-structures-before-2023-pgf-dg | ||||||
| The Guardian Newspaper | Thursday, January 14, 2021 | Delta Ready with 378 Officers for Community Policing | The Delta State Government has trained no fewer than 378 Special Constabularies to boost the State’s capacity to fight crimes in collaboration with other security forces. Presenting the Community Police to the Nigeria Police Force in Asaba on Wednesday, January 13, he stated that the trained Constabularies would assist to police various communities in the State. Governor Ifeanyi Okowa made the presentation at the Community Policing Sensitisation Awareness Campaign in Asaba, saying with the increasing crime rate, resorting to community policing had become inevitable. Okowa, who was represented by Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Chiedu Ebie, urged the Special Constabularies to see their engagement as a clarion call to service in their respective communities. Speaking at the event, Chairman of Traditional Rulers Council and Co-Chairman, State Community Policing Advisory Committee (SPAC), Obi Emmanuel Efeizomor II stated that Community Policing became necessary because security had become an essential ingredient of governance. | Delta State, Community Policing | https://guardian.ng/news/delta-ready-with-378-officers-for-community-policing/ | ||||||
| The Guardian Newspaper | Wednesday, January 13, 2021 | South East to Kit Security Outfit Soon, Says Umahi | Governor David Umahi of Ebonyi State, on Tuesday, January 12 called for caution in the handling of security matters in the South East, noting that in a couple of weeks, the zone would unveil vehicles and uniforms for its security outfit. Briefing reporters at the end of a Special Security Council meeting at Uburu in Ohaozara Local Government Area of the State, Umahi observed that the zone has an agreement with the Fulani herdsmen for peaceful co-existence, adding that issues of Independent People of Biafra (IPOB) and the nomads were sensitive to the extent that they could ignite crisis for the whole country if not well managed. He stated thus: “We have over 11 million Igbo in the North and also three million in the West. This issue of igniting crisis against the Fulani should be condemned by all. It will consume everybody. The issue of security is very serious.” | Insecurity, South East | https://guardian.ng/news/south-east-to-kit-security-outfit-soon-says-umahi/ | ||||||
| The Guardian Newspaper | Wednesday, January 13, 2021 | NMA urges Federal Government to Suspend Enrolment for NIN | The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) has told the Federal Government that the scramble for enrolment for National Identification Number (NIN) is a contradiction and an aberration to the prevention of COVID-19 in the country. President of NMA, Prof. Innocent Ujah, at a press conference in Jos, Plateau State, on Tuesday, January 12, noted that registration for NIN is not an emergency like COVID-19. He stated that the enrolment should be suspended for now, warning that its continuity would aggravate coronavirus infection in the country. According to him, crowding of people in one place in the name of registering for NIN will be a disaster. Prof. Ujah stated that, “This NIN exercise should be suspended for now. Crowding in one place for the exercise will increase the death of people from COVID-19. Suspending the NIN exercise will not lead to death. The exercise can resurface later, after it has come down.” | Nigerian Medical Association, National Identification Number | https://guardian.ng/news/nma-urges-fg-to-suspend-enrolment-for-nin/ | ||||||
| The Guardian Newspaper | Wednesday, January 13, 2021 | More Discomfort for Nigerians as NIMC Issues Fresh Directive | With a fresh notice from the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) discountenancing National Identification Number (NIN) generated via Bank Verification Number (BVN), frustrations of Nigerians may have been compounded. The directive made on Tuesday, January 12, to citizens to go the whole hog of enrolment further elicited disenchantment for the verification exercise introduced last month by the Federal Government. On its Twitter handle, @nimc_ng, the commission stated that Nigerians must complete their NIN registration, even if their BVN generates the special digit. The notice read: “If your NIN was generated due to the BVN record harmonisation with the National Identity Database, you will not have access to the NIMC mobile app and your NIN-SIM integration will be invalid. Kindly visit an enrolment centre to complete your NIN registration.” The new order comes a day after NIMC warned Nigerians to stay away from a fake app that claims to help link NIN to SIM cards. The commission claimed that the app was run by fraudsters, who used it to harvest NINs and BVNs. While crowds continued to besiege the enrolment centres, others have kept throwing tantrums at the Federal Government, NIMC and the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) for making them pass through what they described as harrowing experiences. | National Identity Management Commission, National Identification Number | https://guardian.ng/news/more-discomfort-for-nigerians-as-nimc-issues-fresh-directive/ | ||||||
| ThisDayLive Online | Wednesday, January 13, 2021 | No Provision Yet for COVID-19 Vaccines in 2021 Budget, Says Finance Minister | Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning, Mrs. Zainab Ahmed, has stated that there is no provision in the 2021 Budget to fund the acquisition of COVID-19 vaccines. The minister, during a virtual presentation of the 2021 Budget in Abuja, however, explained that the Federal Government is working on the type and quantity of COVID-19 vaccines to procure, while her ministry and the Ministry of Health will meet to finalise an amount to be allocated to vaccine procurement within the next two weeks. | National Budget, COVID-19 Vaccines | https://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2021/01/13/no-provision-yet-for-covid-19-vaccines-in-2021-budget-says-finance-minister/ | ||||||
| ThisDayLive Online | Wednesday, January 13, 2021 | Lawan Guarantees Passage of Petroleum Industry Bill | President of the Senate, Dr. Ahmad Lawan, on Tuesday, January 12, committed the National Assembly to an expeditious passage of the long-delayed Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB). Lawan, at a programme in Abuja to mark his 62nd birthday, assured Nigerians that the passage of the PIB will form the priority of the National Assembly when it resumes plenary on January 26. He also rallied Nigerian leaders to come together to address all challenges facing the nation, as well as the citizenry. Lawan added that the legislature will give expeditious attention to the passage of PIB, which before now both local and multinational firms had worked to frustrate its passage. He spoke on how both local and foreign interests had coalesced to frustrate the passage of the PIB. | PIB, Ahmad Lawan | https://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2021/01/13/lawan-guarantees-passage-of-petroleum-industry-bill/ | ||||||
| The Guardian Newspaper | Tuesday, January 12, 2021 | Amaechi, Abe’s Camp Disagree over Boycott of Rivers Local Government Polls | The Chibuike Amaechi faction of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Rivers State has disagreed with the faciton of the party led by Magnus Abe over the boycott of the April Local Government elections in the State. 22 out of the 23 local government chairmen and councilors, who were elected on May 25, 2015 under former Governor Amaechi’s administration, but were sacked by a judgement of the Federal High Court on July 9, 2015, have vowed to return to the Court of Appeal on February 1, 2021, to follow up on its pending appeal. They also vowed to boycott the elections, saying their participation to an election, which is before the court would amount to illegality. The former council chairmen called for the arrest of Abe, former Caretaker Committee Chairman, Igo Aguma and Acting Caretaker Chairman of Abe’s faction, Golden Chioma for allegedly working against the interest of the party and their willingness to participate in the election. Addressing journalists on Monday, January 11 in Port Harcourt, spokesman of the chairmen and councilors, Sogbeye Eli, explaineid it would be contemptuous for the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) to go ahead with the council polls. But in a swift reaction, Chioma described the call for their arrest as laughable, saying it was obvious that the sacked chairmen have grievances, but insisted that such reservations should be properly channeled. Speaking further, Eli accused Governor Nyesom Wike and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) of being behind the delay in the determination of the appeal, which had been pending before the Court of Appeal since 2015, despite series of letters to the President of the Court of Appeal and the Registrar of the Supreme Court of Nigeria. Meanwhile, Governor Nyesom Wike has charged members of the APC in the State to shun "politics of bitterness" that often cause them to frustrate development projects brought into their communities. | Rivers State, Local Government Polls, APC | https://guardian.ng/politics/amaechi-abes-camp-disagree-over-boycott-of-rivers-lg-polls/ | ||||||
| The Guardian Newspaper | Tuesday, January 12, 2021 | Leadership Crisis in Adamawa APC | Crisis looms in the All Progressives Congress (APC), Adamawa State chapter, over alleged plans by some party chieftains to hijack the incoming executive committee of the party. Former Governor Muhammad Bindow stated on Monday, Jnauary 11 at the party secretariat in Yola, that some chieftains of the party were going around with the list of secretly-selected names for the new executive of the party. According to Bindow, who was visiting the secretariat for the first time since he left office, based on the APC constitution, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Mr. Boss Mustapha, is the leader of the party in Adamawa while he is the second in command. He therefore stated that, “Those that are going about with list of secretly-selected names of people to form the incoming executive should forget it. I cannot allow such crude and undemocratic practice in Adamawa APC, unless they are working for other parties to win 2023.” Vowing to fight for the soul of his party, Bindow noted that only justice could give APC victory in 2023. | Adamawa State, APC | https://guardian.ng/politics/leadership-crisis-rocks-adamawa-apc/ | ||||||
| The Guardian Newspaper | Tuesday, January 12, 2021 | CAC Implements CAMA 2020, Introduces Self-Service Portal — Registrar General | The Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), has commenced the implementation of the Companies and Allied Matters Act (CAMA), 2020,. The CAC Registrar-General, Alhaji Garba Abubakar stated this on Tuesday, January 12 in Abuja, adding that the commission had also launched a new self-service portal that allows for end-to-end electronic submission by customers. It will be recalled that President Muhammadu Buhari, on August 7, 2020, signed CAMA 2020 into law, which repealed and replaced the Companies and Allied Matters Act, 1990. Abubakar stated that the new law took effect on January 1, and that the CAC had given registered companies till March 31 to update their information. Accprding to him, “The Honourable Minister approved the Companies Regulation 2021 towards the end of December 2020 and the approval says it is effective from January 1, 2021. Already, the implementation has started and we have upgraded software that allows you to register your company electronically. The law has come with a lot of innovations and changes to some of the old provisions off CAMA 1990, so we needed to make some changes to bring them up-to-date, consistent with the new law." | CAC, CAMA 2020 | https://guardian.ng/news/cac-implements-cama-2020-introduces-self-service-portal-registrar-general/ | ||||||
| The Guardian Newspaper | Tuesday, January 12, 2021 | Labour cautions Ekiti Assembly against Unlawful Sack of Workers | Organised labour, on Monday, January 11, cautioned the Ekiti State House of Assembly against alleged attempt to disengage some workers under the guise of staff audit. A letter endorsed by the secretaries of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Taiwo Akinyemi, Trade Union Congress (TUC), Lawrence Kuloogun and Joint Negotiating Council (JNC), Gbenga Olowoyo, stated that the unions would resist any attempt to sack some workers under the facade of staff audit. In the letter dated January 11, 2021 and addressed to the Speaker, Ekiti State House of Assembly, Hon. Funminiyi Afuye, they warned that sacking any worker at this point would endanger the relationship between the labour and Governor Kayode Fayemi’s administration. Titled: "Staff Audit In Ekiti State House Of Assembly Service Commission, Need For Caution," the unions expressed disgust over the alleged audit, which it described as a move that would destroy the trust between the labour and government. | Ekiti Assembly, NLC | https://guardian.ng/news/labour-cautions-ekiti-assembly-against-unlawful-sack-victimisation-of-workers/ | ||||||
| Daily Trust Online | Tuesday, January 12, 2021 | COVID-19 Spike: We’re Running Out Of Treatment Facilities, Federal Government Cries Out | The Director-General, Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), Dr Chikwe Ihekweazu, on Monday, Jnauary 11, raised alarm that Nigeria had reached a critical level where hospital capacity could no longer cope with more serious COVID-19 cases. According to him, health workers may be forced to make tough decisions. He stated thus: “The country has reached a critical level where the hospital capacity will no longer be able to cope with more serious COVID-19 cases and health workers would be forced to make tough decisions." Dr Ihekweazu gave the warning in Abuja at the briefing of the Presidential Task Force on COVID-19. He also urged those in the frontline to maintain “a higher index of suspicion for COVID-19.” The NCDC boss added that health workers should not rule out COVID-19 even while treating malaria patients. | NCDC, COVID-19 | https://dailytrust.com/as-nigerias-covid-19-cases-hit-100000-were-running-out-of-treatment-facilities-fg-cries-out | ||||||
| Daily Trust Online | Monday, January 11, 2021 | Federal Government Releases Sharing Formula For COVID-19 Vaccine | The National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA) has released details of how the first batch of COVID-19 vaccine doses would be distributed across States in NIgeria. This was disclosed during a webinar organised by NHPCDA tagged “Sensitisation Meeting with Media Gatekeepers on COVID-19 Vaccine Introduction.” Faisal Shuaib, Executive Director of the NPHCDA, had earlier stated that the country will receive 100,000 doses of the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine at the end of January. Bassey Okposen, Programme Manager, National Emergency Routine Immunisation Co-ordination Centre, NPHCDA, during his presentation at the webinar on Friday, January 10, stated that the vaccines would be administered around the last week of January or early February. According to him, States with higher percentage of confirmed cases would be given additional doses. He also noted that frontline health workers would be prioritised, while other batches would be administered to the elderly and vulnerable persons with co-morbidities based on the World Health Organisation (WHO) guidelines. Okposen stated thus: “In the first priority, when the limited doses first come in towards the end of this month and early February, will be the frontline health workers like immigration workers, police and military on essential duties, those working in the labs and other medical practitioners. Those States with higher numbers of cases will be given additional doses. We’ve mapped out the health workers in each State and locations where these vaccines will be deployed as soon as we receive them. All the States in the country have cases and we need to get the vaccine to them all if we want to achieve herd immunity. We want to assure all Nigerians that the vaccine is safe and effective. The vaccine will be introduced in four phases and this is due to the availability and quantity of the vaccine that will come in at any given time." | COVID-19 Vaccine | https://dailytrust.com/fg-releases-sharing-formula-for-covid-19-vaccine | ||||||
| Daily Trust Online | Monday, January 11, 2021 | Insecurity: Edo Launches Vigilante Network | The Edo State Government has launched a vigilante network as part of efforts to strengthen the State’s security architecture. The vigilante network is a community-led effort to galvanise local communities to partner with government security agencies to provide security and protect lives and property in the State. A security expert, Mr Yusuf Haruna, stated that the new security arrangement was intended to co-opt key actors in local communities to secure their spaces, gather intelligence, build trust and ensure adequate security across the State. | Edo State, Vigilante Network | https://dailytrust.com/insecurity-edo-launches-vigilante-network | ||||||
| The Guardian Newspaper | Monday, January 11, 2021 | COVID-19: Ekiti re-imposes Curfew, bans Large Public Gatherings from Jan.11 – Commissioner | Ekiti State has re-imposed fresh restrictions to movement and banned large public gatherings amid fears of the escalating second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic, the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports. The Commissioner for Information and Civic Orientation in the State, Akin Omole, announced on Sunday Jnauary 10 in Ado Ekiti, that the State government had imposed an 8.00 pm to 6.00 am daily curfew across the State. Omole added that the government had equally banned all public gatherings of more than 20 people, anywhere in the State until further notice. A statement by Omole read thus: "These restrictions take effect from Monday, January 11, 2021, at 6:00am. These drastic steps, as approved by Governoe Kayode Fayemi, are as a result of the alarming rate at which the second wave of COVID-19 is spreading in Nigeria and elsewhere.” According to him, there was the need for government to be proactive and take decisive steps, to secure the citizens from falling victims of the pandemic that had claimed thousands of lives across the globe. He urged the people to continue to strictly observe the COVID-19 protocols, and also abide by the curfew and new restrictions placed on public gatherings by the government. | Ekiti State, COVID-19, Curfew | https://guardian.ng/news/covid-19-ekiti-re-imposes-curfew-bans-large-public-gatherings-from-jan-11-commissioner/ | ||||||
| Daily Trust Online | Monday, January 11, 2021 | COVID-19: Commissioners Urge FG To Strengthen Responses In States | Commissioners for Health have charged the Presidential Task Force ( PTF) on COVID-19 and the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) to extend more support to States to enable them to better confront the ravaging virus. The National Chairman of Health Commissioners in Nigeria, Dr. Betta Edu made the call in an interview with newsmen in Calabar, Cross River State. She noted that a lot still needs to be done to strengthen the response in all the States. Edu, who is also the Commissioner for Health in Cross River State and chairman of the COVID-19 Response Team, stated that she had held a meeting with the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha in Abuja where she impressed on the need for greater response to Cross River and other States in the Federation, which are experiencing some challenges in the national COVID-19 response. She added that in the face of the second wave of COVID-19, the support required by affected States is an emergency issue, and called on the PTF and NCDC to intervene immediately. | COVID-19, Commissioners, Presidential Task Force on COVID-19, NCDC | https://dailytrust.com/covid-19-commissioners-urge-fg-to-strengthen-responses-in-states | ||||||
| The Guardian Newspaper | Monday, January 11, 2021 | Akeredolu Makes Case for Modern Military Equipment, State Police | To effectively tackle insurgency and other criminalities in the country, Ondo State Governor, Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, has made a case for modern equipment for the Nigerian military. Akeredolu also called for multi-level policing system as the best way to secure the country, adding that the issue of State police has become more urgent than ever in the country. He stated this on Sunday, January 10, during the commemoration of the 2021 Armed Forces Remembrance Day Christian service held at St. Benedict Military Catholic Church, Owena Cantonment Nigerian Army, Akure. According to Akeredolu, issues of better ammunition and welfare of security operatives must continue to be at the forefront, to better encourage and support the officers in their fight against criminality. The governor, however, lauded the Nigerian military’s efforts to rid the country of terrorists and other criminal elements. He appreciated the commitment of the military in securing the State by confronting kidnappers and other bad elements troubling the peace of the State. Charging State security operatives to work together, the governor stated that collaborative efforts among the security personnel could only yield peace for the people. He implored them not to rest on their laurel, stressing that despite their concerted efforts, criminality had not abated in the State and the country at large. He added that, “Apart from prayers, as individuals, we should empathise with the widows and dependents of our fallen heroes. One major way of doing this is to donate generously to the appeal fund by buying these emblems. For the benefit of the doubt, let me emphasise that proceeds of the Emblem Appeal is for the Nigerian Legion, for the welfare of ex-servicemen and dependents of the fallen heroes.” | Ondo State, Governor Rotimi Akeredolu, Noigerian Military | https://guardian.ng/news/akeredolu-makes-case-for-modern-military-equipment-state-police/ | ||||||
| The Guardian Newspaper | Thursday, January 7, 2021 | Nigeria Records 1,664 New COVID-19 Cases, Highest Daily Infections, Says NCDC | Nigeria recorded 1,664 new COVID-19 cases, bringing the total infections to 94,369. the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) made this known via its website on Wednesday, January 6. The News Agency of Nigeria(NAN) reports that the daily increase was a new record and considerably higher than Tuesday’s 1,354 confirmed cases. According to the breakdown of the new infections, 22 States and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) recorded the new infections with Lagos having the highest number of cases with 642. The FCT recorded 407 new cases, while Plateau State recorded 160 new cases. Also, Kaduna State recorded 83 new infections while Rivers State recorded 62. Other States are Adamawa-47, Nasarawa-38, Abia-29, Edo-28,Anambra-27, Niger-24, Ogun-24, Imo-15, Oyo-14, Kano-12, Osun-12, Borno-nine, Delta-seven, Enugu-seven, Bauchi-five, Ekiti-five, Sokoto-five and Jigawa-two. According to NCDC, Nigeria has recorded 77,299 recoveries and 1,318 fatalities with a total of 14,990 active COVID-19 cases. | COVID-19 | https://guardian.ng/news/nigeria-records-1664-new-covid-19-cases-highest-daily-infections-says-ncdc/ | ||||||
| Punch Newspaper | Thursday, January 7, 2021 | APC Deputy Governorship Candidate, Ganiyu Candidacy Nullified | An Edo State High Court sitting in Benin, on Wednesday, Jnauary 6, nullified the candidacy of the deputy governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Audu Ganiyu, who contested in the September 19, 2020 governorship election in the State. An individual, Kadiri Oshoakhemhe had in a suit No: B/358/20 filed a case against the APC deputy governorship candidate and two others who he argued were ineligible to contest the elections on the grounds that they presented false information to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). Delivering judgement in Benin City, the presiding judge, Justice H.A Courage-Ogbebor stated that Ganiyu presented false information in his Form EC9 which he submitted to INEC to enable him contest the election. Reacting to the development, the APC Governorship candidate in the election, Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu, urged his supporters to remain calm as he has instructed his counsel to appeal the judgement. This was contained in a statement he signed and made available to reporters in Benin, on January 6. | Edo State governorship election, APC, Deputy Governorship Candidate | https://punchng.com/apc-deputy-gov-candidate-ganiyu-candidacy-nullified/ | ||||||
| Vanguard Newspaper | Thursday, January 7, 2021 | Borno Government Approves N6bn for Capital Projects, Security | The Borno State Executive Council (EXCO) has approved a total sum of N6 billion for the execution of 18 capital projects and some security efforts across the State. Commissioner of Home Affairs, Information and Culture, Baba Kura Abba Jato disclosed this to journalists on Wednesday, January 6 at the end of the council’s first meeting in 2021, which was chaired by Governor Babagana Umara Zulum at the Government House. The Commissioner explained that the council approved N352m to support the Civilian Joint Task Force, hunters and vigilantes in the fight against Boko Haram and other criminal activities in the State. Rehabilitation of Maiduguri – Damboa road stood at the cost of N658m, in addition to the construction of new Bama Bus terminal, mini market and backup shops. Other projects include the extension of an ongoing Beniskeikh township road project at N231m, construction of Ramat – Wulari road and drainage at the cost of N237m and construction of road network at Ngomari Old Airport. Also approved by the council are Construction of the department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology for the Borno State University Teaching Hospital at the cost of N1.6 billion, construction of a Shopping complex at Bulumkutu, construction of 33 classrooms of two-story building mega school in Buratai at the cost of N252m, construction of metalwork, automobile workshop at Government Technical College, Gwange, and purchase of books to schools across the State and school feeding programme. | Borno State, Security, Capital Projects | https://www.vanguardngr.com/2021/01/borno-govt-approves-n6bn-for-capital-projects-security/ | ||||||
| Vanguard Newspaper | Thursday, January 7, 2021 | PDP Supporters Defect to APC in Zamfara | A group of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) supporters in Kungurki Ward in Kaura Namoda Local Government Area (LGA) of Zamfara State have defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC). The group announced its defection at a ceremony on Wednesday, January 6 in Sabongarin Kaura in Kaura-Namoda. Speaking on behalf of the group, Malam Bala Ayuba stated that the former PDP members under three different groups decided to leave the party for APC. He stated thus: “We decided to defect to APC because we are not satisfied with the current PDP leadership in the State. We have not recorded achievements for almost over a year of the PDP led government in the State. The current PDP leadership has not performed well especially in the area of addressing security challenges in the State.” Also speaking, Malama Balkisu Abdullahi, the former PDP ward women leader stated that they decided to join the APC because they have been neglected by the PDP. | APC, PDP, Zamfara State | https://www.vanguardngr.com/2021/01/pdp-supporters-defect-to-apc-in-zamfara/ | ||||||
| Punch Newspaper | Thursday, January 7, 2021 | Delta APC Suspends Two Party Leaders | The Aniocha South Local Government Area of Delta State chapter of the All Progressive Congress (APC) has suspended two of its State leaders, Hyacinth Enuha and the Aniocha South party Chairman, John Ekwuyasi. In a statement signed by stakeholders of the party in ward 03, the party accused Enuha and Ekwuyasi of alleged clandestine anti-party activities capable of bringing the party into disrepute. However, the Chairman of the forum of APC Chairmen in Delta North Senatorial District, Robinson Izu as well as Mr. Ekwuyasi, dismissed the suspension as having no consequence. Izu, in a statement on behalf of Delta North APC caretaker committee chairmen, stated thus: “While we know that their action is of no consequence whatsoever, it is important that we lend our voices as the custodians of the Delta North Senatorial District grassroots. As a matter of fact, we got wind of the plot to embarrass our leader after our meeting with him in his Ogwashi-Uku home in continuation of moves to engender peace and unity in Delta North as orchestrated by the national leadership of our great party under H.E Mai Mala Buni.” Izu enjoined the State Caretaker Committee Chairman of the APC, Jones Erue to restore order in Delta North to avoid throwing the party into a crisis. | Delta State, APC | https://punchng.com/delta-apc-suspends-two-party-leaders/ | ||||||
| Daily Trust Online | Wednesday, January 6, 2021 | 2023: Igbo Leaders Demand Presidential Tickets From APC, PDP | Igbo leaders across political divides have demanded that the two major political parties in the country concede their presidential tickets for 2023 general elections to the South-East. The demand was made in a communiqué signed by the Chief Whip of the Senate and a former governor of Abia State, Senator Orji Uzor Kalu, and Senator Ike Ekweremadu, and issued at the end of a bipartisan meeting of South-East leaders held on Tuesday, Jnauary 5 at Camp Neya, Igbere, Abia State. They stated thus: “The South-East, as a major geopolitical zone and Ndigbo, being one of the three predominant tribes in Nigeria, must take its rightful position in national polity. The Presidency has rotated between Northern and Southern Nigeria and among the various geopolitical zones”. The leaders held that the zone was united and indivisible in advancing the cause of the region and Ndigbo, stressing that they were not in support of secession or any secessionist groups. While maintaining their stance for a united, indivisible and prosperous Nigeria, the South-East leaders commended President Muhammadu Buhari for his infrastructure regeneration drive across the five States in the zone. | 2023 Presidency, Igbo Leaders | https://dailytrust.com/2023-igbo-leaders-demand-presidential-tickets-from-apc-pdp | ||||||
| ThisDayLive Online | Wednesday, January 6, 2021 | Federal Government's 774,000 Job-for-youths Scheme Takes off | After a series of hiccups, the Federal Government on Tuesday, January 5, formally kick-started the Special Public Works (SPW) programme, targeted at employing 774,000 youths. Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Mr. Festus Keyamo (SAN), stated at the launch of the programme in Abuja that it would provide economic empowerment to the beneficiaries. The SPW, which is expected to last for three months, with a stipend of N20,000 each month for the participants, got embroiled in a controversy between the executive and the National Assembly leading to the sack of the Director-General of the National Directorate of Employment (NDE), Dr. Nasiru Argungu. Keyamo stated that the participants may deploy the skills acquired to become self-employed. According to him, “In addition, government and the organised private sector may in due course create/provide exit options. It is also aimed at shielding the most vulnerable from the ravaging effects of COVID-19 pandemic, which include, but are not limited to, pervasive hunger, poverty, environmental degradation and joblessness. The need to quickly address the above mentioned informed the decision to implement the SPW. Our target is to immediately engage the 774,000 selected unemployed Nigerians for the programme to execute carefully selected projects across the 774 local government areas in the country." | Special Public Works | Punch Newspaper | Wednesday, January 6, 2021 | WHO Endorses Pfizer Vaccine for COVID-19 Immunisation in Nigeria | As Nigeria prepares to take delivery of COVID-19 vaccines by the end of January, the World Health Organization (WHO) announced on Tuesday, January 5 that it has authorised the vaccine made by Pfizer for immunisation against the virus in the country. The WHO Country Representative in Nigeria, Dr Walter Kaza Mulombo, stated this during the press briefing of the Presidential Task Force on COVID- 19 in Abuja. According to him, the Pfizer vaccine, which is required to be stored in extremely cold temperature of minus 70 degrees celsius, which is colder than winter in Antarctica, is the first to be approved for Nigeria by the world health body and will be available for emergency use. Also, the Federal Government has also opened talks with China to have access to COVID-19 vaccines for the country. A report on January 5 by Reuters also showed that Nigeria hopes to get 42 million COVID-19 vaccines to cover one-fifth of its population through the global COVAX scheme. The WHO announcement came against the backdrop of the Federal Government’s statement that the first batch of (100,000 doses) vaccines for immunising 20 per cent of the population against the virus will be delivered by the end of the month. Mulombo told the gathering that the first batch of vaccines for Nigeria will arrive in a couple of weeks, a timeframe within the Federal Government’s projection. Mulombo added that WHO has endorsed for emergency use one vaccine, which is Pfizer vaccine, while there are other candidate vaccines that will come on the list and in a few days after the strategic inventory by the group of experts in WHO reviews all the evidence. | COVID-19 Vaccine, WHO | https://punchng.com/federal-govt-expects-42-million-covid-19-vaccine-doses-nphcda/ | |
| ThisDayLive Online | Wednesday, January 6, 2021 | Labour, OPS, Others Kick as FG Reviews Electricity Tariffs | Analysts, the Organised Private Sector (OPS), organised labour and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on Tuesday, jNauary 5, decried a review of electricity tariffs by the Federal Government, especially amidst the current economic challenges occasioned by the COVID-19 pandemic. They faulted the timing of the tariff adjustment, considering the economic hardship and recession which have eroded the purchasing power of Nigerians. The Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA), the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI), the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Trade Union Congress (TUC), a former Director General, Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI), Dr. Chijioke Ekechukwu; Managing Director/Chief Executive, Credent Investment Managers Limited, Mr. Ibrahim Shelleng and a former Commissioner for Finance, Prof. Uche Uwaleke, in separate interviews with THISDAY, expressed reservations about the new electricity pricing regime. The Nigeria Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) in an order in which it copied all the Distribution Companies (Discos), stated that it hiked the tariffs considering the changes in inflation rate, foreign exchange rate, generation capacity, gas prices, among others, since the last review. NERC explained that the commission had not approved a 50 per cent increase in electricity tariffs as speculated but had only made an approval based on minor changes in the variables that go into the final charges paid by consumers. The latest increase comes about four months after the last one, which was unsuccessfully opposed by the organised labour, prompting a temporary suspension. But the then pricing regime finally took off after negotiations that did not yield much results. | Electricity Tariffs | https://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2021/01/06/labour-ops-others-kick-as-fg-reviews-electricity-tariffs/ | ||||||
| The Guardian Newspaper | Wednesday, January 6, 2021 | COVID-19: Nigeria Reports 1,354 New Infections, Highest ever – NCDC | Nigeria has recorded 1,354 new infections of coronavirus (COVID-19), the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) disclosed on its website on Tuesday, January 5. The health agency stated that the figure represented the highest number recorded in a single day since the first index case was reported in Nigeria on February 27, 2020, smashing the record of 1,204 infections recorded on Monday, Jnauary 4. The figure also showed that the infection rate has continued to soar across the country, especially in Lagos State, which has remained the epicentre of the pandemic in Nigeria. With the 1,354 newly infected people, the NCDC put the total number of residents who had contracted the disease at 92,705. The public health agency reported one additional new death in the past 24 hours. According to the agency, 20 States and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) recorded the new infections with Lagos State topping the list with 712 cases and the FCT coming second with 145 cases. Plateau recorded 117 new cases, Kwara 81; Kaduna State 54; Sokoto 39; Oyo 38 and Rivers had 36. Gombe had 21 newly infected people; Enugu 20; Akwa Ibom 16; Bauchi and Delta 14 each and Ebonyi reported 13. Anambra registered nine newly infected residents; Taraba and Edo, eight each; Kano State, three; Osun and Ekiti two each and Ogun had one. According to the NCDC, in the past 24 hours, 697 patients had recovered from the disease. | COVID-19, NCDC | https://guardian.ng/news/covid-19-nigeria-reports-1354-new-infections-highest-ever-ncdc/ | ||||||
| The Guardian Newspaper | Tuesday, January 5, 2021 | Court Remands Sowore, Others in Prison after entering Plea | The Magistrate Court sitting in Wuse Zone 2, Abuja on Monday, January 4, ordered that the publisher of Sahara Reporters, Omoyele Sowore, and four other activists be remanded in Kuje Correctional Centre. They are expected to remain in custody pending the hearing of their bail. Sowore and other defendants were arraigned on three-count of criminal conspiracy, unlawful assembly and attempting to incite others. The activists, however, pleaded not guilty to the charges levelled against then. They were earlier arrested for holding a protest against bad governance on New Year's eve in Abuja and subsequently taken to a police unit known as ‘Abattoir’ in the Lokogoma area of Abuja. On Monday, January 4, Sowore tweeted thus: “We have been sent to the infamous Kuje Prison for the next 24 hours while they plot their next moves. But we are very resolute and convinced that this year will be different for the tyrant! #RevolutionNow.” Sowore had earlier described his detention as “cruel”, stressing that he would be “undaunted until full liberation is attained.” He added: “We are currently at the Magistrate Court in Wuse Zone 2 with a broken nose. Police want us sent to prison after five days in cruel detention. Just rest assured we are solid and undaunted until full liberation is attained! #RevolutionNow.” Before his arrest, the activist sent out series of tweets calling on Nigerians to join him on a protest against the regime of President Muhammadu Buhari. | Omoyele Sowore, #RevolutionNow | https://guardian.ng/news/court-remands-sowore-others-in-prison-after-not-guilty-plea/ | ||||||
| The Guardian Newspaper | Tuesday, January 5, 2021 | Nigeria Records 1,204 new COVID-19 Cases, Highest Daily Surge so Far | Nigeria on Monday recorded 1,204 new confirmed cases of COVID-19, taking the total number of infections to 91,351. The Nigeria Centre For Disease Control (NCDC) made this known via its website. The breakdown shows that Lagos, the epicentre of COVID-19, recorded the highest number of cases with 654, while the Federacl Capital Territory (FCT) recorded 200 cases. Other States are Plateau-60, Kaduna-54, Kano-40, Rivers-30, Edo-28, Nasarawa-25, Kebbi-19, Bauchi-18, Oyo-13, Akwa Ibom-12, Bayelsa-11, Ogun-11, Delta-nine, Abia-eight, Benue-five, Imo-three, Borno-two, Sokoto-one and Osun-one. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Nigeria had earlier recorded 1,145 cases on December 18, 2020. NCDC also announced seven deaths in the last 24 hours, bringing the country’s death toll to 1,318. It stated that three of the deaths occurred in Lagos, two in Sokoto, while Kebbi and Abia recorded one fatality each. The Centre stated that the number of recovered COVID-19 patients stood at 75,699, including 655 patients that were discharged on Monday, January 4 after testing negative for the virus. NCDC further stated that a multi-sectoral national Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) has been activated at Level III, to coordinate the national response activities. Meanwhile, the agency called on those who may have been exposed to the virus to quarantine and isolate themselves if they feel ill. | COVID-19 Cases | https://guardian.ng/news/nigeria-records-1204-new-covid-19-cases-highest-daily-surge-ever/ | ||||||
| The Guardian Newspaper | Tuesday, January 5, 2021 | Kwara Governor dissolves Cabinet | Kwara State Governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, has dissolved his cabinet with effect from December 31, 2020. Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Rafiu Ajakaye, stated this on Sunday, January 3. According to Ajakaye, “His Excellency especially commends the cabinet members for their contribution to the development of the State, while also wishing them the best in their future endeavours.” While the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Prof. Mamman Jubril, retained his seat, the governor directed the former cabinet members to hand over to the most senior officers in their respective ministries. The female-dominated cabinet, which was inaugurated on December 14, 2019, had the country’s youngest commissioner. Two members of the cabinet had, some months ago, resigned their appointments, citing personal reasons. | Kwara State, Governor's Cabinet | https://guardian.ng/news/kwara-governor-dissolves-cabinet/ | ||||||
| The Guardian Newspaper | Tuesday, January 5, 2021 | Akeredolu Pledges more Legacy Projects in Second Term | Ondo State Governor, Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, on Monday, January 4 pledged to intensify efforts at expanding his development drive for the State during his second term in office that begins in February. He stated that this would not only enlarge the frontiers of the State’s development, but also sustain the delivery of dividends of good governance to Ondo people, insisting that his second term is for more legacy projects. He stated this during the first Working Day Prayer Meeting for 2021 held with workers at the Governor’s Office in Akure, the State capital. Akeredolu disclosed that his administration was also developing an industrial base, which had been acknowledged nationally, revitalising education and health institutions, as well as empowering vulnerable people, among other initiatives. While highlighting the challenges of 2020, especially the global COVID-19 pandemic, the #ENDSARS protests and security challenges, he stated that the challenges could only have been tamed in the State through God’s intervention. | Governor Akeredolu, Second Term | https://guardian.ng/news/akeredolu-pledges-more-legacy-projects-says-second-term-not-for-holiday/ | ||||||
| Daily Trust Online | Tuesday, January 5, 2021 | PDP Failing As Opposition – Lai Mohammed | The Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, on Monday, January 4 hit at the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) over its ceaseless criticism of President Muhammadu Buhari's administration. He accused the opposition party of messing up while in government and also doing worse even as leading opposition party. At a press conference in Lagos, the minister condemned what he called the “constant infantile press releases by the unserious, unimaginative and drab opposition, which misconstrues opposition as constantly shooting down anything the government of the day does or badmouthing whatever Mr President does or says.” He added that: “There is more to opposition than predictable and bring-it-down-at-all-cost media interventions. They messed up in government, and they are messing up even more in opposition. No lessons learnt either way.” The Buhari government had in recent times come under scathing criticism from the opposition PDP. The party in its latest intervention condemned the New Year broadcast of Buhari, describing it as “empty and directionless.” Responding to Lai Mohammed’s statement on Monday, January 4, the PDP National Publicity Secretary, Mr Kola Ologbondiyan, stated that the minister was not conversant with the reality of the day, and as such, was criticizing the PDP. He said the minister failed to understand that Nigerians were fed up with the Buhari administration and the ruling APC. | Lai Mohammed, PDP | https://dailytrust.com/pdp-failing-as-opposition-lai-mohammed |