Kenyan Court suspends Covid Vaccine Order in Kenya
A Kenyan high court has temporarily halted a government directive prohibiting unvaccinated people from seeking services in state offices.
According to the petition, the directive, which was set to go into effect next week, was unconstitutional and discriminatory.
Judge Anthony Mirima of the High Court stated that his decision would be in effect until the case was heard on January 4, 2022, and a decision was reached.
“The directive was aimed at getting more Kenyans to get the jab,” Health Minister Mutahi Kagwe said in November.
Read also: Speaker of the House of Representatives meets with ministers to discuss the dispute with the UAE over flights.
The government had set a goal of vaccinating all children by the year 2000.
By the end of the year, Kenya will have a population of one million people.
Only 8.1 million people have received a single dose of the Covid-19 vaccine, with over three million receiving two doses.
The directive’s suspension comes just days after a number of hotels and shopping malls announced that unvaccinated Kenyans would not be allowed into their establishments.
Speaker of the House of Representatives meets with ministers to discuss the dispute with the UAE over flights.
Mr. Femi Gbajabiamila, the Speaker of the Nigerian House of Representatives, met with the Ministers of Foreign Affairs, Geoffrey Onyema, and his aviation counterpart, Hadi Sirika, to discuss the flight flow between the United Arab Emirates and Nigeria.
Representatives from Emirates Airline, Allen Onyema, Chairman/CEO of Air Peace, and heads of aviation agencies were also present at the meeting.
Mr. Gbajabiamila told journalists after the meeting, which was held behind closed doors and lasted about three hours, that it was a fruitful deliberation where issues at stake were discussed.
He claimed that Nigeria and the UAE had good diplomatic relations and that the current spat would not detract from their long-standing friendship.
The Speaker stated that steps had been taken to address the issues, and that “this matter, I believe, will be sealed in the next couple of days.” We’re working on parliamentary diplomacy right now. That is exactly what we are doing.
“We will not allow this to detract from the enormous progress made between the two countries.”
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Minister of Foreign Affairs, Geoffrey Onyema, said the meeting was productive under the Speaker’s leadership, noting that the action demonstrated the importance of Executive-Legislative engagements.
He expressed optimism that all of the issues would be resolved in the near future.
After Fisayo Soyombo was grilled over the FIJ report, civil society organizations demanded more information about the police camp project
Connected Development (CODE), BudglT, Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP), and Enough is Enough Nigeria (EiE) are four civil society organizations (CSOs) that have asked Usman Baba, the Inspector-General of Police, to provide details of allocations for police transit camp projects.
This was stated in a letter signed by Hamzat Lawal, CODE’s chief executive, and addressed to the IGP on December 13, 2021.
The news comes just hours after Fisayo Soyombo, the founder of the Foundation for Investigative Journalism (FIJ), was interrogated at the Nigeria Police Force’s (NPF) Abuja headquarters.
The police interrogated Soyombo in response to a story published by FIJ alleging that there was “little or nothing” to show for the police camp project, which was approved in 2018 and was supposed to be completed in 14 weeks.
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In the letter, the CSOs requested that the IGP provide details on the project’s budgetary allocations, expenditures, and procurement processes.
They requested that the IGP “use your good office and leadership position in the Nigeria Police Force to compile and provide budgetary allocations, expenditures, contractors, procurement processes, and other details of the supply and installation of Police Transit Camp Buildings by the police Headquarters from 2018 to date.”
“We understand that the Nigeria Police Force receives annual budgetary allocations from both the federal and state governments to support their operations and welfare, which has a significant impact on the nation’s security,” the letter reads.
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“Having noticed that the welfare of police officers appears to be grossly underfunded and has become a national concern despite the massive allocations to the security parastatal, it has become necessary to request these details.”
“The request is in accordance with Section 2 (4) of the Freedom of Information Act of 2011, which mandates that all information pertaining to the receipt or expenditure of public or other funds by institutions be widely disseminated and made readily available.”
“As required by the FOIA 2011, we would appreciate it if the requested information was provided to us within 7 days of receipt of this letter.”
Rep approve Buhari’s $5.8 billion loan request
President Muhammadu Buhari’s loan request of $5.8 billion has been approved by the House of Representatives.
The approval came after the House Committee on Aids, Loans, and Debt Management adopted its report on Tuesday in Abuja.
The loan was part of the federal government’s 2018-2020 external borrowing plan, according to Ahmed Safana, the committee chairman, who presented the report.
He said the money would come from the World Bank, the Islamic Development Bank, China Exim Bank, the Chinese Africa Development Fund, and the International Fund for Agricultural Development.
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He said, “I hereby move that the house consider the final report of the Committee on Aids, Loans, and Debt Management on the 2018–2020 External Borrowing (Rolling) Plan.”
While approving the request, the House requested that the terms and conditions of the funding agencies’ loan be forwarded to the National Assembly for review.
90-year-old Emir of Daura marries 20-year-old bride
On Saturday, Faruk Umar Faruk, the Emir of Daura, married Aisha Iro Maikano, a 20-year-old bride.
The nonagenarian manther, who was born in 1921, married the nubile young lady in a low-key wedding ceremony in Katsina after a brief courtship.
The bride, who is the daughter of Fagacin Katsina, Iro Maikano, was said to have received a dowry of N1 million naira from the monarch.
According to sources, the serial polygamist has married four young wives in the last six years.
Read also: In 2022, ECOWAS Parliament set to achieve more mandate
In a short video sent to the happy bride, she can be seen dancing to traditional music.
Another short video depicts Magajin Garin Daura, Musa Umar, as the emir’s representative at the Fatiha Wedding.
In 2022, ECOWAS Parliament set to achieve more mandate
Dr. Sidie Mohamed Tunis, Speaker of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Parliament, expressed optimism that the Community Parliament would achieve a lot in its work and mandate in 2022.
Dr. Tunis stated this at the end of the ECOWAS Parliament’s Second Ordinary Session in Abuja, Nigeria, in 2021.
“I have no doubt that it would be a fruitful year,” the Speaker said, referring to the fact that 2021 will mark the halfway point of his presidency and the level of enthusiasm shown in that year.
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Dr. Tunis was elected in Niamey, Niger Republic, in March 2020. Speaker of the ECOWAS Parliament’s 5th Legislature, a position with a four-year term.
Budget for 2022
The ECOWAS Parliament’s budget for 2022 has been approved by the ECOWAS Council of Ministers, according to the Speaker.
According to Dr. Tunis, the budget will have long-term effects, particularly in the areas of youth and gender development.
“I’d like to take this opportunity to express my heartfelt gratitude to the AFC and the ECOWAS Commission Management for approving funding for the Parliament’s Gender program.”
Dr.Tunis stated, “I wish to pledge that we will use the funds appropriately to meet the objectives of promoting gender-based issues within the general framework of our current Strategic Plan.”
In addition to the Community budget, the ECOWAS Parliament Speaker stated that the Session set aside time to review several referrals from the ECOWAS Commission.
“One of them was the Vision 2050 draft. Once again, I must express my pride in the seriousness with which we approach the task. We were able to review the document and make recommendations in the shortest amount of time. Let me remind everyone that the Vision 2050 document is critical to our region’s future,” the Speaker stated.
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The first activity will take place in 2022.
Dr. Tunis revealed that the ECOWAS Parliament’s first activities in 2022 will be a Parliamentary Seminar from the 26th to the 28th of January, followed by its First Extraordinary Session from the 31st of January to the 4th of February, both in Lome, Republic of Togo.
He urged all ECOWAS citizens to get vaccinated and follow all protocols in order to prevent the deadly virus from spreading.
“The Covid-19 pandemic continues to be a challenge for the world,” he said, “and the new variant known as OMICRON will be another test for the coming year.”
“I implore everyone to remain committed to the fight against Covid-19 by remaining strong, steadfast, and loyal. We must get vaccinated and follow all protocols in order to prevent the deadly virus from spreading. We’ve been through similar phases in the past and will keep pushing forward.
Dr. Tunis stated that direct universal suffrage election of Members is still the primary goal of the current Legislature.
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“We believe that achieving that goal will result in a more formidable and powerful Parliament.” We would continue to work toward its realization, particularly given the overwhelming support we appear to be receiving from key stakeholders. This encouragement and support give us a great deal of hope.”
Dr. Tunis reaffirmed the Community parliament’s commitment to uphold its obligations to West African citizens in ensuring regional peace and harmony.
Forgery Trial: Court Postpones Decision on Ex-Minister Fani-Application Kayode’s Until December 17
On an application filed by a former Minister of Aviation, Femi Fani-Kayode, who was to be arraigned on Tuesday by the Lagos Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, Justice O.O Abike-Fadipe of the Special Offences Court in Ikeja, Lagos State, has reserved ruling until December 17 on an application filed by a former Minister of Aviation, Femi Fani-Kayode, who was to be arraigned on Tuesday
The former minister’s arraignment was postponed on Tuesday after his lawyer challenged the court’s jurisdiction to hear the case.
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Fani-Kayode was scheduled to be arraigned on a 12-count charge relating to the purchase of a medical report from one Dr Ogieva Oziegbe with inventory number 00345.
The procuring and execution of documents under false pretense, according to EFCC prosecutor Rotimi Oyedepo, is a violation of section 369 of the Lagos State Criminal Law of 2015. Oyedepo had urged the court to accept the defendant’s plea.
Fani-counsel, Kayode’s Wale Balogun, argued against the prayer, noting that the defense team had filed an application challenging the court’s jurisdiction to hear the case.
“That you, Femi Fani-Kayode, on or about the 11th day of October, 2021, in Lagos, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, by fraudulent representation, procured one Dr. Ogieva Ozeigbe to execute a document titled: “Medical Report on Olufemi Fani-Kayode/60 Years/Male/Hospital No.00345,” according to an EFCC release. Dated November 10, 2021, and purportedly issued by Kubwa General Hospital.”
“That you, Femi Fani-Kayode, on or about the 23rd day of March, 2021, in Lagos, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, procured one Dr. Ogieva Ozeigbe to execute a document titled: To Whom It May Concern: RE- Femi Fani-Kayode, Male/ 60 Years/ Hospital No. 32145 Dated 23rd March, 2021 and purportedly issued by Kubwa
The defendant’s lawyer, Wale Balogun, told the court that the defense had been informed about the arraignment on Friday, December 10, 2021.
He also informed the court that on Monday, December 13, 2021, he filed an application challenging the court’s jurisdiction to hear the arraignment.
Rotimi Oyedepo, the prosecution’s counsel, confirmed receipt of the defense’s application in court in his response.
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“The pendency or mere filing of an objection to the charge will not prevent your Lordship from taking the defendant’s plea,” he told the court. Your lordship has the option of assuming jurisdiction or declining it.”
As a result, he urged the court to proceed with the defendant’s arraignment.
Justice Fadipe deferred ruling on the defendant’s application until Friday, December 17, 2021, after hearing both sides.
France May Tighten Entries From Britain Due To Covid Omicron Surge
According to French government spokesman Gabriel Attal, France is considering tightening controls for travelers arriving from the United Kingdom, where the new, more contagious Omicron coronavirus variant appears to be rapidly spreading.
“In terms of the United Kingdom, the current rule is that in order to enter France, you must show a negative test that is less than 48 hours old,” Attal said on Tuesday.
“However, we are always looking for ways to tighten the framework; we are currently working on it, and I believe we will reach a conclusion in the coming days,” he added.
According to Prime Minister Boris Johnson, at least one person has died in the United Kingdom after contracting the Omicron variant, marking the first publicly confirmed death worldwide from the fast-spreading new strain.
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Attal said that France, which is currently engulfed in a fifth wave of COVID fueled primarily by the Delta variant, has 133 confirmed cases of the Omicron variant, which was first detected in late November in South Africa, Botswana, and Hong Kong.
Despite the threat of this variant, he said there were no plans to take new restrictive measures to contain the disease at this time, and that the French government’s strategy included accelerating the COVID vaccine booster jab campaign.
“There are no plans to change the rules in France (…) the key is to continue the vaccination campaign with the booster shot,” Attal said, adding that the government was keeping a close eye on the situation.
On Monday, the seven-day moving average of daily new cases, which smooths out reporting irregularities, hit a new high of 48,879. The current number of people hospitalized for COVID-19, at 14,527, is the highest since June 5.
On December 13, France reported that another 231 people had died from COVID in hospitals in the previous 24 hours, bringing the total number of COVID patients in intensive care units (ICUs) to 2,752.
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According to French government spokesman Gabriel Attal, France is considering tightening controls for travelers arriving from the United Kingdom, where the new, more contagious Omicron coronavirus variant appears to be rapidly spreading.
“In terms of the United Kingdom, the current rule is that in order to enter France, you must show a negative test that is less than 48 hours old,” Attal said on Tuesday.
“However, we are always looking for ways to tighten the framework; we are currently working on it, and I believe we will reach a conclusion in the coming days,” he added.
According to Prime Minister Boris Johnson, at least one person has died in the United Kingdom after contracting the Omicron variant, marking the first publicly confirmed death worldwide from the fast-spreading new strain.
Attal said that France, which is currently engulfed in a fifth wave of COVID fueled primarily by the Delta variant, has 133 confirmed cases of the Omicron variant, which was first detected in late November in South Africa, Botswana, and Hong Kong.
Despite the threat of this variant, he said there were no plans to take new restrictive measures to contain the disease at this time, and that the French government’s strategy included accelerating the COVID vaccine booster jab campaign.
“There are no plans to change the rules in France (…) the key is to continue the vaccination campaign with the booster shot,” Attal said, adding that the government was keeping a close eye on the situation.
On Monday, the seven-day moving average of daily new cases, which smooths out reporting irregularities, hit a new high of 48,879. The current number of people hospitalized for COVID-19, at 14,527, is the highest since June 5.
Read Also: Airlines to pay $3,500 per passenger for COVID-19 protocol violation: NCAA
On December 13, France reported that another 231 people had died from COVID in hospitals in the previous 24 hours, bringing the total number of COVID patients in intensive care units (ICUs) to 2,752.
UK To Remove Nigeria, Others Countries from Omicron Red List On Wednesday
The UK will remove Nigeria and ten other countries, including South Africa, from a red list on Wednesday as a result of the outbreak and spread of Coronavirus’ new variant, Omicron.
Nigeria was added to the UK’s red list of countries where non-British citizens were not allowed to fly into on December 5.
After the government agreed that Omicron was now a global issue, the decision to remove Nigeria and others from the red list was made.
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Sajid Javid, the UK health secretary, also said the Omicron variant “has spread so widely across the world” that the travel red list is now “less effective” in a speech to the UK parliament on Tuesday.
Sebastian Payne, a British journalist, also tweeted on Tuesday, “UK empties the red list.” Officials from the Whitehall have confirmed that the 11 countries (including South Africa) will be relocated starting at 4 a.m. tomorrow. The Covid-O meeting is coming up soon. Minister accepts that the spread of Omicron renders restrictions obsolete.
Officials from the Whitehall have confirmed that the 11 countries (including South Africa) will be removed as of 4 a.m. tomorrow. The Covid-O meeting is coming up soon.
Ministers acknowledge that the spread of omicron renders restrictions obsolete.
Following concerns about the Omicron variant, the United Kingdom added Nigeria to its travel blacklist last week.
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According to Catriona Laing, the British Deputy High Commission in Lagos, the UK made the decision to protect the public health of its citizens while the government tries to understand the new variant.
