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Pastors, church workers allegedly down with COVID-19 after attending Shiloh 2020

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A worker at the Living Faith Church presided over by Pastor David Oyedepo, is allegedly currently battling with COVID19.

Journalist, Fisayo Soyombo, who shared this on Twitter handle, said the worker in question believes he contracted the virus while attending the yearly Shiloh programme of the church that took place between December 8 to 13.

The said worker claims some pastors who attended the program have also started showing symptoms of the disease.

Fisayo says the worker’s wife, daughter, and domestic employee have started showing symptoms of the viral disease.

Read Fiyaso’s tweets below

“A worker at the Living Faith Church is down with COVID-19 after attending Shiloh 2020. His wife, daughter and domestic employee are exhibiting symptoms of the virus — even their dog! Some pastors who attended Shiloh are down with the virus too.

This worker didn’t want to physically attend Shiloh, held from December 8 to 13, but had no alternative because the church made it compulsory for workers.

As can be seen from internet videos, congregants mingled with one another without masks or social distancing. In the past, the church observed safety protocol such as social distancing, wearing of face masks and hand washing. However, at Shiloh, no precautionary measures were in place.“People were just careless,” he said.

“Yes, many people didn’t come this year because of COVID but those in attendance were careless.” The problem is this worker knows the pastors currently exhibiting symptoms of the virus will not admit this to the Founder & Presiding Bishop, meaning other potentially infected but asymptomatic Shiloh congregants might continue mixing with people without caution.

“Some Winners pastors are down with COVID; they’re just keeping it to themselves but we can’t just fold our hands,” he said.

The plea from him is that those who attended Shiloh “should try to isolate themselves and try not to pass on the virus”.

His wish is for people to get educated that the festive season is no excuse for them to physically attend crossover services without recourse to COVID-19 safety protocol.”

Buhari: Security needs more support to end insurgency

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PRESIDENT Muhammadu Buhari has pleaded for greater assistance for safety agencies and much more time to end the insurgency.

He described ending insurgency as problems” beyond the simplistic alternatives being bandied around.”

In his Christmas message, the President also spoke on the rescue of the abducted schoolboys of Government Science Secondary School, Kankara at Katsina State, protests, youth development, and COVID-19.

On insecurity, Buhari pleaded with Nigerians to once more trust his government’s commitment to restore peace in the nation.

He said since the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, he’d”not shirk this cardinal responsibility to secure property and lives” of all Nigerians.

Read also: 2,000 kidnapped victims rescued under my Opinion, States Matawalle

The President said that besides being hurt every time there was a breach of the peace and security in any portion of the country, he moves through distress when”our youths, particularly school kids,” are victims of criminals…

These worthy values which Jesus’ Advent signify, are extremely much needed in our nation now when we are confronted with varied challenges like an increasing spate of armed banditry, kidnappings, insurgency, economic recession, and upsurge of COVID-19 infections.

“I want to, therefore, enjoin fellow compatriots to correct the hope that comes with Christmas and exude confidence in this Administration’s determination and unwavering commitment to restore peace, security, and prosperity to our dear country.

“Under my watch, the Federal Government will continue to provide the needed support in available resources to the majority of members of our armed forces and security agencies since they confront threats to our taxpayers. While I commend them for their efforts so far, I recommend them to do much more to checkmate rising incidents of security threats, especially in the northern parts of the nation as well as the entire country in varying amounts.

Read also: Buhari welcomes release of kidnapped Kankara students

“Their display of tact, camaraderie, and experience that resulted in the recent return of abducted schoolboys of Government Science Secondary School, Kankara, will remain a milestone in the annals of the country.

“For me personally, providing security for many residents in the country remains an article of religion. It formed an essential segment of the government’s three-point schedule right from inception, and we must follow through with it.

“I cannot in good conscience shirk this cardinal duty to secure property and lives. I feel pained each time a breach of peace and safety occurs in any part of the nation. I am even more distressed when our youths, especially school children, are the targets and victims of mindless and malevolent components in society.

“As a parent, I share the psychological torture and misery parents and guardians go through whenever their children and wards fall into the cruel hands of those enemies of decency and good society.

Read also: Wife of Akeredolu’s Chief of Staff kidnapped regains freedom

“I plead with fellow compatriots to present our military and other security agencies more time, collaboration, and support by devoting credible intelligence/information on activities of armed bandits, insurgents, and other criminal elements in their communities in order to put a stop to this blight on our security landscape”

He called on Nigerians to utilize the period of goodwill and joy to renew their faith in the capability of his administration to make an enduring difference in their own lives.

We will stay focused on the complex, multi-dimensional path to reducing the incidents of insecurity to the barest minimum.

“Our people must be free to reside and proceed without let or hindrance. This is crucial not just to enthroning a feeling of calm and social cohesion but for the market to grow.”

The President also said his government would continue to target the youth for development in order that they wouldn’t be accessible for unpatriotic intents.

He, however, mentioned that the government would not permit protests to fester into chaos.

Buhari added: “We shall deliberately target our youths in the order they will not fall in the snare of unpatriotic components to foment social disobedience leading to avoidable loss of lives and property.

“Let me reiterate that while the right to peaceful protest and association is guaranteed under our legislation, this administration will not fold its arms and watch protests however well-intended, degenerate into wanton killings of law enforcement and other safety personnel in addition to the destruction of private and national assets.

He billed Nigerians to go about celebrating the Christmas and New Year festivities subtly, noting there are indications that the state had entered the second tide of this COVID-19 spread.

Read also: Operation Fire Ball: Troops annihilate more terrorists, recover arms and rescue several kidnapped victims in aggressive clearance operations in Northeast Nigeria 

Our military has restored stability in North East – Buhari

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The President and Commander-in – Chief, President Muhammadu Buhari has on Thursday, said the successes of the Nigerian Army, Air Force and other agencies against Boko Haram insurgents in Borno, Yobe and Adamawa States have restored stability in the states.

He stated this on Thursday during the Induction Ceremony of MI-171 Combat Helicopter And Commissioning Of Reactivated L-39ZA Aircraft by the Nigerian Air Force.

Mr Buhari, who spoke virtually from the Aso Villa in Abuja, on the occasion of the induction ceremony of MI-171 Combat Helicopter and Commissioning Ceremony of Reactivated L-39ZA aircraft by the Nigerian Air Force.

At the ceremony, President Buhari praised the military and other security agencies for their contributions in the fight against terrorism and banditry in the country.

He said, “It is on record that one of our key promises to the Nigerian people is the resolve to maintain and leading in confronting the Boko Haram insurgency as well as other forms of criminality that bedevil our country. The successes we have achieved so far have restored some level of stability not only in the Borno and Yobe States but also in Adamawa State.

“Consequently, I want to sincerely thank Nigerians for believing in us and for coming together as a nation irrespective of political, religious and ethnic affiliations to bring this scourge to an end.”

Mr Buhari further said today’s induction brought to 23 the number of aircraft added to NAF fleet since his regime came on board in May 2015.

He commended the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar, for his commendable job, while charging the airmen to ensure effective maintenance of the newly inducted aircraft and ensure others in the NAF fleet function optimally.

 

2,000 kidnapped victims rescued under my Opinion, States Matawalle

TWO thousand Nigerians and foreign nationals have been rescued from kidnappers from Zamfara State, Governor Bello Matawalle has said.

The governor said that they were rescued in the past 19 months under his watch, adding that the feat was made possible by utilizing former bandits as negotiators.

Matawalle gave the information when he hosted the National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, (PDP) Uche Secondus who was in Abuja to condole him on the loss of eight members of the emir’s entourage.

According to him, no ransom had been paid at the rescuing of kidnapped victims in the country, adding that conversation and logic had consistently been deployed.

The governor said that President Muhammadu Buhari was adequately briefed on every safety measure undertaken to secure lives and possessions.

Read also: Buhari welcomes release of kidnapped Kankara students

Matawalle explained his resolve to operate an open door policy was to offer support to security agencies in the state.

He explained: “We have recovered a lot of dangerous weapons which was supplied to the security bureaus of Nigeria and we’ve rescued about 2,000 kidnapped victims such as some foreign nationals.

“These include individuals from China, Korea, Niger Republic, Burkina Faso as well as Central Africa who were kidnapped and taken to Zamfara state.

“All we are concerned with is to see our folks go to sleep with their eyes shut and that is the duty of each government to provide safety for the lives and properties of which we are doing.”

Read also: Drama as kidnapper arrested after mistakenly boarding a vehicle owned by one of his victims in Sokoto

Matawalle urged all state governors to set aside political differences and place a united front to rid the nation of all criminal elements and actions, particularly banditry.

Second, who cautioned that in the absence of law and order would be anarchy, said”safety and hunger know no party.”

He described it as an”uncommon feat” the rescue of those over 300 students of the Government Science Secondary School, abducted from Kankara, Katsina State.

Read also: Two siblings arrested for attempting to kidnap their boss in Ogun

President Buhari’s 2020 Christmas Message to Nigerians

I felicitate together with our Christian brothers and sisters in all Nigerians in general with this joyous occasion of Christmas 2020, commemorating the birth of Jesus Christ.

In Christendom, the Christmas season represents happiness, peace, hope, love, goodwill and imminent salvation. These worthy values which Jesus’ Advent signify, are extremely much needed in our country now once we are confronted with varied challenges like a rising spate of armed banditry, kidnappings, insurgency, economic downturn and an upsurge of COVID-19 infections.

Read also: Nigeria may be on verge of second wave of COVID-19 infections, Ehanire warns

I want to, therefore, enjoin fellow compatriots into appropriate the expectation which comes with Christmas and reinvest trust inside this Administration’s decision and unwavering dedication to restoring peace, prosperity and security to our beloved nation.

Under my view, the Federal Government will continue to supply the needed support in available resources to the gallant members of our armed forces and security agencies as they face threats to our citizens. While I commend them for their efforts so far, I recommend them to do more to checkmate rising incidents of security dangers particularly in the northern parts of the nation as well as the whole country in varying amounts.

For me, providing security for all residents in the country remains an article of faith. It formed an essential segment of this Administration’s three-point schedule right from inception, and we have to follow along with it.

Read also: Egypt’s COVID-19 infections rise to 4,534 with 317 deaths – Ministry

I can’t in good conscience shirk this cardinal duty to secure property and lives. I feel pained each time a breach of peace and safety happens in any region of the country. I’m even more distressed when our youths, especially school kids, are the targets and victims of dumb and malevolent elements in society. As a parent, I discuss the psychological torture and misery parents and guardians go through whenever their children and wards fall into the cruel hands of these enemies of decency and decent society.

I plead with fellow compatriots to present our military and other security agencies more time, collaboration and support by volunteering credible intelligence/information on activities of armed bandits, insurgents and other criminal elements in their communities so as to put an end to the blight on our safety landscape.

To be sure, the problems are beyond the simplistic options being bandied around. We shall remain focused on following the complex, multi-dimensional route to reducing the episodes of insecurity into the barest minimum. Our people have to be free to reside and move with no let or hindrance. This can be crucial not just to enthroning an atmosphere of calm and social cohesion, but also for the market to grow.

Let us utilize this season of joy and goodwill to revive our faith in the ability of this Administration to make a lasting difference in the lives of our hard-working men and women. Our Social Intervention measures and other economic policies are already generating positive results even at modest rates.

We will deliberately target our youths so they will not fall into the snare of unpatriotic components to foment social disobedience resulting in avoidable loss of property and lives.

Let me reiterate that although the right to peaceful association and protest is guaranteed under our laws, this Administration won’t fold its arms and watch protests however well-intended, degenerate into wanton killings of law enforcement and other safety personnel in addition to the destruction of private and national assets.

Read also: Nigeria’s counter-terrorism campaign and the role of its citizens in diaspora

It’s gladdening to note that the numerous schemes and elements of the Economic Sustainability Plan (ESP) have been implemented faithfully to support micro-small businesses. I am especially delighted that artisans, small-time transporters, farmers and traders are the main beneficiaries as we continue to provide safety nets to the most vulnerable members of our society as well as business owners to mitigate the harsh economic environment occasioned by COVID-19.

In spite of intense federal earnings slowed from the pandemic, we will do all that’s required to fully implement the 2021 Budget of Economic Recovery and Resilience. We are optimistic that things being equal, we need to have the ability to depart a recession in the shortest possible time.

There’s every sign that our nation is currently experiencing another wave of COVID-19 infection. As we celebrate Christmas with friends and families, I urge all citizens and people to adhere rigorously to the non-pharmaceutical prevention guidelines of regular hand-washing, wearing masks and social/physical distancing with a view to mitigating the spread of this devastating virus. While state and national institutions are trying their best, we must take individual responsibility and resist the strong temptation of compliance-fatigue by following the recommended protocols put in place from the Presidential Task Force on COVID-19 and conquer the ravaging pandemic.

I have absolute confidence in the soul of the resilience of our visitors to do the needful and stay vigilant even as this festive season witnesses improved travels and parties.

I wish all Nigerians divine protection and Merry Christmas.

Resisted Pressure to Leave PDP for APC, says Wike

Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike has said he resisted many appeals from some quarters to abandon the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Wike in a statement signed by his Special Assistant, Media, Kelvin Ebiri, stated he refused to yield to the pressure because he is a man of character.

The governor spoke Thursday when he led the Governor of Abia State, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu to inaugurate the primary Orabule Adiele Road, Rumuolumeni, formerly known as Aker-Base Road at Rumuolumeni community of Obio/Akpor Local Government Area of Rivers State.

Wike said it was unthinkable to depart PDP, which he explained as a celebration that”proceeds to maintain the promise of very good leadership for the country and remains the only hope for Nigerians who are also waiting to vote into electricity in 2023″.

Wike said he refused to be silent over the alleged wrongs and inabilities of this ruling APC due to the need to bolster the confidence of Nigerians in PDP.

He explained:”PDP is a celebration that Nigerians want. Regardless of all the intimidation, it will not work. We are men of personality. When we say something we endure by whatever we’ve said, not for pay attention.

“If I had been that kind of governor, I know how many times people have attempted to woo us, we said. We cannot be wooed. We are here. We began with PDP and will end up with PDP.

“We don’t have another political party to join because the destiny of the country, the expectation of Nigerians, solely depends on our party. That is why when we talk about our celebration, we are not speaking about any selfish interest. Nonetheless, it is to continue to provide Nigerians that hope that Nigeria is awaiting.

“So, when there’s any mistake, we shout. Everybody is hoping that in 2023 PDP should assume the realms of electricity in this nation. Rivers State is already procured for PDP.”

He explained: “The National Secretary of the Caretaker Committee of Progressives Congress (APC) stated I am playing to the gallery, and that I’m economical with the facts. Nevertheless, after all, the Federal Government was battling insecurity, and that they gave us bail-out money.

“Bail-out money is not free money. We are paying back the money. But even when they gave us free cash, does this imply that if anything is going wrong, I shouldn’t talk?

“We agree that there’s an issue in the country. The governors agreed that they’re faced with safety challenges. Yes, you’re overwhelmed by safety challenges but whose responsibility is it to fix the security in this nation.

“The National Secretary of APC has been a lifetime governorship aspirant. He does not have any character; yesterday he was Tinubu, now he’s with the Minister of Transportation because he wants to be governor.

Read also: Wike redeems N171m scholarship pledge to legionnaires’ children

“Such characters cannot speak to folks like us because we’ve got personality. A man without character does not have what it requires. I cannot jump from one place to another just because you want to be governor in all ways.

“Ask him, where did he vote at 2019. He hunted for PDP. Let him keep his mouth closed before I will inform APC what he did. People like that shouldn’t speak to us”

The governor also announced the Nkpor-Mgbuosimini road had been honored to Lubrick Construction firm and that work would commence in 2021.

In inaugurating the street, Ikpeazu described Wike as a new brand, an icon, and a symbol of everything good and a blessing to Nigeria.

He said using concrete pavements in road construction was the very best for the topography and encouraged the people to utilize the street with great care.

Rivers State Commissioner for Works Hon. Elloka Tasie-Amadi said the inadequate state of the street impeded motion and frustrated commerce but respite had come to residents and businesses that operated in the area.

Pandemonium as armed robbers invade Resorts in Mararaba

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Hotels from the suburbs of Nasarawa State might no more be safe for people who intend to spend their yuletide violate as men of the underworld have devised a new way of tracing their victims to resort premises to dispose of their possessions.

Guests and staff of a popular hotel located on Abacha street, Mararaba had a horrific experience Wednesday night as suspected armed robbers invaded its premises and headed straight to rooms where guests lodged and started banging on the doors.

According to an eyewitness, the invaders who were believed to have driven into the resort premises in a Keke Napep without the security stopping them at the gate swung into action after spending about 30 minutes inside strategising.

Their actions aroused the attention of the hotel management who consequently raised an alarm triggering a panic moment which saw staff and visitors who came to appreciate themselves scrambling for safety with a few scaling throughout the fence.

It required the boldness of some of the resort staff who confronted the four armed men who had threatened to bring down the resort to avert tragedy.

Read also: Between Gov Zulum’s Conscience and his Godfather

They reportedly took to their heels then when an emerging audience seemed to have overpowered them together with each of them jumping on a bike outside the resort gate to escape before the coming of Police.

In an interview with our correspondent, some of the eyewitnesses recounted how a similar incident was recorded in a hotel in Nyanya about a week ago and yet another in Ungwar Zamani, Mararaba a few days back, where lives were lost to the attack.

All attempts to talk to the Nasarawa State police control on the episode were futile.

Buratai in Yobe, Assures Gov of Drastic Security Measures for the North East

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The Chief of Army Staff Lt Gen TY Buratai has assured the government and people of Yobe State that the Nigerian Army is taking drastic steps to ensure that Damaturu-Maiduguri road is secured to in order to safeguard lives and properties of the people.

Gen Buratai briefed Governor Mai Mala Buni yesterday at the Government House Damaturu. He stated that the army in partnership with other relevant stakeholders will have strategic engagements in the next few weeks to further improve security in the zone particularly in identified flash points.

Responding Gov Buni commended the Nigerian army and other agencies for their concerted efforts and commitment in the fight against insurgency and banditry across the nation. He assured the continuous support of the state government in the fight against all forms of insecurity across the state.

He attributed the relative peace been enjoyed in the state and the region to the commitment of the Nigerian Army and other security agencies.

Land borders arranged to be reopened a week by President Muhammadu Buhari are still closed to movement of products, The Nation has observed

Land borders arranged to be reopened a week by President Muhammadu Buhari are still closed to movement of products, The Nation has observed.

The boundaries were closed on August 20, 2019, to stop the entry of prohibited arms among others to the nation.

However movements of individuals were notices at the borders — Seme (Lagos State), Illela (Sokoto),

The remaining land borders would be to open next week.

Asked when they opened, Dalhatu said”Considering that the Federal Government gave the directive.”

Read aslo: Border closure collapses as Jigawa opens borders with Kano, Bauchi, Katsina and Yobe

But another leading Customs officer who asked not to be named because he can’t talk officially said the reopening of the borders”will accompany official communication. It will not be on the day that the pronouncement was made,”

The Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS) said compliance with the directive of the President was sacrosanct.

Resources at Seme Customs Area Command, and the Lagos State chapter of the Association of the Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA) said that there were no movements of products in the article meant that the border has not been opened.

Had been summoned to Abuja to work out the modalities for the complete reopening of the borders.

The Chairman of this ANCLA chapter in Lagos State, Bisiriyu Hussein, stated”the Customs command is awaiting directive in the headquarters for us to start transacting our legitimate businesses.”

Read also: COVID-19: We’re worried about persons coming through land borders-FG

An importer, Ayuba Ibrahim, said that they were not happy with the refusal of the NCS in the Seme article”allowing us to bring their products into the country since the President directed the reopening of the borders.”

A leading immigration officer who pleaded anonymity said just people with international passports were allowed passage in the border.

He clarified that the decision was to”minimize the number of foreigners entering the country in this era of COVID-19 second wave”

The officer said:”Though the border might not begin working at 100 percent capacity till early next year, even a few foreigners that are permitted to enter the country are those with their valid foreign passports. “We are doing this because of the anxiety of COVID-19.”

In Seme, the Joint Border Patrol Team (JBPT) put in place to enforce movement restrictions through the 16-month closure is still in operation.

Read also: Nigeria reopens land borders after 2 years

Operatives of those JBPT were seen at Owode and Gbaji junction. Some of them maintained several checkpoints along the Badagry-Seme Expressway.

A member of this team said there was no directive from Abuja to disband the task force.

In Mfum, a dealer who gave his name simply as Okafor, confirmed that activities were at a really low ebb since the border hadn’t been opened for”products to come in and move out.”

He declared that some security representatives in the article bordering Nigeria and Cameroon were extorting dealers who rushed there with the expectation of transferring their merchandise.

He explained: “Government officials have become accustomed to the money they have been making during the lockdown and now with all the assumed reopening, nothing has changed. Traders and businessmen are parting with a huge amount before crossing the boundary.”

Read also: Borders opened for Dangote alone, says Stanbic IBTC founder

Wailers wish list for 2021 

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By Anthony John

As Nigerians are set to usher in a new year in less than two weeks from now, one cannot help but guage the minds of those who see themselves as opposition figures to President Muhammadu Buhari.

This group of people aptly called wailers because of their penchant to criticize everything the President does since their favourite candidates lost election, always betray their intentions with the way they reason.

How they would react to issues in 2021 is easily predictable going by their penchant for mischief.

In January, they would call for the impeachment of President Buhari for as flimsy a reason as Nigeria not experiencing harmatan in December.

A former minister whose wife left him because of assault and battery and who unofficially leads the pack of these wailers, is bound to champion this call.

He would say: “At a time when other nations are experiencing cold weather, President Buhari has shown incompetence by not allowing us feel the same.

“This is a northern agenda to make people not to travel for Christmas. He should either resign or be impeached.”

The other one who prides himself as the king of Okada riders would call for the sack of the Chief of Staff to the President for allowing the New Year Day to fall on a Monday.

He would say: “Nigerians, our mumu don do oh. How we go come dey celebrate new year Day on Monday when Sunday or Tuesday go better pass?

“This na another northern agenda to make me lead protest so dem go beat me for Wuse Market again. Tufia! Carry dis camera comot for my face joor!”

The other one who was beaten up by protesters and flown to Dubai by his sponsors would also try to be noticed and post a fake news claiming Aso Rock has been made ungovernable.

He will say: “All the  domestic staff in the Villa must go or Nigeria cannot move forward.”

The other one who tried to use a fake name to falsely accuse a former CBN governor of links with Boko Haram will via his Twitter handle call for the sack of the SGF for aĺlowing his family members test positive to Covid-19.

And the other one who failed to make it back to the Senate would claim he climbed a tree while trying to escape assassins and then Call for sack of the Chief of Staff to Mr. President or the National Security Adviser, NSA.

The one with Afro will then twit that all ministers have failed to get a hair cut hence should be removed.

The other less ingenious ones will cal for the sack of Mamman Daura’s family as Buhari’s relatives. And so on and so on.  Happy wailing to the wailers in advance as they call for the sack of all government functionaries.