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200 armed bandits killed by multiple air strikes in Zamfara, Katsina States

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The Air Component of Operation HADARIN DAJI has killed over 200 armed bandits in multiple air strikes conducted at Ibrahim Mai’Bai’s Camp in Jibia Local Government Area (LGA) of Katsina State and Kurmin Kura in Zurmi LGA of Zamfara State on 22 and 23 May 2020.

Coordinator, Defence Media Operations Major General John Enenche who confirmed this in a statement Sunday said the air strikes were executed after series of Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) missions led to the confirmation that the 2 locations were being used as hideouts for some notorious armed bandit leaders whilst also serving as collection points for rustled cattle.

Accordingly, Air Component, employing Nigerian Air Force ground attack aircraft and helicopter gunships, engaged the two locations in multiple passes, destroying the makeshift structures in the camps as well as killing the bandit leaders and their fighters.

”Human Intelligence (HUMINT) sources later confirmed that close to 200 armed bandits were killed in the air strikes at the target locations” He added.

Reacting to the development, the Chief of the Air Staff (CAS) Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar, commended the Air Component of Operation HADARIN DAJI for their professionalism and directed them to remain resolute towards eradicating all armed bandits thus achieving directives of the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) of restoring normalcy in the North West and North Central Zones of the Country.

The Air Chief has also directed that additional assets be deployed to cover Kaduna, Niger, Nasarawa and Kogi States to frustrate any attempt of the bandits to relocate to adjoining States.

iSON: How a private company turned Oyo into COVID-19 danger zone

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By Toby Prince

From merely 17 cases in over a two-month span, Oyo State has degenerated into a COVID-19 hotspot in the last week, now chasing a third century. It isn’t rocket science; a privately-owned virus-fisted company is behind this sudden surge.

When the coronavirus first took to Nigeria’s shores in February, Oyo was never envisaged to be a danger zone despite its close proximity to the epicentre, Lagos and Governor Seyi Makinde being one of the first patients. The Federal Capital Territory and Ogun State had all the gloom projections.

And so it was. The highly prevalent contagion took heels to the nation’s capital and Ogun in full speed like spinning tires on a Ferrari running through the gears. The infection swelled, prompting the Federal  Government to place both alongside Lagos on lockdown.

Governor Makinde was even accused of sloppiness and downplaying the virus. He hosted the Peoples Democratic Party rally in Ibadan early March. Critics believe he was very sluggish to enforce measures to contain the spread and when he eventually did, there were no palliatives. Although unconfirmed, the governor’s stand may be justified.

As of April 23, Nigeria had recorded 873 cases and 28 fatalities with the majority in Lagos, Abuja, Kano and Ogun. In Oyo meanwhile,  only 17 were confirmed, of which one died and another was transferred to Lagos. Ten persons were also discharged after testing negative twice, leaving only five active cases.

Fast forward to exactly one month later, infections has jumped to 233. Put in proper context, Oyo’s flaunt an alarming 7 per cent infection rate, with nearly eight persons testing positive daily in the last 30 days. The last stat doesn’t really hold water though as a bulk of the infection has come from the same origin in just one week.

On May 17th, Makinde announced 31 new cases. However, 30 of those were staff of a particular company in Ibadan South West Local Government Area. Authorities promptly shut it down but this marked the beginning of a new chapter.

“The COVID-19 confirmation tests for thirty-one suspected cases came back positive,” the governor said. “Thirty of these cases are members of staff of the same organisation based in Ibadan south west local government area.

“The organisation has been shut down and will be decontaminated. Intensified contact tracing has already commenced.”

While the state government maintained sealed lips, the company stepped up to alert its customers. iSON Xperiences, an internantional customer care service provider said it was taking measures to curb further spread.

“Some of our employees tested positive for COVID-19 at one of our Centres in Ibadan,” it said last week. “Employees with suspected risks have undergone the necessary test and have been placed in isolation under the supervision of the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC). Together with the authorities, we will ensure the full return of our employees to good health for their eventual resumption back at work.”

However, a return to work doesn’t seem feasible. Hours after the first announcement, eight more workers tested positive, bringing the number to 38. The figure rose further to 57 when, by May 18th, 19 more workers of the factory returned positive. The tally rose again to 63, with six more confirmed cases. The figure had jumped to 105 as of May 21, from 78 on May 20.

Another 11 tested positive on Friday, taking the tally to 116. And out of the 30 cases confirmed by the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control on Saturday, 27 were staff of iSON. Governor Makinde confirmed this in a tweet.

” Nine confirmed COVID-19 patients have received their second NEGATIVE test results and have been discharged. This brings the number of discharged cases in Oyo State to fifty-eight,” he wrote.

“Also, the COVID-19 confirmation tests for thirty suspected cases came back POSITIVE. Twenty-seven cases are from iSON Xperiences and one each from Ibadan SW, Ibadan SE and Oluyole Local Govt Areas. So, the total number of confirmed cases in Oyo State as at 5.30PM today is 233.”

This takes positive cases in iSON to 143. The company alone accounts for 61 per cent of infections in Oyo State, nudging it all the way up to seventh worst-hit only behind Lagos, Kano, Abuja, Katsina, Borno and Jigawa States.

iSON, meanwhile, has recorded more cases than 25 states in the country. In fact, it is  placed 13th in the overall ranking, slightly behind Gombe (145) and above Sokoto (116).

Yet as frightening as it may seem, worst may be ahead. iSON boosts a staff strength in thousands and customers in 10 folds, especially community transmission on the rise.

Troops Crush 35 Boko Haram Terrorists, Recover Arms in Borno State

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***Buratai commends troops for gallantry, professionalism

Over 35 Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists have met their waterloo under superior fire power from the troops of Operation Lafiya Dole in Borno State.

Coordinator Defence Media Operations, Major General John Enenche who confirmed this in a statement issued in Abuja said, several terrorist were also wounded in the various operations within the last two weeks while the Nigerian Army Super Camp 6 and 7 have conducted a long range fighting patrol on 11 May 2020 and cleared Adzunge and adjoining villages.

Consequently, troops of Special Response Area Pulka with the Civilian Joint Task Force and hunters ambushed the terrorists on 13 May 2020 along Pulka-Boko- Kirawa road. Eight (8) BHT/ISWAP fighters were killed while 10 Motorcycles and assorted food items were captured.

On 15 May 2020 troops of 192 Bn ambushed BHT/ISWAP fighters relocating from Sambisa forest to Mandara mountains due to heavy air and artillery bombardments.

Five (5) of of them were killed, 3 AK 47 rifles and 17 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, one pair of BHT/ISWAP uniform, two cartridges and other clothing materials were recovered.

Same day, troops of 22 Brigade deployed at Dikwa in conjunction with troops from Quick Response Area neutralized 2 terrorists who attempted to attack the troops location from Boboshe.

Others fled with gunshot wounds. One AK 47 rifle and one magazine with 15 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition were recovered.

Between 19 and 20 May 2020, following Gajigana attack, troops of 7 Division Garrison, 195 and 212 Battalions with Vigilantes exploited and discovered 5 terrorists killed in action. Five AK 47 rifles, 2 BHT gun trucks, 1 anti aircraft gun, 6 assorted magazines, 250 rounds of 12.7 mm, 61 rounds of 7.62 mm and 2 hand grenades were recovered.

In another operation, troops of Special Response Area Pulka with Civilian Joint Task Force and hunters, ambushed the terrorists on 20 May 2020 along Pulka-Dirgi-Banki general area. In the encounter 2 BHT/ISWAP fighters were killed while others escaped with One AK 47 loaded with 30 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition was recovered.

Furthermore, on 21 May 2020 troops of 81 Division Task Force under 22 Brigade and 153 Task Force Bn with Civilian Joint Task Force cleared Mugdala village. During the operation 8 BHT/ISWAP terrorists were killed. One AK 47 rifle, One Dane gun, 3 BHT flags, 2 bicycles,2 Techno cell phones, 2 memory cards and other phone accessories were recovered.

Equally, troops of 202 Bn and Special Armoured Brigade Garrison Bama, based on credible intelligence sprung an ambush on 22 May 2020 at BHT/ISWAP crossing point along Bama Aulari road. Three (3) BHT/ISWAP terrorists were neutralised and others escaped with gunshot wounds.

In all, a total of 35 BHT/ISWAP terrorists were killed in Sector 1 offensives between 11 and 22 May 2020.

Reacting to the development, the Chief of the Army Staff Lieutenant General Tukur Buratai has commended the gallant troops for their professionalism as the High Command of the Armed Forces of Nigeria also congratulated and also encouraged troops of Operation LAFIYA DOLE to maintain the momentum of their operations, towards eradicating the terrorists from the North East.

Breach of contract: Bizman sues Arik Air, demands N100m compensation

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A businessman and Speech-communications specialist, Simon Imobo- Tswam, has sued Arik Air, one of the top players in the West African aviation industry, over breach of contract.

According to court documents, the suit, FH/ABJ/CS/345/2019, became inevitable after the airline refused to convey the businessman to Port Harcourt some time in 2018, and turned round to blame its failure on him.

The documents reveal that the businessman bought a Lagos-Return ticket online on 20th September, 2018, for N34,500. 00 only. The date for the trip was 22nd October, 2018, with the return date three days later.

But the court learnt that on 18th October, 2018, the businessman had the ticket opened since he could no longer travel due to other engagements.

And then on 29th October, 2018, the plaintiff went to the Defendants’ office at Trascorp, Abuja, and rerouted the trip to Port Harcourt (i.e. Abuja-Port Harcourt-Abuja). The date for this re-routed trip was 1st November and return was on 5th November, 2018.

The businessman was accordingly surcharged an additional N20, 216.00 only which he paid via Keystone Bank’s POS.

Trouble started for the Plaintiff when Arik Air told him on 1st November, 2018, that he would not be conveyed to Port Harcourt on the false claim that the Plaintiff’s name did not tally with the code on his ticket.

All the businessman’s explanations that the ticket was issued by Arik Air (with all the information on it: his name, code, date, destination etc), and that the Port Harcourt trip was very important to the passenger, fell on deaf ears. All pleadings by the businessman that he bought the ticket in his name; and that it is the same name he has given Arik staff in the over 20 times that he has flown on Arik Air, did not sway Arik staff.

The aggrieved passenger thereafter wrote to the airline through his lawyers, Chris Aashi, Esq., of Fairfield Chambers, on 26th November, 2018, and the Defendants replied on 3rd December, 2018.

In their response, Arik Air, now the Defendants, refused to take responsibility or make a refund – the arline rather claimed that the Plaintiff bought his ticket in another person’s name, and should blame himself for his mistakes.

It was following this that the Plaintiff sued the airline for “wronful and complete breach of contract; a refund of the N54, 716.00, being the total sum paid to the Defendants; and a claim of N100illion only for general damages.

The matter comes up on 2nd June, 2020, before Justice Evelyn Maha, for mention.

The airline has a flood of court cases arising from breach of contract, missing luggage or cancelled flights.

It would be recalled that only last week, an FCT High Court, presided over by Justice Danlamin Senchi, gave judgement against the airline, ordering it to pay an aggrieved passenger, Mr. Modibbo, N10million for “serious breach of contract.”

German president thanks Muslims for Ramadan lockdown conduct

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The holy month is normally a time for coming together, rather than being separated by social distancing measures. The German president also expressed his alarm at the “hatred and exclusion” directed towards Muslims.

German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier praised Muslims on Friday for adhering to the country’s lockdown measures during Ramadam, while also calling for an end to the hatred directed towards the religious minority.

In a message on the eve of the end of the month of fasting and reflection, Steinmeier wrote that many Muslims would have found the restrictions particularly difficult. “I would like to thank all of you who adhered to these strict rules and contributed to our first success in the fight against the virus.”

Ramadan is seen as a time when Muslims come together, rather than being kept apart, which became necessary due to the lockdown and social distancing measures.

Steinmeier also pledged determined action against religiously motivated attacks. “Hatred and exclusion, violent attacks targeting Muslims, attacks on mosques — we cannot tolerate this, we cannot allow this.”

Last year, a total of 871 attacks aimed at Muslims or their institutions took place in Germany and the president said it was everyone’s responsibility, including the state to protect Muslims.

Steinmeier recalled the incident on February 19 when a gunman motivated by right-wing and racist ideology killed nine people in two hookah bars the city of Hanau, in western Germany. All of the victims had foreign heritage, including Turkish and Bosnian.

Pamphlets and video material found at the home of the 43-year-old man, who allegedly also murdered his mother before committing suicide, indicated a racist motive behind the onslaught.

Steinmeier said he had been deeply affected by the incident in Hanau, describing it as an attack on peaceful coexistence and on all the values shared by Germans, including dignity, tolerance, diversity and freedom of worship.

Walking the Talk: Again, Dunamis Pastor, Dr. Paul Enenche, wife storm University of Abuja Teaching Hospital, donate food items, drugs

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As part of their continued efforts to support the fight against the scourge of coronavirus in the country, the Senior Pastors of Dunamis International Gospel Centre, Dr. Paul and Dr. Mrs. Becky Enenche, on Friday visited the University of Abuja Teaching Hospital, Gwagwalada.

The clerics donated medical and food items on behalf of the church to the hospital for COVID-19 patients.

Recall that barely two weeks ago, the church donated food items to people for the fourth time irrespective of denomination or religion, to cushion the effect of the lockdown on the people.

Speaking during the outreach on Friday, Pastor Enenche, a trained medical doctor, said the church would continue to support the government in its way to win the war against the coronavirus pandemic.

Garbed in all white lab coats, the outspoken cleric lauded the medical team in the frontline of the fight against the virus for their relentless efforts.

He also hailed the federal government for its efforts in curtailing the diseases.

Dr. Enenche said, from record available before him, the FCT Isolation Centre had so far confirmed 447 cases, with 307 active cases and had successfully treated and discharged 133 cases with 7 deaths.

“With the above record, we can see that 133 patients have been treated, tested negative and discharged successfully, that shows that coronavirus is not a death sentence as many people out there think. We need to kill that fear.

“We must commend the medical team working round the clock at the isolation centres taking care of patients. It is not an easy task.

“We also acknowledge the government for doing its best to curtail the further spread of the virus. We pray that the virus would soon be wiped out.

“That is why we are here to join the fight against the pandemic. We will continue to give our support to this war against humanity and we believe strongly that victory is ours.”

They were received by the Chief Medical Director of the Hospital, Prof. Bisalla A. Ekele, the CMAC, Dr Nicholas Bamlong and other top management staff.
The CMD hailed the church for their donation.

He noted that Dunamis was the only religious organization that has visited the hospital since the coronavirus was confirmed in the FCT.

He called on other religious bodies and good-spirited Nigerians to join the fight against coronavirus.

Also speaking during the outreach, Dr. Becky Enenche, urged those still living with the virus not to give up, saying that the Lord would stretch his hands of healing upon them.

Among food items donated were: bags of rice, cartons of noodles, packs of water and others.

Among the medical items donated included: 1,000 packs of Arthrmeter / lumefantime combination,( Lonart), 500 packs of Amoxicillin/clavulanic acid combination(Augmentin), 1,000 packs of Azithromycin( Zithromax),
5 packs of HydroxyCotoquine.

135 Armed Bandits Killed, Camps Destroyed in Air Raids in Katsina, Zamfara States

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The Air Component of Operation HADARIN DAJI has decimated several camps and killed no fewer than 135 armed bandits in massive air raids executed at several locations in Katsina and Zamfara States between 20 and 22 May 2020.

In a statement, the Coordinator Defence Media Operations, Major General John Enenche said the raid is part of renewed offensive to rid the North West of the Country of armed bandits and other criminal elements.

”The air strikes were undertaken sequel to credible Human Intelligence (HUMINT) reports as well as series of Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) missions that led to the identification of the camps, which include Abu Radde Camps 1 and 2 and Dunya in Jibia and DanMusa Local Government Areas (LGAs) of Katsina State as well as Hassan Tagwaye’s Camp; Alhaji Auta’s Camp and Maikomi in Birnin Magaji and Zurmi LGAs of Zamfara State.”

General Enenche noted that the air interdiction missions were painstakingly undertaken by the Air Component as it dispatched its attack aircraft to the locations in multiple bombing runs, some of which were executed simultaneously. At the Abu Radde Camps on 20 May 2020, a set of huts housing one of the notorious bandit leaders was taken out by air strikes with scores of the bandits killed and few seen fleeing with gunshot wounds towards the Dumburum Forest. Similar air raids were executed at Hassan Tagwaye’s and Alhaji Auta’s Camps as well as at Maikomi with equally devastating effects.

HUMINT reports later confirmed that no fewer than 135 bandits were neutralized by the series of air strikes at the various locations.

Consequently, the Chief of the Air Staff (CAS) Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar has commended the Air Component of Operation HADARIN DAJI for their professionalism and directs them to remain resolute, in order to achieve the directives of the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) to restore normalcy to all parts of Nigeria.

Inter- Faith group declares spiritual victory over Covid-19, Boko Haram

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The National Inter-Faith and Religious Organization for Peace (NIFROP) has declared spiritual victory over COVID-19 and Boko Haram insurgency in the country.

National Coordinator, Bishop Sunday Garuba, made this declaration on Saturday during the grand finale of the 30-day fast and prayer for divine intervention on coronavirus and the end of Boko Haram/ capture of Abubakar Shekau.

The rampaging COVID-19 has taken a grip on the entire universe with over five million persons infected and almost 350,000 dead according to John Hopkins University.

In Nigeria alone, more than 7,000 persons have tested positive while above 200 persons succumbed to the contagion.

Unfortunately, though, the pandemic comes at a time the Nigerian military is making giant strides in its final clearance operation against Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists in the northeast.

However, Bishop Garuba believes both would soon come to an end in the country as revealed to him and his group during their 30 days intensive prayer and fast.

According to the cleric, “ Nigeria is indeed victorious and we shall suffer no affliction for God is our refuge and strength”.

He added that due to NIFROP’s composition of both Christians and Muslims, their strong faith in one supreme God would see the country overcome coronavirus and Boko Haram.

While affirming that COVID-19 shall fade away in a matter of time, the clergyman, however, urged Nigerians not to be afraid rather remain steadfast and resolute.

Read full address below:

“No one can battle with the lord!”
I bring warm greetings to us all from our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, whose mercies endures forever.

Today is indeed a significant one in the annals of our great country. Today marks the grand finale of the 30-day fasting and prayer session organized for Gods intervention on COVID-19 and threats posed by the Boko Haram terrorist group in Nigeria.

My dear brothers and sisters, I have joy in my heart because of the wonders of God in the life and times of Nigeria. It is indeed a statement of the fact that Nigeria is a great nation hence the myriads of challenges confronting the nation. And we did not despair nor question the promises of God as regards our dear country.

In the book of Psalm 91: 7-12, the Bible states that “A thousand shall fall at thy side, and ten thousand at thy right hand; but it shall not come nigh thee. Only with thine eyes shalt thou behold and see the reward of the wicked because thou hast made the Lord, which is my refuge, even the most High, thy habitation; There shall no evil befall thee, neither shall any plague come nigh thy dwelling for He shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways. They shall bear thee up in their hands, lest thou dash thy foot against a stone.”

My brothers and sisters, it is a statement of fact that with the revelations from God during this prayer and fasting programme Nigeria is indeed victorious and we shall suffer no affliction for God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble, therefore will not we fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea; Though the waters thereof roar and be troubled, though the mountains shake with the swelling thereof. There is a river; the streams whereof shall make glad the city of God, the holy place of the tabernacles of the Most High.

Our prayers and fastings have reached the Host of heaven. The numbers that turned up for this prayer and fasting programme is indeed outstanding despite the challenge of the Coronavirus pandemic. The devil meant it for evil, but God turned it to good.

The composition of our gathering is unprecedented in the annals of our country, where Muslims and Christians gathered in one voice in prayers to God for divine intervention in Nigeria in the holy month of Ramadan.

Our Muslim brothers and sisters have displayed a significant commitment towards the peace and progress of Nigeria. The Holy Koran in Quran, 2:18 states “Oh, you who believe! Fasting is prescribed to you as it was prescribed to those before you, that you may learn piety and righteousness”

“Indeed we have revealed it (Qur’an) in the Night of Power. And what will explain to you what the Night of Power is? The night of Power is better than a thousand months. Therein descends the Angels and the Spirit (Jibreel) by Allah’s permission, on every errand: (they say) “Peace” (continuously) till the rise of Morning!” (Q 97:1-5).”

The peace promised in the Holy Koran has indeed come to Nigeria in the Name of Allah, the Most Beneficent, and the Most Merciful. All the praises and thanks be to Allah, the Lord of the ‘Alamin (humankind, jinns and all that exists).

My brothers and sisters, the National Inter-Faith and Religious Organization for Peace, have provided us with that platform for us to see our similarities and belief in the supremacy of God almighty.

If we have such strong faith, neither Coronavirus nor Boko Haram shall overcome Nigeria for we are a blessed nation under the care of God. His promises towards Nigeria are yes and amen, and we shout a big halleluiah to the Host of Heaven for the great and wondrous works.

I say to you all under the authority of God that no harm or evil shall overcome Nigeria. For COVID-19 and Boko Haram, we shall see them no more. Our prayers have been heard by the Host of Heaven, and He has indeed taken charge over the affairs of Nigeria. I tell you all today that the end of Boko Haram has come and we shall indeed come together in fellowship to return our thanks and appreciation to God.

My brothers and sisters, COVID-19 shall fade away in a matter of time. God is not a man that He should lie. The Bible informs us about the protection of God. As humans, we want to see God’s protection as a magic force field that keeps us from all harm. Yes, God can prevent any evil or destruction, but we must remember that we live in a fallen world where we have free will. Many times, God works in ways that we do not understand. Sometimes God’s protection comes in the form of peace and strength in the middle of despair. Other times God’s protection comes as an ending because he sees something more on the horizon that we cannot see.

As believers in Jesus, we are promised a new life covered under the protection of God in which nothing can separate us from His love. My brothers and sisters, rest knowing that no matter what hardship we face, God is our provider and protector.

The book of Deuteronomy 31:6 states that “Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the LORD your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you.”

We must rest our hopes on the promises of God in these critical times with the absolute belief that victory over our adversaries is ours in Jesus Name.

My brothers and sisters do not be afraid. Stand firm and you will see the deliverance the Lord will bring you today. The Egyptians you see today you will never see again. Boko Haram and Abubakar Shekau we shall see no more. COVID-19, we shall see no more. Armed banditry we shall see no more. Militant groups, we shall see no more.

I remain confident of this: we will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living because He has promised and He will never fail because his goodness and mercies endure forever.

I want to use this medium to thank all our members that made this programme a huge success. That we are also able to distribute food and other relief materials to the less privilege in the society. The outreach saw to the provision of food to over 5000 families that are in dire need during the Ramadan period.

Our reward is seen in the Holy Koran (2:110) “Be steadfast in prayer and regular in charity. Whatever good you send forth for your souls before you, you shall find it with Allah. For Allah sees well all that you do”.

Our reward is also seen in the book of Proverbs 19:17 “Whoever is kind to the poor lends to the Lord, and he will reward them for what they have done.”

My brothers and sisters, God will reward our various sacrifices towards helping the needy in society. We shall reap a bountiful harvest in Jesus name.

As we go back to our families, we must go with the consciousness that the worst is indeed over. My appreciation goes to all of us, and I pray that Gods mercies and favors continue to be with Nigeria. Victory is here at last.

Thank you all, and God bless.

COVID-19: Tanzania Says Virus Defeated Through Prayer, but Fears Grow

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John Magufuli

On just one day this month, 50 Tanzanian truck drivers tested positive for the coronavirus after crossing into neighboring Kenya. Back home, their president insists that Tanzania has defeated the disease through prayer.

All the while, President John Magufuli has led a crackdown on anyone who dares raise concerns about the virus’s spread in his East African country or the government’s response to it. Critics have been arrested, and opposition politicians and rights activists say their phones are being tapped.

The country’s number of confirmed virus cases hasn’t changed for three weeks, and the international community is openly worrying that Tanzania’s government is hiding the true scale of the pandemic. Just more than 500 cases have been reported in a country of nearly 60 million people.

While many African countries have been praised for their response to the coronavirus, Tanzania is the most dramatic exception, run by a president who questions — or fires — his own health experts and has refused to limit people’s movements, saying the economy is the priority.

Fatma Karume, a human rights activist and former president of the Tanganyika Law Society, said authorities are discouraging people from going to hospitals to avoid overwhelming them, but they are not giving adequate guidance about the virus.

“When you are disempowering a whole nation by withholding information and creating doubt on how they should respond to the crisis, the outcome can be disastrous,” Karume said.

A man washes his hands with chlorinated water at the Mabibo market in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, on April 16, 2020. - Tanzanian…
FILE – A man washes his hands with chlorinated water at the Mabibo market in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, April 16, 2020.

 

The president has refused to shut churches, mosques and other gathering places, such as pubs and restaurants. He has questioned the accuracy of tests done by the national laboratory, saying the swabs used may themselves be tainted with the virus. 

He has suspended the head of the laboratory and fired the deputy health minister. On Thursday, Magufuli ordered the Health Ministry and other agencies not to receive personal protective equipment from donors until tests are done to ensure it works and is safe.

While Magufuli halted international passenger flights in April, he is now allowing them to resume — and says any visitor who doesn’t have a fever will be allowed in.

For most people, the coronavirus causes mild or moderate symptoms. For some, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness and lead to death.

The president has argued that if restrictive measures are adopted, Tanzanians may have nothing to eat.

In fact, rather than urge Tanzanians to keep their distance, one Magufuli ally encouraged them to flood the streets this weekend to celebrate.

“Make all kinds of noise as a sign of thanksgiving to show our God has won against disease and worries of death that were making us suffer,” Paul Makonda, the regional commissioner of commercial hub Dar es Salaam, said at a news briefing. In March, Magufuli ordered three days of national prayers against COVID-19 and has since said they have been answered.

While health experts say recorded coronavirus cases and deaths the world over are undercounts, opposition leaders accuse Magufuli’s government of hiding the outbreak’s true toll.

Government spokesman Hassan Abbas told The Associated Press that it would be impossible to cover up an outbreak. He also dismissed reports that hospitals were overwhelmed, noting that one, which has room for over 160 patients, only had 11.

“It is unfortunate that COVID-19 has come up with lots of misinformation, propaganda and false news,” he added.

He said Tanzania has taken measures to curb the disease, and infection rates are falling, though he gave no data.

He said the country’s health officials have been working hand in hand with international experts, including at the World Health Organization.

Calls to share data

Officials outside Tanzania remain worried.

“We strongly call on Tanzania, encourage Tanzania, to share data in a timely fashion,” the head of the Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, John Nkengasong, said this month, adding that fighting the virus is more difficult without accurate data from all member states.

“No country is an island,” he warned. On Thursday, Nkengasong said Tanzania still had not provided the body with any more information — but officials were still hoping the government would eventually cooperate.

People look at newspapers without adhering to the rules of social distancing despite the confirmed COVID-19 coronavirus cases…
FILE – People look at newspapers without adhering to the rules of social distancing despite the confirmed COVID-19 coronavirus cases in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, April 16, 2020.

Kenya closed its border with Tanzania this month except for cargo traffic and imposed stringent testing measures on Tanzanian truck drivers after more than 50 of them tested positive for the virus in a single day.

The U.S. Embassy in Tanzania has issued an unusual statement, warning its citizens that “all evidence points to exponential growth of the epidemic” and that hospitals in Dar es Salaam have been overwhelmed with COVID-19 cases.

“On Tanzania, yes, it’s very disappointing,” the top U.S. diplomat for Africa, Tibor Nagy, told reporters this week. “Obviously, they are very concerned with the economic impact that the loss of the tourism industry is going to have on them, but I can’t imagine any tourists flocking back there in such an uncertain environment.”

In a more subtle note of concern, the British High Commission announced a charter flight for British nationals who want to leave.

Critics: Climate of fear 

Meanwhile, the climate of fear has grown inside Tanzania, rights groups and critics say, as Magufuli seeks a second term in an October election that shows no sign of being delayed despite the pandemic.

Magufuli has stifled independent journalism since taking office and severely restricted the work of non-governmental organizations, according to rights groups.

“People in Tanzania cannot express themselves,” said Roland Ebole, an Amnesty International researcher based in neighboring Kenya.

Lawyer Albert Msando was arrested in late April after a video circulated showing him distributing masks to journalists and talking about the importance of the news media’s role in informing the public, according to the Tanzania Human Rights Defenders Coalition.

Tanzanian authorities have also targeted media that have attempted to report on the pandemic, according to Amnesty International.

Three media organizations were fined for “transmission of false and misleading information” about the government’s response, and a newspaper had its online publishing license suspended for publishing a photo that it said showed the president flouting “global social distancing guidelines.” Authorities contend the photo was not recent.

Kagame appoints son into board of Rwanda’s investment agency

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A son of President Paul Kagame has been appointed to the board of the Rwanda Development Board, RDB. 30-year-old Ivan Kagame is the eldest son of his parents. The Kagames have four children – three sons and a daughter.

The RDB is government machinery tasked with fast tracking the country’s economic development by enabling private sector growth. The US-educated Ivan joins as one of four new members announced by the Prime Minister’s office earlier this week.

In welcoming the new members, the board wrote about the young Kagame “Ivan Kagame is a partner at a Venture Capital fund, and co-founder of a leading energy company.

“Ivan brings a diverse skill set and vast experience in investment advisory services, entrepreneurship and investments management both in Africa and the USA. He holds a Bsc in Economics from Pace university and an MBA from the Marshall School at the University of Southern California.”

The other new members were: Solange Uwituze, Eric Kacou and Liban Soleman Abdi. They join a board currently headed by Itzhak Fisher with vice chair Evelyn Kamagaju, a former Auditor General of Rwanda. Diane Karususi, Faith Keza and Alice Nkulikiyinka complete the list of serving members.

RDB is behind high-profile sponsorship deals with English Premier League side Arsenal and French side Paris Saint-Germain – both deals under the “Visit Rwanda” label is to promote tourism in the East African nation.

RDB’s website describes its mission: “To transform Rwanda into a dynamic global hub for business, investment, and innovation.”

It pools all the government agencies responsible for the entire investor experience under one roof. It reports directly to the president and is guided by a board that includes all relevant sector ministers.

It is modeled on international best practice examples of Singapore and Costa Rica. It has advisory and hands-on support from global entrepreneurs and experts from Singapore Development Board, World Bank, IFC and the Office of Tony Blair.

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