Television Nigerian

Peoples Democratic Party

…Stands with Nigerians against security brutality

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) vehemently condemns the extra-judicial execution of an innocent Nigerian by the security operatives in Warri, Delta state, on Thursday.

The PDP also condemns reported brutalization of Nigerians in many parts of the country by security forces under the guise of enforcing the lockdown order to check the spread of COVID-19 pandemic in our country.

The PDP insists that such acts of violence against our citizens cannot be condoned or justified under any guise whatsoever.

The party calls on Nigerians to hold the Buhari Presidency and the APC responsible for the Warri killing as well as the reported brutalization of Nigerians, noting that such ugly situations would have been averted if the APC controlled Federal Government had heeded wise counsel by the PDP and other well-meaning Nigerians and made adequate provisions for social palliatives that cushioned the economic challenges of the lockdown.

READ ALSO: APC crisis: Pro, Anti-Oshiomhole protesters clash over placards

The APC government had failed to shelve its political interests and heed good suggestions to implement calls to cut taxes, reduce fuel price and use the states and local governments to channel essential commodities to poor Nigerians whose means of survival comes only from their daily struggle on the streets and markets.

The APC government has also failed to constitute an Eminent Nigerian Group to administer the palliatives and eliminate all political and bureaucratic bottlenecks that are now encumbering easy flow of social panaceas, leading to poor Nigerians coming out to seek for survival on the streets.

The PDP further blamed the APC and its administration for emboldening acts of violence and extra-judicial killings by security operatives following their failure to bring perpetrators of such acts to book as even detailed in reports by various reputable international organizations including Amnesty International (AI), Transparency International (TI), European Union (EU), United States Department of State.

This is in addition to APC’s tacit endorsement of President Muhammadu Buhari’s usual directive to security operatives to “deal ruthlessly with” sundry offenders. Such statement is capable of being translated as license for cruelty and abuse of human rights by over-zealous security operatives.

The PDP invites Nigerians to continue to note how the APC has remained silent and failed to join in the call for provision of adequate social palliatives to the citizens as well as in demanding that killers be brought to book.

Moreover, the APC has not made any meaningful suggestion towards efforts to check the spread of COVID-19 in our country.

Such anti-people stance by the APC speaks volumes of the standpoint of the party on issues related to the wellbeing of Nigerians.

The PDP however stands with Nigerians and calls on the Military High Command to commence an extensive investigation into the Warri killing as well as other reported brutalization of Nigerians during the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown and bring all the culprits to book.

Furthermore, our party calls on Nigerians to remain calm and not despair over the COVID-19 pandemic and its associated challenges, noting that with the concerted effort of all, our nation will soon defeat the pandemic.

Vanguard

All copyrights for this article are reserved to TheNigerian News

Guy Ikokwu

Chief Ikokwu, the Chairman of the defunct Nigeria Peoples Party (NPP) in the old Anambra State in the Second Republic has said that the South East “must remain vigilant and not take things for granted” since the insurgent group, Boko Haram, “has threatened to attack the South-East.

The elder Statesman and politician during an interview with Vanguard advised South East people to critically study the ongoing economic and biochemical clashes between the Western and Eastern nations.

“From the millennial creation of humans and animals it has been wars and bickering everywhere and survival of the fittest in the name of civilisation,” he stated.

ALSO READ: Intrigues that foiled Awolowo, Azikiwe’s alliance in 1983 — Guy Ikokwu (1)

Ikokwu continued; “Cannibalism is a natural strategy for survival. We have to adumbrate our own survival strategy.”

The 83-year-old also reacted to the lockdown directive by President Muhammadu Buhari.

“General Buhari cannot just lock down Lagos and Ogun without the necessary palliatives, funding or food-wise in a secure situation. He is dealing with human beings and not animals.

“They should also put on their caps instead of face masks as the virus does not segregate or discriminate or avoid prestigious locations. We must have existential and strategic equations as a fair remedy for all.

“I am concerned about further two weeks lock-down of Lagos and Ogun states without real Federal Government palliatives while threats of insecurity persist.”

Vanguard News Nigeria.

All copyrights for this article are reserved to TheNigerian News

TheNigerian News
Tonto Dikeh, son test negative for coronavirus

Nollywood actress, Tonto Dikeh and her son, Andre Churchill, have tested negative for coronavirus. The 34-year-old revealed this on Instagram on Friday when she shared a picture of the four-year-old Andre getting tested for the disease. “Our results came back s frw mins ago. And we tested negative for coronavirus…,” she wrote.

Tonto Dikeh, son test negative for coronavirus
TheNigerian News

All copyrights for this article are reserved to TheNigerian News

Queen Elizabeth

Queen Elizabeth will make an extremely rare address to the nation on Sunday as Britain grapples with the increasingly deadly coronavirus outbreak.

The government has put Britain into a virtual lockdown, closing pubs, restaurants, and nearly all shops, while banning social gatherings and ordering Britons to stay at home unless it is absolutely essential to venture out.

The officials said the measures were intended to stop the spread of the disease.

The officials added that on Friday the death toll in the United Kingdom among those who had tested positive for the virus had risen by 684 to 3,605, up by 23 percent on the previous day.

“Her Majesty, The Queen has recorded a special broadcast to the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth in relation to the coronavirus outbreak,” Buckingham Palace said in a statement.

The address, which was recorded at Windsor Castle where the 93-year-old monarch is staying with her husband, Prince Philip, will be broadcast at 1900 GMT on Sunday, it said.

• READ ALSO: COVID-19 lockdown: Women decry hike in prices of food items in Ekiti

Last month, the queen issued a written statement in which she said the royal family would play its part in rising to the challenge of the coronavirus outbreak.

“We know that many individuals and families across the United Kingdom, and around the world, are entering a period of great concern and uncertainty,” she said then.

“We are all being advised to change our normal routines and regular patterns of life for the greater good of the communities we live in and, in particular, to protect the most vulnerable within them.”

The queen rarely broadcasts to the nation apart from her annual televised Christmas Day message, usually to offer personal thanks or provide reassurance in times of crisis.

Royal experts said it would be only the fifth such televised address she had made during her 68 years on the throne.  (NAN)

Vanguard

All copyrights for this article are reserved to TheNigerian News

Gov Nasir el-Rufai

…says Kad, ABU will use Tech to fight COVID-19

By Ibrahim Hassan

As a palliative measure necessitated by the curfew imposed on the state due to COVID-19, the Nasiru El-Rufa’i led Kaduna state Government has commenced the distribution of food and other essential commodities to the poor and human clusters across the state.

The said as an interim measure, Kaduna State Government was in talks with the Ahmadu Bello University (ABU) Zaria for use of the PCR machine at the African Center for Excellence for NTDs.

“When talks are finalized, the general public will be informed accordingly,” he said.

The governor,represents by  Dr. Hadiza Sabuwa Balarabe, Deputy Governor of Kaduna State,spoke on Friday while giving  an update of the activities of of Kaduna State COVID 19 taskforce.

Describing COVID-19 as the greatest Public Health challenge of the 21st century, the Governor said  Coronavirus pandemic ,apart from being a health issue had brought on significant socio-economic challenges, with great impact on livelihoods of individuals, communities and countries at large.

” Given the several dimensions the pandemic has taken, State and federal Governments across the world have been instituting extraordinary measures to contain the scourge.”

“On 26th March, 2020, I made the 2nd state broadcast but 3rd within a week, where Coronavirus was declared a dangerous infectious disease, within the context of the Quarantine Act. Consequently, in exercise of the powers vested in the Governor by the 1999 Constitution(as amended), Sections 2 and 8 of the Quarantine Act of 1926 (Q2, Law of Federation of Nigeria 2004) as well as Kaduna State Public Health Law of 1917, all residents were quarantined on 26th March, 2020. Subsequently, everyone was made to remain at home and all offices, event centres, markets and shops, including worship centres, were closed.”

READ ALSO: Kogi govt breaks silence over alleged assault, battery by its commissioner

“However, after about six days of this stay-at-home order, the Government relaxed the curfew, to enable people re-stock on food and other sundry supplies, last Wednesday 1st to Thursday 2nd April 2020. Similarly, a two-day window will be opened every week, Tuesday and Wednesday, to enable residents replenish their food supplies at this trying period.”

“Fellow citizens of Kaduna State, the quarantine continues today and this order must be strictly adhered to in the interest of Public Health and Safety. Before the review, the Quarantine order was variously breached in several respects. Although most places of worship remained closed, some clerics defied the law by insisting on holding congregational prayers. The clerics have been duly arrested, arraigned before the court, for onward prosecution.”

“Similarly, some markets were partially opened and commercial activities took place therein. Largely, commuting in commercial transport was absent but private vehicle owners plied our major roads during the lockdown.”

“Openly, motorcyclists were not observing social distancing as some of them conveyed passengers along our major road arteries. On the outskirts and inner cities, it was business as usual as residents carried out their daily routines in defiance to the Quarantine Order , believing falsely that COVID-19 is a ‘’rich man’s disease.’’ I want to emphasize here that Covid-19 is no respecter of persons- it can affect anyone- the rich, the poor, men, women, Christians as well as Muslims.”

READ ALSO: COVID-19: Kaduna to deal with Malams who hide Almajiri

“We have reviewed the situation with security agencies to ramp up enforcement of the restriction of movement in the interest of the safety of everyone. My good people of Kaduna State, the Quarantine order continue to be enforced and this time around, anyone who runs afoul of the law, will be dealt with irrespective of his or her status.”

“As you all know, there are just seven testing centres in the entire country, with the one at the Federal Capital Territory(FCT) serving the entire north. However, the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) has assured us that Kaduna will soon have a testing centre. Last week, the Commissioner for Health and her counterparts from other states of the federation, met with NCDC officials, where that commitment was again emphasized.”

” In addition, the Commissioners were given further guidelines and techniques for reducing the spread of COVID-19, which we are already implementing. As an interim measure, Kaduna State Government is in talks with the Ahmadu Bello University(ABU) Zaria for use of the PCR machine at the African Center for Excellence for NTDs.

When talks are finalized, the general public will be informed accordingly.”

“Similarly, Government has identified a location that will be used as an isolation centre for asymptomatic people. The States Facility Management Agency has been mandated to quickly renovate and make the identified location conducive and purpose-specific for these categories of individuals. However, this is a stop-gap arrangement, pending when a permanent structure is built. To this end, Government will be approaching private donors to support this project so that we can scale up our response to this pandemic.”

“Significantly, Government has bought palliatives in the form of food items and other commodities, to be distributed to the vulnerable members of the society. Right now, the palliatives  have been sent to some identified local governments in the first instance, for onward distribution to clusters and households. In fact, households will start receiving these palliatives immediately.”

“Donations have been trickling in from well meaning individuals, corporate organizations and Non Governmental Organizations. In addition, the Commissioner for Local Government will fashion out ways and means to enable solvent Area Councils to donate their widow’s mite. At this point i want to extend sincere appreciations to those who have contributed to this cause, we believe that together we can do more.”

“Fellow citizens of Kaduna State, we are living in tough times, requiring us to not only be our brothers’ keepers but to also be cheerful givers, especially to the less privileged amongst us. A little kindness goes a long way at all times, but more so in these times. Remember to observe respiratory hygiene, endeavour to wash your hands regularly with soap and running water, continue maintaining social distancing, Please stay safe, stay home and stay alive,” he said.

Vanguard

All copyrights for this article are reserved to TheNigerian News

An online group, Alumni of Lagos State University, School of Communication, 2004/2005 set has commenced steps to initiate relief plans for its members amid federal government’s lockdown order in some states – purposed against the spread of novel Coronavirus in Nigeria.

According to a statement released by the administrator of the social media account of the alumni group, Kola Kasali, the initiative is to assist members of the group financially in the period of the COVID-19 pandemic, which is seriously threatening the human space.

The statement reads: “Following the nationwide lockdown announcement by the Federal Govt in a bid to curb the on-going global pandemic; COVID-19, we have received suggestions and ideas on the need to look out for one another as a group.

READ ALSO: COVID-19: Stay-at-home heightening sexual violence against women, girls — Groups

“While global leaders are taking measures to provide relief for their citizens, in the same vein, some members of this group have suggested and volunteered to extend the same gesture at this micro-level. In other words, to assist some members of this group financially, for those who may need it at this critical period to finance some of their essential needs. It is on the back of this that we are calling on other members of the group wishing to be instrumental to this cause to come forward and join the force.

“Members with genuine financial need should please talk to us and let’s see how we can mediate in ensuring that we strike a balance between the surplus and deficit areas.

“We implore you to join the WhatsApp group through the link, from further discussions and prompt feedbacks.

Vanguard Nigeria News

All copyrights for this article are reserved to TheNigerian News

MultiChoice Nigeria has announced a number of initiatives to support the Federal and Lagos Governments’ efforts in ameliorating the impact of the COVID-19 outbreak in Nigeria.

The leading entertainment and media company’s contribution in the fight against COVID-19 includes cash support of N200m and N50m to the Federal and Lagos State Governments respectively, the donation of 10,000 certified test kits to the NCDC, Public Service Announcement COVID-19 prevention tips in English, Pidgin, Ibo, Yoruba and Hausa languages as well as approved inventory worth over N550m highlighting the NCDC’s COVID-19 Helplines and PSAs on more than 10 channels across DStv and GOtv.

The company will also cover the remuneration for engaged creative industry professionals whose productions have been disrupted, with a committed sum of up to N400m.

READ ALSO: COVID-19: 44,000 households to benefit from food bank programme ― Cross River

As seen in the most hard-hit countries, the availability of test kits and supplies for medical personnel have been some of the biggest challenges in fighting the pandemic. The outbreak has also had a direct impact on individual businesses and general economic activities. Nigeria’s creative industry has been particularly affected, with ongoing productions suspended in response to the government’s advisory on public gatherings and social distancing.

MultiChoice Nigeria’s intervention, in line with its values as a responsible corporate organisation and leader in the media and the creative sector, is aimed at supporting the authorities in fighting the pandemic and reducing its attendant impact on Nigeria’s national economy.

According to the Chairman MultiChoice Nigeria, Mr. Adewunmi Ogunsanya (SAN) “We are donating 10,000 certified test kits to support the great work being done by the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) and the Federal Ministry of Health. In addition to these, we are also contributing N250 million to the Federal and Lagos State Governments’ efforts in providing adequate healthcare delivery facilities to fight COVID-19. We are doing this because we recognize the impact that the COVID-19 pandemic has on Nigerians and the economy. We hope our contributions to NCDC, the federal and state governments, alongside other donations, will go a long way towards effective management of the outbreak.”

Additionally, John Ugbe, the CEO of MultiChoice Nigeria added, “We have committed N550million worth of inventory to public service announcements in our indigenous languages in addition to English and Pidgin to ensure that every Nigerian understands how to prevent COVID-19 or call for help through the NCDC helplines. Also, the creative industry salary payment of up to N400 million will offer a much-needed financial reprieve for producers, actors, and technical talent currently contracted to MultiChoice Nigeria, whose livelihoods have been disrupted by the pandemic.

VANGUARD

All copyrights for this article are reserved to TheNigerian News

By Esther Onyegbula

Several persons have been reportedly injured in Otto Awori Local Council Development Area residents jostle to get relief pack.

The post BREAKING: Several injured as collection of relief material turns bloody in Otto Awori appeared first on Vanguard News.

All copyrights for this article are reserved to TheNigerian News

Abayomi

The Lagos State Government on Friday discharged four more coronavirus patients, bringing the total number of discharged persons in the state to 24.

The state Commissioner for Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi,  who disclosed this at a news conference in Lagos, appealed to Nigerians to maintain social distancing to save the state,

He added that severe cases may be witnessed in the state.

The commissioner said: “The graph is flattening. As our numbers increase, we may see some critical cases. From the numbers we have, we don’t have many numbers like that of Europe.

“Social distancing is so effective. You may be infected and have mild symptoms. We have only one or two cases that are severe.”

• READ ALSO: COVID-19: South Africa police evict migrants in Cape Town

“Eti-Osa Local Government has the highest number of confirmed cases in Lagos State. 91 percent of confirmed #COVID-19 cases in Lagos are Nigerians, nine percent are foreigners.”

The state government discharged 11 COVID-19 patients on Thursday and had previously released nine cases after they certified fit by medical practitioners.

Vanguard

All copyrights for this article are reserved to TheNigerian News