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Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami

Courts are expected to attend to matters that are urgent, essential or time-bound, even during the lockdown, Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, SAN, has said.

Malami said this in a statement issued by Dr Umar Gwandu, Special Assistant on Media and Public Relations, Office of the Minister.

“Speedy dispensation of justice is a cardinal principle of the Justice Sector Reform of the present administration, hence, time-bound cases are treated with dispatch and accorded the required attention,” Malami said.

Malami had given the directive of the speedy dispensation of time-bound cases in a letter addressed to all heads of court dated April 1, conveying the COVID 19 Regulation 2020.

ALSO READ: COVID-19: Buhari’s restriction declaration legal, enforceable – Malami

He said that the earlier directive issued by the Chief of Justice of Nigeria (CJN) is in tandem with the COVID-19 Regulations 2020 made pursuant to Quarantine Act 2004 by the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Muhammadu Buhari (GCFR).

In a previous news, Vanguard reported that the Attorney General, Malami had replied Mr Ebun Olu-Adegboruwa, SAN, on his criticism of President Buhari’s proclamation on restriction of movement on account of COVID-19.

The Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, SAN, says President Muhammadu Buhari’s declaration of Lagos, Abuja and Ogun under lockdown to help stop the spread of coronavirus in the countryis valid, legal and enforceable.

“Mr Olu-Adegboruwa is wrong and misconstrued the law of sections 5, 14, 20 and 45 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and Sections 2, 6 and 8 of the Quarantine Act, as well as Article 4 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and Article 11 on Human and Peoples Rights which make the declaration by His Excellency the President, valid, legal and enforceable’’.

“Ebun Olu-Adegboruwa had claimed that the president lacked the powers to restrict movements in any part of the country without the consent of the National Assembly.”

[NAN]

Vanguard News Nigeria.

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By Jeremiah Urowayino

Hon. Thomas Ereyitomi

The member representing Warri Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Hon. Thomas Ereyitomi has berated some men of the Nigerian Army over the maltreatment, torture and human rights violations of people of his constituency, especially Warri indigenes and others in their efforts to enforce the lock-down directives of the state government.

Speaking to Vanguard on telephone on Thursday Chief Ereyitomi said: ”My attention has been drawn to various human rights violations in form of torture, degrading and inhuman treatment meted out to citizens of Warri Federal Constituency by men of Nigerian Army in a bid to enforce the laudable directives of the state government against the spread of COVID-19 virus, the latest of such inhuman acts being the gruesome murder of one Mr. Joseph Pessu, along Val Arenyeka Street, Ugbuwangue this morning (yesterday), which led to civil unrest and violent protest from youths and people from the community.

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”May I quickly state that I unequivocally condemn the actions of the men of the Nigerian Army who carried out this barbaric act, as I believe they should have shown restraint, in enforcing the sit-at-home order, more so, that we are not at war against ourselves but against the dreadful pandemic. I know for a fact that these barbaric and unlawful acts do not form part of the rules of engagement for enforcing the state government’s directive. We cannot afford to add military brutality to the lot we have on our plate presently.

”I, however, call on the good people of Warri Federal Constituency to remain peaceful, law-abiding and obey the directives of the state governor to remain indoors and safe, in a bid to conquer the dreaded virus.

”I have contacted the appropriate authorities and they have promised to cause an investigation of the unfortunate incident to bring the perpetrators to justice. I commiserate with the Pessu family, the people of Ugbuwangue and pray that the Holy Spirit who is the great comforter, comforts you in this trying times. Be rest assured that in my capacity as representative of Warri Federal Constituency, I will pursue this case to a logical conclusion.”

”Once again, I urge you all to remain peaceful and law-abiding, while staying safe within the context of our homes. I pray that in no distant time, we as a people and the world at large will conquer this COVID-19 and become better and stronger for it. God bless us all. Amen.”

Vanguard

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Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu (middle).

The Lagos State governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, who is also the Incident Commander of the #Covid19Lagos, has announced the recovery and discharge of 11 more patients from the Infectious Disease Hospital, Yaba, after testing negative twice.

The patients comprise nine males and two females, making the number of those who have recovered to 18.

ALSO READ: Lagos discharges five coronavirus patients

Speaking on the patients that recovered, the governor said: “I am happy to break to you, my good people of Lagos, the news of the release today (on Thursday) of 11 more patients from our facility in Yaba. They have fully recovered and have tested negative to #COVID19 and have been allowed to return home to their families.

“The patients include two females and nine males. Their results came out negative in two rounds of tests. I want to use this opportunity to, once again, thank our frontline health workers and other professionals for their service.

“Let me reiterate that this is not the time to relax, but to maintain our vigilance because of the community infection that we are beginning to see. I assure you that in the end, we will hoist a flag of victory – with your cooperation and by the grace of the Almighty.”

Vanguard

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By Kingsley Omonobi – Abuja

In furtherance of the objective of restoring peace and security in the North East of the Country, the Armed Forces of Nigeria (Nigeria Military), through the Air Task Force of Operation Lafiya Dole, has ramped up attacks against terrorists’ locations in Borno State.

The latest of these attacks was executed at Parisu, a Boko Haram Terrorists’ hideout, within the Sambisa Forest on 31 March 2020, after series of Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) missions revealed a resurgence of activities within the settlement.

Brigadier General Bernard Onyeuko, Acting Director, Defence Media Operations who confirmed the attack said, “Fighter jets dispatched by the Air Task Force to attack the hideout took turns in engaging the location, resulting in the destruction of some of the structures as well as the killing of several terrorists.

ALSO READ: COVID-19: Keyamo vows to petition killing of Delta youth by army

“Other fighters, who attempted to reposition themselves in order to engage the attack aircraft, were taken out in follow-on strikes at their hiding places under shrubbery.

“The Armed Forces of Nigeria (Nigeria Military), working in synergy with counterpart security agencies and stakeholders, will sustain the tempo of offensive action against all elements inimical to the peace and security of our beloved Nation.”

Vanguard News Nigeria.

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The ambulances.

By Theodore Opara

Toyota Nigeria Limited, on Thursday, said it has collaborated with its foremost dealer, Elizade Nigeria Limited, to donate three units of ambulances to Lagos State Government in support of the fight to eradicate the COVID-19 from the state.

Chairman of Toyota Nigeria and Founder of Elizade, Chief Michael Ade-Ojo, said: “COVID-19 is a vicious virus that is presently ravaging people all over the world. Everything humanly possible must be done to quickly contain the pandemic.

“The government needs the support of all well-meaning Nigerians and corporate organisations to fight the evil scourge and all hands must be on deck.”

He promised that both companies will continue to support the government in any endeavour that will positively impact humanity.

Also, Managing Director of Toyota, Nigeria, Mr. Kunle Ade-Ojo added that “the gesture is in recognition and commendation of the continuous effort of the state governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, and his team to contain the spread of the virus.”

ALSO READ: Right or wrong: Nigerians debate as Min of Finance begs Elon Musk for ventilators

He encouraged all Nigerians to abide by the guidelines provided by the World Health Organisation, WHO, and the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control, NCDC, advising Nigerians on how to avoid contracting the virus and shun information from unauthorised sources.

He also charged Nigerians to obey government directive to stay home and keep safe.

Receiving the three ambulances Toyota and Elizade donated, the First Lady of the State, Dr. Ibijoke, expressed appreciation for the timely gesture.

She encouraged other socially-responsive and responsible corporate organisations to emulate Toyota’s laudable gesture and that such support will make significant impact in helping to stop the pandemic from spreading further.

She promised that the ambulances will be put to good use for the purpose they were donated and for the benefit of all Lagosians and residents in the state.

Vanguard

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President Muhammadu Buhari on Thursday met with the Presidential Committee on the impact of the coronavirus on Nigeria’s economy, and directed the Ministry of Finance and National Planning to ensure that salaries were paid.

Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning Hajiya Zainab Ahmed, who chairs the presidential committee, said this in Abuja while answering questions from State House correspondents at the end of the meeting.

She said the committee briefed the President on current happenings around the world due to COVID-19 and its impact on the country’s economy.

According to her, the President also directed the committee to put in place measures meant to protect the poor and less privileged members of the society from unnecessary hardships as a result of the virus.

She told the State House correspondents that the President also directed the ministry to ensure that “critical infrastructure like roads, rails are protected and as much as possible, use local inputs so that the country retains value within her economy’’.

On the directives given, Ahmed said: “Well, he has directed that we should make sure that salaries are paid, make critical infrastructures like roads, rails are protected, as much as possible use local inputs so that we retain value within our economy.

ALSO READ: COVID-19: Buhari directs prompt payment of salaries

“And also make sure that we take measures that protect the poor and the vulnerable.”

The minister further explained that the purpose of the meeting was to update President Buhari on situations that are evolving on a daily basis.

“This meeting was just to brief Mr President as the situation we are in keeps evolving on a daily basis, as the health crisis gradually expands, affecting states and also the lockdown that has been ordered to help curtail expansion of the health crisis.

“The consequences of the lockdown is the additional slowing down of the economy and the measures that we need to take to mitigate the negative consequences of the slow trade and businesses,’’ she added.

The Minister of State Petroleum Resources, Timipre Sylva, who is also a member of the committee, said: “The economy is not in the best of shapes due to COVID-19 and oil prices are collapsing every day, hence the need for the President to be constantly briefed.’’

Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Mr Godwin Emefiele said: “the economy is not looking as simple as everyone thought it would be.

“The global economy, naturally, like we all know at this time, will naturally suffer growth problems and may even lead to recession globally.

“So we are trying to see what we can do as a country to rescue our own situation so we don’t go the direction many will go.

“It is not going to be easy but we can only assure our people that we are on top of it and that we will resolve it and Nigerians will still be better for it.”

Other members of the committee are Minister of State, Budget and National Planning, Clement Agba, and the Group Managing Director of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), Mela Kyari.

[NAN]

Vanguard News Nigeria.

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By Ola Ajayi – Ibadan

THE Chief Medical Director of the University College Hospital, Ibadan, Professor Abiodun Otegbayo who had tested positive to COVID-19, has said a repeat test that was conducted returned negative.

This was disclosed by the Public Relations Officer of the hospital, Mr Tunde Akinrinlola.

The erudite CMD had declared on his twitter handle about a week ago that the test conducted on him was returned positive and directed other top management staff of the teaching hospital who attended a board meeting to go into self-isolation.

READ ALSO: COVID-19: Buhari meets with Presidential Committee assessing impact on economy

While breaking the news yesterday, Mr Akinrinlola said in a terse statement that, ” I have the pleasure to announce that the repeat test of the UCH CMD, Prof. Jesse Abiodun Otegbayo has returned negative. He had earlier tested positive to the COVID- 19 virus last Friday.”

“Prof. Otegbayo had on Sunday personally said in a statement that he tested positive for COVID- 19 and admonished all those who had contact with him to go on self-quarantine.”

“However, his samples were taken again on Tuesday, 31st March, 2020. Today, at about 3.00pm, the result came out negative”.

VANGUARD

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King Salman

Saudi Arabia on Thursday imposed a 24-hour curfew in Mecca and Medina as part of precautionary measures against the coronavirus.

The curfew would be effective in all parts of the two cities, with the continuing ban of entry into and exit from them, said the Saudi Press Agency, quoting an official from the Interior Ministry.

The ban of entry and exit does not include employees from vital sectors in government and private sectors, whose works require continued performance during the ban period.

• READ ALSO: Coronavirus: Players are afraid to continue playing, says Nicaraguan club official

Residents of the neighborhoods of the two cities are allowed to leave their homes to meet only necessary needs such as health care and food supplies, within neighborhoods from 6:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m. every day.

Meanwhile, the Health Ministry tweeted on Thursday the registration of 165 new coronavirus cases, five deaths, and 64 recoveries. (NAN)

Vanguard

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