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Taraba Government arrests 134 travellers at Entry Points

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The COVID-19 Committee in Taraba State announced the arrest of 134 travellers at various entry points into the state on Wednesday.

The travellers will be quarantined for 14 days, POLITICS NIGERIA reports.

According to Innocent Vakkai, the Chairman of the committee, who made this known while inspecting a quarantine facility at the NYSC Orientation Camp in Jalingo, the state capital, the travellers were intercepted by security operatives.

Vakkai, who is also the state Commissioner for Health, said the committee deemed it necessary to visit and inspect the facility.

He said that some of them were travelling from Bauchi en route Gombe, noting that  Bauchi was affected by the novel coronavirus.

He noted that some of the travellers were coming from Yobe. The official said that all the travellers would undergo  COVID-19 test to ascertain their status.

The commissioner said that the state would do its possible best to prevent people with the virus from entering the state.

The Chief Press Secretary to the Taraba Governor, Hassan Mijinyiwa, in a statement obtained by this paper, said the borders of the state remain closed.

“Taraba State Government wishes to state for the avoidance of doubt that security agencies in the state are under strict instructions to also shut border towns in Karim Lamido Local Government Area of the state.

“From 11pm today, Wednesday, April 22, 2020) Balaifi town bordering Lamurde Local Government Area of Adamawa state, Amache/Bachama town bordering Shongom Local Government Area of Gombe State and Jeb-Jeb town bordering Wase Local Government Area of Plateau State will be shut with security agents deployed there to ensure strict enforcement,” the statement read in parts.

JUST IN: Borno records second COVID-19 death

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The Borno State government on Wednesday recorded a second death from the Coronavirus pandemic.

So far, Nigeria has a total of 782 cases of the respiratory disease with 25 deaths, POLITICS NIGERIA reports.

Meanwhile, the situation is not a hopeless one after all as 197 have recovered and had been discharged.

The Deputy Governor and the Chairman of the State Committee on COVID-19, Umar Kadafur, disclosed this while giving an update on the pandemic in the state.

According to him, the deceased is from Biu town of and already his contacts have been traced.

“One of his contacts is a trader in Biu market. Following this development, the state government has ordered the closure of market for immediate fumigation.

“As of today, 144 contacts had been traced, 55 were tested and nine people tested positive including the two who died,” he said.

He urged the public to maintain hygiene and other precautionary measures advised by experts.

This paper reports that the first case was a retired anesthetic nurse, who died at the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital on Saturday. Sequel to the confirmation of the COVID-19 index case in Borno, Gov. Babagana Zulum ordered a two-week total lockdown as from Wednesday.

Zulum, who made the declaration in a broadcast in Maiduguri on Monday, however, said the restriction would not apply to the providers of essential services.

Recall that POLITICS NIGERIA reported how the state assembly postponed plenary indefinitely owing to the surge of the pandemic.

Police reacts as mob attacks Officer, Partner over Homosexuality [PHOTOS]

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The Imo State Police Command has reacted to an incident where a police officer, Chibuike Ukazu, and his alleged gay partner, Yellow, were rescued from being lynched over alleged homosexuality.

The state police spokesperson, Orlando Ikeokwu, in a statement sent to POLITICS NIGERIA on Wednesday, said the two men were rescued after the youths of the community claimed to have caught the constable with his partner in the act of homosexuality.

Ikeokwu said an investigation into the matter has commenced with a view to unravel what actually happened.

He said: ”On April 21, upon information received through a phone call, the Divisional Police officer in charge of Nkwere Division promptly moved into the community and rescued one F/NO.512351 Chibuike Ukazu.

“Preliminary investigation revealed that the youths of the community claimed to have caught the constable with one of his friends, name yet unknown but nicknamed ‘YELLOW’, in acts of homosexuality.

“As a result, the youths pounced on them and beat them to stupor, then took them to the palace of the traditional ruler before their rescue by the DPO and his team.

“The command, therefore, wishes to warn members of the public to desist from taking laws into their hand by resorting to self-help especially on infractions by the members of the Police or other security agencies, all are advised to report all grievances to the nearest Police station for prompt and decisive action.

“However, an investigation into the matter has commenced with a view to unravel what actually transpired and if found culpable will face the wrath of the law.”

BREAKING: Boko Haram attacks Convoy of Ex-Borno Governor, Ali Modu Sheriff [PHOTOS]

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Boko Haram attacks Convoy of Ex-Borno Governor, Ali Modu Sheriff [PHOTOS] appeared first on Politics Nigeria.

BREAKING: Governor Obaseki Reacts to resignation of Chief Of Staff

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BREAKING: Governor Obaseki Reacts to resignation of Chief Of Staff

Governor Godwin Obaseki of Edo State has reacted to the resignation of his Chief of Staff, Taiwo Akerele.

POLITICS NIGERIA had reported that Akerele resigned from his position on Friday, saying that he was leaving his position based on principles.

He added that he was still in support of the governor’s drive to transform the state.

“I am solidly with His excellency Mr Godwin Obaseki in his quest to transform Edo state. His mission and vision resonate with mine. This is all I have to say, I will like to be given the opportunity to go private as I part ways administratively with the government based on principles.”

However in a statement

JUST IN: List of Properties ICPC seized from Ex-JAMB Registrar, Dibu Ojerinde

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The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission, ICPC has taken over several properties belonging to a former registrar of the Joint Admission Matriculation Board, JAMB, Professor Dibu Ojerinde.

The seizure followed a court order from a federal high court in Abuja. The order which was published in a national daily on Friday instructed the anti-corruption outfit to immediately take over Ojerinde’s Properties which were reportedly acquired with public funds obtained through corrupt practices.

“An order of this Honourable Court is hereby made for the interim forfeiture to the Federal Republic of Nigeria of all the immovable properties listed in A attached to the affidavit in support and marked by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) upon reasonable suspicion that each of the said properties was acquired with public funds and/or represents the proceeds of unlawful corrupt activities.”

“An interim order of this Honourable Court is hereby made that the properties attached/forfeited ad-interim and be managed and controlled by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission.” the publication read.

Here are some of the properties;

  1. Oke Afin Hostels located at Opposite Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso,

  2. Sapati International School Buildings and Premises located at Ajase Ipo Road, Ilorin, Kwara State,
  3. Doyin Filling Station along Lagos Ibadan Expressway,
  4. Doyin Gas, Ibadan,
  5. Soka Filling Station, Lagos Ibadan Expressway,
  6. Gravity FM Radio Station, Igboho,
  7. Tejumola House, Ikeja,
  8. Mansion at No 14 Yobe close, Maitama Abuja

Shares in banks, fixed deposits and money in bank accounts were also part of the properties listed to be forfeited.

COVID 19: YOUTH GROUPS TO DONATE RELIEF MATERIALS TO OSUN RESIDENTS

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– Youth Led Organisations to crowdfund resources to provide palliatives for vulnerable citizens
– Initiative to be implemented by fellows of New Voices Citizen Fellowship residing in their local government areas and submit accountability report
– Imploring Osun indigenes outside the state and in the diaspora to donate to the relief fund

A coalition youth led civil society groups have concluded plans to donate relief materials to residents of Osun state in south west Nigeria.

In a press release, the groups said the move became imperative considering the prevalent economic woes and vulnerability of many residents of the state and Nigeria at large.

The statement also read in part; Coronavirus Disease (COVID 19) pandemic has caused unprecedented disruption to human activities across the globe. Nations and international agencies are formulating measures to combat these changes, curtail the spread of the virus and proffer solutions to issues emerging from the disease.

In Nigeria, the Federal Government has been compelled by the severity of the spread of the disease to take the drastic measure of temporary lockdown across certain states of the federation. State governments have also commenced efforts to enforce the lockdown. Unfortunately, this decision, although necessary, has negatively impacted on the livelihood of millions of Nigerians, majority of whom depend on daily engagements for their financial sustenance.

Understanding the economic hardship resulting from the lockdown and the role of civil society in rising to the challenges of the day and of the people they seek to serve, Raising New Voices Initiative, My Voice My Future and YNAG will be collaborating on an initiative to provide palliative measures to combat the harsh effects of the lockdown in Osun State, Nigeria.
This initiative tagged “Osun beats Covid 19” will be implemented by the New Voices Citizens Fellows in the State and will be focusing on providing relief materials and protective equipment for vulnerable residents of Osun State with a focus on youth and women.

Osun State is grappling with various challenges such as fiscal sustainability and poor infrastructure. The citizens of the State will need the support of everyone to cushion the adverse effects that Covid 19 has on the people of the state.

The youth groups also called on well meaning Nigerians who are willing to donate to the initiative through their zenith bank account or via bit.ly/osunbeatscovid19 .

Troops kill 89 bandits, recover arms, rescue kidnap victims in Zamfara State.

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Over 89 bandits have been killed by troops of Sector 9 Operation HADARIN DAJI on 24 April 2020.

The operation was supported by Troops of 35 Battalion and Quick Response Group of 17 Brigade of the Nigerian Army, Two helicopter gun ships of the Nigerian Air Force, personnel of Nigeria Police Force and elements of Nigerien Army, along Gidan Jaja in Zurmi Local Government Area of Zamfara State.

Scores of bandits reports say escaped with gunshot wounds during the operation.

Items recovered include: 19 AK 47 rifles, 1 PKT machine gun,9 magazines, 167 rounds of 7.62 (Special), one dane gun and one locally made pistol were recovered.

Additionally, 322 rustled cows, 77 motorcycles and 9 cell phones were recovered. Five kidnapped victims comprising 3 females and 2 males were rescued as the bandits camps were cleared by troops.

In a statement, the Coordinator Defence Media Operations Major General John Enenche said there was no loss of troops or equipment in the operation, while formal handover of kidnapped victims and rustled cows will be carried out following due process.

US government hails Abba Kyari’s patriotism

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The United States government has described the late Chief of Staff to the President, Mallam Abba Kyari as a dedicated public servant and respected interlocutor for the American government.
In a condolence message to President Muhammadu Buhari, the Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs, Tibor Nagy, eulogized the important role played by Kyari in the repatriation of over $300 million in funds stolen by former head of state, Sani Abacha.
‘‘Kyari was a valued and respected interlocutor for the U.S. government and particularly for our leadership team in Abuja.
‘‘We appreciate working with him on many important matters, including the return to the Nigerian people of over $300 million in funds stolen by Sani Abacha.
‘‘He envisioned the funds going to three geographically disparate infrastructure projects as a way to unite Nigeria economically,’’ Nagy said.
The U.S. Assistant Secretary noted that this vision, encapsulated by the late Chief of Staff, was a reflection of his tireless championing of a solid and prosperous future for Nigeria.
‘‘His dedication to this matter, to fighting corruption, and to countless other investments and policies for the future of Nigeria will leave a lasting impact on your country,’’ President Trump’s lead diplomat for Africa wrote in the condolence message.
While commiserating with the government and people of Nigeria, the Kyari family on the loss, the U.S. government pledged to stand with Nigeria in the struggle against the coronavirus pandemic.
The President also received condolence messages from Usani Uguru Usani former Minister of Niger Delta, Alhaji Sabiu Bako, Kano-based businessman and Bataure Abdulazziz, a trade union leader.

Czech eases lockdown, but extend state of emergency

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The Czech Republic eased restrictions on Thursday aimed at slowing the spread of coronavirus after a drop in new cases sparked optimism the outbreak had so far been brought under control.

The country lifted a ban on non-essential movement and travel abroad, Health Minister Adam Vojtech said after a government meeting.

The government will allow up to 10 people to meet in public – instead of the current two – as of Friday, and reopen universities as of Monday.

The sharp policy turn also includes speeding up the opening of shops, but there was no change announced in the obligation to wear face masks in public or the ban on larger public gatherings or events.

The Czech government has meanwhile approved plans to ask the lower house of parliament to extend the country’s state of emergency until May 25, CTK news agency reported on Friday, citing Interior Minister Jan Hamacek.

The plan should go to lawmakers on Tuesday. The current state of emergency is in place until April 30 and gives the government powers to limit people’s movements and close businesses.

The central European country in March introduced what were at the time some of Europe’s toughest measures to prevent an uncontrolled spike in the new coronavirus epidemic.

Vojtech said the measures were key to avoid overwhelming hospitals and could now begin to be eased, as demanded by business groups as well as some senior medical experts, although epidemiologists have warned against hasty steps.

“We have been able to manage the pandemic exceptionally well on the territory of the Czech Republic,” Vojtech told a televised news conference.

Those who travel abroad will have to present a negative coronavirus test upon return or be subject to two-week quarantine, he said. At the moment, only people visiting families or doctors and commuters are allowed to leave.

The Interior Ministry said it was also slightly relaxing a ban on entry for foreigners to allow entry to university students and business travellers from the European Union, subject to conditions.

Industry Minister Karel Havlicek said that most shop openings would be sped up compared to what was planned in an earlier schedule.

“There will be 14-day intervals [in the reopening], at the moment [the schedule] roughly copies what is done in Germany or Austria,” he said.

The relaxation followed analysis from health ministry experts that showed the reproduction factor of the virus was around 0.7. The number indicates how many people get infected by every newly infected person, and a figure below the neutral level of one means the epidemic is on the decline.

The country has seen the daily increase of reported cases drop to an average of 119 in the past week, less than half of levels in early April.

It has reported 7,138 cases in total, while the number of active cases fell below 5,000 on Wednesday for the first time since April 8. There have been 210 deaths.

Havlicek said the easing may be reversed if the situation worsens again.

From Monday, shops with floor space of up to 2,500sq metres (27,000sq feet) will reopen, along with fitness centres and libraries.

Shopping centres and hairdressers were slated to open from May 11, while restaurants, hotels, theatres and most other services will begin to open on May 25.