Sahara Reporters Latest News Today Wednesday 17th June 2020
Sahara Reporters Latest News Today and headlines on some of the happenings and news trend in the Country, today 17/06/20
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It’s Ridiculous Linking Me With Any Non-compliant Flight, Nigeria’s Works Minister, Babatunde Fashola, Tells Executive Jets Services Boss
Babatunde Raji Fashola, Nigeria’s Minister of Works and Housing, has said he had not made any non-compliant flight out of Abuja since March 22.
Fashola made the comments on Tuesday while distancing himself from a letter written by Sam Iwuajoku, Chief Executive Officer of Executive Jets Services Limited, explaining circumstances surrounding a controversial flight, which conveyed musician, Naira Marley, to Abuja from Lagos for a concert in violation of COVID-19 guidelines.
Iwuajoku had said he approved the chartered flight after he saw Fashola’s name on the manifest.
His company is now suspended indefinitely by the Nigerian Government as a result of the incident.
Hakeem Bello, Fashola’s Special Adviser on Communications, in a statement said, “The attention of the Office of the Honourable Minister of Works and Housing, Mr Babatunde Fashola (SAN), has been drawn to a letter signed by the Chairman/CEO of Executive Jets Services Limited, Dr Sam Iwuajoku, concerning a flight it operated to Abuja last weekend.
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We Mistook Naira Marley For Works Minister, Fashola, Executive Jet Services Says In Apology Letter To Nigerian Government After Ban On Operation
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“For purposes of clarity and in order to set the records straight, the Hon. Minister of Works and Housing, Mr Babatunde Fashola (SAN), has not travelled out of Abuja since March 22, 2020, when he returned there after an inspection tour of the Enugu-Port Harcourt Expressway construction work and a visit to Lagos before the lockdown.
“The decision of the minister not to travel was taken in strict compliance with the Federal Government’s ban on inter-state travels as part of efforts to control the COVID-19 pandemic.
“It is therefore ridiculous for Dr Iwuajoku to attempt to link the Hon. Minister with any non-compliant flight.”
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E2%80%99s-herbal-remedy NAFDAC, NIPRD Fails To Give Concrete Explanation On Delay In Approving Madagascar’s Herbal Remedy
More than two weeks after the Minister of Health, Osagie Ehanire, said the COVID-Organics medicine had been handed over to three agencies under his supervision, no timeline had been given to Nigerians as to when an official response would be given on the efficacy of the formula.
SaharaReporters reached out to two of these agencies – National Agency for Food, Drug Administration and Control, and the National Institute for Pharmaceutical Research and Development but received no concrete update.
“We are still working on it,” the DG of NAFDAC, Mojisola Adeyeye, told SaharaReporters.
“I cannot give you an update but we are working on it,” she added.
Mrs Adeyeye had said in a television interview before the drug was sent to NAFDAC that it would take two weeks for the agency to determine if the drug was fit for purpose.
She said the agency would carry out a toxicity test to observe the side effects of the medicine and a microbial examination to note if the ailment the medicine was to treat would develop resistance to the healing compounds in the formula.
On May 19 when this interview was likely held, Madagascar had recorded one death from COVID-19 but she ruled out the possibility of the drug being ineffective as a result of that.
Madagascar has now reported 10 deaths and 384 recoveries from 1,290 cases, leaving 896 persons or 69 per cent of the total infected population in treatment centres.
In Nigeria, 10,885 or 65 per cent of the 16,658 persons, who have been infected with the virus, are receiving treatment.
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BREAKING: Buhari Receives Madagascan COVID-19 Herbal Drug Samples From Guinea Bissau’s President
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Compared to the ten deaths in Madagascar, Nigeria has recorded 424 but has a higher rate of recovered patients, with 5,349 persons or 32 per cent of the infected population recovering.
Madagascar, however, has a recovery rate of 30 per cent.
Dr Ehanire had said on Monday, May 25 that samples of COVID-Organics would be sent to NAFDAC and NIPRD on Wednesday, May 27.
On Friday, May 29, he confirmed that both agencies had received the drug, adding that samples would also be sent to the National Institute of Medical Research, Yaba.
Eighteen days after May 27, SaharaReporters reached out to the DG of NIPRD, Obi Peter Adigwe.
He asked that a text be sent to him but he has yet to respond when this report was written.
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Growing Complaints Of Loss Of Smell, Taste By Nigerians Trigger Coronavirus Scare, Expert Reacts
Public health physician, Dr Doyin Odubanjo, has reacted to the growing complaints of loss of smell and taste by Nigerians on Twitter, which has since triggered Coronavirus scare.
Odubanjo said the frequency of sensory deprivation among Nigerians was not strong enough for the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control to change its present case definition of, who should be tested for Coronavirus.
He told SaharaReporters in an interview that the centre looks at the history of symptoms presented by patients in reviewing its testing guidelines.
Nigerians took to Twitter comparing experiences on how they had temporarily lost their sense of taste and smell. They also expressed surprise at how ‘no one’ seemed to be saying anything about the issue.
Odubanjo reasoned that the frequency of sensory deprivation across the country had not gained a significant distribution.
He, however, said that the NCDC was looking into the conversation.
“The NCDC is using the frequency of symptoms as seen in Nigeria,” Dr Odubanjo said. “They will look at how many people they have and how many are reporting those symptoms for them to define it that way.”
“I can tell you for a fact, the NCDC is aware of the issue trending on social media and they are looking into it,” he said.
Odubanjo added that the NCDC was working with the diagnosis it had been making from the patients, who presented themselves.
“What they would use are the people they have seen, the people they have diagnosed,” he said.
The persons on the Twitter thread, which started the conversation, appeared not to have done any COVID-19 tests though.
Replying to his tweet, which began the thread, a user @LANREWAJU_ asked, “Is the loss of sense to smell and taste part of the symptoms of COVID-19?”
Another user, @OluwaseunTuase, responded, “Those are asymptomatic patients. Thanks to whatever it is that makes the virus less virulent in our clime.”
Another person on the thread — @trending_medic, countered Tuase’s view, saying, “Losing sense of smell and taste are symptoms. They’re not asymptomatic sir.”
Someone else in the conversation, @9jaGooners, said he or she was presently unable to distinguish smell.
“This is exactly what I’m feeling. Everything that comes to my nose smells the same way. I spray perfumes on my hands just to see if I’ll be able to perceive – same horrible smell,” the user said.
The most recent case definition released by the NCDC listed severe acute respiratory difficulty, fever, contact with symptomatic patients, among others, as conditions to be considered in deciding if a person should be asked to take a test.
It does not mention the loss of taste or loss of smell as one of the symptoms of COVID-19.
But a piece by a medical lecturer, David Nunan, published by the Centre for Evidence-Based Medicine in the UK, said sensory deprivation had been reported among COVID-19 patients in China since February.
A study had then discovered in communities across the UK and the USA that 65 per cent of COVID-19 positives and 22 per cent of negatives reported losing their ability to smell or taste or both.
While noting the discrepancies in his review of different researches, Nunan said this sensory deprivation was also reported by persons suffering from flu, who do not have COVID-19.
As Nigerians wait on the NCDC to tell those of them suffering sensory deprivation if they have Coronavirus, many seem to be taking treatment for malaria.
A Twitter user, @Blessjioke, said if it was true that sensory deprivation was a symptom of COVID-19 then “we are safe,” because, “everyone I know has recovered with malaria treatment.”
Before the development of this thread, SaharaReporters had asked NCDC if it was recording symptoms of loss of smell and taste among patients, who were in isolation centres or who were convalescing at home but received no response from the agency.
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Nigerians Ask Katsina Governor, Aminu Masari, To Resign After Admitting Failure In Tackling Insecurity
Governor of Katsina state, Alhaji Aminu Bello Masari
Nigerians have urged Governor Aminu Masari of Katsina State to honourably resign following his admittance that he has failed to protect the people from bandits and gunmen.
The governor admitted to the failure while speaking with journalists in the state capital on Monday.
He said, “I don’t know what to tell them. I cannot look at them in the face because we have failed to protect them, contrary to our pledge to ensure the security of lives and property throughout the state.”
Following his comments, Nigerians asked Masari to take an honourable step by resigning from piloting the affairs of the state.
Governor of Katsina State, Alhaji Aminu Bello Masari.
Olatubosun Oyunranti said, “Sir, with due respect, you are too old for this stuff. To govern a state, you need energy and a lot of it in addition to wisdom. Please, resign and take a deserved rest. Let a younger man take over from you. Thank you, your Excellency.”
Imrana Abdulsalam asked, “You have said the truth but sir, why can’t you resign since you cannot conduct your primary assignment as a governor?”
Oyeleke Babatunde Ezekiel said, “Then tender your resignation letter if you can’t protect your people, your primary assignment is to protect their lives and property.”
Umar Abdullahi said, “Please sir, be the first governor to willingly resign from office because of his people.”
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I Cannot Look My People In The Eyes, I Have Failed To Protect Them —Katsina Governor, Masari
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Ngwakwe Johnson Chibuike said, “I wonder what you are doing in government at your age. You shouldn’t be the governor in the first place.”
Kelvin Awanlan said, “Since you agreed that you have failed, what are you still doing there as the chief security officer of the state, resign as soon as possible.”
Abdulrahman Hamisu said, “Sad reality, just resign since you cannot protect the lives and property of people that elected you into the power.”
Olowu Kunle Joel wondered why it is so hard for political leaders to resign with dignity in Nigeria. “Resign honourably,” he told Masari.
David Onuoha said, “In a sane and civilized society, the modest thing to do would have been to resign in honour and dignity but Nigeria is a country in a world of its own.
“The people ought to protest against the ineptitude, incompetency and lackadaisical attitude with which our states and nation, in general, are administered but lo and behold, everyone is quiet pretending as is if all is well. This calls for great concern.”
Cassidy Nwebonyi said, “It’s good you have accepted the truth, please take action immediately or hand over to a capable hand, give the life of your citizens a meaning.”
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JAMB Announces Cut Off Marks For University, Polytechnic, College Of Education Admission In Nigeria
The Joint Admission and Matriculation Board has announced cutt-off marks for admission into institutions of higher learning in the country.The examination board has set 160 as the cut-off mark for admission into Nigerian universities for the 2019/2020 academic session, 120 for polytechnics while colleges of education and other innovative institutions stood at 100.Ishaq Oloyede, Registrar of JAMB, on Tuesday said, 612, 557 candidates were offered admission in 2019 out of the 1.8m that wrote the examination.
He said about 510,957 admission spaces were unused by tertiary institutions in 2019.He said candidates waiting for their results will only be considered when they are uploaded on its website.
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Do No Protest Killings, President Buhari Begs Katsina Residents, Says It Will Distract Military
Nigeria’s President, Muhammadu Buhari, has begged residents in his home state, Katsina, not to protest incessant attacks on their communities by armed bandits.Buhari in a statement signed by Garba Shehu, his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, on Tuesday said protests would mar military operations already underway in the state.Residents in Katsina in recent days have embarked on major protests to demand an end to the killings that have made their lives unbearable.
The statement reads, “The Presidency assures Nigerians that the nation’s armed forces are fully capable of dealing with the challenges of banditry and terrorism, urging more patience as the military takes appropriate steps to block gaps being exploited to unleash mayhem on innocent citizens.
“President Muhammadu Buhari, who has approved a joint military and police operation specifically targeted at combing Niger, Kaduna, Katsina, Zamfara and Sokoto states to rid the areas of bandits, assures that surveillance will be improved, with more night vision aircrafts already deployed under “Operation Accord’’.”The operation was launched three weeks ago. Nigeria’s military has displayed its capabilities in the past and will show it again by dealing with the current challenges.” PHOTONEWS: Police Barricades Dismantled At Another #KatsinaIsBleeding Protest As Multiple Protests Rock State Over Rising Insecurity | Sahara Reporters @PoliceNG @GovernorMasari SEE MORE PHOTOS: pic.twitter.com/dOgrTgnBHo— Sahara Reporters (@SaharaReporters) June 16, 2020
“President Buhari appeals to the people of Katsina State to be patient and supportive of the ongoing military operations in the state, while sympathising with those who are bereaved, injured and lost properties.”President Buhari admonishes that taking to the streets for protest could distract the military operations, urging Katsina indigenes not to give up on the military who over the years have a strong track record of quelling crises once given enough time.“The major forests in North Western Nigeria have been identified as home to the bandits in the region. The operation will clear all these forests.’’
Video of #KatsinaIsBleeding: Residents March Against Insecurity As Killings Persist
#KatsinaIsBleeding: Residents March Against Insecurity As Killings Persist
#KatsinaIsBleeding: Residents March Against Insecurity As Killings Persist
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Tribute To A Hero By Akikoromowei Amuluku
Chief (Capt) Samuel Owonaro was a great man, a wonderful liberation partner to the late Major Isaac Jasper Adaka Boro, a great soul of matchless courage, one of the great men in history.
Great orators, great soldiers, great lawyers often use their gifts for the most unholy cause.
We meet in this space, a virtual one at that, to pay tribute of love and respect to Chief (Capt) Owonaro because he used his matchless power for the good of mankind.
He was a Chief of Staff of the Niger Delta Volunteer Force in 1966. He was arrested and tried by the Nigerian Government and sentenced to death.He was in prison waiting execution for a few months until a counter coup brought General Yakubu Gowon (retd) to power and released him from jail.
Between 1967-1970 Samuel Owonaru was a Captain in the Nigerian Army.
He fought on the side of the Federal Government against the separatists for the Biafra State. He sustained a serious injury during the Civil War and was left wheelchair-bound.
Great hero, you have fought a good fight and carved your name on hearts, not tombstones. A legacy is etched into the minds of others and the stories they share about you.
On whose palm the baton you have handed over lies knows himself.
Sleep on great one!
Akikoromowei Amuluku wrote from Akure, Ondo State
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Foreign Loans: We Are Robbing Our Children To Pay For Our Greed, Nigeria Is In Crisis, Says Atiku Abubakar
Atiku Abubakar, Nigeria’s former Vice President, has accused the Nigerian Government of usurping the future of young people in the country by taking loans to patch an ailing economy.Atiku said Nigeria was on the verge of economic doom yet maintaining a presidential fleet of aircrafts, which amounts to waste.He said, “No one should be deceived. This is a crisis! Debt servicing does not equate to debt repayment. The reality is that Nigeria is paying only the minimum payment to cover our interest charges. The principal remains untouched and is possibly growing.“We are at a precipice. If our revenue figures do not go up, and go up quickly, Nigeria risks a situation where our revenue cannot even sustain our debt servicing obligations. Meaning that we may become insolvent and our creditors may foreclose on us, as has occurred in Sri Lanka and the Maldives.
“Not only have we squandered our opportunities, we have also squandered the opportunities of our future generations by bequeathing them a debt that they neither incurred nor enjoyed.“As a matter of utmost urgency and importance, I call on the Federal Government to take immediate steps to drastically reduce its expenditure, especially on wasteful projects, such as maintenance of the Presidential Air Fleet, and unnecessary renovations of buildings that could serve as is, limousine fleet for top government officials, overseas travels and treatments, and the ₦4.6bn Presidential Villa maintenance budget, etc.“We cannot be on the verge of economic ruin, while still maintaining a Presidential Air Fleet that has more planes than the Presidential fleets of those from whom we take these loans. Nigeria must sell those planes and channel the revenue to other vital areas of need while taking additional steps to reduce the cost of running our government.“Our debt to revenue ratio paints a much more realistic portrait of our financial situation, especially as our revenues are majorly tied to a mono-product, oil and gas, which are very vulnerable to global shocks.“Again, I warn that Nigeria is facing a crisis, and we cannot continue to keep up appearances by taking out more loans to prop up our economy. That will amount not just to robbing Peter to pay Paul, but to robbing our children to pay for our greed!”
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E2%80%99s-suspension-apc-chairman BREAKING: Appeal Court Affirms Oshiomhole’s Suspension As APC Chairman
The Court of Appeal in Abuja has affirmed the suspension of Adams Oshiomhole as National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress.
In a judgment delivered by Justice Mohammed Lamido, the three-man panel dismissed Oshiomhole’s appeal for lacking in merit.
The panel accordingly affirmed the decision of an Abuja High Court, which had in early March ordered the suspension of Oshiomhole as APC National Chairman.
A Federal Capital Territory High Court in Jabi had on March 4 ordered the suspension of Oshiomhole.
The judge, Danlami Senchi, gave the order following an application of interlocutory injunction asking the court to suspend Oshiomhole having been suspended as a member of the APC by the party in Edo State.
The application was filed by an applicant, Oluwale Afolabi.
While Oshiomhole is the first respondent, the APC is the second respondent.
Afolabi in his application dated and filed on January 16, had contended that Oshiomhole is currently suspended by the party and has not challenged the suspension.
According to Afolabi, Oshiomhole’s rights as an APC member was currently abated and he cannot continue to act as chairman of the party.
He argued that Oshiomhole cannot continue to enjoy benefits from the APC despite his suspension as a member of the party.
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E2%80%9812-day-revolution%E2%80%99-owonaru-dead Last Survivor Of 1966 Isaac Adaka Boro ‘12-day Revolution’, Owonaru, Is Dead
Samuel Owonaru, a retired Chief of Staff of the Niger Delta Volunteer Force, is dead.
He died on Tuesday morning in Kaiama, Bayelsa State, after a brief illness.
Owonaru was the second in command to late revolutionary fighter, Isaac Adaka Boro, who fought for the liberation of the oil-rich Niger Delta region from the Nigerian State.
Owonaru was arrested and tried by the Nigerian Government and sentenced to death.
He was in prison awaiting execution for a few months until a counter coup brought General Yakubu Gowon (retd) to power as Head of State, who immediately released him from jail.
Between 1967-1970 Owonaru was a captain in the Nigerian Army and fought on the side of the Federal Government against Biafran soldiers led by late Odimegwu Ojukwu.
Owonaru sustained a serious injury during the Civil War and was left in a wheelchair ever since until his demise on Tuesday.
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