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COVID-19: Second Wave Looms Amid Lax Safety Protocols

By
Akintomide Aroso
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COVID-19: Second Wave Looms Amid Lax Safety Protocols
Even law enforcement agents have abandoned the use of facemasks in Lagos PHOTO: The Guardian

With 125 additional new cases as at last Thursday, the number of confirmed cases of Coronavirus (COVID-19) disease in Nigeria stood at 57, 849. Out of this number, 49,098 have been discharged while 1,102 deaths have been recorded.

Many health analysts consider the figure impressive given the projections that were made when the country recorded its index case of the virus on February 27, this year.

Lagos State alone, which is seen as the epicentre of the pandemic in the country, had projected that the number of confirmed cases in the state might reach 120,000 by last August. But the state has so far recorded 19,123 cases and 205 deaths, with 15,246 recoveries as at the date under review.

Outside Lagos, other states have been recording lesser cases of the disease lately. As last Thursday’s figure indicated, out of the 125 new cases, Lagos accounted for 37, Plateau, 18; Federal Capital Territory (FCT), 17; Ogun, 15; Rivers, 10; Benue, seven; Kaduna, seven; Anambra, seven; Oyo, three; Cross River, two; Ondo, two; Edo, one and Imo, one.

Speaking during the briefing by the Presidential Taskforce (PTF) on COVID-19, on Thursday, September 17, the Chairman of the taskforce and Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Boss Mustapha, declared that Nigeria had made tremendous progress in containing the disease, citing data from other nations.

He specifically noted that the COVID-19 curve was flattening, but warned that this “positive development should be taken with vigilance and cautious optimism based on the fact that we are convinced that we have not tested enough, as we have only recently reopened our international flights.”

Second Wave Looms
DESPITE the warning, observations showed that many Nigerians perceive the decline in the number of COVID-19 cases in the country as the end of the pandemic. With the markets now open, schools reopening, worship centres in operation, movement across states unrestricted and local flight/international flights in operation, a lot of people have thrown caution to the wind and now live as though the country has suddenly become immune to the pandemic. In the markets, commuter buses, offices and some social gatherings, the safety protocols advised by the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), are brazenly and increasingly being defied.

Director General of NCDC, Dr. Chikwe Ihekweazu, had, however, warned at the beginning of the eased lockdown that, “the re-opening of society means that more people will come in contact with each other, which is how the virus spreads.”

He added: “This is why we have provided guidelines and measures, such as physical distancing, compulsory use of facemasks in public settings, limited the number of people that can meet, etc. It is very important that Nigerians adhere to these measures, so that we can protect each other. Our health systems are stretched and we must take responsibility as individuals to reduce the risk of spread of the virus.”

Against the backdrop of the disdain with which Nigerians have treated this appeal lately, a technical adviser in the implementation of NCDC’s action plan in Adamawa State, Fahad Mohammed, warned two days ago that there was the likelihood of an even more devastating second wave of coronavirus in Adamawa and other states of the federation.

Mohammed said there had been non-compliance to COVID-19 health guidelines, stressing that low numbers does not necessarily mean the virus has left the shores of the country.

“Where you observe low numbers, it means tests are not being undertaken. There are about seven local councils in Adamawa where testing has never taken place. You can’t say there is no such disease in the areas.

“There is serious concern (though we don’t pray and God forbid) that there is likely to be even more devastating second wave of coronavirus in Adamawa and other states due to the non-compliance to COVID-19 health guidelines and people declining tests,” he warned.

The Federal Government had also last Monday warned against flouting COVID-19 safety guidelines during school reopening to avoid a spike in infections.

Minister of Health, Osagie Ehanire, confirmed that there was growing complacency among Nigerians as the number of infections appears to be reducing.

According to the minister, records show that 10 per cent of all positive cases treated in the country were below the age of 19.

His words: “The daily figures of the past few days seem to show a downward trend in numbers of COVID-19 positive cases as well as fatalities, but we unfortunately cannot afford to rejoice or speak of success, for many reasons.

“International news media shows scenes of upsurge in COVID-19 cases, called the second wave in several high income countries, many of which had been thought to have defeated COVID-19 and which now see threat to their health systems. This is a situation we must endeavour to avoid, and for that, all steps must be taken.

“It is important for us to generate national and international confidence in our data by conducting more targeted testing before we draw conclusions. It means that all states and local government areas must cooperate with NCDC by raising sample collection rate, using criteria listed, to increase testing to a desired rate and to report promptly, as we are still far from the target of two million tests.

“With regard to COVID-19 and growing complacency, it is important to stress that, even though adults, especially those 60 years and above are more vulnerable, complications do occur in all age groups. Records show that 10 per cent of all positive cases we have treated are below the age of 19 years.

“They are also the same mobile group that can be without symptoms, but can easily spread the disease. Therefore, as schools begin to reopen in some areas, I urge caution and adherence to the protocols and advisories for reopening schools, in order join us to prevent COVID-19 surge.

“As we reopen our economy, it is time for us to take preventive measures even more seriously. I have directed all our hospitals to be alert and watch for unusual increase in number of persons reporting at our hospital as emergency centre.”

Speaking in the same vein, the Anap Foundation COVID-19 Think Tank, last Wednesday, raised the alarm over the breach of COVID-19 protocols at social gatherings.

In a statement by its chairman and vice chairman, Atedo Peterside and Abubakar Siddique Mohammed, respectively, the Anap Think Tank noted that all public health rules had been forgotten, pointing at the crowd recorded during the burial of the Emir of Zazzau in Kaduna State recently.

“While the outpouring of emotion as evidenced by the huge crowds that spontaneously assembled around the palace is very understandable, given the high esteem in which the Emir was held, it was evident that all public health rules were forgotten,” the group said.

The statement added: “This leaves room to ask what government could have done to anticipate and mitigate the risks such an assembly must raise in this period of pandemic. The Anap Think Tank acknowledges the efforts of Kaduna State and its leadership in the area of non-medical interventions especially in encouraging social distancing, hygiene and wearing of face coverings. We acknowledge the leadership by example set by its government.

“This, however, makes the question more pertinent. If in a state where genuine efforts have been made to limit the spread of the disease in the community this dangerous event nevertheless occurred, then it highlights further the key importance of the authorities’ preparedness.

“We therefore wish to flag this issue as one that the Presidential Task Force on COVID-19 (PTF) should urgently address and put in place clear strategies to prevent such a recurrence. The country is increasingly witnessing numerous incidences of social events where COVID-19 protocols are not being followed and a renewed clarification by the PTF would not be amiss at this time.

“As we watch the world slip in varying degrees into a steep second wave of infection, this is not the time for Nigeria to relax in her efforts at controlling disease spread.”

Fears Of Second Wave Genuine
AS countries continue to reopen their economies, Coronavirus cases in Europe have increased sharply over the last few weeks, with case rates highest in Spain and France. According to the latest 14-day cumulative figures from the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control released on September 13, there were 270.7 cases per 100,000 people in Spain, 153.9 per 100,000 people in France and 51.1 cases per 100,000 people in the United Kingdom (UK). The World Health Organisation (WHO) also recently reported increases in India, the U.S. and Brazil. The WHO also warned that Europe could expect to see more deaths from COVID-19 by next month.

“It’s going to get tougher. In October, November, we are going to see more mortality,” said WHO regional director for Europe, Hans Kluge, in an interview with AFP.

To tame the second wave of the virus in the UK, the Prime Minister, Boris Johnson, last Tuesday, imposed new restrictions, appealing to Britons to obey the new rules and work from home where possible to prevent the spread of the coronavirus.

Johnson’s Chief Scientific Adviser Patrick Vallance warned last Monday that without action, the UK was on track to register 50,000 new COVID-19 cases a day by mid-October.

In response to the warning, Johnson announced new restrictions, which he told the Parliament could be in place for “perhaps six months.” These include: Office workers to work from home if they can; pubs and restaurants limited to table service, must close at 10 p.m; shop workers, taxi users, hospitality staff and customers to wear face coverings; wedding ceremonies limited to a maximum of 15 people; conferences, exhibitions, large sporting events won’t re-open for crowds on October 1 and fine for failing to wear mask will double to 200 pounds.

The UK risks “many more deaths, many more families losing loved ones before their time” if people fail to do their part, the prime minister said in a televised address. “The tragic reality of having COVID-19 is that your mild cough can be someone else’s death knell,” he warned, adding, “military will be available to help free up police,” in implementing the rules.

Way Forward
A CONSULTANT Epidemiologist at the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital (UITH), who spoke with The Guardian but pleaded anonymity, urged relevant governmental agencies to enforce “strict compliance” with all the preventive measures against the deadly virus.

“The virus is new and scientists the world over have not fully grasped its culture and characteristics. It rises and falls. But that should not be misinterpreted as reduction in the rise,” he warned. The coming days, weeks and months would show whether the concerned authorities and entire citizenry would heed this call.

The Guardian

Togo Prime Minister, Komi Sélom Klassou, Resigns

By
Akintomide Aroso
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Togo Prime Minister, Komi Sélom Klassou, Resigns
Komi Selom Klassou

Togo’s prime minister and his government have resigned, the West African nation’s presidency said late Friday.

President Faure Gnassingbe congratulated prime minister Komi Selom Klassou and his team for their “economic, political and social efforts and the encouraging results despite the health crisis around the world”, a statement on the presidency’s official website said.

Togo has been due for a political reshuffle since Gnassingbe was reelected in February for a fourth term in office, but changes were delayed by the coronavirus pandemic.

The president’s election win, which came after a constitutional change allowing him to run, extended more than a half-century of dynastic rule over the former French colony by the Gnassingbe family.

The victory was disputed by the main opposition challenger, who has faced official harassment in the wake of the vote.

The president has led the country of eight million people since taking over in 2005 following the death of his father Gnassingbe Eyadema, who ruled for 38 years.

Klassou has served as prime minister since 2015.

Togo’s economy has been hit by the pandemic as the authorities have imposed restrictions to limit the spread of the virus.

The country has recorded 1,722 infections and 44 Covid-19 deaths.

AFP

BREAKING NEWS: Obaseki Meets With President Buhari, Speaks On Returning To APC

By
Shalom Ekelaka
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BREAKING NEWS: Obaseki Meets With President Buhari, Speaks On Returning To APC

Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki, on Friday met with President Muhammadu Buhari at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

The governor however told State House correspondents at the end of the meeting that it would be immoral for him to return to the All Progressives Congress.

Obaseki of the Peoples Democratic Party beat Osagie Ize-Iyamu of Buhari’s All Progressives Congress and others to win the last Saturday’s governorship election in his state.

He had dumped the APC for the PDP when the ruling party disqualified him from participating in its primary election.

There have been concerns that having won the election on the platform of the PDP, he might return to the APC.

But the governor who met with the President alongside his deputy, Philip Shuaibu, said it would be immoral to do so.

Obaseki and Shuaibu were joined on what they called the “thank you visit” to Buhari by their spouses and some lawmakers from the state.

BREAKING NEWS: APC Suspends Governor Fayemi Over Edo Election

By
Shalom Ekelaka
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BREAKING NEWS: APC Suspends Governor Fayemi Over Edo Election

The State Executive Committee of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ekiti State has suspended Governor Kayode Fayemi.

According to a statement released by the party on Friday, the governor was suspended due to “his numerous anti-party activities, especially his role in the recently concluded governorship election in Edo State which is contrary to the provisions of Article 21 (A) (ii) of the APC Constitution.”

The party claimed that five days before the Edo Election, Gov Fayemi hosted PDP big wig Mr. Femi Fani- Kayode in the government house in Ado Ekiti and planned a coup against Edo APC.

Another allegation leveled against Governor Fayemi by the party was that he played a role in the gubernatorial election in Oyo State and supported the PDP candidate to defeat the APC candidate.

See Full Statement by the party below…

RE: DR. KAYODE FAYEMI ANTI – PARTY ACTIVITIES.

After painstakingly reviewing the activities of some members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ekiti State, we the authentic members of the Party in the State and Members of State Executive Committee per Section 12.8 of APC Constitution being duly constituted members of the National Convention of the Party, rose from its meeting of the 23rd September 2020 and resolved as follows:

We note the continued illegalities in the name of the party, being conducted by Dr. Kayode Fayemi, who as Governor is an ordinary member of the SEC and ought to have called meetings of this duly constituted body as a critical party organ, has failed to do so since his assumption of office in 2018.

2. That the body currently masquerading as the elected members of the SEC or as the State Working Committee or appendages is unknown to us (as due statutory members of SEC) since no Ward Congress has taken place in Ekiti State APC since inception. All the SEC members listed in Section 12.8 of our constitution, (i) to (xxvii) as such are open positions since only duly officiated Ward congresses with INEC observation can fill these positions.

3. As such, only the duly elected members of the APC in the state serving as Governor, Deputy Governor, Speaker & Deputy Speaker as well as Principal Officers of the House and Members of the National Convention which includes all present and past National Assembly members today constitute the State SEC of our great party.

4. To this end, in the absence of a properly organized body and meeting, and the continued insistence of the Governor to neglect his duty to initiate Ward Congresses or call a meeting of the SEC to deliberate upon pertinent issues, we as loyal members of our party and members of the State Executive Committee met to rescue our party from continued denigration and abuse, and resolved thus:

a.That Dr. Kayode Fayemi, the Executive Governor of Ekiti State is hereby suspended from the Party in view of his numerous anti-party activities especially his role in the recent concluded governorship election in Edo State which is contrary to the provisions of Article 21 (A) (ii) of the APC Constitution.

For five days prior to the Edo elections, Gov Fayemi hosted PDP big wig Mr. Femi Fani- Kayode in the government house in Ado Ekiti in the run-up to the Edo elections. It was here they perfected the coup against our party in Edo State. This is the same Fani-Kayode who daily abuses President Muhammadu Buhari, Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, the APC as a party as well a vital section of our country. We have evidence of that meeting.

Fani-Kayode specifically said he has gone on his tour as part of an effort between him and Fayemi to build a cross-party alliance and few hours after leaving Ekiti he fired a shot at Asiwaju Tinubu.

1 (a) We also have evidence of celebration by his aides in the Ekiti government house and on social media.

1(b) We also recall his role in the gubernatorial election in Oyo State where he supported the PDP candidate to defeat the APC candidate. A second tranche of money he sent to Gov Makinde in the election was intercepted by soldiers. The courier Mr Ayo Adegbite, his Chief Protocol Officer was arrested and he immediately disowned and announced his sack. Mr. Adegbite remains his aide till date.

1(c) We also recall the support he provided a PDP candidate who challenged an APC Senator Prince Dayo Adeyeye in the Tribunal. He moved the judges to Kaduna to deliver judgement when he knew what he planned against his party was unpopular in Ekiti. We have more to tell on this betrayal and traitorous act of his. APC Senator is out of the Senate today and PDP is in. The relationship between Fayemi and Senator Olujimi of PDP, the beneficiary of his treachery is known to all in Ekiti State.

We also recall his resort to court when the majority of party members nominated late Senator Abiola Ajimobi for Deputy National Chairman of the party. He fought Ajimobi till death.

1(d) His fraternisation with the PDP in continuation of his bid for Vice Presidential candidate under the party ( if his bid for Presidential candidate in APC fails ) was masked by the commissioning of projects in Rivers State, a smokescreen for his consultation to woo the support of Governor Nyesom Wike last year.

2.That the Paul Omotosho led faction of APC Executive in the State is hereby declared illegal and suspended from the Party for failure to emerge in accordance to the Constitution of the Party.

3.That Paul Omotoso and his co-travellers’ refusal to respect court proceedings in which they are not only joined but appeared in court through the proceedings but defiantly disrespected the court contrary to the hallowed decision of the Supreme Court in OJUKWU vs GOVERNOR OF LAGOS STATE

4.That Paul Omotosho faction of the executive should desist from parading themselves as the Executive Members of the Party in the State and that the Nigerian Police and Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the general public should take note.

5.That Senator Tony Adeniyi, as a statutory member of the SEC going by our party’s constitution, was elected by all members attending as the Acting Chairman of the State Executive Committee in the absence of direction or directive from the National Body. He is as such the only one thus capable to call the SEC meeting as duly required by the constitution from henceforth.

6.The committee seating also agreed to begin bridge-building across our members, statewide and nationally and set up a special intervention committee, APC Majeobaje Working Group, to be led by Prince Bamgboye Adegoroye, and six other individuals from across our great state. That working group will henceforth do the hard work of rebuilding APC in Ekiti state and prevent the oncoming annihilation of our party if we take no action at the upcoming polls.

We note that the All Progressives Congress is a party of progressives, and must do things only in line with the law. The APC cannot act against its constitution or the law of the land, hence this intervention became urgently necessary and pertinent before marauders destroy the party permanently.

It must be emphasized that with the increasingly discerning capacity and sophistication of our people we cannot afford to take them for granted. We must be able to sustain the relevance of our party in Ekiti State, hold our members and win new members. We are obligated to ensure that the light of our electoral prospect and fortune is not dimmed or extinguished.

Signed:

For Ekiti State APC State Executive Committee

Senator Tony Adeniyi – Senator, Ekiti South Senatorial District ( 2011 – 2015 )

Senator Babafemi Ojudu – Senator, Ekiti Central Senatorial District ( 2011 – 2015)

Senator Dayo Adeyeye, Senator, Ekiti South Senatorial District ( 2019- ) Former Minister of Works.

Congressman Bimbo Daramola, Ekiti North Federal Constituency ( 2011 – 2015 )

Hon Robinson Ajiboye, Ekiti North Federal Constituency ( 2011 – 2015)

Hon Oye Ojo, Ekiti North Federal Constituency ( 2011 – 2015 )

Hon ( Dr.) Adewale Omirin – Hon Speaker Ekiti State House of Assembly ( 2011 – 2015 )

Hon Femi Adeleye, Member, Ekiti State House of Assembly, ( 2007 – 20011 )

Over 174,000 Nigerians Register For FG’s COVID-19 N75bn MSME Survival Fund In 48 Hours

By
Shalom Ekelaka
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Over 174,000 Nigerians Register For FG's COVID-19 N75bn MSME Survival Fund In 48 Hours

Within 48 hours a total of 174,574 persons successfully registered for the N75bn National MSME Survival Fund and the Guaranteed Off-take Stimulus schemes under the Nigeria Economic Sustainability Plan, the Federal Government announced on Thursday.

Registration for the MSME Survival Funds commenced at 11pm on Monday.

The schemes were introduced by the Federal Government to support individuals and businesses negatively affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Minister of State for Industry, Trade and Investment, Mariam Katagum, told journalists in Abuja that “as at 8.30am this (Thursday) morning, total successful registrations stood at 174,574.”

She added, “The following states have the highest applications as follows, Kano, 19,895; Kaduna, 13,575; Lagos, 13,640; Katsina: 8,383; Federal Capital Territory, 8,085.”

She stated that within the first 24 hours of opening the registration portal, approximately 138,000 individuals logged on, created profiles and completed the first stage of registration.

Katagum said Kano, Kaduna and Lagos emerged the lead states.

According to her, all successful applicants received SMS and email verification with a list of requirements for the second stage of application which would commence on October 1, 2020.

“Applicants will be required to upload details supporting their applications which will be verified and if successful, approved for disbursements,” the minister stated.

On states that recorded the highest number of applications in the first 24 hours of registration, the minister said Kano recorded 16,880: Kaduna, 11,438; Lagos, 10, 530; Katsina, 7,354; and Bauchi, 6,622.

Katagum said registration for other tracks would start next with hospitality industry coming on September 25, 2020 by 10am; payroll support, September 28, 2020, 10am; while artisan/transport grants begins on October 1, 2020.

COVID-19 Is Mutating As Study Reveals New Patients Are Being Infected With Novel Strain Of The Virus

By
Shalom Ekelaka
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COVID-19 Is Mutating As Study Reveals New Patients Are Being Infected With Novel Strain Of The Virus

The first study to analyze the structure of the novel coronavirus from two waves of infection in a major city found that a more contagious strain dominates recent samples, researchers from Houston Methodist Hospital said on Wednesday.

They examined more than 5,000 genomes from viruses recovered in the earliest phase of the pandemic in Houston, an ethnically diverse city of seven million, and from an ongoing more recent wave of infections.

The study, which has not yet been reviewed by outside experts, found that nearly all strains in the second wave had a mutation, known as D614G, which has been shown to increase the number of ‘spikes’ on the crown-shaped virus.

The spikes are what allow the virus to bind to and infect cells, increasing the ability of the mutated virus to infect cells.

The Houston researchers said patients infected with the variant strain had significantly higher amounts of the virus on initial diagnosis.

But they found little evidence that mutations in the virus have made it deadlier, noting that severity of COVID-19, the disease caused by the virus, was more strongly linked to patients’ underlying medical conditions and genetics.

They also said some regions of the spike protein – the primary target of coronavirus vaccines now in development – showed several mutations, possibly indicating that the virus is changing in order to evade the body’s immune response.

Previous studies have shown that the coronavirus is mutating and evolving as it adapts to its human hosts.

Scientists around the world noted as early as May that the D614G strain had become dominant in most counties with high coronavirus case numbers, including the US.

It swiftly rose to the top of the viral food chain in New York City, Italy and the UK, while the West Coast of the US was primarily battling a strain thought to be 10 times less infectious than D614G.

But New York City is no longer the pandemic epicenter it was in the spring.

Instead, sunbelt states like Texas, Arizona and Florida became the hardest-hit in the nation in the late spring and summer.

Texas is still reporting nearly 3,000 new infections a day, as of Wednesday, and more than 100 daily fatalities.

Public health experts believe the state is now its second wave of coronavirus,  and Harris County – where the sprawling metropolitan of Houston is  located – continues to be the hardest hit.

And the new study, posted to the online pre-publication repository, MedRxiv.org, provides a clue as to why.

The D614G strain of coronavirus is characterized by portions of the viral genome that code for modifications to the spike protein.

The ‘G’ portion, in particular, was found in 99 percent of samples tested by the Houston Methodist scientists.

‘Strains with a Gly614 amino acid replacement in the spike protein, a polymorphism that has been linked to increased transmission and in vitro cell infectivity, increased significantly over time and caused virtually all COVID-19 cases in the massive second disease wave, the  study authors wrote.

They added the patients who had this variation of the virus had much higher viral loads in their noses when they tested positive for COVID-19.

Higher viral loads increase the odds that someone’s coughs or sneezes will spread the virus.

And in the lab, neutralizing antibodies that might stop other strains of coronavirus from infecting human cells had less effect on the  D614G variant.

We determine those who visit our country, UK hits back on FG over visa ban

By
Shalom Ekelaka
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We determine those who visit our country, UK hits back on FG over visa ban

The United Kingdom says it respects the sovereignty of Nigeria, but also reserves the right to determine who gets a visa.

Catriona Laing, British high commissioner to Nigeria, said this on Thursday at an orientation programme for people with disability seeking Chevening scholarship opportunities in the UK.

The UK had threatened to impose visa ban — among other sanctions — on persons guilty of electoral violence in Nigeria.

In reaction, the federal government had said the visa ban was disrespectful to Nigeria’s sovereignty.

According to NAN, Laing said the UK welcomed the fact that the Nigerian government was following up on electoral malpractices, and commended the peaceful conduct of the September 19 election in Edo.

She explained that the issue of visa restriction on perpetrators of electoral violence was the UK’s policy.

“It is our visa policy, the UK, and we can determine who comes to the UK. So, that is a non-sovereign right,” she said.

“And all we are saying is that in line with the Nigerian policy, that those who commit violence or who incite violence, there may be an implication for that person when they apply for a visa to the UK.

“So, I think it is actually completely consistent with the Nigerian policy.

“This is our visa policy, but obviously, it is for Nigeria to determine how they deal with these perpetrators in Nigeria.”

Speaking on if the UK would heed the Nigerian government’s response and drop such plans of imposing a visa ban on electoral offenders, Laing said she was surprised at the reaction.

She said prior to the 2019 general election, the federal government welcomed its policy.

On the award of Chevening scholarship to Nigerians, Laing said thousands of persons in the country had benefitted from the programme over the years.

“The programme has been running for a long time, and in this year, we are sending 49,’’ Laing added.

Casualty Reports From Massive Gas Explosion In Iju-Ishaga, Lagos State

By
Shalom Ekelaka
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Casualty Reports From Massive Gas Explosion In Iju-Ishaga, Lagos State

Tragedy struck on Thursday at Balogun Bus stop, in the Iju-Ishaga area of Lagos State, after a tanker conveying gas exploded.

While no fewer than 30 people were injured, 15 vehicles were reportedly gutted by the fire.

PUNCH Metro learnt that two gas tankers were being offloaded at a gas station in the area when one of the tankers, a 30 tonnes LPG tanker, exploded around 3pm.

It was gathered that the discharging valve of the tanker, which was compromised, led to leakage and ignited fire.

The fire, which spread to adjoining buildings, affected 23 buildings and 35 shops, destroying property worth millions of naira.

Our correspondent learnt that officials of the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency, Lagos State Fire Service, National Emergency Management Agency, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps and the Red Cross were at the scene of the incident.

The Head of Public Affairs of LASEMA, Nosa Okunbor, said no life was lost.

He said, “It was discovered that a 30 tonnes LPG tanker being operated by Manna Gas Ltd was involved in an explosion which destroyed several vehicles, X and Y Event Centre and a plank market.

“It was discovered that a compromised seal device by the truck driver led to gradual leakage, which then ignited when the tyres burst. The impact of the explosion led to fire at adjoining buildings and several vehicles were burnt.

“Thirty people were found to have serious injuries and were taken to various hospitals, while two in critical conditions were referred to the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital, Ikeja.”

However, the Acting Coordinator of the Lagos Territorial Office of the National Emergency Management Agency, Ibrahim Farinloye, said 15 people were injured.

He said, “One of the gas tankers wanted to enter into Manna Gas Refiling Plant and before it could get access inside, it exploded and affected the second gas tanker and other domestic gas cylinders in the gas plant also exploded.

“The explosion affected 18 buildings housing 35 shops; no residential building was affected.

“Fifteen people had various degrees of injury and were taken to Iju Waterworks Clinic, while two were referred to the general hospital; 16 vehicles were burnt.”

The Acting Head of the State Fire Service, Margaret Adeseye, said the Ajuwon, Agege and Alausa Fire stations were mobilised to the scene.

25 People Dead, Over 3500 Houses Destroyed In Bauchi Flood

By
Shalom Ekelaka
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25 People Dead, Over 3500 Houses Destroyed In Bauchi Flood

About 25 people have been killed in the flooding incidents across Bauchi state in 2020.

Deputy Governor Baba Tela revealed this while receiving officials of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) at the government house on behalf of Governor Bala Mohammed.

He said;

“Areas that have not seen water or flood for the last five years or so are now impassable with a lot of water there.

“We have over 3,500 houses and over 2,200 farmlands destroyed. And you know in this part of the country, we depend on farming. So when you have over 2,000 farms destroyed, that will give you an indication of what is to come – lack of food as time goes on.

“The issue of flooding has been a reoccurring decimal not only in the state but across the country. In Bauchi State, about 15 local government areas have been affected by flooding, which is because of the unusual rainfall earlier predicted by NEMA.

“We have also lost about 25 lives and that is quite substantial; it is okay to lose something you can replace, but you can’t replace lives. We also have those who were injured, about 20 people.

“On the money lost as well as the farmlands and houses that have been destroyed this year, it’s almost N950 million, which does not include the infrastructure that the government has to replace as some roads have been washed away.”

Tela who thanked NEMA for providing relief materials for the state, also asked for federal government’s intervention.

He added;

“I will like to mention that through NEMA, we have received various types of food items, totalling 220 trailers as relief materials.”

Seoul: North Korea Shot ‘Defector’ From South Dead, Burnt body

By
Akintomide Aroso
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Seoul: North Korea Shot ‘Defector’ From South Dead, Burnt body
South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff officer Lieutenant-General Ahn Young-ho speaks during a briefing on a missing official near the western border sea, at the Defence Ministry in Seoul. – AFP PHOTO

North Korean soldiers shot dead a suspected South Korean defector at sea and burned his body as a coronavirus precaution after he was interrogated in the water over several hours, Seoul military officials said Thursday.

It is the first killing of a Southern citizen by North Korean forces for a decade, and comes with Pyongyang at high alert over the pandemic and inter-Korean relations at a standstill.

The fisheries official disappeared from a patrol vessel near the western border island of Yeonpyeong on Monday, a South Korean military official told AFP.

More than 24 hours later, North Korean forces located him in their waters and questioned him from a patrol boat, he said, with his interrogator wearing protective equipment.

He was killed around six hours after being found, according to the official.

“He was shot dead in the water,” he said. “North Korean soldiers poured oil over his body and burnt it in the water.

“We assess it was carried out under the North’s anti-coronavirus measure,” he added.

According to the defence ministry, the people who burnt the body wore gas masks and protective clothing.

There was no immediate comment from Pyongyang on the incident and it was not possible to independently verify the South Korean military’s account.

Pyongyang has closed its borders and declared an emergency to try to protect itself against the virus which first emerged in neighbouring China.

The man was wearing a lifejacket and his shoes had been found on board the South Korean boat, the official said — indicators suggesting he entered the water voluntarily.

“We have obtained intelligence that he had expressed his intention to defect while being questioned,” he added.

He declined to go into detail about the source of the information.

But the South Korean military is known to intercept radio communications by the North’s forces.

The killing took place after an “order from superior authority”, Yonhap cited South Korean officials as saying.

Seoul’s defence ministry condemned the shooting as an “outrageous act”.

“We sternly warn North Korea that all responsibilities for this incident lie with it,” it said in a statement.

South Korean media reports said the man was in his forties with two children, but had recently divorced and had financial problems.

‘Shoot to kill’
The isolated North — whose crumbling health system would struggle to cope with a major virus outbreak — has not confirmed a single case of the disease that has swept the world.

Pyongyang closed its border with China in January to try to prevent contamination, and in July state media said it had raised its state of emergency to the maximum level.

That same month, North Korean officials put the border city of Kaesong under lockdown after a defector who had fled to the South three years ago sneaked back over the heavily fortified border, amid fears that he may have carried the coronavirus.

US Forces Korea commander Robert Abrams said earlier this month that North Korean authorities had issued shoot-to-kill orders to prevent the coronavirus entering the country from China, creating a “buffer zone” at the border.

This week’s incident is the first time in 10 years that North Korean forces have killed a Southerner.

In November 2010, Pyongyang’s military bombarded Yeonpyeong island — close to this week’s incident — killing two civilians and two marines.

It came months after a torpedo fired from a North Korean submarine sank South Korea’s Cheonan warship, killing 46 seamen, although Pyongyang denies responsibility.

In 2008, a North Korean soldier gunned down a female South Korean tourist who walked into a forbidden area at the North’s Mount Kumgang resort, prompting Seoul to suspend the money-spinning visits.

The Guardian

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