The Chief of Staff to the President, Mallam Abba Kyari, is dead.
He died on Friday at age 81.
The Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Mr Garba Shehu, said the deceased died of COVID-19.
Announcing Kyari’s death via his verified Twitter handle, @GarShehu, Shehu wrote, “The Presidency regrets to announce the passage of the Chief of Staff to the President, Mallam Abba Kyari.
“The deceased had tested positive to the ravaging COVID-19, and had been receiving treatment. But he died on Friday, April 17, 2020.”
Shehu said funeral arrangements for the deceased would be announced soon.
The Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Mr Femi Adesina, also wrote via his verified Twitter handle @FemAdesina, “Chief of Staff to the President, Mallam Abba Kyari, passes on. May God rest his soul. Amen. Funeral arrangements to be announced soon.”
Kyari had tested positive for the coronavirus in March after a trip to Germany and Egypt.
Doctors attending to the late Chief of Staff had obtained his medical records from Wellington Hospital, St John’s Wood, London, which showed that he (Kyari) had some other ailments that could hamper his rate of recovery from COVID-19.
The Wellington Hospital, which is located in North London, is the largest independent hospital in the United Kingdom.
Kyari, in a letter on March 29, had said he was conveyed to Lagos on an air ambulance to do additional tests and observation, adding that he took the decision based on medical advice as a precautionary measure.
He further stated that he made his personal care arrangements to avoid further burdening the public health system, which faces so much pressure.
However, the Minister of Health, Dr Osagie Ehanire, refused to disclose where Kyari was receiving treatment.
The Commissioner for Health in Lagos State, Prof. Akin Abayomi, later said he did not know Kyari’s location thereby sparking reports that the President’s aide was not in any isolation centre.
Responding to a question during a recent Presidential task force briefing in Abuja, the health minister said Kyari’s location was not important, adding that the President’s chief of staff had a right to privacy.
Reacting to the news, the National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, Prince Uche Secondus, described the death as shocking.
He said he had prayed for the recovery of the late chief of staff, adding that he was shocked to hear about his death.
He said, “This is shocking. I’m sad to hear this bad news. Why now? I wish to console with the President, members of his cabinet, the family members of Kyari and all his associates.
“The death is a reminder to all of us that whatever we are today, it is by the grace of God. He is the one that owns us and can call us at home at anytime. Once more, I pray for the repose of the soul of the distinguished Nigerian.”
Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers State has said he would not receive orders from President Muhammadu Buhari regarding exempting oil companies from flying into his state.
Wike, lamenting about flights still entering Rivers, said the state government is ready to fight to protect its people rather than endanger lives by allowing oil companies and expatriates to enter the state.
He said he would only receive instructions when there is a dialogue with Buhari, adding that he is not one of the ‘Beggar governors’ who visit Abuja to beg for funds for their states.
According to him, Nigeria is not a military government but a federal state.
Speaking during a press briefing on Friday, Wike stressed that the state does not have N10bn to make isolation centres to treat Rivers people, hence they would fight against any plan to infect the state.
“Is this lockdown only for the poor? It’s unfortunate for someone to go against the lockdown rules of the government at this time.
“Akara sellers in Lagos trying to make daily income are chased out of the street and carried to court, but they said we should leave oil companies and allow them to operate and fly.
“As long as they do not enter my territory, I have no problem because we will fight, if we don’t fight, we cannot survive.
“I don’t take orders from Abuja but Rivers people. If they want to work with me they should come, I will not go and beg them. If they want war, we will fight, but I will make sure my people are protected from coronavirus.
“My people wouldn’t die. I’m not against the federal government, what are we fighting for, but I will do what is right if you want me to work with you, talk with me and don’t give me a directive.
“Nobody can use Rivers state as a toy, If you don’t like me, that will encourage me to like myself. Even my father has never given directive but calls me and has a dialogue for a way out, but you that is not my father will issue directive so you can kill Rivers people.
“I won you in 2015, I won you in 2019, have I not won, not one project in Rivers but you stay in Abuja and give me directives I will not agree. We are in a federal system, but governors have been reduced as beggars.
“We are not in a military government where you will sit down in your office and direct me. I’m not one of those governors that will come to Abuja to ask for help, so don’t issue me a directive when you were elected like me.
“As a governor, the right thing must be done so people must not die.
“Is there any oil company operating in America, it’s only here in Nigeria. I’m a boy to Rivers people, not anybody outside this state.
“The other time it was Caverton, now it’s ExxonMobil. The lockdown is not for the poor alone; it includes everybody.
“They are lucky Caverton apologized, the MD sent me an apology text that evening from America for us to release their pilots and comply with the rules.”
Days after the Corporate Affairs Commission headquarters in Maitama, Abuja, went up in flames, the Media Centre of the Independent National Electoral Commission also in Abuja has been gutted by fire.
It was gathered that the incident affected the office of INEC’s Director of Voter Registry, Emmanuel Akem.
INEC said, “The fire started at about 10:30am and was quickly put out by a combined team of firefighters from the Federal Fire Service and the FCT Fire Service; assisted by officials of the National Emergency Management Agency.
“Apart from office equipment and the personal effects of the Voter Registry Director which were lost to the fire incident, the operational capacity of the commission has not in any way been affected.”
The cause of the fire is being investigated and expected to be made public in due course.
U.S. President Donald Trump has said border control and travel restrictions would be top priority as the country prepares to reopen its economy after a costly coronavirus shutdown.
Trump said during his daily news briefing on COVID-19 at the White House on Thursday where he announced a three-phased plan for the reopening process.
“As we begin a science-based reopening, we must be extra vigilant in blocking the foreign entry of the virus from abroad.
“Border control, travel restrictions and other limitations on entry are more important than never before to keep the virus in check and allow Americans to get back to work,” he said.
Citing expert advice, the president said the pandemic curve had flattened and the peak in new cases behind, hence the need for Americans to “start our lives again”.
However, he said the States would decide on when to reopen, but the guidelines recommend criteria that would have to be met in this regard.
“America wants to be open.
“Based on the latest data, our team of experts agree we can start the next front in our war, which we are calling ‘Opening up America Again”.
“And that is what we are doing, opening up our country and we have to do that,” he said.
Trump said that a prolonged shutdown combined with “a forced economic depression” could deeply hurt the country and its economy.
The document lays out the guidelines to be followed for reopening of businesses across the country badly hit by the economic impact of the pandemic.
One of the key recommendations for the first phase is the avoidance of groups of more than 10 people where appropriate social distancing is impossible.
The first phase also discourages non-essential travel, and encourages telework (working from home) and closure of common areas in offices.
Also recommended is the need for States to achieve a 14-day “downward trajectory” in coronavirus cases before beginning the re-opening process.
Under the plan, States are expected to set up screening and testing centres in addition to develop contact tracing capabilities.
It also recommends that hospitals should have a “robust testing programme,” in place for healthcare workers, among others.
While acknowledging that there would be challenges ahead, Trump said the goal was to quickly identify and address new cases.
“If the virus returns in the fall as some scientists think it may, possibly, these guidelines will ensure that our country is up and running so that we can likewise put it out quickly,” he said.
The Speaker of Nigeria’s House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila has revealed that the free electricity proposal amid the Coronavirus pandemic is not for all Nigerians.
The Speaker disclosed this after a meeting yesterday April 16, with top federal government officials, principal officers of the House of Representatives and stakeholders in the power sector.
It was agreed that a joint committee will be setup to work out modalities for the proposed two-month free power supply to Nigerians aimed at cushioning the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Femi Gbajabiamila said the committee would identify Nigerians that would benefit from the free power supply using the number of households connected to the national grid “which will give a way forward for regular power supply to Nigerians after the COVID-19 crisis.”
Tweets shared on his official Twitter handle reads;
As part of ongoing efforts to provide free electricity to Nigerians during this COVID-19 lockdown, today the @HouseNGR leadership under my watch met with the power sector stakeholders,the Minister of Power, GMD of NNPC @MKKyari, NERC Chairman, MD of NBET, Heads of all DISCOs…..to work out the most practical way to effect this palliative.
With all the useful submissions I have set up a technical committee that will design a workable model that will hopefully target intended consumers throughout Nigeria.Everyone is committed to achieving this objective
Free electricity amid Coronavirus pandemic is not for all Nigerians – Femi Gbajabiamila
On his own part, the NNPC GMD Mele Kyari stated that the issue of gas supply to the GenCos is critical to power supply in the country. He added that the proposal is workable if the issue of who is to carry the burden of cost and margins in the supply value chain is settled and agreed on.
Mele further disclosed that “note had to be taken of the actual beneficiaries of the two-month free power supply palliative because not every Nigerian falls into the category of the poorest.” He pointed out that the industrial sector should be of concern at the end of the crisis period.
The NNPC GMD said though 100 per cent uninterrupted power supply is impossible because not enough is generated due to the COVID-19 crisis, he assured that gas supply would not be an issue as 100 per cent supply is guaranteed once the debt issue is addressed.
The DisCos assured that they can deliver the mandate as soon as all the details were worked out and agreed on.
Fuji music legend, King Ayinde Wasiu aka KWAM1, has reacted to rumors of his alleged affair with one of the wives of the Alaafin of Oyo, Ajoke Adeyemi. Rumors have been rife online since yesterday April 15th that the wife of the 80-year-old monarch had been sent packing from the palace over her alleged affair with the music maestro.
In a statement released this afternoon, KWAM1 said the allegation is a lie concocted from the pit of hell. He opined that those behind the allegation were only bitter that the monarch conferred a reverred chieftaincy title on him a while back. He hinted he will be seeking legal redress.
Read his statement below
The attention of Fuji Maestro and Mayegun of Yorubaland, Alhaji Wasiu Ayinde Marshal, K1 De Ultimate, has been drawn to the rumour making the rounds in the past 48 hours, on social media platforms, where it has been alleged that the music icon was having an affair with Olori Ajoke, one of the wives of Alayeluwa, the Alaafin of Oyo, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi 111.
Ordinarily, one would have waved off this allegation as one coming from the warped mind of one possibly numbed by high covid-19 fever.
But as known in these parts, a lie repeatedly told, has a way of transmuting to truth.
Let me categorically state that the rumour is lies concocted from the pit of hell by those whose aim is to drag to the mud, the name of K1 De Ultimate and ultimately that of the most revered kingdom in Yoruba land.
These agents of Lucifer have continued in their warped delusions to see K1 go to the ground just for being conferred with the title of Mayegun of Yoruba land. The Alaafin’s crime is the conferment of the honour, hence the grim plot to drag him down also. Moreover, the higly respected Monarch and his Olori have both debunked the story as baseless and unfounded.
For the records, as the Mayegun of Yorubaland, K1 is aware of the customs and traditions of the Yoruba and as such, can not put the culture and tradition of the Yorubaland to disrepute.
Let me remind the rumour mongers that Nigeria has adequate laws to bring anyone who has embarked on character assassination of the innocent to book. The fans and the general public should be rest assured that we will legally seek redress for this allegation.
Some Nigerians have reacted to the accelerated increase in the number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in Kano.
Kano State Government had yesterday confirmed twelve new cases of Coronavirus.
Reacting, Nigerians took to the social media, stating that the development was highly worrisome.
In several tweets, some expressed worries that the outbreak will not be ending anytime soon and that the lockdown will likely be extended because of the rise in the confirmed cases in Kano within just 48 hours.
Others alleged that the figures were increased because the state wants to get COVID-19 allocations.
Here are some comments gathered by DAILY POST:
@nwafresh”With the way Kano state is picking up, I think someone should tell Kano state that this is not the 2019 election result o. If Alamajeri children contact this expensive thing, it is finished o.”
@ mrmanhere_” It isn’t surprising how Kano state went from just a single case to 12 cases in the space of 48 hours. When we said the Corona will spread like wildfire if it ever gets to the north, some people almost turned into a tribal war on this TL .”
@ danny_walter ”Kano please this is not Election ooo, don’t bring that Energy abeg we are tired of staying at home.”
@kolamide_”12 cases in Kano is just like Usain Bolt running 100meters …. Taking over Lagos soon expecting Kano Pro Max very soon. NCDC please build more isolation centers I don’t see this Corona Holiday ending soon.”
@ewawunmii”I told my friend that if this thing enter Kano, Kaduna and co it will be very terrible and will even be topping Lagos, she insulted me saying it’s because I don’t like Arewa I’m like chill, My daddy is from kaduna and I know what I’m saying, I guess she will see this tweet.”
@abubakarsadiqusman”This Kano own is something else o. I just imagine how it would be in the next few days.”
@ahmedmayaki” When Elrufaitook proactive measures to curb the spread of COVID-19, some pessimists thought he was overreacting. With the scary surge of cases in Kano & Katsina, even cynics now understand it was for public interest.Let’s pray for our neighbors.”
@bhadmusakeem”NCDC is reporting 16 confirmed cases. Kano is reporting 21 confirmed cases. My fear lies in the unreported cases.”
@islimfit”Another major fear with Kano? Ramadan is fast approaching. They are going to gather in their numbers. They should lock down all the mosques and sensitise the entire people about the deadly outcome of their refusal to stay at home.”
@thpreco9dayz” How Kano went from 1 case to 12 is something that shouldn’t be ignored.”
@iamtopsy4real”The way things are going i think Kano state should be put on a red flag by now. With the massive population of people in Kano and also Kano been the commercial hub of business in the north, more light should be deam to Kano state right now.”
@dondekojo”One death within 10 minutes. Kano.”
@iamgigin ”Why do I feel KANO is just giving numbers so that they will get COVID19 allocation.”
@dellizing ”Well, I’m doubting Kano figure because since the announcement of EU supporting fund Kano infected cases is rising daily…Wetin I know self?? ”
@adesolaahmed”Wow wow wow… I just believe the governor is culpable. He didn’t act fast enough. He ought to have closed down congregational prayer earlier than he did but they don’t like to hear it. Now we are here.”
@highlandre1 ”Despite living in Lagos with the highest number of Coronavirus cases, these Kano figures really scare me. They’d better shut down Kano now!!”
The founder and General Overseer of Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministries (MFM), Dr. Daniel Olukoya, on Wednesday, highlighted what the deadly coronavius has done to Nigeria, politicians and Nigerians.
Olukoya, who spoke during the church’s Manna water live broadcast, said nothing happens in the spiritual and physically without the permission of the Almighty.
Calling on Nigerians to pray for peace in the world and not panic, the cleric listed some of the effects of the virus on politicians and Nigerians.
He said “the virus is teaching the human race a vivid lesson that God is the Almighty and human race are just humans
“The human race has rested from their recklessness, Human beings have learnt how to bow their proud heads and think quietly
“The greedy heart of some many people is being purified, many mouths is being purified. People who do not pray are now praying. This is what I call holiness by fire by force.
“Suddenly nobody is thinking about business, many have abandoned their concubines. No more spending lavishly on artists.”
He, therefore, called for sober reflection, while advising Christians to prepare for the second coming of Jesus Christ.
Olukoya also prayed for the governemnt to get divine wisdom to handle the pandemic, adding that he hopes politicians turn a new leaf.
“People are no longer Gluttonous. This is the time for sober reflection, time for thinking deeply on how we live our life. Some now have the strength of management, we understand that’s going to church is not the same as going to God. Money is now useless to the rich, fathers understand why it is necessary to have a family.
“Hopefully this one will touch politicians to turn a new leaf. Tragically and sorrowfully the most busiest place now are places people fear most, the hospitals and morgues.
“It is time to assess how you live your life. It is time to put your house together and prepare for the second coming,” he said.
This photo taken on February 18, 2020 shows a worker sorting face masks being produced to satisfy increased demand during China's COVID-19 coronavirus outbreak, at a factory in Nanjing, in China's Jiangsu province. - The medical equipment factory switched surgical instruments and dental equipment production lines to a mask production line to meet the increased demand. (Photo by STR / AFP) / China OUT (Photo by STR/AFP via Getty Images)
The International Criminal Police Organisation says it has foiled a coordinated multinational face masks supply fraud worth €1.5 million allegedly linked to Nigeria.
The agency explained that the suspects used a compromised email address linked to a legitimate company in Spain selling face masks and a fake website.
The company originally claimed to have 10 million masks but could not deliver them and later referred the buyer to a dealer in Ireland who promised to put the buyer in touch with a different supplier in The Netherlands.
The Interpol said, “Claiming to have a strong commercial relationship with the company, the man provided assurances that the alleged Dutch company would be able to supply the 10 million face masks.
“An agreement for an initial delivery of 1.5 million masks was made, in exchange for an upfront payment of €1.5m.
“The buyers initiated a bank transfer to Ireland and prepared for delivery.”
But just before the order was to be delivered, the Interpol explained that the buyers were told that the funds had not been received, and the fraudster asked that an emergency transfer of €880,000 be made to the suppliers in The Netherlands.
It added, “The fund was sent but the buyers soon realised that they have been defrauded and immediately contacted their bank in Germany, which in turn contacted Interpol’s financial crimes unit.”
Interpol disclosed that it contacted its National Central Bureau in Dublin as well as the Irish bank, noting that the prompt intervention by the Garda National Economic Crime Bureau allowed them to freeze the €1.5m in the account and identify the Irish company involved.
“The Dutch Fiscal Information and Investigation Service quickly tracked down the €880,000 which had been transferred from the German company. Nearly €500,000 of those funds had already been sent to the United Kingdom, all of which was destined for an account in Nigeria,” the global police said.
