Three United Nations (UN) peacekeepers have been killed in attacks in the Central African Republic, UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres’ spokesman said in a statement.
The three peacekeepers from Burundi were killed and two others wounded by armed attackers on the domestic security forces and the UN’s MINUSCA mission in Dekoa, Kemo prefecture, and Bakouma in Mbomou prefecture.
The attackers have not been identified.
The Central African Republic is due to go the polls on Sunday for presidential and parliamentary elections.
The UN’s human rights office warned days ago that armed violence poses a serious threat to the security of civilians and their right to vote.
A new rebel alliance has recently clashed with security forces in different parts of the country, including near the capital Bangui, UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) said on Wednesday.
The oil-rich Central African Republic has been battered by conflict for years, with clashes between a predominantly Muslim rebel coalition and Christian militias after Bozize was toppled in 2013.
A French military intervention together with a UN peace mission temporarily stabilised the country with a peace accord signed in 2019, but there are recurring violent flare-ups.
The recent rise of violence has prompted Russia and Rwanda to deploy military consultants and troops in the country.
Britain’s Queen Elizabeth has commended frontline workers for their efforts during the pandemic, expressing during her annual Christmas television broadcast how “moved” she was by the “quiet, indomitable spirit” shown by people over the last year.
“Every year we herald the coming of Christmas by turning on the lights,” the Queen said, noting that this year people were unable to celebrate in the usual way.
“But we need life to go on,” she added. “A year that has necessarily kept people apart, has in many ways brought us closer.”
According to CNN, much of the UK is currently under stringent coronavirus restrictions due to a winter surge in cases, preventing many families from gathering at Christmas.
“Of course for many, this time of year will be tinged with sadness,” the Queen said.
“Some mourning the loss of those dear to them, and others missing friends and family-members distanced for safety, when all they’d really want for Christmas is a simple hug or a squeeze of the hand.”
She added, “If you are among them, you are not alone and let me assure you of my thoughts and prayers.”
The 94-year-old also acknowledged those from other religious backgrounds who were unable to celebrate their own religious holidays over the last year due to the pandemic.
The Queen said she had been inspired by stories of those who helped people in need and said the people of the UK and the world had risen to the challenges of the year.
She went on to say the country owed a “debt of gratitude” to those who worked in frontline services and in the scientific fields.
The British monarch traditionally celebrates Christmas at Sandringham, her English country retreat, where she is usually joined by children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, but Covid-19 has prevented them celebrating at the estate this year.
The Queen is instead spending Christmas “quietly” this year at Windsor Castle with her husband Prince Philip.
The royal family was directly hit by the pandemic this year with both the heir to the British throne Prince Charles and his son Prince William testing positive for the virus.
The Queen and Prince Philip have spent most of their time in 2020 at Windsor Castle, having moved away from Buckingham Palace during the first wave of COVID-19 in the spring.
Her remarks ended on a note of positivity. “The Bible tells how a star appeared in the sky, its light guiding the shepherds and wise men to the scene of Jesus’s birth,” she said. “Let the light of Christmas — the spirit of selflessness, love and above all hope — guide us in the times ahead.”
The Nigeria Centre For Disease Control (NCDC) has announced 712 new infections of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) in the country.
The latest figure of the pandemic was announced on the NCDC’s verified website late Friday.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Nigeria recorded the lowest number of confirmed coronavirus infections in at least three days with 712 new infections.
It said that the new infections brought the total number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in the country to 82,747 which included 70,239 discharged cases and 1,246 deaths.
NCDC stated that four additional deaths were recorded from COVID-19 complications with 588 new recoveries.
“Our discharges today include 248 community recoveries in Lagos State and 136 community recoveries in Kaduna State managed in line with guidelines,’’ it stated.
The centre said that the new infections were confirmed in 19 states and the Federal Capital Territory.
It said that more than half of the new infections – 388 were found in Lagos, a major financial centre in West Africa and the economic hub of the country, and the epicentre of the disease with nearly 28,192.
Records from other states indicate: FCT-77, Kwara-39, Katsina-35, Bauchi-33, Plateau-22, Ogun-18, Akwa Ibom-16, Delta-13, Kaduna-12 and Osun-12.
Others are Yobe-11, Sokoto-10, Kebbi-8, Enugu-6, Edo-5, Ondo-3, Niger-2, Kano-1 and Oyo-1.
The NCDC said that a multi-sectoral national emergency operations centre (EOC), activated at Level-3 continued to coordinate the national response activities.
The agency said it is engaging with high level virtual strategic coordination engagement with Commissioners of Health and State Epidemiologists.
“There is the ongoing deployment of response strategies in collaboration with state response teams to improve response to a surge in COVID-19 cases.
“We are currently tracking reports from trained healthcare workers in hotspot LGAs across 10 states.
“There is also ongoing data management and analysis on the channel’s software and conduct of refresher courses training for IPC trainers and Develop plan routine testing for COVID-19.
“We are doing follow up and assessment of hand hygiene facilities under the Orange Network programme as well as finalising laboratory quality assurance plan,’’ it stated.
NAN recalls that since the beginning of the outbreak in February, more than 912,114 samples have been tested by the agency.
The Management of Bi-Courtney Aviation Services Limited, (BASL), operator of the Murtala Muhammed Airport, Lagos, Terminal 2 (MMA2), has announced the death of its Acting Head of Business, Mr Mobolaji Salu.
Mr Mikail Mumuni, Group Corporate Affairs Manager of the company, in a statement issued on Friday, in Lagos, said late Salu, formerly the Head of Operations of BASL, died on Dec. 24, after a brief illness.
The statement quoted the Chairman of BASL, Dr Wale Babalakin (SAN) as describing the death of Salu as “a big loss to the company, his family and the Nigerian Aviation sector.”
“Bolaji was a hardworking and diligent person who will be dearly missed by the Board, management and Staff of BASL, his family and his colleagues in the aviation sector in general,” Babalakin said.
Salu, who joined the services of BASL since its inception, is survived by his wife, two children and parents.
Mumuni said the company, in conjunction with the family, will announce the funeral rites of the deceased at a later date.
This photo taken and handout on September 12, 2020 by the Vatican Media shows Pope Francis deliver a speech during a meeting with the “Laudato si'” community at Paul-VI hall in The Vatican. – ‘Laudato si” (Praise Be to You!), dated May 24 2015, is the second encyclical of Pope Francis.
Pope Francis said in his Christmas message Friday that fraternity was a watchword for these unusually troubled times exacerbated by the coronavirus pandemic.
“At this moment in history, marked by the ecological crisis and grave economic and social imbalances only worsened by the coronavirus pandemic, it is all the more important for us to acknowledge one another as brothers and sisters,” he said in his “Urbi et Orbi” message.
He said this call for solidarity was especially aimed at “people who are the most fragile, the sick and all who at this period find themselves without work or in grave difficulty due to the economic consequences of the pandemic and to women who have been subjected to domestic violence during these months of confinement.”
The pontiff also touched on the plight of children caught up by war, singling out victims in Syria, Yemen and Iraq in his Christmas message.
“On this day, when the word of God became a child, let us turn our gaze to the many, all too many, children worldwide, especially in Syria, Iraq and Yemen, who still pay the high price of war,” he said.
“May their faces touch the consciences of all men and women of good will, so that the causes of conflicts can be addressed and courageous efforts can be made to build a future of peace,” he said.
Pope Francis will make a historic visit to Iraq in March, the Vatican said Monday, the first ever by a pontiff and which will include a trip to the city of Mosul, a former jihadist stronghold.
The pope has long spoken of his desire to visit the Middle Eastern country, where two decades of conflict has taken a heavy toll on Christian communities.
The Argentinian-born pope called for peace and reconciliation in Libya and Iraq, “particularly to the Yazidis, sorely tried by these last years of war.”
Nigerian business mogul, Ben Murray-Bruce, has taken to his verified Twitter page to mourn Nigerian filmmaker, Chico Ejiro. The former lawmaker used his Twitter page to send his condolences to Nollywood and the family of the deceased.
He wrote, “I mourn the death of Nollywood legend and filmmaker, Chico Ejiro. My condolences to his family, the Nollywood family and all the love ones he left behind. May his soul rest in peace.”
The popular filmmaker died in the early hours today. A source close to the deceased revealed that the filmmaker had been ill.
“He was ill about five weeks ago and he was rushed to a hospital in Surulere where he was placed on admission. After about a week, he was discharged and he went back home to recuperate.
“From what he said, he had high blood pressure that led to some heart complications. He was recuperating and got better. He even started a production that he was shooting about four days ago but he was not fully involved.
“He was just like the supervising director. He will go to the location and supervise them, so, we all felt that he was good. Although he kept saying that he had not gotten back to his full health; he was still very weak. We were shocked about his death because he was even talking to some of his friends till late last night. I learnt he died about 2 am this morning,” the source said.
The Presidential Task Force (PTF) on COVID-19, has announced new travel rules for passengers coming into Nigeria from South Africa and the Uk, where a new variant of the virus had been discovered.
The National Coordinator of the PTF, Dr Sani Aliyu made the announcement on Thursday in Abuja, during a media briefing.
Aliyu said that effective from Monday, Dec. 28, all passengers coming into the country from the UK and South Africa on direct flights, must use the Nigerian International Travel Portal to register.
They are to also fill in the health questionnaire and must upload a negative COVID-19, polymerase chain reaction, (PCR) result with a validity of not more than five days.
He added that travelers must pay for a COVID-19 PCR test at day seven of arrival in the country without which they would not be allowed to board the flights.
The coordinator also said a special register would be opened at the airports for passengers from these two countries specifically to track and ensure they presented themselves for the COVID-19 test on day seven.
He said there would be sanctions on passengers that presented fake PRC results.
“We’ll continue to be concerned about the emergence of the new variant coronavirus in the UK and additional mutate that was described coming from South Africa.
“The system for travels in terms of ensuring the safety of our citizens and preventing the importation of cases in the country is one of the most strict.
“We are one of the few countries that do double testing, that have a travel portal where you can go in and enter your details including your health questionnaire and pay for a test.
“Specifically, for the UK and South Africa, the PTF has met and we have decided that additional measures will be required to ensure safety of our citizens.
“So effective from 00 hours on Monday, Dec. 28, all passengers coming into the country from the UK and South Africa on direct flights, must use the Nigerian International Travel Portal to register.
“Fill in the health questionnaire and must upload a negative COVID-19 PCR result with a validity of not more than five days and must pay for a COVID PCR test at day seven of arrival in country.
“When you are leaving the UK or South Africa, you need two documents that you have to present to the airlines.
“The first document is a negative COVID-19 PCR result, second is a permit to travel document, which we use to refer to as the QR code.
“The only way you can get the permit to travel on the travel portal is by filling in your health questionnaire electronically, uploading your PCR result and paying for the day seven test.
“If you do not present a permit travel or you cannot present a travel permit, the airlines are being directed not to board.
“So if you are coming into Nigeria from the UK and South Africa, it is in your best interest to familiarise yourself with the Nigerian International Travel Portal and make sure that you put in your health details.
“Upload your PCR result that has to be negative and you pay for a day seven test upon arrival in Nigeria.
“The second enforcement that we will have has to do with the seven day self-isolation upon arrival in the country. We had a lot of debates on if we should institute mandatory quarantine when the people arrive.
“We have decided that when you arrive, we will open a special register for all passengers arriving from these two countries.
“We will have an enhanced surveillance where these passengers will be contacted after they have arrived home, we will be checking on them to see if they are having any symptoms.
“But more importantly, we expect these passengers by day seven to unfailing go for their COVID-19 PCR test which they must have before boarding the aircraft.
“We have already mentioned right from September, when we opened up International airspace that there will be penalties for not abiding by the protocols.
“President Muhammadu Buhari on Tuesday, approved that from now on particularly for those coming from the UK and South Africa, we will pay special attention to these flights.
“If you do not do your day seven tests by day 10, you will automatically go into the suspension list. Your travel document – passport will be suspended for a minimum period of six months.
“If you carry a Foreign passport with a visa, we will revoke your visa. And because it is easier to track a smaller group of persons than a larger group of passengers.
“That has always been our challenge, we are now able to enforce this specially for passengers from the UK and South Africa until further notice.
“In addition to that, over this weekend, we are going to publish the list of 100 Nigerian passport numbers that we have for six months.
“We have already contacted these passengers and we have confirmed that they have not done a COVID -19 PCR test. We will not be publishing names, but the passport numbers.
“From now on, people that are traveling must abide by our protocols, there will be repercussions if you don’t. There will be penalties.
“In addition to this, we will also be instituting the same penalties for people presenting fake COVID-19 PCR results at our airports on exiting or on arrival.
“For those that are exiting, we have a code that we have developed and we are asking the airlines to start using which will entail entering the code for every result into our website that will tell you whether the result is fake or not.
“So, please do not buy or use fake result, you are putting others at risks if you do so,” he said.
A former spokesman for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Olisa Metuh, has been released from prison.
It was gathered that Metuh regained freedom on Thursday after months of incarceration.
He walked out of Kuje Correctional Centre after the completion of his release formalities around 5pm.
The Court of Appeal in Abuja had on December 16 nullified a Federal High Court judgement that convicted and sentenced Metuh to seven years imprisonment for money laundering.
The appellate court, in a unanimous decision by a three-man panel of Justices, held that the judgement trial Justice Okon Abang delivered against the former PDP spokesman on February 25, was tainted with bias.
The appellate court held that the trial Judge made disparaging remarks in the judgement that betrayed his premeditated mindset against the defendant whom he accused of writing various petitions against him.
In its lead verdict that was delivered by Justice Stephen Adah, the appellate court said it was convinced that Metuh and his firm, Destra Investment Limited, which was the 2nd defendant, were denied fair hearing by the trial court.
It held that allowing the trial court’s verdict against the defendants to stand would set a dangerous precedent, stressing that in criminal cases, justice must not only be done but should manifestly be seen to have been done.
I felicitate with our Christian brothers and sisters in particular and all Nigerians in general on this joyous occasion of Christmas 2020, commemorating the birth of Jesus Christ.
In Christendom, Christmas season represents joy, peace, hope, love, goodwill and imminent salvation. These worthy values which Jesus’ Advent symbolize, are very much needed in our country at this time when we are confronted with diverse challenges like rising spate of armed banditry, kidnappings, insurgency, economic recession and upsurge of COVID-19 infections.
I wish to, therefore, enjoin fellow compatriots to appropriate the hope that comes with Christmas and reinvest trust in this Administration’s determination and unwavering commitment to restore peace, security and prosperity to our dear country.
Under my watch, the Federal Government will continue to provide the needed support within available resources to the gallant members of our armed forces and security agencies as they confront threats to our citizens. While I commend them for their efforts so far, I urge them to do more to checkmate increasing incidents of security threats especially in the northern parts of the country as well as the entire nation in varying degrees. Their display of tact, camaraderie, and expertise that led to the recent return of abducted schoolboys of Government Science Secondary School, Kankara, will remain a milestone in the annals of the country.
For me, providing security for all residents in the country remains an article of faith. It formed a vital segment of this Administration’s three-point agenda right from inception, and we must follow through with it.
I cannot in good conscience shirk this cardinal responsibility to secure lives and property. I feel pained each time a breach of peace and security occurs in any part of the nation. I am even more distressed when our youths, especially school children, are the targets and victims of mindless and malevolent elements in the society. As a parent, I share the emotional torture and agony parents and guardians go through whenever their children and wards fall into the cruel hands of these enemies of decency and good society.
I plead with fellow compatriots to give our military and other security agencies more time, cooperation and support by volunteering credible intelligence/information on activities of armed bandits, insurgents and other criminal elements within their communities in order to put an end to this blight on our security landscape.
To be sure, the problems are beyond the simplistic options being bandied around. We shall remain focused on following the complex, multi-dimensional route to reducing the incidents of insecurity to the barest minimum. Our people must be free to live and move without let or hindrance. This is crucial not only to enthroning an atmosphere of calm and social cohesion, but for the economy to grow.
Let us use this season of goodwill and joy to renew our faith in the ability of this Administration to make a lasting difference in the lives of our hard-working people. Our Social Intervention measures and other economic policies are already yielding positive results even at modest rates.
We shall deliberately target our youths so that they will not fall into the trap of unpatriotic elements to foment social disobedience leading to avoidable loss of lives and property.
Let me reiterate that while the right to peaceful association and protest is guaranteed under our laws, this Administration will not fold its arms and watch protests however well-intended, degenerate into wanton killings of law enforcement and other security personnel as well as destruction of private and national assets.
It is gladdening to note that the various schemes and components of the Economic Sustainability Plan (ESP) are being implemented faithfully to support micro-small businesses. I am particularly delighted that artisans, small-time transporters, traders and farmers are the main beneficiaries as we continue to provide safety nets to the most vulnerable members of our society as well as business owners to mitigate the harsh economic environment occasioned by COVID-19.
In spite of dwindling national revenue worsened by the pandemic, we will do all that is required to fully implement the 2021 Budget of Economic Recovery and Resilience. We are optimistic that all things being equal, we should be able to exit recession at the shortest possible time.
There is every indication that our country is already experiencing a second wave of COVID-19 infection. As we celebrate Christmas with families and friends, I urge all citizens and residents to adhere strictly to the non-pharmaceutical prevention guidelines of regular hand-washing, wearing masks and social/physical distancing with a view to mitigating the spread of this devastating virus. While national and state institutions are trying their best, we must take individual responsibility and resist the strong temptation of compliance-fatigue by following the recommended protocols put in place by the Presidential Task Force on COVID-19 and beat the ravaging pandemic.
I have absolute confidence in the spirit of resilience of our people to do the needful and remain vigilant even as this festive season witnesses increased travels and celebrations. Staying alive to enjoy future festivals should be the watchword.
I wish all Nigerians divine protection and Merry Christmas.
I was proud to arrive in Nigeria and begin my third ambassadorial posting last November. 2020 will long be remembered as the year of the pandemic COVID-19, and we will look back and honor the lives of the more than 1.5 million people worldwide who lost their lives to this vicious pandemic. 2020 also marked 60 years of bilateral diplomatic relations between the United States and Nigeria, and much has been accomplished over the course of that time as democracy and a free and open business environment continue to grow. Allow me to provide a bit more detail about accomplishments achieved with our Nigerian partners.
The international community came together in times of a health crisis. Over 60 members of the U.S. Mission in Nigeria – from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), USAID, and the U.S. Department of Defense’s Walter Reed Army Institute of Research – stood side by side with Nigerian counterparts at the National Center for Disease Control, Presidential Task Force and Nigerian military to strategize, plan, and effectively implement treatment of Nigerian citizens over the past nine months. In 2020, the United States provided more than $73 million in assistance for the COVID-19 response. This includes the delivery of 200 ventilators pledged during a conversation between Presidents Buhari and Trump in April, epidemiological COVID detection surveys, technical assistance, and service plans.
I whole-heartedly congratulated Nigeria in August for attaining a wild polio virus-free status and recognized that no country could have achieved this great feat without the support of its partners. This effort, buttressed by the Centers for Disease Control and USAID investments of approximately $220 million dollars combined over the last eight years, demonstrated the dynamism of state and local activities to strengthen surveillance, join in polio campaigns, create polio outbreak response plans, and encourage routine immunization.
The President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) enrolled its one millionth Nigerian patient this year. Our team has been engaged in a year-long surge activity that is now enrolling 6,000 new patients per week across the country. The National AIDS Indicator Survey (NAIIS) armed us with the data we needed to target the disease more effectively. We are doing just that with our partners at the Nigerian AIDS Control Agency, state governors, health commissioners, and State AIDS Control Agencies, and the Ministry of Health. Together, we are identifying patients, providing them life-saving treatment, and suppressing their viral loads to levels which can no longer transmit the disease. We are within reach of an AIDS free generation after twenty years of sustained commitment.
Two-way trade between our great nations has expanded to a value of over $9 billion. The United States is proud to be one of the largest foreign investors in Nigeria. Programs offered through our Foreign Commercial and Agricultural Services, like Prosper Africa and the West African Trade Hub, will continue to facilitate business that benefits both our countries. During a U.S. Chamber of Commerce December, the Minister of Communications and Digital Economy shared that Nigeria’s digital economy contributed more than 17 percent to the national GDP in 2020. Broadband penetration increased by 10 percent this year and as more Nigerians engage in secure and reliable online banking and retail, small and medium enterprises will be able to expand their online platforms and services. The United States actively supports the expansion of internet infrastructure in Nigeria, with the U.S. Trade and Development Agency this year providing over $3.6 million in project preparation assistance aimed at expanding reliable broadband connectivity to thousands of Nigerians. In 2021, we expect to see additional opportunities to reduce the digital divide. President Buhari recently signed the U.S.-Nigeria Open Skies agreement that will permit increased aviation links, generating new two-way trade and commercial opportunities. With the right policy environment, these trends will lead to even greater business and employment opportunities in 2021.
The United States is a steadfast supporter of Nigerian democracy. Nigerian youth mobilized and brought international attention to police abuse and successfully called for police reforms. We will seek opportunities in 2021 to contribute technical assistance in the national and state-level efforts to follow-through on #EndSARS commitments. In November, we welcomed Counselor Brechbühl’s delegation who came to raise U.S. government concerns about ongoing violence in Nigeria, human rights, and religious freedom, and to enhance U.S.-Nigerian cooperation in preventing atrocities. This past year we encouraged all stakeholders, including INEC, political parties, and security services, to make significant improvements to electoral processes. We congratulate INEC and the Nigerian people for the credible and largely peaceful Edo and Ondo State elections where voters felt their votes counted. We support public monitoring groups, such as YIAGA, to build public confidence in election results. Moving forward, the United States will continue to consider consequences – including visa restrictions – for individuals responsible for undermining the Nigerian democratic process or for organizing election-related violence.
Finally, no country can advance the well-being of its people without peace and security. Our ongoing U.S. security cooperation programs with Nigeria include equipment sales, grants, education, and training programs. Countering Boko Haram and ISIS-West Africa remain top priorities for both of our nations. Maritime security cooperation, through joint exercises such as Obangame Express, demonstrate the strength of our partnership to end piracy and encourage economic activity in the Gulf of Guinea.
We look forward to Nigeria hosting the U.S.-Nigeria Binational Commission in 2021. The Commission remains a premiere platform of engagement for our governments to expand cooperation and advance shared goals, particularly in the areas of trade and investment, development, good governance, and security cooperation.
With our 60 years young relationship, there is much to look forward to in 2021. We wish the Nigerian people quality moments with loved ones over the holidays, and time to rejuvenate the spirit as we welcome a new year of engagement and partnership.
