2027: PDP GOVERNORS TURN AGAINST ATIKU
Dons Eze
- October 21, 2024
NEW COVID-19 VARIANT EMERGES IN EUROPE, US
NEW COVID 19 VARIANT, XEC, EMERGES IN EUROPE, US A new strain of COVID-19 which has been predicted to become the dominant variant globally in the next few months, is rapidly spreading through Europe and the United States. The new variant, known as XEC, was first detected in Germany in June but has spread across 27 countries, including France and the US, infecting more than 600 people. XEC is the latest in a long list of past and current COVID variants being monitored as the COVID-19 virus naturally evolves. The strain has been described by health experts as a recombinant variant. Recombinants can occur naturally when a person is simultaneously infected with two different COVID-19. The XEC variants, health experts say, is a product of recombination between two hybrids of previously discovered omicron sub-variants – KS.1.1 and KP.3.3. These two parent variants are closely related, having both evolved from JN.1, which was the dominant variant around the world at the start of 2024. Researchers detect XEC cases through the Gisaid public database, where viral genetic sequences are submitted for examination. This platform enables the identification of mutations in SARS-CoV-2, the virus responsible for COVID-19. Currently, the US has reported 118 XEC cases, the highest globally. Germany has 92 XEC cases, the UK has 82, Canada has 77, and Denmark has 61 cases according to media reports but actual figures are likely to be higher in nations that do not regularly sequence COVID samples. Mutation In Europe and North America, the dominant variant is KP.3.1.1, while Asia is primarily affected by the closely related KP.3.3 variant. XEC has not been reported from any African country, but experts suggest that the strain is likely to become the dominant variant globally in the next few months. Compared to other strains, XEC is said to have a higher growth advantage, spreading much more rapidly than the others. Experts said XEC has this advantage because of its relatively rare T22N mutation (inherited from KS.1.1) combined with Q493E (from KP.3.3) in the spike protein. The spike protein is said to play a crucial role in helping the virus attach to human cells, allowing it to enter and begin replication. However, the impact of the T22N mutation on the virus’ ability to replicate or spread among individuals remains largely unclear. The first strain of COVID-19 and the first known case of the virus emerged in December 2019, with initial cases reported in the city of Wuhan, Hubei province, China. The virus, later identified as SARS-CoV-2, rapidly spread worldwide, leading to the pandemic declaration by the World Health Organization (WHO) in March 2020. In Nigeria alone, at least 267,000 COVID-19 cases were recorded with a case fatality rate of 1.2 per cent. How XEC spreads Since the initial outbreak of COVID-19, several new strains, or variants, of the SARS-CoV-2 virus have emerged due to mutations. These variants reflect the ongoing evolution of SARS-CoV-2, with some causing more severe waves of infection than others, often influenced by their ability to spread and evade immunity. The newest coronavirus variant, XEC, spreads mainly via respiratory droplets released into the air when an infected individual breathes, talks, coughs, or sneezes. Though the virus can persist on surfaces, surface transmission is said to be less frequent compared to airborne spread. As a result, health authorities recommend maintaining social distancing, wearing masks in public settings, and regularly using hand sanitiser to minimise the risk of infection. The XEC variant PREMIUM TIMES is aware, does not have any unique symptoms. Like other variants, XEC can lead to symptoms like sore throat, fever, fatigue, and muscle aches, which typically emerge within two to 14 days after exposure. These symptoms are often mild, but the severity can range widely. High-risk…
PRESIDENCY MOVES TO STOP OCTOBER 1 PROTEST
PRESIDENCY MOVES TO STOP OCTOBER 1 PROTESTOrdinarily, Tuesday, the 1st of October, 2024 will pass on as a day of merriment, in line with tradition, to celebrate Nigeria’s independence from colonial rule in 1960.But there are signs that aside the expected burst of conviviality, pomp and panoply, this year’s Independence Day, the 64th, may be different.As the government, on one hand, is trying to mark the day with the usual formalities, though on a low key, certain individuals and groups have slated it as a day to begin a sustained match in protest against the current hardship in the country owing to what they describe as ‘bad governance.’A similar protest held between August 1 and 10, with thousands of people across several states of the country pouring into the streets to protest, among other things, reversal of government policies, prominent among which is the removal of subsidies on petrol, floating of the naira and increase in electricity tariffs despite passionate pleas, intense lobbies and not so subtle cautions from various authorities on citizens to reconsider the action.People used the opportunity of the protests to express their grievances with the policies of the current administration and in many instances the protests became violent with attacks on persons and infrastructure and in the extreme, call for a regime change while waving Russian flags. The violence was more pronounced in the northern part of the country.President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who addressed the nation then, said though his government was feeling the pain of citizens, the measures his government had taken were necessary to guarantee better living standards for the people.The organisers, obviously not impressed with the government’s reaction, had since then promised another round of protests.The October 1 planned mass action tagged #FearlessInOctober, and in some instances EndBadGovernanceProtestInNigeria 2.0, is to be the promised sequel.The prelude to the Tuesday protest is, however, nowhere near the last one in which several efforts were made to stop the protests, using clerics and other respected personalities.But the government said it is talking with the organisers of the proposed protest with a view to reaching an understanding with them before October 1.Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, while reacting to enquiries from Weekend Trust, said the security agencies are already engaging some of the organisers.“Government is not against any peaceful protest by Nigerians. After all, it is their fundamental right to stage any protest.“But government is always apprehensive about such protests degenerating into a riot as we experienced in August or the 2020 EndSARS protest in many parts of the country.“Security agencies have been discussing with some of the organisers and they are being monitored so that they do not plunge the country into chaos or allow themselves to be used by internal and external forces which want to subvert the country and the 16-month-old administration”, he said.Onanuga added that the Tinubu administration has always acknowledged the difficulties citizens are facing, adding that hard times are transient as the economic reforms being implemented have started to yield dividends, based on economic indicators published by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS).“The government wishes to assure Nigerians that there is already light at the end of tunnel and seeks the patience and understanding of our compatriots,” he said.The organisers, however, insist that the protest would hold and that there is no going back.Political activist, Omoyele Sowore, who has been at the forefront of calls for the planned mass action, said: “I can tell you that there will be protests. I can also confirm to you that I will be out there on the protest lines, joining my voice to that of other Nigerian patriots, to denounce the anti-people policies of…
- Foreign Affairs
- September 28, 2024
- 183 views
THERE’S NO PLACE IN IRAN THAT WE CANNOT REACH – ISRAELI PRIME MINISTER, NETANYAHU
THERE’S NO PLACE IN IRAN THAT WE CANNOT REACH – ISRAELI PRIME MINISTER, NETANYAHU Israeli Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, has vowed that Israel will continue its military operations until its objectives are met, even as tensions escalate on both the Gaza and Lebanon fronts. Speaking at the United Nations General Assembly, Netanyahu issued a stern warning to Iran, stating, “If you strike us, we will strike you.” “There is no place in Iran that the long arm of Israel cannot reach, and that’s true of the entire Middle East,” Netanyahu declared during his address, as delegates from Lebanon and the Palestinian territories walked out in protest, AFP reports. Earlier, protesters gathered outside Netanyahu’s New York hotel, demanding an end to the ongoing violence in Gaza and Lebanon. The protests came in response to continued cross-border exchanges of fire between Hezbollah and Israel, which began after Hamas’ October 7 attack on Israel. Netanyahu reaffirmed his stance against a ceasefire, despite a 21-day truce proposal put forth by the United States and France. “It is an American-French proposal, which the prime minister has not even responded to,” said a statement from Netanyahu’s office. Israel has intensified strikes on Lebanon, where over 700 people have died in recent bombings. The UN called the situation Lebanon’s “deadliest period in a generation,” with a death toll exceeding 1,500 people after nearly a year of clashes.
STOP BLOCKING ROADS DURING PRAYER SESSIONS – APPEAL COURT PRESIDENT TELLS MUSLIMS, CHRISTIANS
STOP BLOCKING ROADS DURING PRAYER SESSIONS – APPEAL COURT PRESIDENT TELLS MUSLIMS, CHRISTIANS President of the Court of Appeal, Monica Dongban-Mensem, has appealed to both Muslims and Christians to stop blocking roads during their Friday and Sunday services Speaking on Thursday during the 2024 Mega Town Hall Meeting organised by the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) FCT command in Abuja, with the theme “Road Safety; A Collective Responsibility, Dongban-Mensem said those actions during Friday Muslim prayers and Sunday Church Services were against fundamental human rights. “When you block the road, you have created dangers for other road users. I think it is necessary to encourage these worshippers. All of us are worshippers in one way or the other. “We should let them know that they have no right to block the roads. They should rather employ the services of special marshals and other road safety officials to come and regulate the roads around their area. “It is inappropriate, very dangerous and insecure for other road users when everywhere seems blocked with vehicles and the like,” she said. The Court of Appeal President also stressed the need for construction companies to stop dumping materials in unauthorised places to ensure effective traffic control, especially in the FCT. Dongban-Mensem, however, solicited the support of Nigerians through volunteer service to enhance road safety work in Nigeria. In his keynote address, the FRSC Corps Marshal, Malam Shehu Mohammed said that the corps was strengthening its collaboration with all armed security agencies. Mohammed, who was represented by Assistant Corps Marshal (ACM), in charge of Operations, Hyginus Omeje said that the collaboration aimed to combat security challenges posed by individuals. This, he said includes those using their vehicles for kidnapping, robbery, one chance and other nefarious activities in the FCT. The FRSC Corps Marshal said that the corps had increased its visibility and strengthened enforcement to check the excesses of road users, especially commercial drivers. “Our officers have been working tirelessly across the country, clearing obstructions, enforcing traffic regulations, issuing licenses, and responding to Road Traffic Crashes(RTCs). “We should remember that road safety is not a slogan; it is a way of life. ” We must commit to prioritising safety on our roads, adhering to traffic regulations, and taking responsibility for our actions behind the wheel. “Let us work together, government, citizens and stakeholders, to create a safer future on our roads. Together, we can make a difference,“ he said. Mohammed, however, said that the corps would not relent in coming up with initiatives and measures to bring sanity to all Nigeria roads. Earlier, the FCT Sector commander, Chorrie Muta’a said that FCT had complex traffic issues caused majorly by behavioural factors, especially by commercial vehicle operators. Corrie, however, believed that there was a need for stronger partnerships and collaboration to achieve efficient and effective traffic control in the territory. “Poor parking of vehicles, non-adherence to designated parks, use of phone while driving, overloading and lane indiscipline are the most challenges that must be tackled head-on.” Chorrie assured that the FCT command would continue to promote responsible driving and strengthened traffic enforcement to deter reckless driving and other unsafe behaviours. Relevant stakeholders at the meeting pledged to support FRSC in its quest to check the excesses of road users and make roads safer for socio-economic activities.
- Spirituality
- September 28, 2024
- 149 views
PASTOR DIES IN ABUJA WHILE FASTING, PRAYING
PASTOR DIES IN ABUJA WHILE FASTING, PRAYING A pastor identified as John Ogbonna has reportedly died while fasting and praying over the situation of things in Nigeria. The deceased hailed from Ohazara in Ebonyi state. A disturbing video obtained by SaharaReporters shows the lifeless body of Ogbonna on a mountain along Arab Road in Abuja. According to reports, the deceased was fasting and praying in the area before meeting his untimely demise. “Ebonyi people, Ohaozara people, see where our brother ended. Pastor John Ogbonna. He is on mountain along Arab Road in Abuja, where he died since yesterday (September 22). Today is the 23rd day of September, 2024. Please spread this information to reach his family or anyone who knows him,” a voice is heard speaking in Igbo. Speaking to SaharaReporters, a follower of the deceased pastor said, “His lifeless body was discovered alongside his Bible and other prayer materials, causing sorrow among his congregation, who were awaiting his return. “He was known for his deep faith and commitment to spiritual retreats, often going to the mountain for extended periods of prayer. “The church community is mourning the loss of their spiritual leader, praying for his peaceful rest.”
WHY BOBRISKY WAS SEPARATED FROM OTHER INMATES – PRISON EXPERTS
WHY BOBRISKY WAS SEPARATED FROM OTHER INMATES – PRISON EXPERTS Prison experts have clarified why controversial crossdresser, Idris Okuneye, popularly known as Bobrisky, was separated from other inmates at the correctional centre while denying claims of a VIP section. Speaking on Arise TV’s The Morning Show on Friday, the Director General of the Prison Rehabilitation Mission, Bishop Kayode Williams, explained the accommodations provided for inmates based on different categories. He said, “There are accommodations for condemned prisoners, those sentenced to death, who must not mingle with other inmates. The second accommodation is convicted inmates, who are the owners of the prison.” Addressing Bobrisky’s situation, Williams added, “The accommodation that is provided for males, are they going to bring Idris with his transgender body /look to go and sleep in the general cell? The first thing they do is decide how to treat someone like that. “They provided him a special place for protective custody because, with his appearance, he would be in danger. He looks like a woman, moves like a woman, and there are homosexual inmates who would be willing to take things to extreme lengths.” Former National PRO of the Nigerian Correctional Service, Francis Enobore, corroborated Williams’ comments, explaining that the service profiles each inmate for both their safety and the general prison environment. “Yes, he confessed in court that he is a man but he came in bodily showing that he is a woman. Some of the people behind bars are unrepentant homosexuals. There is no doubt that if care is not taken, we will have a very serious security situation on our hands,” he said. However, Enobore refuted claims of Bobrisky being given a private section, stating, “There’s no such thing as a private apartment or anything special in the prison.” Controversy around Bobrisky’s incarceration began earlier in the week after Martins Otse, also known as VeryDarkMan, shared a voice note in which Bobrisky allegedly claimed that following his conviction for abuse of naira notes in April, his godfather, along with the Controller General of the Nigerian Correctional Service, arranged for him to serve his six-month sentence in a private apartment. Meanwhile, the Civil Defence, Correctional, Fire and Immigration Services Board announced on Thursday the suspension of two deputy controllers in charge of the Kirikiri Medium Custodial Centre in Lagos, in connection to Bobrisky’s alleged bribery claims.
THOSE WHO WILL RESCUE NIGERIA NOT YET BORN, JOE IGBOKWE, TINUBU SUPPORTER, MAKES U-TURN
THOSE WHO WILL RESCUE NIGERIA NOT YET BORN, JOE IGBOKWE, TINUBU SUPPORTER MAKES U-TURN Joe Igbokwe, a staunch supporter of President Bola Tinubu and the All Progressives Congress (APC), has alleged that those who will rescue Nigeria have not been born. Igbokwe, one of those who campaigned actively for Tinubu in the buildup to the election, said this while commenting on the cost of living crisis. In a Facebook post on Friday, Igbokwe lamented that a bag of rice now costs N100,000. “With all the rice mills we have in Nigeria, my wife just told me that a bag of rice is now ₦100k plus. Without sounding immodest, I am constrained to say that the men and women that will rescue this country from self-inflicted pains and tears are not born yet,” he wrote. Recently, Igbokwe, who served under virtually every Lagos governor since 1999, has been critical of some policies of the Tinubu administration, marking a departure of what he stood for. Two weeks ago, he lamented over the hike in electricity tarrif, asking Tinubu to look into it. In a post on his Facebook page three weeks ago, Igbokwe lamented that N20,000 worth of units only lasted him for just a day. He said: “PBAT, please look into the new electricity tariff in Nigeria. It will kill businesses if the government does not act as quickly as possible. I have a small office in Surulere with about about 7 units of AC. “We used to buy 300 plus units for N20,0000. Yesterday we bought N20,000 worth of units and it lasted for just one day. They call it band A group. I pray that we review this.”
EFCC DETAINS, CHARGES FORMER TARABA GOVERNOR, ISHAKU, OVER ALLEGED N27BN FRAUD
EFCC DETAINS, CHARGES FORMER TARABA GOVERNOR, ISHAKU, OVER ALLEGED N27BN FRAUDThe Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has arrested a former Governor of Taraba State, Darius Ishaku, and charged him with misappropriation of more than N27 billion belonging to the state government.EFCC filed the indictment with 15 counts against Mr Ishaku and a co-defendant at the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court in Abuja on Thursday.The co-defendant is a former Permanent Secretary of the Taraba State Bureau for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Bello Yero.EFCC alleged that, at various times, Mr Ishaku, diverted billions of naira from the contingency funds belonging to the state’s Bureau of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs and certain local governments of the states into their private uses. The total amounts allegedly diverted summed up to N27 billion.The commission alleged that the defendants committed the offences of criminal breach of trust and misappropriation while Mr Ishaku served as governor from 2015 to May 2023. At the time, Mr Yero was also said to be the Permanent Secretary of the state’s Bureau of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs.PREMIUM TIMES learnt on Friday that Mr Ishaku was arrested by the EFCC on Wednesday, and “has since spent three days in custody” of the commission in Abuja, sources familiar with the development but were not authorised to speak on the matter told PREMIUM TIMES on Friday.This comes ahead of the scheduled arraignment of the defendants, which PREMIUM TIMES learned, was already scheduled for Monday (30 September).When contacted over the development on, the spokesperson for the EFCC, Dele Oyewale said, “Yes, former Governor Ishaku is in our custody,” confirming his arrest. He, however, declined further comments on the matter.Before becoming governor in 2015, Mr Ishaku, 70 years old, was at various times the supervising minister for power, supervising minister for environment and the Minister of State for Niger Delta Affairs.He won his first governorship election in 2015 and a second term in 2019. He completed his second and final four-year term in 2023.IN 2022, he won his party, the People Democratic Party’s ticket to represent the Taraba South Senatorial District. But, in 2023, he was defeated in the senatorial election by a political newcomer David Jimkuta. Mr Jimkuta polled 85,415 votes to defeat the then outgoing governor Mr Ishaku who scored 45,708 votes.Read the 15 charges in full here.COUNT 1CHARGESThat you DARIUS DICKSON ISHAKU whilst being the Governor of Taraba State and BELLO YERO whilst being the Permanent Secretary, Bureau for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Taraba State between 25th August, 2015 and 21st March, 2016 ni Abuja, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, and in such capacity entrusted with dominion over certain property, to wit: an aggregate sum of N1, 010, 000, 000 (One Billion and Ten Million Naira), which sum formed part of the 2.5% contingency funds belonging to Bureau of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Taraba State committed criminal breach of trust in respect of the said property, when you dishonestly diverted the said sum to your own use and you thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 315 of the Penal Code Aul, Cap 532, Laws of the Federal Capital Territory of Nigeria 2007 and punishable under the same section.COUNT 2That you DARIUS DICKSON ISHAKU whilst being the Governor of Taraba State and BELLO YERO whilst being the Permanent Secretary, Bureau for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Taraba State between 25th August, 2015 and 21st March, 2016 in Abuja, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, dishonestly misappropriated certain property, to wit: an aggregate sum of N1, 010, 000, 000 (One Billion and Ten Million Naira), which sum formed part of the 2.5% contingency fund belonging to Bureau of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Taraba State and you thereby…
SPONSORSHIP OF BANDITRY ALLEGATION: MINISTER VS GOVERNOR: DHQS OPENS UP INVESTIGATION
SPONSORSHIP OF BANDITRY ALLEGATION: MINISTER VS GOVERNOR, DHQS OPENS UP INVESTIGATION The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has revealed that investigations have commenced into the allegations of bandit sponsorship in some regions of the country. The Director of Defence Media Operations, Edward Buba, made this known during a press briefing on Thursday. The Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle and the Zamfara State Governor, Dauda Lawal, have at various times, openly accused each other of sponsoring bandits. Recently, Matawalle challenged Lawal to swear by the Holy Qur’an that he was not involved in sponsoring bandits, while Lawal said he had reported the matter to the National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu, adding that he had evidence to back up his claim. Buba noted that the military and all other relevant security agencies are already investigating the matter, and a proper announcement will be made in the future. In the meantime, the DHQ spokesperson said the focus is to win the war against the bandits and other criminals in the country. “And when you talk about what’s going on about the sponsors, I can assure you that the relevant agencies that are saddled with that responsibility are doing a good job. And sooner than later, you will hear some announcements in that regard,” he said. “Winning a war is destroying the enemy’s will to fight. When you destroy the enemy’s will to fight, the war is over, you have won the war. And that’s why we are focused on destroying the enemy’s will to fight.”
PH REFINERY SETS OCTOBER 2 AS ANOTHER DATE TO COMMENCE OPERATION
PH REFINERY SETS OCTOBER 2 AS ANOTHER DATE TO COMMENCE OPERATION Maire Tecnimont SpA, the contractor overseeing the Port Harcourt refinery rehabilitation, has promised to provide an update on the project’s completion date by October 2. This assurance was conveyed through a letter from Olajide Oyewole LLP, the company’s legal representatives, in response to inquiries from Femi Falana, the popular human rights lawyer. Falana had requested clarification on the project’s timeline. In the letter, Olajide Oyewole LLP stated, “Our client is considering your letters and they intend to get back to you on or before 2 October 2024.” The $1.5 billion engineering procurement and construction (EPC) contract for the rehabilitation of the refinery was signed between the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) and Tecnimont on April 6, 2021. The project, initially scheduled for completion in phases of 18, 24, and 44 months, has faced several delays. Despite the NNPC’s announcement in December 2023 that the mechanical phase of the rehabilitation was completed, the refinery has yet to commence production. Earlier deadlines set for March and August 2024 were missed. Adedapo Segun, NNPC’s executive vice-president of downstream, recently emphasized that safety remains a priority, stating, “If NNPC discovers a situation that will affect the safe operation of the refinery, the national oil company cannot proceed with production just because a date has been given.”