SATURDAY 18TH APRIL 2020

PENGASSAN Kicks as Wike Arrests 22 ExxonMobil Staff for ‘Illegal Entry’ Oil workers exempted from restrictions, says union IG removes Rivers CP over incident

Ernest Chinwo in Port Harcourt, Emmanuel Addeh and Kingsley Nwezeh in Abuja

Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike, yesterday, arrested 22

staff of multinational oil giant, ExxonMobil for allegedly illegally entering the state in violation of his Executive Order to curtail the spread of the Coronavirus.

Wike has since quarantined

the oil workers and vowed to prosecute them.

However, in a swift reaction, the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) expressed displeasure with

Wike’s action, describing it as part of the continuous harassment of its members on essential duty by security operatives.

Apparently dissatisfied with the role played by the

Rives State Police Command in the arrest of the ExxonMobil workers, the Inspector-General of Police, Mohammed Adamu, yesterday evening removed Rivers CP, Dandaura Mustapha, and replaced him

with Gobum Mukan, who was asked to resume immediately in Port Harcourt.

Wike, who spoke yesterday in a live press conference at Continued on page 5

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Nigeria Mourns as COVID-19 Claims Biggest Victim, Abba Kyari New strategy, community infections, responsible for rising cases, says FG With record 51 new cases yesterday, total confirmed now 493 Private sector relief fund hits N25.9bn Edo, Lagos, Kaduna, Enugu, Ogun discharge 20 patients Masari locks down Dutsinma Soyinka, others ask Africa to reduce dependence FG ready to evacuate Nigerians from China China raises Wuhan death figure by 50%, denies cover-up Our Correspondents The ravaging COVID-19 pandemic claimed its biggest victim in Nigeria late yesterday, with the death of Abba Kyari, the Chief of Staff to President Muhammadu Buhari. He died of complications from the virus at a Lagos hospital.

Presidential spokesman, Femi Adesina, confirmed the sad news in a tweet: “Chief of Staff to the President, Mallam Abba Kyari, passes on. May God rest his soul. Amen.

Funeral arrangements to be announced soon.”

The Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu also confirmed the death in a terse chat posted on his Twitter handle.

He said: “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. May God accept his soul. Funeral arrangements will be announced shortly.”

It was made public that Kyari tested positive for COVID-19 late last month, following an official trip to Germany nine days before.

It was also reported that Kyari had underlying medical conditions. He later rejected these claims, and announced his movement from Abuja to Lagos for further treatment.

While in office, Kyari was an influential figure within the Buhari administration. During the administration's first term, he worked mainly behind the scenes to implement the Continued on page 5

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Abba Kyari

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T H I S D AY, T H E S AT U R D AY N E W S PA P E R • SATURDAY, APRIL 18, 2020

PAGE FIVE PENGASSAN KICKS AS WIKE ARRESTS 22 EXXONMOBIL STAFF FOR ‘ILLEGAL ENTRY’ Government

House, Port Harcourt, said the ExxonMobil staff were arrested while entering Rivers State from Eket, Akwa Ibom State, through the East-west Road.

The governor said: "Yesterday, it was ExxonMobil that brought 22 people into Rivers State.

Although, service commanders, including the Commissioner of Police, are pleading that we should allow them to return to Uyo. I know their predicament because they take orders from Abuja.

"But, this one, I will fight this one. I have told the Attorney-General to prepare; we are going to court against them. We will fight this fight legally. ExxonMobil cannot bring in 22 people illegally into Rivers State.

"ExxonMobil does not operate in Rivers State. They only make use of the Onne Port. We are not sure of the health status of the people they brought into the state because they can enter Eleme and Onne communities.

"We cannot leave corporate bodies who are not obeying the laws while akara and groundnut sellers are being charged to court in Lagos. This ExxonMobil matter will expose those in Abuja. I am ready for them. Rivers State is not a pariah state and we will not be."

Wike insisted that there was a deliberate plot by some persons in Abuja to ensure that people in Rivers State are infected with the Coronavirus.

He said: "Some people want

the escalation of the virus in Rivers State. People were paid to canvass a negative narrative on Carveton Pilots.

"We are doing what we can within available resources to fight Coronavirus. You can fly, but as you fly and land, don't enter our territory.

"People in Abuja are not happy.

They want Rivers State to be infected. They want to kill Rivers people and I will not allow it.

I was elected to protect Rivers people. Rivers State is not a pariah State.”

He announced that the management of Caverton Helicopters had formally apologised to the Rivers State government, leading to the granting of bail to its two pilots and 10 passengers that were arrested for illegally flying into Rivers State.

Wike said: "Caverton Helicopters has apologised to us. The Managing Director sent me a WhatsApp message from America and people who don't know anything were quoting the laws. I was prepared for them.

"But some prominent Nigerians intervened and apologised on their behalf also. Caverton Helicopters’ management said they won't do it again and should be given a second chance. I asked them to put it in writing and they did."

The governor, who vows not to take any loans from banks to fight coronavirus, said the state government will not be friendly with any company that operates in Rivers State and does not

support the state.

The Governor praised the management of Nigerian Liquefied Natural Gas Limited (NLNG) for cooperating with the state authorities to fight the spread of coronavirus.

"I must commend the management of NLNG for obeying the established health protocol to check the spread of coronavirus. They have consistently liaised with the State Government in the movement of their staff on essential duties. This is what is expected of a responsible corporate organisation," he said Meanwhile, PENGASSAN yesterday expressed displeasure over what it said was the continuous harassment of its members on essential duty by security operatives.

A statement jointly signed by the President, PENGASSAN, Nduka Ohaeri and General Secretary, Lumumba Okungbawa, said the arrested 22 members of the union from ExxonMobil on essential duty, were coming from Port Harcourt for 'quarantine' before going offshore.

It said that the arrest was carried out by the Rivers State Police Command on the pretext of enforcing the state government directives on the executive orders proclaimed in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic.

The statement said the federal and state governments had listed categories of persons exempted from the total lockdown directives which it said included

senior staff in the oil and gas industry which PENGASSAN represents.

PENGASSAN expressed sadness that operatives of security agencies, who are vested with the responsibility to enforce laws, had begun to intimidate and harass the union members on patriotic duty.

“Only statesmen with national interest will venture out of their comfort zones during this period of global pandemic and national emergency.

“Recall that before this latest incident, 10 of our members onboard Caverton helicopter were meted with similar act of brutal force in the guise of sustaining the war against the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Our association condemns this new form of intimidation and therefore demands an unconditional release of all the staff of ExxonMobil still under detention with apologies.

“We warn that should this high level of intimidation and harassment persist, PENGASSAN will in consultation with our sister union in the sector have no option than to order our members out of the various oil platforms, rigs and other facilities without further notices.

“We implore the federal government and stakeholders to prevail on all the security agencies in Rivers State and all other states to stop forthwith this unpleasant anti-workers and economic posture that also amounts to hostage taking.

“The association also demands

the establishment of COVID-19 testing centre in Port Harcourt to allow oil and gas workers going to rigs, offshore platforms and others to be tested before going to work locations as against quarantining them for two weeks.

“The testing will prevent attendant psychological and cost implications on workers and organisations, respectively.

Finally, we seek that every law and legislation should have a human face,” it said.

Chairman of the ExxonMobil branch of the union, Razaq Obe and Secretary, Kings Udoidua, in another statement, said that the detention of the offshore workers was illegal.

Describing the situation as appalling, the ExxonMobil branch of PENGASSAN maintained that its staff had been verbally assaulted and starved since Thursday when the arrest took place.

It said that ExxonMobil Nigeria, like other responsible organisations, had adopted the 14-day isolation of all personnel as a prerequisite for offshore travels in order to mitigate COVID-19 risk, stressing that the company has facilities in Akwa Ibom State and one in Port Harcourt (Intels).

“At about 3:30pm on Thursday April 16, 2020, Rivers State commissioner of police with his team and a top army commander intercepted the convoy (protected by the police) conveying ExxonMobil personnel who are PENGASSAN

members on their way to Intels, Port Harcourt, at Bori (Akwa Ibom/Rivers boundary),” the union said.

It said that despite all entreaties, the commissioner rebuffed all explanations and forced them to move to Elekaya Stadium, Port Harcourt, where they have been detained, verbally assaulted and starved since then.

“The original pretext for sending them to the stadium was to test for COVID-19 but there was no such possibility at the location; it is a construction site. They rather served them papers to write statements.

“It is appalling that Rivers State authorities have turned the global effort to tame COVID-19 to a tool of muscle-flexing and petty oppression of oilfield workers.

“We condemn the continued detention of the 21 members of our union who stake everything to produce the oil the country depends on for survival.

“We call on all stakeholders to prevail on the government of Rivers State to end this most unpleasant drama. Our members have broken no law,” the union said.

The spokesman of ExxonMobil, Mr. Oge Udeagha, told THISDAY last night that the oil firm was working with the Rivers State government to resolve the “transportation misunderstanding.”

Udeagha added: "As always, wherever we operate, we comply with all applicable laws, rules and regulations.”

number of demands of the Chinese Government, including the insistence on the respect of the rights and dignity of Africans and Nigerians in Guangdong.

cases of COVID-19 and one death had been recorded.

NIGERIA MOURNS AS COVID-19 CLAIMS BIGGEST VICTIM, ABBA KYARI president's agenda. He also did same during the President’s second term until his death yesterday.

As an avalanche of tributes poured in on social media, especially Twitter, the Minister of state, Labour and Employment, Festus Keyamo took to his Twitter page to recount his last moments with the deceased.

He wrote: “When I chatted with him exactly on Tuesday, March 24, 2020, he assured me his health was fine and that he would faithfully take the treatments. But God always knows best. Sincere condolences to the Kyari family and the Government of Nigeria. Adieu Mallam Abba Kyari.”

Also speaking, the Minister of Communications and Digital Economy also expressed sadness at the death.

He wrote: “May the Almighty Allah forgive and be Merciful to Malam Abba Kyari (Chief of Staff to the President). May He (SWT) bless us with a good end.”

Meanwhile, the federal government yesterday attributed the sudden rise in the number of Covid-19 cases in the country to the implementation of a new case-finding strategy, as well as the result of rising community transmission.

The Minister of Health, Dr. Osagie Ehanire, who disclosed this in Abuja at the media briefing by the Presidential Taskforce on Covid-19, said health officials had commenced house-to-house and cluster testing, using the revised criteria for sample collection.

On the same day, figures from the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) showed that a record 51 new cases were recorded yesterday, with total number of confirmed cases now 493, from the 442 recoded on Thursday. 159 had been discharged with 17 deaths recorded as at yesterday.

Ehanire explained that more people with COVID-19 were being detected and transferred to treatment centres, adding that there will still be need for more social mobilisation for community testing at grassroots

level and Isolation of positive cases.

"We shall ensure the right message is disseminated to control ongoing transmission.

In this regard, I must again emphasise that citizens are obliged to disclose complete and accurate information to health workers, especially about their travel history or contact with persons who have or had COVID-19. This is important for two main reasons: full disclosure allows health workers to promptly, investigate, diagnose and treat correctly, to improve chances of patient survival and recovery.

"The right information also keeps the health workers safe.

Withholding the truth puts both the user and caregiver at risk, but also other patients on site," he said.

Speaking during the media briefing yesterday, the Director General of the NCDC, Dr. Chikwe Ihekweazu said that the centre has approved a new testing strategy which will be uploaded on its website so that all interested stakeholders can have access to it.

"Today we are pleased to announce a national strategy to scale up the Coronavirus disease testing in Nigeria and we are putting it up on our website. People can tell us their thinking about state governments and other private sector stakeholders. The strategy shows the direction NCDC is headed and how they can come in. This leverages on validated technologies available for testing at the moment," he said.

The NCDC DG said that one of the key aspects of the strategy was not only to leverage on existing infrastructure for testing, but also to rapidly include other facilities that are used for other infectious diseases.

Giving more insight into the strategy, Ihekweazu said that the first thing was to expand the existing laboratory network and secondly to convert facilities used for testing HIV infection for use in testing COVID-19 cases.

He said the centre was able to secure supply of reagents

on Thursday to test-run the converted machines at the national reference laboratory in Abuja.

He said that another option was to utilise an equipment known as Gene Expert machine to also scale up the testing for COVID-19 in the country. On this, Ihekweazu said that there are 400 Gene Expert, out of which 41 were now ready for use for COVID-19 testing.

He further said that there are plans to decentralise COVID-19 testing to all the 36 states and to rapidly improve the turnaround time for getting test results.

While responding to a question about the country's apparent late commencement of mass testing for COVID-19, Ihekweazu said: "You know COVID-19 is unlike anything we have ever seen, and it requires very critical and fast thinking. I know that we might have been slow to get things scaled up, but anyone that had followed discussions around this disease outbreak will know that it is not only Nigeria that has struggled with initiating mass testing in their settings."

Private Sector Relief Fund Hits N25.9bn Donations into the private sector relief fund, championed by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to raise funds to combat COVID-19 have risen to N25.894 billion as at yesterday, up from the N21.589 billion reported previously.

This was disclosed in a statement yesterday on behalf of the coalition by the Director, Corporate Communications, CBN, Mr. Isaac Okoroafor.

Also, the statement showed that the list of contributors has increased from the 50 reported previously, to a total of 107 individuals and organisations.

Okoroafor, while urging more Nigerians and corporate bodies to contribute to the fund, charged Nigerians to do their part in checking any further spread of the virus in Nigeria.

CACOVID recently said work had started to provide and equip medical facilities in

the six geopolitical zones.

The medical facilities included the creation of testing, isolation and treatment centres as well as the provision of Intensive Care Units (ICUs) and molecular testing labs.

CBN Governor, Mr. Godwin Emefiele, had said CACOVID was targeting N120 billion for the acquisition of healthcare facilities and advocacy about the virus across the country, among others.

FG Ready to Evacuate Nigerians from China Following the new revelations as regards the maltreatment of Nigerians in Guangzhou, China, the federal government has declared its readiness to immediately begin the process of evacuating the affected Nigerians from the Asian country.

The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Geoffrey Onyeama, made this known while addressing a press conference yesterday in Abuja, where he revealed that he had summoned the Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, Zhou Pingjian, for the second time since the reports surfaced in the media to register Nigeria’s displeasure over the development.

He stressed that contrary to what the Nigerian government had believed that the situation was now under control, it became apparent that there were still very distressing incidences.

The minister stated categorically that emerging facts revealed that it was an institutional attack on the rights and dignity of Nigerians and Africans there.

Onyeama said even though there was an effort to contain an outbreak of the virus, including some Africans who came into the country and tested positive, but insisted that there was absolutely no reason whatsoever to completely trespass on the rights and dignity of Nigerians and Africans in the city.

Onyeama further said the Nigerian Ambassador to China, Baba Ahmed Jidda, as well as other African ambassadors in China, met with the Chinese Foreign Ministry and expressed their concern and made a

FG Proposes Palliatives for Coronavirus Victims The federal government has suggested that coronavirus victims also deserve palliatives and should be enlisted on the conditional cash transfer register administered by the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development.

The Chairman of Presidential Task Force (PTF) on COVID-19, Boss Mustapha, made this proposal yesterday while the task force was briefing the press. The conditional cash transfer seeks to provide financial palliatives for the vulnerable of the society across all states of the federation.

Masari Locks Down Dutsinma Governor Aminu Masari of Katsina State on Thursday night announced the lockdown of another Local government area in the state (Dutsinma).

He said the lockdown which becomes effective from yesterday is meant to curb the spread of COVID-19 in the council and in the state.

The Governor, who made the announcement at the review meeting on COVID-19 at Government House, Katsina, revealed that a report from the NCDC confirmed one COVID-19 case in Dutsinma, necessitating the lockdown.

Another decision taken at the meeting was to shut down major weekly markets in the state, also from yesterday.

The governor also announced the suspension of weekly Friday congregational prayers with effect from next week until further notice and the suspension of annual Ramadan public Tafsir and Tarawiy as well as the suspension of activities at the cinema, event centres and Television viewing centres throughout the state.

Katsina currently has seven

Edo, Lagos, Kaduna, Enugu, Ogun Discharge 20 Patients Edo State has discharged five coronavirus patients undergoing treatment in its isolation centre.

Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki, announced this on his Twitter handle on yesterday.

He tweeted, “I am pleased to announce that 5 of the confirmed cases in #Edo State have now tested negative twice for #COVID-19. They have thus been discharged.

“This bolsters our resolve to defeat this common enemy, as we roll out more measures to check the spread of #COVID-19.”

Also in Lagos, five more patients undergoing treatment at its isolation centres have been discharged.

The Lagos State Commissioner for Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi, made this known in a tweet yesterday.

He said that the five newlydischarged patients bring the total number of patients that have recovered in the state to 90.

Abayomi tweeted, “19 new confirmed cases of #COVID-19 Infection recorded in Lagos on the 16th of April. This brings the total number of confirmed Lagos #COVID-19 cases to 254.

“Five fully recovered #COVID-19 patients were discharged. Total discharged #COVID-19 patients are now 90.”

Three patients have recovered COVID-19 in Kaduna state. The commissioner of health, Dr. Amina Baloni disclosed this in a statement yesterday.

Ogun state governor, Dapo Abiodun, yesterday evening, also announced that the state had discharged six more COVID-19 patients leaving it with only three confirmed cases.

In Enugu State, the second COVID-19 patient, who is one of the two cases in the state that were in isolation, receiving treatment, has tested negative for the disease and consequently been discharged by the State Ministry of Health.

Continued on page 15

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ APRIL 18, 2020

NEWS

News Editor Ahamefula Ogbu 08116759810 (sms only) Email ahamefula.ogbu@thisdaylive.com

Depressed Demand in Global Oil Market Forces Nigeria’s Bonny Light to $12 Bennett Oghifo with agency report

The dire effect of the Coronavirus pandemic on global demand for crude oil has hit Nigeria hard with one of the nation’s standard grade, Bonny Light trading at $12 or $13 a barrel, this week.

According to Bloomberg, which quoted traders monitoring the West African market, it is a deep loss-making level that highlights the gap “that has emerged between real crude prices that producers are fetching, and headline futures contracts like Brent, which stood at about $28”

yesterday.

This situation is worsened by lack of on-shore storage facilities for the unwanted crude oil, and this will compel Nigeria to seek ships to hold the crude.

Nigeria’s glut is caused by the fact that most countries in Europe that make up the traditional market for Nigeria’s

Dead Fishes Flood Rivers Shorelines

Government begins investigation, warns ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱę ȱ Ernest Chinwo in Port Harcourt

The banks of many riverine communities in Rivers State have been littered with dead fishes washed ashore by waves.

But worried by the development, the Rivers State Government has warned residents to refrain from the consumption of the dead fishes while it carries out investigations on them.

The areas most affected are communities in Bonny and Andoni local government areas of the state.

Specifically, the dead fishes were seen in Amariari, Lighthouse, River 7, Agaja, Uku-Mbi, Mbisu 1, Mbisu 2, and Ifoko communities in Bonny Local Government Area, and in Oyorokoto and other communities in Andoni Local Government Area.

Worried by the quantity of the dead fishes on the shores and waterways of Bonny, a team of young men from the area tried to unravel the mystery behind the phenomenon and their preliminary findings have gone viral in the social media.

The team, made up of Godswill Jumbo, a journalist; Humphrey Buowari; Kelly Brown; and Kindness Brown, all executive members of Finima Youth Congress (FYC), said they visited the affected areas of Bonny.

According to their report, the affected fish species is croaker, popularly known as ‘Broke Marriage’ and called ‘Onah’ in Ibani dialect.

Their report said, “The fish were seen lying dead and littered along the shoreline from Lighthouse all the way to Ifoko on the fringe of the boundary between Bonny and Andoni LGA. The fish were also sighted dead and floating on the sea and being washed ashore by waves.”

They also said, “We also received and verified reports that several communities along the Atlantic shoreline across the

area referred to as the Gulf of Guinea are affected too. These include Ondo, Delta, Bayelsa, Rivers and Akwa Ibom states in Nigeria.”

A member of the team and journalist, Godswill Jumbo, told THISDAY on telephone that the fishermen they visited in the impacted communities said they started noticing the incident about the last week of March and that smell of the dead fish was scaring away other living fishes thus depriving them of their daily catches.

“They informed that the incidence began about the last week of March 2020 and were in large quantities as much as were filling their fishing baskets and boats. Some used theirs for domestic consumption while others dried and sold to their customers both in Bonny and Port Harcourt,” he said.

Some observations of the team include: “Only the Croaker was affected across all the observed affected areas; The dead fish were always turning up fresh in the mornings along the shores; The fishermen observed out at sea that some of the fish kept popping up on the surface of the water and some were alive when sighted only to be struggling to stay alive and then they die.

“Within 2 nautical miles from Lighthouse the fish were all dead but beyond that and as far as the Fairway Buoy many of the fishes were sighted alive only to die later; on the body of the fish, swellings were sighted looking like a lesion or boil.

When pricked something pus would be excreting from it; the fish begins to rotten from the tail as against the head.

“The fish begins to turn green when it begins to get rotten; when spread out on the fire to dry, unlike normal fish, these do not thoroughly dry up, instead they would disintegrate or scatter.

He also said the team observed out at the sea that the tide was

carrying them from the high sea towards the sea shores, suggesting probably that the cause of their deaths may be up ahead out there in the deep sea.

He further raised concern that the fishes were already being sold in markets, even in Port Harcourt in spite of warnings that they could be injurious to health.

Although there were no explanations on the cause of the death of the fishes, THISDAY gathered that samples of the dead fishes have been sent to an expert on hydrobiology/fisheries, Professor Ibitoru Hart, of the University of Port Harcourt for investigation.

Prof. ibitoru Hart told THISDAY that the samples had been sent to the laboratory for analysis and that the results would be out in about two weeks.

The Rivers Government has also stated that sample of dead fishes had been taken to the Rivers State University Laboratory for analysis to identify the cause of death.

Meanwhile, the Rivers State Ministry of Environment has confirmed massive death of fishes along the rivers of Finima in Bonny LGA and Oyorokoto in Andoni LGA. The report was brought to the attention of the Ministry on Friday by King M. O. Dic-Isotu, Abah Ogwuile XIII of Unyengala Doni Town in Andoni LGA. Reacting on the incidence, the Commissioner for Environment, Dr. Igbiks Tamuno, has called on the people living in the affected communities not to eat the said fishes, as the ministry would carry out full scale investigation to ascertain the actual cause of the death.

Meanwhile THISDAY gathered Tamuno, had already swung into action as he has sent a team to Bonny to immediately commence investigations.

As at 5pm Friday, the team had arrived Bonny and was being taken round the shores of the community.

Lockdown: Lawan Flays Extra Judicial Killings Deji Elumoye in Abuja

President of the Senate, Dr. Ahmad Lawan, has flayed the reported extra judicial killing of 18 people by security agents in the course of enforcing the COVID-19 lockdown ordered by the federal government.

Lawan, in a statement yesterday condemned in

strong term the cases of extra-judicial killings by security agents as reported by the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) in the course of the enforcement of the lockdown ordered in parts of the country to contain the spread of the Coronavirus.

He said he was saddened by the report by the NHRC

that 18 persons were killed by high-handed security officers tasked to enforce the stay-athome directives.

According to him, extrajudicial killings, in whatever guise, should be discouraged in our society and called for a thorough investigation of the cases with those indicted should be promptly brought to account.

crude are on lockdown to curb the Coronavirus spread, and as attractive as the prices are right now, buyers in Asia are believed to be unwilling to order cargoes because they will also need to pay for freight, “and no real need for the barrels since demand has been obliterated,” according to Bloomberg.

The low demand could become a particular challenge for Nigeria, since the country has very little space to store supplies if they are unwanted.

“That seems to be the first real point of a bust, with no onshore storage, so it has to go onto ships,” said Spencer Welch, a director on the oil markets and downstream team at IHS Markit.

The prices are well below the cost of producing oil in Nigeria -- about $22 a barrel, and lower still than the the nation’s fiscal breakeven, assessed by Fitch Ratings about $133 a barrel.

Nigeria depends on crude sales for half of government revenues and 90% of foreign

exchange earnings, which is the reason the nation is hurting, particularly with its inability to store crude. IHS Markit says Nigeria would run out of storage space quickly if it could not find ships to take its oil.

Records show that Nigeria sells its barrels at premiums or -- more recently -- discounts to Dated Brent, a physical North Sea crude price that’s published by S&P Global Platts. Dated Brent was at about $18.10 a barrel on Wednesday, and Bonny Light was $5.70 less than that, according to traders.

That works out at about $12.40.

According to the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, “The market is simply responding to the forces of demand and supply precipitated by the COVID-19 pandemic,” NNPC said in a statement. “We are working assiduously to guarantee a steady market for our crude in the short and long term.”

Traders of West African oil say that about 10 million barrels for sale in April remain unsold with just 13 days of the month to go. For May that’s as much as 60 million barrels.

That represents a very slow pace of sales, and the region’s June loading programs are just starting to be released.

The vast majority of unsold supplies are Nigerian rather than Angolan, and a big cause of the glut is because traditional European buyers have stopped purchasing because demand there has collapsed.

According to Bloomberg, “The weakness afflicting Nigeria is global. Spot supplies of Canada’s Cold Lake were bought by a Chinese refiner at a discount of between $8 and $9 a barrel to ICE Brent on a delivered basis, while an oil major sold a shipment comprising Alaskan North Slope and Brazilian grades at a $5.50 to $6 discount, said traders who buy and sell crude in Asia.”

One Killed, Scores Injured as Hoodlums Attack Ex-Monarch’s Family James Sowole in Akure

A seven-year-old boy was killed while scores sustained various degree of injuries when hoodlums attacked the home of the former Olugbo of Ugbo, Prince Adebanjo Mafimisebi.

The seven- year-old boy identified as Marvelous Akintubuwa, was thrown into the river while his corpse was discovered floating yesterday morning.

It was gathered that the hoodlums numbering 50, invaded the house which served as palace for the former Olugbo at about 2a.m. on Thursday, beating the

occupants of the old palace including the Olori of the former monarch.

According to findings, property in the building were moved out and set ablaze by the hoodlums, while residents of the community who tried to intervene were matchetted and chased out of the town.

Sequel to the attack, the Mafimisebi family had petitioned the state governor, Mr. Rotimi Akeredolu and security agencies in the state to intimate them about the ugly development.

In the petition signed by Idowu Mafimisebi of Mafimisebi,

Jayeola and Company, the family complained about the brutality of the former monarch’s family and destruction of his property.

The solicitor, who narrated previous disagreement between the former monarch and the current monarch on the land on which the former palace was built, alleged that Oba Obateru Akinruntan, had insisted that the former Oba and his family should move away from the place.

The lawyer alleged that it was surprising that the current Oba took laws into his hand by various means, despite the court process on the matter.

Military: MNJTF Agreement Precludes Unilateral Withdrawal of Troops Kingsley Nwezeh in Abuja

The Military High Command declared yesterday that the agreement binding member-states of the Lake Chad Basin that formed the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF) did not allow for unilateral withdrawal of troops.

It restated its earlier position that no Nigerian territory in the North-east and Lake Chad Basin was unmanned.

This comes as it said minimum force would be employed to enforce the presidential directive to restrict movement in order to curb the spread of COVID-19 pandemic even as it warned criminals against taking advantage of the lockdown to perpetrate crime.

Republic of Chad, one of the coalition partners in MNJTF had issued an April 22 deadline to Nigeria and Niger Republic to occupy territories of those countries liberated by Chadian troops.

President of Chad, Idris Deby, said he had warned those countries that his forces would move out of bases seized

there from the jihadists by April 22, regardless of whether their armed forces moved in or not.

Speaking in an interview, President of Chad Idris Derby, said his troops deployed to fight jihadists in the Lake Chad region and the Sahel, would no longer take part in military operations outside national borders.

“Our troops have died for Lake Chad and the Sahel. From today, no Chadian soldiers will take part in a military mission outside Chad,” he told national TV in Arabic. His remarks were broadcast in French last week.

But speaking at a briefing in Abuja, Coordinator, Directorate of Defence Media Operations, Major General John Enenche, said the agreement binding MNJTF member-countries did not allow for unilateral withdrawal of troops from the theatre of war.

“We are all stakeholders. Are they (Chad) holding our territory?

Demographically, they are not holding any part of our territory.

“What champion are you for pushing an enemy out of your own territory?,” he queried.

Enenche reaffirmed that “they

are not holding any part of our territory. There is an agreement and they cannot withdraw. I assure Nigerians that not one each of our territory can be taken over by anybody.

“Those who are talking do not know how our boundaries are structured. MNJTF is working well all towards ridding Lake Chad of Boko Haram and ISWAP.” Responding to a question on the arrest and trial of 58 terrorists

by Chad in contradiction with Nigeria’s policy of amnesty for repentant terrorists, Enenche said it was dependent on the policies of each country even as he queried Chad’s claim that it killed 1,000 insurgents.

“Will Chad ask us how to manage our internal security?

If they don’t know how to go about amnesty, they should ask. They said they killed 1,000 insurgents. Did we see their corpses.

“If they arrested such number, why didn’t they fire them. There’s a conversation that if your enemy surrenders, you take him as prisoner of war. It’s an international convention,” he said.

SATURDAY APRIL 18, 2020 • T H I S D AY

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ ͹΀˜ ͰͮͰͮ

NEWS

TACKLING COVID-19...

L-R: Chairman, Presidential Task Force on COVID-19/Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Mr. Boss Mustapha; the National Coordinator of the Task Force, Dr. Sani Aliyu; and the Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed, during the Task Force’s press briefing in Abuja…yesterday. Photo: Razaq Abiola

FG Plans Evacuation of Nigerians from U.S, Other Countries Bennett Oghifo

The federal government is finalising plans to evacuate Nigerians that are stranded in the United States and in other countries in the wake of the Coronavirus pandemic.

The government’s position is contained in a statement issued yesterday by Mrs. Ninikanwa Okey-Uche

the Consul, Information and Community Relations, for the Consul General, Nigerian Consolate, New York, U.S.A. The statement, which referred to a notice made prior on April 3, 2020, said the evacuation was in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, stating that priority would be accorded to those with short stay visas, proofs of

return ticket to Nigeria, the elderly and families with young children.

Prospective evacuees are expected to submit updated information, including their full name, contact details in the US and Nigeria, data page of valid Nigerian passport, copy of short stay USA visa, copy of return ticket, among others before the April 22 deadline.

According to the statement, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control, (NCDC) will test all travellers for COVID-19 on arrival in Nigeria and will undergo 14 days mandatory quarantine at their cost. They are also to pay for their flight, accommodation, upkeep for the period of quarantine before their departure for Nigeria.

Ex-Transcorp BossTasks FG on Food, Power, Security to Aid Stay-at-home David-Chyddy Eleke in Awka Former President of Transcorp PLC, Mr. Valentine Ozoigbo, has tasked the federal government on the provision of food, power and adequate security to enable Nigerians stay at home during this period.

Ozoigbo said food, power and security were among the basic essentials that will help Nigerians

to stay at home as part of the ways to beat the Coronavirus.

In a press release made available to THISDAY and signed by Izuchukwu Oraelosi, the General Manager of Chineto Ozigbo Foundation, Mr. Ozigbo, a guber aspirant for the 2021 election in Anambra State, urged governments and wealthy individuals to prioritise the provision of food and water, security, and power.

He said, "These are vital in this lockdown period. My foundation, Chineto Ozigbo Foundation, in trying to ensure food for the people has made interventions worth more than N20 million in providing thousands of bags of rice, thousands of hand sanitisers, face masks, and education materials in over 60 communities in Anambra.

"Through these programmes

and our participation in other COVID-19 intervention projects, we are touching lives of over 100,000 people in my home state of Anambra."

He, therefore, called on wellmeaning individuals in Anambra and across Nigeria to be more generous and help those who need help at this difficult time, noting that government could not do so alone.

UmahiPardons33 Inmates Orji Distances Self from Presidential Posters Benjamin Nworie in Abakaliki

Ebonyi State Governor, David Umahi, has unconditionally granted pardon to 33 convicted prison inmates serving different jail terms at the Abakaliki and Afikpo Correctional Centres.

Briefing journalist in Abakaliki, the State Commissioner for Justice and Attorney General of the State, Mr. Cletus Ofoke said that the decision to pardon the inmates was in line with the federal government policy to decongest the Correctional Centres.

The Attorney General said that the pardon followed recommendations of the state advisory council adding that the convicts includes both male and female with cases ranging from stealing, burglary, assault to occasioning bodily harm among others.

He noted that those on death row at the different Correctional Centres in the state were not

considered.

"The Governor in his averred determination to decongest the Correctional Centre in the Ebonyi State and guided by the recommendations of the state advisory council on prerogative of mercy has granted unconditional pardon and clemency has granted to 33 convicts serving various terms in the Correctional Centres in Abakailiki and Afikpo in Ebonyi State.

"His Excellency in line with the federal government directive to decongest the prisons following the outbreak of the deadly Coronavirus disease which the entire world is fighting so that it won't escalate in the country. Governor Umahi believes that the idea of social distancing which is being preached in the state may not be attained if the Correctional facilities in the state were not decongested.

Charles Ajunwa and Ahamefula Ogbu ImmediatepastgovernorofAbia State and Senator representing Abia Central senatorial district in the National Assembly, Senator TheodoreOrji,hasdisowned2023 presidentialcampaignpostersthat floodedAbaandUmuahia,saying hehadnomorepoliticalambition sincehewasquittingpoliticsafter serving out his present term.

Orji who is Chairman Senate Committee on Privatisation, insisted that he had made up his mind after returning to the Senate for the second time that in 2023, he was not going to contest for any elective office to make way for younger ones to serve, insisting that he was not going back on his words. Orji who blamed fifth columnists and his political detractors for the posters, said he also received calls that same posters had been seen as far as Ebonyi State

and asked law enforcement agencies to apprehend anybody seen pasting or in possession of such posters since they did not come from him.

“Several people have called my attention to posters that have flooded some cities in the country purporting to be from me on an ambition to contest for the presidency of the country in 2023 and I was surprised because I neither printed nor sent anyone on such a mission. Even if anyone wants me to go into the contest, I was not consulted so my conclusion is that it is being done by mischief-makers.

“After winning my last election into the Senate, I openly stated that I will no longer contest for any elective office so that I can leave the stage for younger people to come and play their parts; so how can I go back on my words after being part of those that supported the not too young to run bill that has become law in the country?

Two Surfers Tell of Romance with the Seas on African Voices Two surfers of repute this week grace the studios of Cable News Network’s (CNN) African Voices ChangeMakers with tales of candour and grit as they continue to conquer the tempestuous waves of the sea. The magazine programme is sponsored by telecommunications company, Globacom.

They are 24-year-old Khadija “Khadjou” Sambe, a Senegalese member of the Blacks Girls Surf group and Jose Peffer, a South African mentor of the Waves for Change Initiative who both have long years of romance with the seas.

Sambe lived in Ngor, a fishermen's village in Dakar, the capital of Senegal surrounded by water which fanned her foray into the male-dominated field of surfing at age 14 during which her uncles and cousins helped her to develop enough grit to befriend the sea on her surfing board.

Her relocation to Northern California notwithstanding, she has continued to work closely with her community in Senegal through an initiative, Black Girls Surf with which she inspires a new generation of Senegalese girls to surf. Sambe’s biggest dream is to represent her country at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics - a dream which has been temporarily put on hold by the Covid-19 pandemic.

On his own part, Peffer mentors budding surfers in South Africa through the Waves for Change Initiative which combines the passion for surfing with evidencebased mind and body therapy in order to provide child-friendly

mental health services to over 1,600 children in under-resourced areas of his country.

African Voices Change Makers will be on DSTV on Friday at 9.30 a.m. and on Saturday at 12.30 p.m., 5.30 p.m. and 8.30 p.m. Other repeat broadcasts come up on Sunday at 5.00 a.m., 9.30 a.m. and 8.30 p.m., with more repeats on Monday and Tuesday at 5.30 a.m. and 6.30 p.m. respectively Stakeholders, Residents Denounce Fake News on Igando Police Station Invasion There have been wide condemnation and criticisms over the tension created by alleged fake news purportedly suggesting military invasion and forceful removal of the Igando Divisional Police Officer, CSP Taiwo Kasumu.

This is even as the Lagos State Police Command has debunked the alleged military invasion, describing the news as false and mischievous.

Reacting, a first class Royal father and traditional ruler of Igando, Oba Gbadebo Gbadamosi, the Onigando of Igando, condemned the said video, describing it as "pure wicked lies".

The traditional ruler, who vouched for the DPO, stated that he was in a security meeting with him between 8am to 1.30pm the very day he was allegedly whisked away by the military.

"In fact no such thing happened.

The DPO is a nice and honest police Officer. I don't know why some criminal elements are plotting this evil news to dent his image."

Gov Fintiri Pardons 171 inmates in Adamawa Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri has pardoned 171 inmates serving their jail terms in various prisons across the state.

This was contained in a press release signed and made available to journalists yesterday by the Press Secretary to the governor, Mr. Humwashi Wonosikou According to him, the 171 inmates pardoned were among the list of 2,600 inmates pardoned by the federal

government.

He said, earlier the governor had granted amnesty to 46 inmates in exercise of powers conferred on him by section 213(1)(b) of the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria " The governor's decision is in consonance with the federal government to decongest some of the overcrowded prisons in the wake of the novel Corona virus pandemic," he said.

T H I S D AY, T H E S AT U R D AY N E W S PA P E R ˞ ͚΀˜ Ͱ͎Ͱ͎

˛˛˛˛

˛˛˛˛

˛˛˛˛

˛˛˛˛

Farewell Abba Kyari

A

bba Kyari was a Kanuri from present day Borno State; though little is known about his early life. In 1980, he graduated with a bachelor's degree in sociology from the University of Warwick, and also received a bachelor's degree in law from the University of Cambridge. In 1983, he was called to the Nigerian Bar after attending the Nigerian Law School.

Awell-read man, he obtained a master's degree in 1984 in law from the University of Cambridge and later attended the International Institute for Management Development in Lausanne, Switzerland as well as participated in the Program for Management Development at the Harvard Business School, in 1992 and 1994.

Kyari worked for the law firm of Fani-Kayode and Sowemimo for some time after his return to Nigeria before venturing into journalism from 1988 to 1990, when he was Editor with the New Africa Holdings Limited Kaduna.

In 1990, he served as a Commissioner for Forestry and Animal Resources in Borno State.

From 1990 to 1995, Kyari was the secretary to the board of African International Bank Limited, a subsidiary of Bank of Credit and Commerce International.

He was also an executive director in charge of management services at the United Bank for Africa, and was later appointed the chief executive officer. In 2002, he was appointed a board director of Unilever Nigeria, and later served on the board of Exxon Mobil Nigeria.

Since his appointment as Chief of Staff, Kyari became an influential figure within the Buhari administration.

During the administration's first term, he worked mainly behind the scenes to implement the president's agenda.

In 2019 with Buhari's re-election for a second term, he ordered his cabinet to channel all requests through Kyari's office thereby making him the most influential man in the cabinet and the clearing house of the administration. He was so influential within government circles that he was dubbed the de facto head of government.

In 2017, following a leaked memo, Kyari became embroiled in a public argument with then Head of Civil Service, Mrs Oyo Eta who was later removed from office, arrested and undergoing trial. In 2020, in another leaked memo, Babagana Monguno the National Security Adviser accused Kyari of meddling in matters of national security.

When the First Lady, Aisha Buhari said his husband’s cabinet had been hijacked by some cabals within the presidency, many heads tilted in the direction of Kyari as the possible person referred to by that innuendo.

Prior to the announcement that he was down with the dreaded virus, he was said to have traveled to Germany, where he met with Siemens officials on how to improve the power situation in Nigeria from where he went to Egypt before coming back to Nigeria where he said he isolated himself as a precaution and had assured he was down with the symptoms but recovering and working from home.

Following more complications, he was moved in an air ambulance to Lagos which appeared more prepared for handling the infection and had infact, treated and discharged many cases before he died yesterday from the infection. ––Culled from Wikepedia

Kyari

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ APRIL 18, 2020

SUPER SATURDAY

It’s All over for Blessing Okagbare and Igho Otegheri When the divorce proceeding initiated by track and field athlete, Blessing Okagbare is completed, the track star would have her name in the divorce list as one celebrity, who raced to the end of her marriage without her once cherished partner, Igho Otegheri, writes Ferdinand Ekechukwu

Blessing Okagbare and Igho Otegheri

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ APRIL 18, 2020

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SUPERSATURDAY It’s All over for Blessing Okagbare and Igho Otegheri...

Blessing Okagbare and Igho Otegheri

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igeria’s star athlete, Blessing Okagbare’s looming divorce following a stint of marital crisis is like a dash to the finishing line barely after the starting gun. Or how else can it be described? Ever since her post elementary school day, the only sound Blessing Okagbare has been familiar with is the starter’s gun. And after burning the tracks in major cities across the United States, Europe, Asia, Australia, Latin America and Africa for about a decade, winning numerous titles, she was set for the biggest race of her life - marriage.

The Nigerian Olympic silver medalist would then tie the knot with her lover, former footballer, Igho Jude Otegheri in 2014 at an elaborate wedding ceremony which was attended by family, celebrity friends and loved ones in Delta State.

Apparently over the moon, Okagbare shortly after the ceremony gushed about her wedding. But then the US embassy in Abuja rocked the boat for the African sprint queen. Okagbare and her footballer husband had planned to move to Los Angeles where the double sprint 2014 Commonwealth Games gold medalist is based. But Otegheri was denied a visa, something that left Okagbare distraught and confused.

Shortly after it was restored, he joined her in the States. However six years after the matrimony, they are set to go their separate ways amid allegations of infidelity, laziness and other irreconcilable differences. Reports have it that the Olympian initiated the

divorce proceeding. Though as tradition demands, her family is yet to return the bride price to her estranged husband’s family. And when the three-time capped Super Eagles and former Heartland FC of Owerri player was reached to comment on the divorce saga, he said “she has said all the stories, I don’t have anything to say. I leave everything to God. Thank you.”

Pre-wedding in 2014, Okagbare, in an interview, had disclosed how they met some years back at the peak of her career. “He is someone I knew through a friend and we were not really talking, but something happened and we got talking and that was it. I actually liked him as a friend before I left and we were talking as friends on the phone and I was not really surprised when he asked me out. But you know I had to bid my time even though I was very happy that he asked me out.

“We are women; we need to do a bit of delay tactics before accepting proposals.

He is someone I really want to be with because he is nice and God fearing.

Those were some basic things I prayed for in a man. He is kind and that is a great thing for me because he supports my life, my career and my aspirations. I couldn’t say no because he has all what I prayed for in my ideal man. One thing about relationships is that you need a person that understands and tolerates you both in your good and bad times.

“He is someone that really cherishes me for who I am and not the fame I have got. He is someone that looks at your inner beauty and wants to help you grow. He supports my dreams

and pushes me to hit my targets. He came and I couldn’t say no. He is a very easygoing person and he does not see me as Nigeria’s Blessing Okagbare, but as the woman he loves and I love it.

Most times he forgets that I’m Blessing Okagbare and sometimes I get upset (laughing) I’m just kidding. That is a very great thing because a lot of people just put the whole ‘Blessing Okagbare thing’ on their head and that pisses me off.”

The union of both athletes was such that attracted interest and the attention of critics afterwards. The Beijing Olympics was around the corner.

Okagbare had promised much within that period. And the media closed in on her. She had told a national daily that tying the knot would not affect her plans for the Rio 2016 Olympics and other athletics events. “Getting married won’t in any way stop me from doing the usual things on the track,” Okagbare enthused. “I have been looking forward to this moment and by the Grace of God, we will celebrate it with everything.”

Continuing she said: “But one thing I want to assure my fans and all Nigerians is that I will continue to work hard to put smiles on their faces as long as my body allows me to run and jump on the track. There is a lot of work to be done and I have started training well ahead.

I will return to the track soon after my wedding and I pray God to continue to guide me and my husband as we commence the journey of our married life.”

Two years into their marriage in 2016, the Olympian declared her heartthrob as her greatest achievement.

The Commonwealth Games record holder had thus written on her Facebook status: “Glory! It is another special day for us. Two years ago God blessed me with my greatest achievement Igho Otegheri and, I can’t thank Him enough for how far He has brought us.” She added: “Thank you heavenly Father for your steadfast love that never ceases, thank you Lord for the peace and love we have enjoyed and shared as couple, above all, we thank you Lord that we are still standing by your grace. Happy Wedding Anniversary to us.”

As it would turn out, Okagbare had a disappointing show at 2016 Rio Olympics, finishing without a single medal.

By 2018, all sorts of matrimonial issues started cropping up between Okagbare and her man. A source said this was compounded by the fact that Otegheri could not settle down properly in the U.S., in terms of getting a good job. The sources added that some family members and friends did not help matters with “unnecessary interference.”

Another source added: “Things got really very bad last year between the hitherto lovebirds, with persistent squabble and Okagbare decided that she could no longer continue with the relationship.”

Eventually, when the divorce process is completed, Okagbare who has done extremely well in international competitions, attempting world records and putting herself in the gold medal position, would have put her name in the divorce record as one celebrity who raced to the end of her marriage without her once cherished partner.

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͹΀˜ ͺ͸ͺ͸ ˾ THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER

COMMENTARY

COVID-19: THE PALLIATIVES NIGERIANS PREFER The preferred palliative is the registration of the poor in the National Health Insurance Scheme, writes Ayodele Okunfolami

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igerians may love public holidays in succession but the restlessness of the last fortnight indicates they don’t like being grounded in a polite house arrest called lockdown. As creatures of habit, humans need some external economic and natural forces to sustain their routines that has placed them on top of the food chain. The stay-at-home order has not been easy for Nigerians and it was made worse by government’s ambiguity for the reason of the lockdown.

Although the lockdown as stated in the Presidential broadcast initially affected only Lagos, Ogun and Abuja, practically all the states in the federation had in one way or the other imposed different degrees of curfews to control and contain the Coronavirus pandemic. Lagos, for instance, had progressively been tightening the limitations of its residents by first closing down schools, then asking civil servants of certain cadres to work from home, later restricting public gatherings to just about a score before the lockdown so that, among other control measures, it could disinfect public places. Even though the fumigation was sparsely done for a couple of days, the distribution of relief materials has made headlines all around the country making the lockdown more an economic challenge than a health challenge.

Compelled to stay home without electricity for more than 14 straight days is sickening enough, and if one is among the over hundred million whose daily livelihood is being mortgaged for a disease he not only doubts exists but feels some are profiting from it, one can’t overlook the disproportionate distribution of relief by the authorities. What was supposed to have brought relief brought grief.

First, the recipients of the stimulus packages are loose. Who are the “poorest of the poor”? That such a caste still exists and commands the attention of the government that categorized them as such only mirrors a democracy that is wired for the few. The inability to have a credible database of citizens makes the delivery of these aids dodgy. How is this class of people determined? Are they women as the Ministry of Women of Affairs is sharing? Are they senior citizens? Are they physically challenged? Do they live in satellite towns? Are they rural and illiterate? We can’t even attempt to go door to door as seen in other nations because town planning that sees dwellings accessible and addressed is lacking.

So far, the narrative is measures of rice, noodles, beans, garri and bread packaged in small bags branded in the pictures of the politician, political office and/or political party it came from given to a group of people. Reminiscent of electioneering. These beneficiaries convene at designated distribution centres to collect their packs frustrating the social distancing protocol of the times. When they are not assembled, the meagre parcel that hardly feeds a family, is sent to entire communities as relief. Adding insult to injury, they are made to receive it in front of cameras.

Because less than 40% of Nigerians are banked and with access to financial services, in contravention to the cashless policy and blatant abuse of the naira, cash is being shared in broad daylight in the name of conditional cash transfer to beneficiaries. Now, the federal government claims it is using a preexisting register of the poor. Is this how crude the social intervention programme has being running? Why do the recipients not have a Bank Verification Number so as not only to boast the banking system but also give them a trackable identity? How do they pay back (if they will) the Tradermoni or other similar “loans”? In cash? To who?

The leadership of the National Assembly has called on the executive arm of the government to be more equitable in the distribution

THE BUDGET REVIEW THAT WILL SERVE AS ECONOMIC STIMULUS FOR NIGERIANS IS THE ONE THAT TWEAKS THE OPAQUE SECURITY VOTES FOR EXECUTIVES AND THE CONSTITUENCY ALLOWANCES FOR LEGISLATORS AND THE OTHER OBNOXIOUS SUB HEADED STIPENDS FOR MEANINGFUL DEVELOPMENTAL PROJECTS

of these palliatives as it also called for a coordination of COVID-19 donations to be in a central account independent of the Presidential Task Force. However, equitable distribution of palliatives won’t come by banal summons of the executive to the chambers, it would come when both arms of government put Nigeria and Nigerians ahead of themselves.

Beyond slashing the crude oil benchmark to reflect current realities, the budget review that will do all Nigerians good is not one that still retains renovation of the National Assembly Complex or repeated purchase of furniture, computers and cutlery for the State House. The budget review that will serve as economic stimulus for Nigerians is the one that tweaks the opaque security votes for executives and the constituency allowances for legislators and the other obnoxious sub headed stipends for meaningful developmental projects.

The equitable intervention that will benefit all Nigerians won’t come from the kobo by kobo reduction in the pump price of petrol.

Rather, it would come when both the executive and the legislators work together to pass the Petroleum Industry Bill that will fully deregulate that sector for free market operations and pricing.

The suggestion by the NNPC Chairman, Mele Kyari, that the loss-making refineries would be sold should not just end as another soundbite, it must be backed up by policy statement and legal framework.

Following a proposal by the federal government and the National Assembly to cushion the effects of the economic downturn the coronavirus is bringing; electricity distribution companies have responded by offering Nigerians free electricity consumption for two months. We really appreciate it. However, more reaching would have been to mandate the DISCOs to ensure every consumer is metered. At the moment, less than 50% of electricity consumers are metered with far less than 10 million having prepaid meters. What this implies is that this awuf will amount to nothing when the costumer indirectly pays back through estimated billing.

Both the executive and the legislators have been working round the clock to ensure that Nigeria controls and contains this pandemic, at the same time trying to protect the economy. As mentioned earlier, only a few Nigerians are banked, so the possibility of expecting bank alerts or tax reliefs to businesses whose spine is the informal sector in form of palliatives is slim. The leadership of the National Assembly can take advantage of the shock expressed by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation to work with the executive to insist on a double-digit percentage share of the budget for the health sector.

While also probing how past budgets on health had been spent, the lawmakers can exploit the ball dropped by the Minister of Health who claimed he was unaware that first responders to the contagious coronavirus were paid hazard allowance to ensure that lingering renumeration disputes between the federal government and medical officers are fulfilled. Medical officers cannot continue to be on the moral end of the Hippocratic Oath when their employers don’t do their part.

As much as receiving packs of grains would indeed help in this trying time, the populace should not be carried away by this stomach infrastructure. The preferable infrastructure would be Primary Healthcare Centres in every political ward. The preferred palliative would be the registration of large “poor and vulnerable” demography into the National Health Insurance Scheme. It is then that a pack of five loaves and two fishes would feed a multitude.

Okunfolami wrote from Festac, Lagos

PANDEMIA IN A SOCIAL MEDIA AGE

Ugo Egesi writes that Covid-19 has changed the face of medicine forever

S

trange times indeed it is. Humanity down to her knees with both the lethal combination of actual morbidity and the dread of the novel Virus Covid-19.

Essentially a Flu like condition caused by a novel virus. However, unlike in the past when visited with more virulent outbreaks, this time the Virology is taught on the pages of social media and the crusade is spear-headed from the vested hall of politics. The curious amalgam of social media and politics remains the difference in this era’s pandemia.

Covid-19 was announced not on the hallowed pages of time-tested methodology of renowned Journals, to be initially digested by the ‘Initiated’ before being transmitted in plainer terms to the public. Heralded by social media, it immediately got coated in conspiracy theories, governmental or political shades and posturing. Once unto social media space, it becomes an all-comers field where influencers determine the methods, going viral with million likes rather than peer reviewed becomes the yard-stick of assessment. Politicians and news media editors releasing management guidelines.

The populace is hounded with ceaseless news at such speed like never before. Everybody and anybody makes and chooses what story of Covid-19 to tell. The loudest and most popular

posts become the most impactful, regardless of the score of scientific evidence therein. The world became so small such that a centre in the USA is committed to counting not just the infection and death in their enclave, but all over the World by the minute. It supposes that if one slumps in a shanty in Karachi from this disease, it gets captured in that system. Such is the speed of the news spread, beating the rate of geometric progression of the Corona virus. A viral Social media Toilet paper post drove a world-wide toilet paper stockpiling craze never witnessed, just like one would imagine for a Cholera epidemic. It is interesting to see a latest medical publication now identifying Diarrhoea in 48.5% of cases of Covid-19 in Hubei China.

With social media platforms, we witness the debates regarding prevention, efficacy of wearing of mask, washing of hands, Isolation, complete lock-down of society. Evolving knowledge of Covid-19 using scientific methodology is not at par with the pace of news in social media; the outcomes are therefore open to us all to conclude from our unhindered social media platforms.

Interestingly, a hapless medical community is allured by this new normal, what with its reach and unencumbered editing process. An ICU doctor battered by the demands of these grave scenarios being witnessed, exhausted physically

and mentally fatigued, only needed to switch on his Mobile App, straight away mutters his feeling into words and with a click, published!

The pressure has resulted in hurried consensus by the medical community, led by the posturing World Health Organisation [WHO]. These knee-jerk across the board strategies; with subtle implication of possible future adverse consequence such as travel restrictions for noncomplying countries. How did India wake up to announce a lock-down of 1.3 billion people in a society lacking the type of system and political machinery like a China that can easily lock down 65 million people without hassles? How can a country like Nigeria with 180 million people and an economy wobbling off recession resort to locking down her struggling economy and people already being decimated by crime and poverty with barely no government influence on living standards? Aiming to follow similar viral spread containment strategy like Australia with barely 25 million people and a humongous war chest that can affordably dole out more than 200 billion dollars to quieten her people and soothe her economy while her citizens sleep at home for six months.? With case- fatality ratio [CFR] of between 8-12% in worst hit European countries necessitating complete lock-down, would Australia with CFR of 1% require a complete

lockdown? I guess in times as this, it is better to err on the side of caution.

Treatment options reeled out by the dictates of necessity, obviously missing the time-tested though protracting protocol for new drug treatment, has relied on social media and politicians for final approval.

Guidelines are not just straight documents from the committee of experts, rather it has become a dynamic pool of social media/ influencer input, political judgements, often not oblivious to latest polls swing, big donor interest, panic-stricken populace outcry, glutted with multifaceted information by the seconds. This has so far marked the world’s response to this strange visitor.

Hardly any chance at developing consensus positions amidst the relentless spread of this virus, humanity is having to evolve with this virus. As I sit in my clinic, turned into a medical call centre, from lock down enforcements, diagnosing a skin lesion by telling my patient to adjust her phone camera. There was a split second of epiphany setting in with such absolute certainty, that just like most aspect of our life, Covid-19 has changed the face of medicine forever.

Dr. Egesi is practicing General practitioner based In Perth, Australia

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͹΀˜ ͺ͸ͺ͸ ˾ THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER

INSIGHT

Go out only when it’s absolutely necessary...

Being Smart About the Lockdown

Environmental Pollution And Health

E

nvironmental Pollution is one of the most significant challenges that the world is facing in our day. It is the act of contaminating or polluting (either intentionally or accidentally) the natural environment with harmful substances, as a consequence of human activities, to such an extent that normal environmental processes are adversely affected. There are various types of pollution which affect our lives on a daily basis. The major types include: air pollution; water pollution; and land (soil) pollution. Others include: noise pollution; light pollution; plastic pollution; radioactive/ nuclear pollution; thermal pollution; and marine/ ocean pollution.

A recent Vanguard newspaper report carried a story of so many dead fishes now littering the Atlantic coastline of Delta and Bayelsa States.

This is raising a lot of concern on the part of the residents of that area. Although the cause of the littering of the coastline with dead fishes for more than three weeks, is currently still being investigated, this has been fuelling fears of pollution of the country’s territorial waters by toxic substances.

And consumption of the obviously poisoned fish may pose a public health danger.

Apart from this report of dead fishes littering the coastline of Delta and Bayelsa States, other contributors to the issue of water pollution that need to be addressed in Nigeria include the increased use of non-degradable material and especially the use and improper disposal of plastic. Plastic materials such as carry bags, plastic straw, bottles, etc., are choking our drains and harming marine and aquatic life. Serious problems have emerged because of increased plastic content in aquatic organisms. The increased levels of contaminants in water, and exploiting natural resources, has resulted in water crisis in many urban areas. This has resulted in acute shortage of suitable drinking water, or high levels of contamination, which makes it unfit for drinking.

Also, increased soil pollution has a direct impact on quality of water, as the underground water gets affected by toxic contaminants.

Human activities are the main source of water pollution. The most polluting type include discharging of industrial waste into water bodies such as lakes and rivers. The harmful chemicals and toxic waste, without being treated, are directly discharged into water bodies. Another source of water pollution is the mixing of untreated sewage with rivers. Polluted and contaminated water from houses is not treated and rather made to enter the water bodies. Another example of water pollution is the mixing up of high temperature (hot) water discharge into water bodies at normal

temperature. The sudden change and rise in temperature also has a negative impact on aquatic life. Acid Rain is also regarded as one of the causes of water pollution. Air pollution is another major type of environmental pollution faced by our country, and world, today. It is the pollution of air by smoke and dangerous gases, chiefly oxides of carbon, sulfur, and nitrogen. There are ‘indoor’ and ‘outdoor’ sources of air pollution.

Indoor air pollution problems can be subtle, and don’t always produce early impact on health.

Outdoor air pollution includes exhaust fumes from vehicles, generators, natural gas, the burning of fossil fuels, etc. However, pollutants outside the home are as dangerous as those inside the home and in offices. Out of the various types of pollution, air pollution is the major contributor to global warming. Soil pollution takes place when the existence of toxic chemicals, pollutants or impurities in the soil is high. Soil contamination presents a high risk to plants, wildlife, humans and indeed, the soil itself. The primary cause of soil pollution is the presence of human-made waste in the soil. Industrial activity, agricultural activities, waste disposal, accidental oil spills, acid rain, etc., are the main reasons for soil pollution.

Daniel Ighakpe, FESTAC Town, Lagos

A

fter witnessing a record number of deaths, bourgeoning scale of hospitalization and skyrocketing infections across the spectrum in the wake of Covid-19 among nations and continents which precipitated a wave of blanket lockdown of institutions, infrastructure and by extension, freezing of virtually all economic activities, nations have found it expedient to urgently take measures to reopen those institutions and rejig the near comatose economy.

Germany is one of those nations that has mapped out a phased reopening of the economy by first restoring construction activities to be followed by reopening of schools whilst ramping up social distancing measures and keeping tab on new infections.

This leading role in phased reopening is possible because Germany is one of those countries with the lowest infection rate and corresponding lower death rate. This is attributed to advanced public health facilities better than the USA and other European countries and a proactive deployment of public health measures that forestalled a spike in negative curve. Public health experts have recommended wide-ranging testing capacity of citizens as a condition precedent to reopening the economy.

Taking a cursory look at the curve back home in Nigeria, recorded rate of infections and deaths are far cry from the general trend across the globe; public health’s prognosis simply alludes to inadequate testing capability

due to impoverished health facilities.

Be that as it may, Nigeria should make a smart move even in the earlier gradient of the curve to reopen the construction sector making the use of protective gear and PPE for workers a sine qua non. When construction sector opens with its value chain, it gives the economy a little breather. Moreover quantum mileage could be achieved in road construction before traffic snarls returns and we are deep in the middle of raining season.

Germany prioritized construction in the re-opening sequence because it is mostly driven by mechanical activities and requires less of human interface. While the foregoing is imperative, receipts from crowdfunding and other donations from the international community should be as a matter of urgency deployed towards procurement of more testing equipment and acquiring hands-on training of personnel. States that are not under federal movement restriction should take public health measures that fit the peculiarities of their projected curve.

Lastly cutting down the health component of 2020 budget as a means of aligning the budget with oil benchmark even in the middle of a health pandemic is an oxymoron the National Assembly must not allow to stand.

Going forward, budgets on health must be ramped up to the world Health Organization’s recommended 5% if any lesson must be learned from the novel covid-19 tragedy.

Bukola Ajisola, bukymany@yahoo.com

COVID-19, Federal Government and Workers T H E SAT U R DAY N E W S PA P E R EDITOR YEMI ADEBOWALE DEPUTY EDITOR CHIKA AMANZE-NWACHUKU MANAGING DIRECTOR ENIOLA BELLO DEPUTY MANAGING DIRECTOR KAYODE KOMOLAFE CHAIRMAN EDITORIAL BOARD OLUSEGUN ADENIYI EDITOR NATION’S CAPITAL IYOBOSA UWUGIAREN MANAGING EDITOR JOSEPH USHIGIALE

T H I S DAY N E W S PA P E R S L I M I T E D EDITOR-IN-CHIEF/CHAIRMAN NDUKA OBAIGBENA GROUP EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS ENIOLA BELLO, KAYODE KOMOLAFE, ISRAEL IWEGBU, IJEOMA NWOGWUGWU, EMMANUEL EFENI DIVISIONAL DIRECTORS BOLAJI ADEBIYI, PETER IWEGBU, ANTHONY OGEDENGBE DEPUTY DIVISIONAL DIRECTOR OJOGUN VICTOR DANBOYI SNR. ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR ERIC OJEH ASSOCIATE DIRECTORS PATRICK EIMIUHI, SAHEED ADEYEMO CONTROLLERS ABIMBOLA TAIWO, UCHENNA DIBIAGWU, NDUKA MOSERI DIRECTOR, PRINTING PRODUCTION CHUKS ONWUDINJO HEAD, COMPUTER DEPARTMENT PATRICIA UBAKA-ADEKOYA TO SEND EMAIL: first name.surname@thisdaylive.com

I

n a time of a health situation like the Covid-19 pandemic, it is the government that ought to provide palliatives in forms of cash doles and food handouts to the people and not the government deducting monetary items from the monthly pay-cheques of federal civil servants for “Corona virus.” It is such a shame about Nigeria. Those who were paid their March 2020 salaries griped openly that monies were deducted from their pay-packets to fund non-existent Covid-19 pandemic intervention schemes. This is sad. Apparently, the Covid-19 pandemic scare has created loopholes for an incompetent government that was “asleep” these past five years to “come awake” and fleece hapless Nigerians of their meagre resources. Now that London et al. are “no-go areas” the operatives of government at the federal and state tiers are forced to co-habit with the folks they have long turned their backs on and, by this circumstance, “assume their constitutional responsibilities to the people.”

Unfortunately for the people, this ill-defined “constitutional role” now involves deductions from the peoples’ salaries to build “Corona virus isolation centres,” whatever that means.

Come to think of it, isn’t it the responsibility of government to build hospitals?

Sunday Adole Jonah, Department of Physics, Federal University of Technology, Minna, Niger State

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ ͹΀˜ ͺ͸ͺ͸

NEWS

COVID-19... COVID-19... COVID-19...

Kano Confirms Top Officials Tested Positive Ibrahim Shuaibu ÓØ ËØÙ

STIMULUS FOR THE PEOPLE… The Minister of State for the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Dr. Ramatu Tijjani Aliyu, distributing food to residents of Abaji Area Council, as part of efforts to cushion the effect of the sit-at-home order on the vulnerable…yesterday ÒÙÞÙ˝ ËäËÛ ÌÓÙÖË

Ohanaeze Ndigbo Seeks Judicial Inquiry into Killings in Southern Nigeria Christopher Isiguzo ÓØ ØßÑß

The pan Igbo sociocultural organisation, Ohanaeze Ndigbo yesterday asked the federal government to set up a high-powered judicial panel of inquiry to look into the frequent killing of young men and women by trigger-happy security operatives posted to the Southern part of Nigeria.

The organisation also demanded for an explanation as to the modalities used by the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development, Sadiya Umar Farouq, to determine the distribution of the COVID-19 lockdown palliative.

The President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Chief Nnia Nwodo who conveyed the

organisation’s position in a press statement made available to journalists in Enugu expresses dismay that in the past few days alone, four vibrant young men were killed in cold blood by security agents in Aba and Onitsha while another young man was brutally mowed down by a soldier in Warri which led to a reprisal killing of a soldier that culminated in the killing of more people by soldiers.

He expressed dismay at the frequency and dastardly manner these security personnel snuff out life in these otherwise promising young people in their prime.

According to him, it was only in the South that such mindless wastage of human capital takes place often and unabated without the heads of the army and police

batting an eyelid, and challenged anybody to point out similar occurrences in any part of the North, especially during this period of COVID-19 lockdown.

He said the aggressive actions of security operatives were steadily pushing young men, especially in the South-east, to the wall and could elicit reprisal violence from them, adding that any group not wanted in a union had the right to opt out of it.

In another development, Nwodo faulted the manner the federal government had handled palliative distribution, insisting that the entire process was shrouded in mystery.

He said from available information, there was gross imbalance in the three geopolitical zones with the

North getting N245.2 billion from the fund for palliative, while three zones in the South got a meagre N52.8 billion.

He said that in another clime, this manifest injustice was enough for her to be made to vacate her office.

The President General cited this as another glaring example of lack of equity in the President Buhari administration.

He averred that the distribution of the lockdown palliative was skewed in favour of the north by the declaration that those who have up to N5000 in their bank accounts would not benefit from it, arguing that ownership of that sum does not mitigate the pangs of the lockdown.

VSF Donates N100m Palliatives to Taraba Wole Ayodele ÓØ ËÖÓØÑÙ

The Victim Support Fund, VSF, has donated food items, drugs and other personal protective equipment worth N100 million to Taraba State for distribution to the vulnerable and poor families in the state.

Handing over the items to the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Mr Anthony Jellason in Jalingo yesterday, Chairperson of the VSF COVID-19 Emergency

Task Force, Toyosi Akerele Ogunsiji stated that the items would help to cushion the effects of the lockdown imposed on the state to curtail the spread of the pandemic.

The items, according to Ogunsiji comprise of 3,820 bags of 10kg rice, 3,820 bags of 10kg beans and 3,820 bags of 10kg maize as well as 3,820 gallons of 4 litre vegetable oil and salt.

Ogunsiji, who stated that the flagg off of the distribution

exercise was done in Abuja last Tuesday disclosed that that the VSF Covid-19 Task Force had donated similar materials to Borno, Yobe and Adamawa and would proceed to other states that are in the forefront of the pandemic.

According to her, “we flagged off the distribution of these items in Abuja on Tuesday, and from there we have moved to Borno, Yobe and Adamawa. We are here to present that of Taraba State

to the government for onward distribution to the vulnerable and those in the IDP camps.

“In addition to food items, we are also giving out medicines, disinfectants and soaps for bathing and hand washing” Recieving the items on behalf of governor Darius Ishaku, Jellason thanked VSF for the support just as he gave assurances that the items would be equally distributed to the vulnerable people in the state.

Enforcement Team Allegedly Burn Pharmacy in Ondo James Sowole ÓØ ÕßÜÏ

Enforcement team of naval personnel on the dusk to dawn curfew imposed on Ondo State to curb the spread of COVID-19 in the state late Thursday allegedly burnt a pharmacy shop at Igbokoda, headquarters of Ilaje Local Government Area of the state.

The burning of the shop was revealed in a petition sent to the Ondo State Governor, Mr. Oluwarotimi Akeredolu by the

Ilaje Leadership Forum.

In the petition signed by Prince Emorioloye Owolemi it was alleged that the security agents attached to the enforcement team, were annoyed when at about 7:15p.m. that they got to Ominira Street, a pharmacy shop was still open.

The forum noted that the naval personnel swooped on the shop despite exception for pharmacy, food sellers and hospitals for the purpose of attending to urgent humanity needs.

The petition states: “On 16th April 2020, at about 7:15p.m., the group of the naval officers on patrol invaded a pharmacy shop owned by a young lady at Omonira Street, Igbokoda, while her two children had already slept in the shops.

“The naval men while observing that the shop was not closed, and forgetting that pharmacies were exception of the order so they can attend to ill people.

“The naval officers thereby felt angry for such pharmacy shop not

to have closed, and immediately fired gunshots at the shop and burnt the whole shop.

“It was community efforts that rescued the two children who were already asleep.

The shop was burnt down completely with all items therein.

“If at all that any shop owner who breaches the law needs punishment whatsoever, the state only directed for arrest and prosecution.”

Kano State Government has confirmed that the Co-chairman and some members of Kano State Taskforce on COVID-19 were tested and three of the results came out positive of the Coronavirus.

The state Commissioner of Health, Dr. Aminu Ibrahim Tsanyawa in a statement by Hadiza Namadi, the ministry information officer and made available to THISDAY yesterday, also maintained that the number of COVID-19 confirmed cases in the state as at 11:15a.m. yesterday remained 21 with a single death.

The statement reads: “with deep sense of sadness and on behalf of the state government, hereby announces that the Co-chairman and some members of Kano State Taskforce on COVID-19 were tested and three of the results came out positive of the Coronavirus disease.

“Government advises the general public to keep social

distancing, avoid overcrowding and stay at home to keep safe as it continue to take measures to contain the spread of the disease in the state.”

The three officials who are part of the team fighting the spread of the virus in the state were said to be in isolation at the special isolation centre at Muhammad Buhari Specialists Hospital Giginyu quarters in the ancient city.

However, the State Deputy Governor, Dr. Nasiru Yusuf Gawuna’s result returned negative.

According to a press statement by Hassan Musa, the Press secretary to the deputy governor and made available to THISDAY on Friday, said that “Following the result turning out NEGATIVE, Dr. Gawuna who is also the Chairman of the State Task Force Committee on COVID-19 gives praise to Almighty Allah because through him all things are possible,” saying this is a proof of that.

NDA Commences Local Production of Ventilators, Sanitisers John Shiklam in Kaduna

The Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA), Kaduna, has designed and produced two types of ventilators, hand wash and sanitiser that could be quickly reproduced to stem the shortage of the equipment in the country.

This was disclosed in a statement yesterday by the spokesman of the academy, Maj. Abubakar Abdullahi.

He said the design and production of the ventilators came a week after the Commandant NDA, Maj. General Jamil Sarham, convened a team of engineers, technologists and technicians from the Mechatronics Department headed by Major Abubakar Imam to “rapidly develop affordable ventilator within the shortest possible time, using readily available components.”

According to the statement, the team was also tasked to “develop capacity of producing at least 30

ventilators in a month.”

Presenting their report to the Commandant, Imam, head of the team who is also Head of Department Mechatronics, said the team was able to produce two unique ventilators within a week and could be quickly deployed to combat the COVID-19 pandemic.

The statement explained that both ventilators, “NDA Type 1 and NDA Type 2,” could be reproduced cheaply, adding that currently, the Academy had the capacityThe statement said both prototypes had been subjected to series of technical performance evaluation tests with impressive results.

“It is worthy to know that apart from the production of the ventilators, the NDA also produced hand wash and sanitisers.

This is to enhance the hygiene and develop washing hand culture among the academy community.

Uzodimma Imposes Dusk to Dawn Curfew in Imo Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State has imposed a dusk to dawn curfew in the State in a fresh move to check the ravaging coronavirus.

He did on Friday in an Executive Order No 001, 2020, saying the State is now on total lockdown because of Covid-19.

According to the Governor, the curfew starts from 6am till 6pm effective Saturday, April 18 “till further notice”.

Governor Uzodimma said he has an obligation to preserve the lives of Imo people and was committed to the enforcement of the total lockdown of movement of persons.

Consequently, all borders leading in and out of the state are shut till further notice.

Also, Imo indigenes returning

from outside the state shall be made admitted on the condition proper identification and on condition that they subject themselves to test of the Covid-19 and are quarantined for 14 days before entering into the state.

Violators of the order would be made to undergo a seven day Community Service and a fine in lieu that would require Tricycle operators to pay N7000, motorcycle operators N7000, Border closure violators N10000, Cars N20000 and Trucks N50000.

Governor Uzodimma advised Imo people to take the Executive Order seriously as security operators are prepared to enforce it.

Recall that recently during one of his state wide broadcast Governor Uzodimma promised to relax the directives in Covid-19 or tighten them if occasion demands.

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ ͹΀˜ ͺ͸ͺ͸

15

NEWS

COVID-19... COVID-19... COVID-19...

I Stand by My Observation on Palliatives, Says Ndume Deji Elumoye and Chuks Okocha in Abuja

Few hours after the Presidency reacted to his call for the dissolution of COVID-19 Palliatives Measures Committee headed by the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development, Hajiya Sadia Farouq, former Senate Leader, Senator Ali Ndume, yesterday said he stood by his position on the programme.

The Presidency had earlier in

a statement issued by the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media, Garba Shehu, accused Ndume of politicising a national emergency and challenged him to name the alleged kleptocrats in Buhari’s government.

In a swift reaction to the Presidency’s statement, Ndume, who is the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Army, emphasised that he stood by his observations and recommendations as far as palliatives distribution arising from COVID-19 is concerned.

Akwa Ibom Extends Lockdown by a Week Okon Bassey in Uyo Akwa Ibom State Government has extended the restrictions of movement order by one week as part of measures to contain the Coronavirus pandemic that is ravaging the world.

The extension of the restrictions of movement order was announced by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Dr. Emmanuel Ekuwem.

Ekuwem, however, said that the restriction of movement in the state would be relaxed on Friday April 17 and Saturday April 18 respectively from 6a.m. to 1p.m. to enable residents restock foodstuffs.

A statement issued by the SSG who is also the Coordinator of the COVID-19 initiatives in the state urged residents to ensure total compliance in already established guidelines to prevent the spread of the Coronavirus.

“Following the enforcement of the quarantine and restrictions of movement regulations 2020, which have caused some economic

discomforts to citizens and residents of Akwa Ibom State, His Excellency the Governor, Mr. Udom Gabriel Emmanuel, compassionate and sensitive to these discomforts, has directed as follows; “The lockdown is extended by one week only. The lockdown be responsibly and carefully lifted on Friday 17 and Saturday 18 April, 2020 from 6a.m. to 1p.m. of each day to enable Akwa Ibomites restock foodstuffs and any prescribed medications.

“Lockdown will be enforced after 1p.m. on Friday 17 and Saturday 18 April, 2020.

“All preventive measures earlier announced by the Akwa Ibom State Government COVID-19 medical management team remain in force during and after the 7-hour respite on Friday April 17 and Saturday April 18, 2020.

“For the avoidance of doubt, these measures include; Social Distancing in all gatherings. Use of face masks while complying with social distancing.

Ndume who spoke on telephone however said he was not ready to join issues with anybody having made his observations known on the issue before now.

His words: “I’m not ready to join issues with anybody on palliatives distribution, having made my observations known based on information I got from the

grassroots as a grassroots person “I’ve made my position known on the programme and I stand by it,” the Borno South Senator said.

Ndume had on Thursday in Maiduguri, the Borno State capital, picked holes in the way and manner distribution of palliatives to indigent Nigerians at this critical time of Coronavirus

lockdown, was being handled by the Humanitarian Affairs Ministry.

The Senator who kicked against the modus operandi being adopted by the ministry in a chat with journalists, said the emergency national assignment should be taken away from the ministry and given to a fresh committee that would use governors of the

36 states as links of distribution across the federation.

His words: “My concern is the manner and the way the COVID-19 palliative measures provided by the president is being handled or executed.

We have received numerous complaints and it is actually very unfortunate.

Commercial Driver Knocks Down Civil Defence Officer An officer of Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Assistant Superintendent Victor Fayemi attached to Federal Capital Territory escaped death when a Volkswagen Golf commercial driver escaping arrest ran over him along Gwarinpa/Kado Road area of Abuja.

The accident knocked him unconscious and was rushed to Maitama District Hospital where he was promptly attended to.

After specialised medical treat-

ment at Maitama District Hospital, he was moved into a private hospital where he is currently receiving further treatment.

ASC Fayemi was hit by the commercial driver who was trying to evade arrest by the security officers on duty as he defied Coronavirus (COVID-19) lockdown measures put in place by the federal government. Security agencies which comprises Civil Defence Officers mounted road blocks in Gwarinpa/Kado

Road in an attempt to prevent taxis from operating.

While the officer tried to stop the driver for questioning, he allegedly ran over the Civil Defence Officer.

The driver was later arrested by the Joint Task Team (JTF), both the driver and the vehicle were taken into custody of Nigeria Police for further investigation and prosecution.

Meanwhile, the Commandant General, Nigeria Security and

Civil Defence Corps Abdullahi Gana Muhammadu said; the behaviour of the driver was unacceptable in the eyes of law enforcement, he advised people not to attempt to evade arrest under any circumstances, especially at this critical period when the world was facing the challenge of Covid-19. He said, government needed the support and cooperation of all stakeholders in order to win the war of coronavirus.

FrieslandCampina WAMCO Presco Donates 2,000 Cans of Donates N500m Vegetable Oil to Edo State FrieslandCampina WAMCO Nigeria PLC, makers of Peak and Three Crowns brands of milk, has donated N500 million as a contribution towards Nigeria’s COVID-19 intervention fund organised by the Private Sector Coalition Against COVID-19 (CACOVID).

The donation, which is coming as part of FrieslandCampina WAMCO’s corporate social responsibility follows the company’s recent donation of N100 million worth of Peak and Three Crowns milk products to support over 100,000 families in low-end communities and vulnerable groups who were at risk of compromising their nutritional needs. This donation is inline with its purpose of providing

better nutrition.

Explaining the corporate gesture in Lagos, the Chairman of the Board of Directors, FrieslandCampina WAMCO Nigeria PLC, Mr. Moyo Ajekigbe, said “The novel Coronavirus pandemic is a global disaster that has cost the world thousands of lives and threatens its economic well-being.

“At FrieslandCampina WAMCO, we believe that everyone must come together to make a difference. If we all join hands with government and credible associations to provide substantial palliatives, critical medical supplies, and with the cooperation of every Nigerian through the adherence of precautionary measures, we will defeat the COVID-19.

As part of its contributions to the fight against COVID-19 pandemic, producer of Fats and Oils, Presco Plc, has donated 2,000 (5litre) jerry cans in 500 cartons of vegetable oil (olien) to the Edo State Government.

According to the company, the gesture was designed to alleviate the sufferings of the most vulnerable in society.

The Relations Manager of Presco Plc, Tony Uwajeh, who presented the items to the state government also conveyed through a letter, management’s applaud of the state government’s efforts at combating the pandemic.

He explained that the Manage-

ment of the company “believes we will weather the storm and come out of this stronger and safe.”

Receiving the items, the Secretary to Edo State Government, Osarodion Ogie, conveyed the appreciation of the Governor, Godwin Obaseki for the gesture.

He explained that the current pandemic was indeed a challenging time for all, adding that the state government was adequately prepared to face it.

Commending Management of Presco Plc, he pledged that the items would be put to judicious use and to the benefit of the most vulnerable in Edo State.

NMA Wants Adequate Protective Equipment for Caregivers Nigeria Mourns as Covid-19 Claims Biggest Victim, Abba Kyari

Omon-Julius Onabu in Asaba

The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) has called on government at all levels to provide adequate and appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) to all health workers particularly in Delta State to prevent infection with the COVID-19 or any other infectious diseases currently ravaging the global community.

Delta State Chairman of the NMA, Dr. Ekeneam Omo, made the appeal in Asaba yesterday while briefing newsmen on situation update on the Coronavirus or COVID-19 pandemic.

According to Dr. Omo, the urgently required PPE include minimum of N95 quality facemasks, gloves, face shield/ goggles and aprons as routine, while hazard suit should be made available for use by them when deemed absolutely necessary.

He lamented that three doctors had died in the course of treating patients with Coronavirus in Ondo, Lagos and Katsina states.

“In the light of the very high risk involved in the management of COVID-19 patients and other infectious diseases and to ensure continued commitment of doctors to the discharge of optimal patient

care in the face of these risks, the need for adequate provision of the PPE cannot be emphasised,” the NMA chairman said.

Nevertheless, the association also demanded the upward review of hazard allowance of all doctors and healthcare workers from the meagre five thousand naira and make it a percentage of consolidated basic salary.

Dr. Omo said the NMA demanded “The constitution of compensation package for all doctors and healthcare workers who die or suffer disability for attending to patients suffering from COVID-19 infections, which could be in the form of life and disability insurance.

“Tax relief on earned allowances for all healthcare workers as a morale booster to continue to take the risks associated with working in this pandemic period.”

However, the association directed all doctors in Delta State “not to go near any COVID-19 positive patient without the appropriate Personal Protective Equipment.”

Nonetheless, the group reiterated the fact that the general public should realise that “COVID-19 is not a political scam.

6,649 tested for COVID-19 in Nigeria – NCDC The NCDC says of the 6,649 people tested for the Coronavirus nationwide, there were more males than females.

Director-General of NCDC, Dr Chikwe Ihekweazu, made the disclosure in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria, in Abuja yesterday.

Iheakweazu said NCDC data revealed that of the 6,649 suspected cases tested for the disease, 71 per cent were males, while females made up just 21 per cent of the total number.

He said of the sources of cases, 210 had travel history, 129 were contacts of confirmed cases, 11 infected by unknown sources, while 92 still had incomplete epidemiological information.

According to the NCDC DG, the agency continues to respond to the pandemic across the country and had prioritised the distribution of Viral Transport Medium, to all the states and FCT, for sample collection.

He also said that the deployment of COVID-19 starter packs to all tertiary institutions and the federal medical centres was in progress.

Iheakweazu further said the NCDC had fully set up an expanded laboratory network for COVID-19

across the six geopolitical zones, with 13 laboratories activated.

He, however, said that the deployment of Rapid Response Team to support response in all states with confirmed case(s) stood at 22.

Soyinka, others ask Africa to reduce dependence Nobel laureate, Prof. Wole Soyinka, and other leaders of thought across the African continent have said the current coronavirus pandemic has underscored the need for African countries to change their mindset of depending on help from outside to survive.

They stated this in a letter jointly signed by them.

Apart from Soyinka, the long list of signers to the letter address to African leaders had Makhily Gassama (essayist); Cheikh Kane (writer); Odile Tobner (Librairie des Peuples Noirs, Cameroon) ; Iva Cabral (daughter of Amilcar Cabral, University of Mindelo); and Olivette Otele (Bristol U A portion of the letter read, “The challenge for Africa is no less than the restoration of its intellectual freedom and a capacity to create – without which no sovereignty is conceivable.

It is to break with the outsourcing of our sovereign prerogatives, to reconnect with local configurations, to break with sterile imitation, to adapt

science, technology and research to our context, to elaborate institutions on the basis of our specificities and our resources, to adopt an inclusive governance framework and endogenous development, to create value in Africa in order to reduce our systemic dependence.

“More crucially, it is essential to remember that Africa has sufficient material and human resources to build a shared prosperity on an egalitarian basis and in respect of the dignity of each and everyone. The dearth of political will and the extractive practices of external actors can no longer be used as excuse for inaction.

We no longer have a choice: we need a radical change in direction. Now is the time!”

The writers urged African leaders to seize the opportunity of the coronavirus crisis to “break with a model of development based on the vicious cycle of indebtedness.”

China Raises Coronavirus Death Figure By 50%, Denies Cover-up China has raised the official Coronavirus death toll of its city Wuhan by 50%, giving more credence to US President Trump’s claim that the country lied to the world about its death figures.

Con’t from Pg. 5

Wuhan, the central Chinese city where the coronavirus first emerged late last year, admitted people died at home and cases were missed as hospitals struggled to cope in the early days of the outbreak.

In the new revised figures, the Wuhan city government increased the death toll by 1,290 - about 50 percent - bringing the total in Wuhan to 3,869 and the number of deaths across China to 4,632.

Chinese State controlled Xinhua News Agency quoted an unidentified official in Wuhan’s epidemic and prevention and control headquarters as saying mistaken reporting occurred during the outbreak.

China has also denied editing its official death toll for political purposes.

In an editorial, the Global Times, a tabloid owned by the Communist Party, rejected the accusations and said the revisions were made “based on facts” and that China had not been affected by “Western noise.”

“The strict review and correction of the death toll means there is no room for deliberate concealment,” the paper said. “Speculation that China falsified the death toll from the coronavirus is far from the truth.

China is not a country where one can fabricate data in complete disregard of the law.”

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ APRIL 18, 2020

POLITY Armstrong Idachaba

Chall e n g es o f Tra n s iting fr om Analogue to Digital Broadcasting It is no longer news that the Nigeria Broadcasting Commission, (NBC) is in troubled waters, facing myriads of challenges over moving from analogue to digital broadcasting in Nigeria. This country is now years behind others. In this encounter with Stanley Nkwazema, the Acting Director General of the Commission, Dr. Armstrong Idachaba explains the problems and the way forward

W

operate outside the Set Top Box manufacturers, the signal distributors and the satellite providers. We need each other to function effectively.

hy is Nigeria still behind in transiting from analogue to digital broadcasting, several years after the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) issued guidelines on the migration?

There is no problem that is not surmountable. We give God the glory.

First of all, don’t forget I have been at the NBC for decades now. I have served in various capacities; I have been Zonal Director in at least four to five locations. I have been at the core of the monitoring of operations, as Director of Monitoring. I have worked directly as Director in the DG’s office of three to four Director Generals. I basically have knowledge about the activities of the commission and I think that has been very helpful. The broadcast industry is dynamic, constantly faced by challenges and, over time, I have seen challenges of different shades that face the regulators, some of them imposed by technology, politics and changes in human behaviour that are not peculiar to Nigeria. These are exactly the situations we have here except that we have some issues that are in the front burner.

It is imperative that those front burner issues are addressed for the overall objective of development of broadcasting in Nigeria The civil suits instituted against the NBC by some institutions, some vendors, service providers and by the ICPC against the suspended DG really weighed down the activities of the NBC. How are you going to wriggle out of it?

I think strongly that there is imperative for consensus building going forward. Where people are in court, cases are instituted, it actually puts a clog in the wheel of progress and I think that those things arise due to some level of mistrust. What we are currently doing is bringing everybody back to the table. We want to be a bit more transparent and to say ‘look these are where the issues are’. There is an overriding national interest in all that we do and we expect operators and regulators to have that understanding. We are talking to all parties, interestingly the attitude is that people are now willing to discuss and forge ahead and that is a very good signal.

How can you forge ahead with Association of Cable Operators (ACON) on one side, Multichoice, Pinnacle, ITS and several others, on the other side?

Only last week, I had a meeting between Pinnacle Communication and ITS. Fortunately, the two companies had a premeeting before they met the regulator and the meetings were very open and sincere. I got re-assured from the meeting that both signal distributors are willing to work together for the good of the country. There are lots of constraints, including the fact that government needs to pay for some services and government is committed to paying them. They are willing to further constrain themselves and invest so that the digital ecology can open up one more time.

There was also the issue between Multichoice and some local/indigenous operators of the cable television such that parties were in court. Again, I was able to get them together and prevailed on them in an open sincere discussion. As we speak, both parties have agreed to withdraw cases in court as a way of paving the way for a peaceful broadcast industry going forward.

We have wasted two years on Digital Switch Over. Are we now looking forward to having a date to switch on more states?

Again, credit must be given to the Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, who has shown uncommon patriotism in delivering the Digital Switch Over project on behalf of the Federal Government and Nigerians. Fortunately, the Federal Government is pursuing the reform of the broadcast industry and I think that these two are actually converging at the right time as a central focus that will change the history of broadcasting in Nigeria. The Minister has requested engagements at all the levels of the ecology and that is happening. In the next two weeks, I and the chairman of DIGITEAM Engineer, Eddy Amana, are likely to report back to the Honourable Minister on activities we have instituted and measures we have taken to reenergise the process. We are very hopeful that once we have met with the Minister, we should be able to talk to Nigerians and the broadcast industry generally regarding the immediate future of

You have been an insider in NBC, the morale of the staff went down seriously; promotions, training, travel remunerations and other entitlements have been delayed for close to four years.What do you think will be the best way to get this place running smoothly?

What I met, actually being around, I knew some of the issues.

It was a highly divided work staff. I grew up in the NBC. I came into the NBC in 1995 and I met a rather united, closely-knit regulatory agency. Unfortunately over the years, that ebbed and it came to an era that was characterised by suspicion, ethnic divide and some kind of petty, clannish loyalties. I don’t think that is good for a national institution. We are trying to rebuild that national spirit, love and unity amongst staff. We cannot solve all their welfare needs but we are fortunate that following the Presidential intervention in NBC and the reform of the commission, the President approved some new welfare packages for the commission which we are working with its board to put in place. I think that all of that considered, once we begin to implement, staff will generally be happy. We have tried within this short time to do some outstanding trainings that the staff ought to have attended but couldn’t, for one reason or another. We have done their promotional interviews which were outstanding and I think there is a faint degree of enthusiasm which I think is good.

Armstrong Idachaba the rollout which we want to believe is becoming very positive.

When you say immediate future of the rollout, are you looking at any area specifically?

First of all, we need to release a timeline. We need to begin to broadcast digital signals in certain main cities and territories in Nigeria outside the current six, Plateau, FCT, Enugu, Ilorin, Osun and Kaduna that we have been operating from for almost three years. We hope that in the immediate foreseeable future, we will be able to increase coverage by almost 70%. I believe that is going to happen very soon and it is possible with the cooperation of every individual and corporate entity in the ecosystem of DSO. It is true that we have lost some years in the process but I think we are going to come out stronger and better this time around.

What about switching off analogue signals in areas already being transmitted digitally by the team to ensure seriousness?

We also are planning that as we are beginning to light up the Digital Signal in many cities, we will also come up with a plan to begin to switch off analogue in certain cities, especially cities where we have been transmitting for the past two and a half years. Of course, we need to cover those cities completely and the signal distributors fortunately are committed to doing that within the shortest possible time. Once they cover those cities, we will begin the switch off as it were running alongside the switch on in other cities. Don’t forget that they will need stop-gap transmitters for total coverage of those areas already switched on before we can switch off?

Have you been able to discuss with the Set Top Box Manufacturers (STB-Man)?

One of the areas we have actually been beating our chest and thumping ourselves is in the area of Set Top Box Manufacturing.

Don’t forget we licensed 13 manufacturers. At the early stage following the vigour that was put into the process by Alhaji Lai Mohammed between 2015 and 2016, we were able to get like six of those plants up and running. There is Gospell Digitall in Calabar, and SMK also in Calabar. There is Trefonics here in Abuja, Digitune in Lagos and a few others. I have spoken with the Chairman of the Set Top Box Manufacturers, Sir Godfrey Ohuabunwa, and he confidently told me they have installation capacity to meet the nation’s requirement at very short notice.

In fact, he said that as we speak there is a reserve of close to a million set top boxes waiting for deployment. So, it’s interesting to note that they can achieve that. I think all they need is a date for the roll out and they will supply the boxes. The DSO cannot

Let us talk specifically about these How are you handling foreign companies that are providing services SES that have threatened to go to court and Arion technologies and several others that provide some form of services?

I think we should commend SES for their partnership with the commission. I have followed SES closely; I remember when they came and signed an agreement with us to give us satellite services which is very key to the transmission of the digital signal. Of course, we are indebted to SES, we have not paid them for a very long time. It is positively strange that unlike what they will do in other countries, they automatically switch off; they have kept faith with the Nigerian government. The moment I came on board, I actually engaged them because I met their problem on ground. I spoke with them and I tried to assure them, having spoken with the Information Minister that we are committed to paying the debt. The Minister on his own is trying to get the consent of Mr. President to get the funds released to them. Meanwhile, there is good news again, they have said that because of their belief in the current administration of President Buhari and the trust they have in the government, they are willing to hold on. They will not cut the services, trusting that they believe the project is one that is to the good advantage of all Nigerians.

You are also offering a service that is very essential, what are you doing about this coronavirus pandemic and regulatory roles in the media?

We have actually sent communication to all the broadcast stations that they should recognise that their services are essential to the measures that usually happen at times of national emergencies. Theirs is basically responsible patriotic national coverage. So, we have made it incumbent on all the broadcast stations that they must be objective; they must provide relevant developmental information; one that will keep people abreast in issues and help in alleviating the suffering and pains of Nigerians. We have also made them to realise that, at all times, they owe Nigerians the duty to keep them informed, so they must put in place measures that will ensure that even at times of lockdown that the stations are able to inform, educate, enlighten and, to some extent, entertain Nigerians. Information is key, but we should not abuse it. Broadcast stations and other forms must at all times remember that if they are not objective and continue to release fake figure and lies, they are causing panic and heartache to Nigerians. We don’t need that now. They must confirm and crosscheck properly before going to press. We need objective reporting, certainly not fake news, because it does nobody any good.

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ APRIL 18, 2020

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POLITY

COVID-19: Abiodun Cares for the Citizens Tunde Otegbeye

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any have been clamouring for a return to business as usual. But with no hope in sight for an end to the spread of the Coronavirus, the federal government had no option than to extend the COVID-19 lockdown for another 14 days, beginning from midnight Monday, April 13, 2020, in Lagos and Ogun states, as well as in Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory, where the pandemic is believed to be more pronounced.

Generally, residents of these areas have not been favourably disposed to the extension in the face of economic hardship that results from it.

However, in Ogun State, the story is different. The level of compliance has been highly commendable, as the informal sector, particularly road transport workers, market women and men, artisans and others have been complying with the lockdown. And this development has, in no small measure, reinforced the belief in the collective efforts, and not that of the government alone, in the fight against the dreaded novel virus. The level of awareness and sensitisation of the people on social distancing is high. People now avoid close interactions, like a plague. Popular locations in Abeokuta, the state capital, with high density influx of traders, like Kuto, Panseke, Omida, Lanfenwa, Ita-Oshin, Obantoko, Itoku, and others in Ijebu-Ode, Ijebu-Igbo, Ifo, Sagamu, Ilaro and Sango-Otta are like ghost locations. There has been no violent acts or face-off with security operatives, comprising armed policemen, operatives of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), members of the Vigilante Group, officials of the Traffic Compliance and Enforcement (TRACE) and other local security operatives, who are manning every entry and exit route within the state.

Thus, the leaders of these security outfits praise their officers and men for maintaining high discipline, which they say show, to a great extent, the level of leadership the administration in the state has put in place to avoid any breakdown of law and order in the course of enforcement of the restrictions.

The state government has also come to the rescue of residents, to lessen the attendant effects of the lockdown, by allowing them

Abiodun to prepare and stock their homes with food items and other edibles through a day-on, and a day-off system.

At the beginning of the lockdown, the state government embarked on awareness creation on the dangers of the virus, using radio and television jingles, posters and handbills that sensitised them on measures like social distancing, personal hygiene of washing hands with soaps, use of face masks, the launch of the ‘Mobile App’ christened, Ogun COVID-19 Assessment”, pegging the number of people at any gathering to not more than 20 persons, closure of both public and private schools, among others.

Similarly, the government, in its kindness, provided hand sanitisers that were produced jointly by the Ministry of Health and Hospital Health Management for mass distribution across the state. Besides, before the presidency ordered the closure of

all international borders, Ogun State took up the gauntlet and directed the closure of all land borders, especially the porous international routes with the Republic of Benin.

The government showed it was on top of the situation with the provision of 1,000 bed facilities in three different locations, Olabisi Onabanjo University Teaching Hospital (OOUTH), Sagamu; Iberekodo, Abeokuta; and Ikenne, the largest of its kind in the country.

The citizens and residents of the state are pleasantly surprised at the great extent to which Governor Dapo Abiodun has gone to put every machinery in motion to combat the spread of the disease.

In demonstration of his avowed commitment to the wellbeing of all, Abiodun considered the full implications of the total lockdown and came up with the provision of relief materials and economic stimulus to prevent starvation. While making good his promise and, in a bid to cushion the attendant effects of the initial two-week lockdown, the state government gave out various staple food and essential hygiene items, all neatly bagged for distribution to no fewer than three million citizens across the 236 wards in the state. The intended targets are the poor and vulnerable people, who are getting the stimulus, being distributed in phases and the Governor is personally taking charge to prevent the process from being hijacked or the items being diverted.

The involvement of religious leaders, market women and men, community leaders, regardless of political affinities, apolitical leaders and top civil servants from the various local governments is seen as a welcome development. Apart from checking the diversion of the relief materials, it will ensure fair, equitable and inclusive distribution to all and sundry.

It is pertinent to mention here that while other politicians seize the occasion to sell their future ambitions in the distribution of the relief materials to their loyalists and supporters across the state, the reverse is the case with Abiodun who averred that the materials are meant to cater for all and sundry, regardless of political affinities. And the directive has still remained in force to ensure that the poor and vulnerable people benefit from the largesse.

Read full article online - www.thisdaylive.com

Amnesty and Urgent Need for Presidential Intervention Selky Kile Torughedi

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ollowing the removal of the Special Adviser to President Muhammadu Buhari on Niger Delta and Coordinator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme, Paul Boroh, the Presidential Amnesty programme with the attendant lacuna and its effect on the programme, it has become imperative for the federal government to take appropriate decisive measures to forestall any breakdown of communication with the recipients of the programme whilst consolidating on its gains to improve and better the lot of the Niger Delta region.

This call has become necessary given to the numerous concerns being expressed by the ex-agitators and their members, as well as the seemingly unrest amongst its ranks.

It is a known fact that the Presidential Amnesty Programme

has tremendously checked the volatile activities in the region and has also created a new lease of life to the once restive youths of the Niger Delta region. Suffice to say that, the continuous delay in kick starting and implementing all pending projects and palliatives may be an albatross if no concrete action is put in place moving forward. The apparent lack of coordination and the delay in contractual obligations may pose an even greater risk if nothing is done urgently in mitigating and minimizing the pain currently being experienced by all stakeholders under the scheme.

Furthermore, I would plead with the FG to do all within its powers to alleviate the pain being experienced due to the lockdown of the country following the emergence of the Coronavirus. This is very necessary given the volatile nature of the youths when confronted with hunger and if left unattended to, seeing the rate of poverty and lack, not only in the Niger Delta but throughout the country.

Finally, the unemployed youths in Nigeria are in dire need of government assistance and palliatives at these very trying times. Reports indicate that over 20 million unemployed youths may be at risk of starvation and severe hunger during the lockdown with nothing to ameliorate their sufferings at this time. The FG must come clean in its Social Intervention Programme by properly capturing all able bodied youths who are genuinely unemployed due to no fault of theirs amidst this pandemic.

My feeling is that poor hungry able bodied youth if not well attended to and harnessed is a ticking time bomb especially in the Niger Delta. The time to intervene is now and quickly too.

High Chief Selky Kile Torughedi (Gen.Young Shall Grow) Chairman, Ex Agitators Forum, Niger Delta and Chairman, Board of Trustees, Unemployed Youths Association of Nigeria (UYAN) wrote from Abuja

COVID-19: Ayade’s Kinetic Intervention Charles Ajunwa

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s I tuned my television to AIT channel around 10:45a.m.on Wednesday, Cross River State Governor, Prof. Ben Ayade, was making interventions via Skype on the COVID-19 pandemic rampaging the entire world. What really attracted my attention during the programme was the governor’s attire – He wore a face mask and T-Shirt made of African fabrics printed in different colours.

Governor Ayade looked smart and cool. The fabrics and other materials used in making the face mask and T-Shirt according to him, were sourced locally and produced at the garment factory established in Calabar by his administration.

The T-Shirt according to Ayade cost less than N7,000 while the face mask produced in large quantities was at no cost.

Ayade who spoke with so much passion, said the face masks were made compulsory for all the people residing in the state. Due to the global shortage for medical mask the Nigerian Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), said improvised masks could be used as long as they were properly washed regularly. They can also be made out of cloth or other materials. The face masks according to him, had the capacity to reduce the viral load of the deadly disease thereby making it impotent. The effectiveness of face masks according to him, has been attested to globally. He cited examples of United States of America where millions of people have been protected from Coronavirus through the use of face masks.

The governor who advocated the use of face masks and

Ayade wearing costumised face mask lockout in mitigating the spread of COVID-19, explained that when people were locked down, chances were that their immune systems were weakened as they don’t have access to Vitamin D which they need to boost their immune

systems.

Ayade who maintained that the measures put in place in the state to mitigate the spread of the deadly virus were working effectively, lamented that no assistance from the federal government had reached Cross River since the outbreak of COVID-19 to cushion the effects of the lockdown. He promised to provide 8,000 jobs for unemployed youths in the state by next Tuesday. The youths according to him, would be deployed to sanitation, agriculture and other critical sectors.

Although he acknowledged President Muhammadu Buhari as “a friend and a nice man”, Ayade said Cross River State had not been treated well by federal government in the disbursement of funds and other palliatives to states since the outbreak of COVID-19. Cross River State according to him, deserved special attention given its population size and geographical location, lamenting that the loss of her oil wells and Bakassi Penninsula were enough reasons the state should be factored into the palliatives being dispensed by the federal government.

According to Ayade, Cross River apart from sharing borders with states within Nigeria, shares international border with Camerroon from where migrants enter into the state which he noted was at a huge cost to the state as they were struggling with scarce resources.

Governor Ayade who is an intellectual powerhouse, since coming on board in 2015 has deployed his intellect in doing things differently which has received accolades locally and internationally.

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ APRIL 18, 2020

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ APRIL 18, 2020

PERSPECTIVE

FG Urged to end Female Genital Mutilation Gabriel Johnson

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here are fresh calls on the federal government to intensify efforts towards eradicating Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) practice in Nigeria, following the prevalence of the act despite all efforts to stop it.

Female genital mutilation also known as Female Genital Cutting (FGC) is the practice of partially or totally removing external genitalia of young females aged 0-15 years for cultural purposes. One of the reasons adduced for it is to curtail premature sexual urge or promiscuity and prepare them for marriage.

Speaking in Lagos recently at a forum on the Danger of Female Genital Mutilation, a concerned mother, Mrs Foluke Olowoyo said the practice is a family tradition that the government needs to reinforce its commitment and end quickly in Nigeria.

Narrating her ordeal regarding the practice, Mrs Olowoyo said the elders of her husband, Mr Dayo Olowoyo’s family in Ekiti had been pressuring her and her husband to allow their 10-year-old daughter to be circumcised according to family tradition. She added that they said the girl was even overdue for the rite as she ought to have undergone it when she was four years, but her husband had always ignored them.

Health Minister, Ehanire According to her, “Late 2019, we went to the family house with our daughter to attend a burial ceremony. Surprisingly, the elders exploited that time to forcefully seize and circumcise our daughter when my husband and I went out to get some items. We got angry but they pacified us and said it’s a taboo with grave consequences if she wasn’t circumcised. The girl fell ill soon after due to complications and later passed away.

COVID-19: Otunba Lawal Gives Palliatives to Orile-Oshodi Residents To cushion the effects of the lockdown occasioned by the Coronavirus pandemic, the Chairman, Seagle Property Development limited, Otunba Yemi Lawal has distributed food items to residents of Orile-Oshodi, Islolo Local Government Area of Lagos State.

The gesture is also geared towards promoting the state government’s effort in encouraging people to stay at home and be safe during the lockdown.

With the distribution of food, the Imole Adini of Lagos, Otunba Lawal, added smiles and sense of relief to the faces of people in Orile-Oshodi and the Muslim community

in Oshodi.

He said: “As we witness a rapidly increasing number of cases of the Coronavirus in the country, we have to work hand-in-hand to stem the spread of the global pandemic. I also pray for quick recovery of those who tested positive for the coronavirus, and those who are receiving treatment in our various isolation centers in Lagos and Nigeria.”

He also enjoined Nigerians to follow the stipulated health guidelines by the Federal Ministry of Health and the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) “in order to keep us all safe and healthy.”

I regret not to have run away with her to a safe place, even outside the country.”

Also speaking at the forum, another woman, a native of a town in Osun State who preferred anonymity said female genital mutilation practice is condemnable. In her words, “I am a victim of this barbaric act. I was circumcised when I was seven years. It was a terrible experience and the effects still linger. My husband says I am like a log of wood in bed. This is because I don’t enjoy sex at all. My marriage is on the verge of collapse. Government needs to stop this wicked practice.”

Another speaker and victim, Mrs Joy Peter (not real name) who berated the practice and wanted government to redouble its action said victims of female genital mutilation experience painful menstrual periods, urinary problems, depression, anxiety, broken homes, low sexual urge, etc.

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), Nigeria has the highest number female genital mutilation cases globally with 41 per cent prevalence. WHO said over 40 million females in Nigeria have been circumcised.

Recent research by the United Nations Fund for Population Activities (UNFPA) and UNICEF shows that the South-Western Nigeria has the highest number of female genital mutilation cases in Nigeria. The breakdown of prevalence rate shows that Osun State has 76.3 per cent; Ekiti State, 71.2; Oyo State, 69.7 and Lagos, 44.8. In the South-East, Ebonyi State has 55.6 per cent and Imo State 48.8.

Asiwaju Hails Mutiu Are at 61 All Progressives Congress National Leader, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, has congratulated a Lagos stalwart of the party, Alhaji Mutiu Are, on his 61st birthday.

In a congratulatory letter to Are dated April 17, his birthday, and released by Tinubu Media Office, the party’s national leader and former Lagos State governor said: “Very warm congratulations to Alhaji Mutiu Are, a staunch progressive, reliable associate and loyal member of our All Progressives Congress, on his 61st birthday.

Tinubu said: “Are has painstakingly served APC in Lagos and

contributed immensely to the development of the state.

“A grassroots politician, reputed for working behind the scene, it is to his credit that today he is a prominent member of the Governor ’s Advisory Council, the highest decision-making organ of APC in the state.

“Not only has Are done creditably well in politics; he has done even better for his community and for Islam, which he has propagated with all that he is blessed with.

“As he turns 61, I wish Are continued grace and blessing of Allah and the gift of longevity and good health.”

PHOTO NEWS

L-R: Managing Director/CEO, Communication Facilitators Limited, Mr. Adewole Ayara; Director of Administration, Communication Facilitors Limited, Mrs. Felicia Ayara; Beneficiary, Mrs. Abibat Adedokun; and General Manager, Communication Facilitators Limited, Mr. Damilare Oyewole,during the distribution of food items to the residents of Oshola Street, Ogba, Lagos, by Communications Facilitators Limited in Lagos...yesterday SUNDAYADIGUN

L-R: Commissioner for Agriculture, Oyo State, Hon. Ojekunle Jacob Ojemuyiwa (Jr); Special Assistant to the Governor on AgricBusiness, Dr. Debo Akande; HR Business Partner FMN, Mr. Mukaila Kafaru, and Permanent Secretary Ministry of Agriculture, Oyo State, Mrs. S.B. Oloko; at the official handover of food products to Oyo State donated by Flour Mills of Nigeria (FMN), as part of FMN’s commitment to support impact of the lockdown instituted to reduce the spread of Coronavirus across Nigeria in Oyo State...yesterday

L-R: Vice President, Corporate and Government Relations, Olam Nigeria Limited, Mr. Ade Adefeko; Special Adviser to the Lagos State Governor on Agriculture, Ms Abisola Olusanya; Commissioner for Agriculture and Cooperatives, Lagos State, Mr. Gbolahan Lawal; andVice President, Commercial, Crown Flour Mills Ltd, Mr. Bolaji Anifowose, during the presentation of a trailer load of Crown Pasta to the Lagos State Government as part of Olam Group’s intervention effortstoassistthestategovernmentincushioningtheeffectsofCOVID-19 inLagos...recently SUNDAYADIGUN

L-R: Commander, Rapid Response Squad (RRS), DCP Olatunji Disu (middle) and a team of RRS officers after inspecting Computer Village, Ikeja, to ensure traders’ compliance with state government’s stay-at-home order in Lagos...recently SUNDAY ADIGUN

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ ͹΀˜ 2020

SHOWBIZFLAIR

Rema’s ‘Dumebi’ is Rihanna’s Favourite Ultimate Love: Our Love Story,

By Rosie and Kachi pg. 23

Human Traffickers Exposed in Handicapped pg. 24

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ ͹΀˜ 2020

SHOWBIZFLAIR

Rema’s ‘Dumebi’ is Rihanna’s Favourite Days after Drake confirmed having collaboration with Rema, the Nigerian star has attracted another American artiste, Rihanna, to his music. Ferdinand Ekechukwu reports

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avin /Jonzin records star, Divine Ikubor popularly known as Rema is steadily gaining international attention with his fresh sound and it’s no surprise that his hit track ‘Dumebi’ has earned huge followership in the afrobeats scene.

The latest to join in the frenzy is American singer and songwriter, Rihanna who was seen vibing to the song; dropping mad dance steps to Rema’s song on her Instalive, away from her dad’s corona virus diagnosis.

This is coming days after another American rapper Drake was seen vibing to the same sound and even confirmed having collaboration with the young Nigerian star. Reacting to the video which has gone viral on the internet, Rema hailed the pop princess for vibing to his song. Hailing her as a queen, he wrote “Woke up to Rihanna vibing to my sound.

A queen.” Reacting to the trend, CEO Mavin records, Don Jazzy, who crushes on Rihanna took to his Instagram page to share a video of her dancing to the song.

He captioned the video saying “Father lord when? We getting closer guys lol @badgalriri on that #Dumebi by @heisrema”.

Being one of the youngest in the music industry, Rema has been dropping hit songs that have been making waves in the industry and topping charts especially two songs on his EP - Iron man and Dumebi. Sometime in February, 2020, Rema performed alongside another American rapper 2 Chainz at the NBA All-Star Weekend Event.

Rema had previously made the announcement of his performance on his Twitter page with the caption, “Tonight! NBA allstar weekend, Chicago see you soon!” The fast-rising artiste performed alongside American rapper, 2 Chainz. The NBA All-Star Weekend where Rema and 2 Chainz performed was held in Chicago, Illinois. Along with his released songs, Rema also performed an unreleased song at Club Vienna Afterhours in Boston.

He would then tweet about the event saying, “Performed an unreleased song in Boston and they loved it! Thank you, Boston!” According to a Twitter user, the unreleased song Rema performed is titled Ima Alien.

In April 2019, Rema released his debut project, Rema EP which had the single, ‘Dumebi’ in its four-track list. As the song has grown, so has Rema. While the lead track ‘Iron Man’ featured on the Obamas’ summer playlist, ‘Dumebi’ became arguably one of the most popular Afro-

Rema

beats singles of 2019 and immediately propelled the young and unknown singer at the time into mainstream consciousness.

Almost a year after its initial release, Rema remixed the groundbreaking single and recruited American star of Latin

origin, Becky G, for a collaboration. Becky G is well known for her 2014 ‘Showers’, which was a top-twenty record on the much-celebrated Billboard Hot 100 chart. She sings her feature on the remixed ‘Dumebi’ in Spanish. This was after releas-

ing his short film titled, ‘Rema’s Realm’. The ‘Dumebi’ remix maintains its original beat with Rema almost keeping his verse intact. Becky G however gave it a new life, delivering a solid performance in her native tongue.

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ ͹΀˜ 2020

SHOWBIZFLAIR forgetting the Charade etc. The experience was worth it. Thank you, Aunty.

Who, among the other Love Guests, did you connect with the most and why?

Rosie: I connected with Chris because of her honesty and bluntness (she says it as it is); Bolanle for her energetic, hearty and fun personality; Ebi because she constantly reminded me of why I came to the Love Pad and she also had my back; Merriton because she is wise and I call her “the wise woman”.

Kachi: Arnold and Chris Ville. Arnold because he’s fun to be with; Chris Ville because he is articulate, business-oriented and fun to be with.

Did you have a game plan for the nominations?

Rosie: I didn’t have any game plan for the nominations. I never sat down with anyone to plan anything concerning the nominations. In fact, most times, I asked Kachi- by Saturday- who we would nominate, and he would tell me I should wait until after eviction to decide.

Kachi: I never had a game plan. My baby and I literally don’t discuss nominations until Sunday. So, we nominated as the spirit led.

Kachi and Rosie

Ultimate Love: Our Love Story, By Rosie and Kachi Rosie and Kachi, winners of the maiden edition of Ultimate Love, Nigeria’s first romance-inclined reality television show, tell the story of an affair that looks destined for the altar

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ongratulations on finding love and winning the ultimate prize. But did you expect to find love on Ultimate Love or what was the motivation for seeking to be part of the show?

Rosie: Yes, of course. When I came to Ultimate Love, I was in search of love.

I had already given up on love. So, my coming to the Love Pad was for love and to leave the show as a couple, not single.

Kachi: I entered the Love Pad with an open heart as an individual to find genuine and unconditional love. Yes, it was tough at some point, but in the end, my wish came through.

I decided to focus more on building my career, but I am grateful to God that my story has changed because I have found my one and only true love

When did you know that he/she was the one?

Rosie: I knew Kachi was the one when I understood how patient, calm, strong and persistent he was in having me and he meant it. Also, after the crushes came and left, the fear of losing him became strong and that was when I realised he was the one and I had fallen in love with him.

Kachi: I knew Rosie was the one when we had our first speed date in the Love Pad, but most importantly was when she led me into her heart by sharing a secret she had never discussed with anyone. So, that built my trust and love for her.

Did becoming the winners of the maiden edition of Ultimate Love come as a surprise and what do you think swung things in your favour?

Rosie: Yes. Winning came as a surprise to me; I didn’t expect it, but only anticipated and prayed to win. Truly, I don’t know if anything swung things in our favour because from the beginning to the end, we were just being ourselves.

Kachi: I: Yes, it came to me as a surprise because I wasn’t expecting it. But I give thanks to God for making it possible.

What was the biggest sacrifice you both made in your relationship in the Love Pad? Rosie: We initially were always around each other and not mingling with others and we both decided to balance it and mingle with other Love Guests and spend less time with each other.

Kachi: To stay true, love, trust and support each other regardless of the outcome of the show.

Prior to Ultimate Love, what was your individual love life like?

Rosie: My love life was more like a single mom, just taking care of her son and facing her career. I was not interested in having any relationship or entering any because of the specs that were trying to be around me.

Kachi: My love life was characterised by uncertainty and heartbreaks to a point

Did you see any threat to your relationship when it started?

Rosie: No. When our relationship started, I didn’t see any threat only the fact that I personally needed to see what was right in front of me, that he loves me and wanted me.

Kachi: Yes, but because I handed it over to God. He took charge in a remarkable

way and then turned things to my favour.

What would you say were the highlights of your stay in the Love Pad? Rosie: The highlights of my stay in the Love Pad are too many to number. However, I enjoyed the master classes, tasks, presentations for different ethnic groups, cooking, painting and pottery. But, in particular, the couple game show.

Kachi: There were several of them.

Firstly, I learnt a whole lot from the different facilitators Aunty brought into the house to educate us on relationship, marriage, sex and love language etc Secondly, was when I completed a task of making Italian Cuisine (Pasta Puttanesca) for my baby, she really enjoyed it and asked for more.

The third was when Aunty tested my love for Rosie by bringing in her crushes to the Love Pad. Finally, was when she reassured me of her love for me.

What did you think of the tasks that were given in the Love Pad? How insightful were they?

Rosie: The tasks in the Love Pad were insightful, educational and creative, which I was always looking forward to because they brought out the creativity in me, made me understand things I didn’t know and gave me a clearer understanding of things I already knew; for example, the knotting of tie. I understood there were other ways to knot a tie and cooking different cuisines.

Kachi: All the tasks in the Love Pad were educative, inspiring and mind-blowing. I learnt how to braid hair, how to tie gele, how to apply make up on my love’s face and get her ready for an event, how to prepare delicious Italian cuisine for her, not

How would you describe your relationship with PreshDavid? Is there a possibility of reconciling your differences outside the Love Pad? Rosie: My relationship with Preshdavid is cordial; no bad blood, negativity or toxicity from Roksie. I am not aware of any differences that might have transpired again for there to be another reconciliation.

Kachi: I am open to friendship. I have never held grudges against anyone. I have extended the olive branch to Preshdavid on several occasions in the house, so if they wish to be friends with Roksie, our arms are wide open to receive them.

Winning the show will certainly put you in the limelight. How do you hope to cope with your new status as a celeb?

Rosie: The new status as a celeb is not easy. I tell you. There is pressure from left, right, up, down and center, but all we do is pray about it and commit it into God’s hand for guidance, direction, clarification, truth, discernment, and wisdom.

Kachi: I have handed it over to God to take charge and direct my path and utterances.

Did you expect Kachi to formally propose to you at the finale?

Rosie: No I didn’t expect Kachi to formally declare his intention to propose at the finale because we had spoken about it and had agreed that after he must have seen my parents and have spoken to them, he would propose. So, I was surprised when he did. But I was extremely happy at the same time that he did proposed and committed to me.

What date are you two looking at for the wedding?

Rosie: Yet to be decided. When decided, it would be communicated publicly.

Kachi: We will communicate officially when we finally agreed on a date.

Any words for your fans?

Rosie: Words for my fans are no bad blood please, let us all be ambassadors of peace and let love lead because love lives here. We also want to thank them all across Nigeria, Africa and the world for the support, prayers, advice, love, time, loyalty and dedication towards me, Kachi and Roksie. I love them, we love them all and they shouldn’t stop praying for us. RokNation, we Rok. Kachi: The sky is big enough to accommodate us all. Forgive easily, do unto others what you want them to do to you, do not hate but let love lead. Above all, put God first in all that you do and the sky will be a starting point for you.

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ ͹΀˜ 2020

SHOWBIZFLAIR

HumanTraffickers Exposed in Handicapped Yinka Olatunbosun

A

gony. This is the overarching feeling that engulfs one after watching this 93-minute debut movie fromAlvary Studios titled “Handicapped.§” Shot in various locations along the paths regularly used by irregular migrants, the story told by Roy Osuji, is far from strange.

His central character, Ese, is a young girl from an economically-disadvantaged home, raised by a single mother. Her desire to be educated and secure a better quality of life led her to trust Uncle Maxwell. Unknown to her, Maxwell is entangled in the business of hum§qan trafficking and irregular migration.

Opening with a flash forward, Handicapped arouses the viewer’s interest with the multiple scenes of the present day Ese, a survivor of human trafficking, who is educating young girls on the dangers of irregular migration. Ese’s economic need is repeatedly exploited by Maxwell, first as a house-girl. Embittered by the rape attempt by her employer’s husband, Ese calls it quits with her boss and by extension, her education.

Upon Maxwell’s discovery that Ese is a virgin, he convinces her about irregular migration and makes her take an oath to remit some of her earnings when she arrives at her country of interest. Ese is deceived into accepting this deal on the premise that she’d study medicine abroad just as she has desired. The intrigues that played out form a visual documentation of the several real-life ordeals of many young girls and men that the producer, Osuji has retold in this emotional flick.

Avisual juxtapose of the past and present makes the narrative particularly engaging. Starring Kunle Idowu, a comedian popularly known as Frank Donga, Handicapped is directed by Seun Arowojolu who co-wrote the screenplay with Denise Chikaodi. Weaving tragedy and romance, the gripping movie spills all the dirt on the plight of the girl-child whose legitimate ambition to become successful is overturned by the greed of human traffickers.Amaka, a supporting character in the plot becomes the heroine of the story for the ultimate price she paid to procure freedom for the other girls who were trapped in the neo-Atlantic slave trade.

Osuji’s side view on irregular migration hinges on the perspective of the prey, not the predator.

To be sure, the actual receivers of these “human goods” are not revealed in the story but the snares of luring young girls are articulated in the plot that raises questions about border management, sexuality and the lingering humanitarian crises that many developed countries currently find very worrisome. More often than not, young girls are lured into prostitution as soon as they depart from Nigerian shores. As seen in Handicapped, these greedy merchants cash

in on the weak border security as well as the naivety of the girls and their parents to establish international deals which may be forced labour or forced prostitution. Since 2017, the U.S. State Department’s Office to Monitor and Combat Trafficking in Persons placed Nigeria in “Tier 2 Watchlist” which implies that the number of victims of trafficking is perhaps significantly increasing and there is lack of evidence to prove that conscious effort to combat the scourge is

in full swing.

In terms of special effects, this movie chimes on a high note with Abdul’s cringe-worthy torture in the hands of the brutal gang-leader, Felix.

Handicapped is a non-commercial movie that will likely tour schools and institutions that are actively concerned with migration. With Osuji’s Handicapped, it is effortlessly excruciating to contemplate the grim picture of young girls arm-twisted into living undesired lives.

Exotika Strikes Gold on the Street Chinedu Ibeabuchi

Budding musical talent, Ojuyenum George, a.k.a Exotica is regarded for his lyrical flow and how he blends rhymes with beats seamlessly. Growing up, he entrenched himself into African culture and took most of his inspirations from there, thus spreading them in his music. But Exotika’s journey to limelight was filled with thorns.

The only child of his parent, whom died when he was six, said music wasn’t something he wanted to do. He dreamt of being a banker. But then, music runs in his family.

His grandmother was a revered folklore singer in her native community and his late mother was a great dancer who managed a local band.

Exotika said his life was full of pains as a young orphan. He was disowned by his father’s family after the death of his parent.

His only hope of survival was his poor maternal grandmother who nurtured his dreams. He took to the street to cater for both, enduring so much pain and hardship.

“I cried in despair because I never believed in better days ahead due to my predicaments.

My grandmother always encouraged me never to give up. I did all kinds of menial jobs as a child to sustain myself, my poor grandmother and pay for my education,” he said.

It’s through his street hustling that he found a new passion.

“Street credibility taught me both sides of life - how to win and count my loss. I saved for my education via street hustling. When I gained admission to study accounting, I met friends in school who love music and became a member of their band. It was then I recognised that music was the main reason why I live and see music to be a way of letting the world know that mankind must love each other to survive.”

Recently, he released the video of his single, Dey for You. The video gained fast attention among music lovers with over twelve thousand views on YouTube within few days of release.

Exotika, 26, came to limelight in 2018 after releasing “Blessings”, the lead song from his debut record release.

He is signed to record label, Diamond Dream Chaser (DCC). He released his second single in 2019 which literally marked his major label debut.

His release in 2019 was soft and sensual, unraveling the joy, conviction and curiosity of love. It was described as stunning and dramatic, conveying tones that reflected the overall concept of the album.

Among his rising audience, Exotika is regarded as having an exceptional flow, blending rhymes with beats seamlessly. “My songs preach love and positivism to people especially those with depression,” he said.

Exotika

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ ͹΀˜ 2020

SHOWBIZFLAIR

Yobo Revels Adaeze at 30 Former Super Eagles Captain, Joseph Yobo gushes about his ex-beauty queen wife, Adaeze, as she clocks 30. Ferdinand Ekechukwu reports

E

x-beauty queen, Adaeze Yo b o c e l e b r a t ed her 30th birthday last Tu e s d a y, a n d her husband, J o s e p h Yo b o , t o o k t o s o c i a l media to shower her with s w e e t w o rd s . Yo b o t h a n k e d his wife for being an amazing partner to him and also s a i d h e i s p ro u d t o c a l l h e r h i s w i f e . I n a p o s t s h a re d on his Instagram page, the ex-footballer gushed about his beautiful wife, describing her as an amazing partner who made his life b e t t e r.

Sharing a stunning photo of his wife, the Super Eag l e s a s s i s t a n t c o a c h w ro t e : “Happy 30th Birthday to my darling wife and mom to our beautiful kids. Ask i m , y o u ’ re u n b e l i e v a b l y p re c i o u s t o m e . . . a n d I ’ m s o happy to celebrate another year with you. May this special day bring you lots of moments cherish. I am s o p ro u d a n d b l e s s e d t o call you my wife. Thank you for being an amazing p a r t n e r. M y l i f e i s b e t t e r b e c a u s e o f y o u ! I a d o re y o u my queen! Love you now a n d f o re v e r. ” Yo b o a n d A d a e z e , a former beauty queen got married in January 2010; t h e y h a v e t h re e c h i l d re n - two boys and a girl.

Yo b o w a l k e d d o w n t h e aisle with Adaeze Igwe, the Most Beautiful Girl in Nigeria (MBGN) 2008. As a f o o t b a l l e r, h e w a s s u c c e s s ful on the pitch and plied h i s t r a d e w i t h S t a n d a rd L i è g e , M a r s e i l l e , Te n e r i f e , Everton, Fenerbahçe and N o r w i c h C i t y i n a c a re e r that spanned 14 years. As a player in the Super Eagles, h e h a d o v e r o n e h u n d re d caps and played in several Nations cup, winning the one in 2018 with the late Stephen Keshi as coach.

Yo b o , w h o p l a y e d c e n t e r b a c k , re t i re d s h o r t l y a f t e r the world cup in June 2014.

T h e c o u p l e re c e n t l y c e l e brated their tenth wedding a n n i v e r s a r y i n J a n u a r y, 2020.

The erstwhile captain of Super Eagles had arrived Nigeria during the summer of 2009 to stay awhile when he met the Anambra b e a u t y. H e w o u l d t h e n spend the whole holiday back home after meeting t h e b e a u t y q u e e n . A c c o rd i n g t o A d a e z e , “ We m e t a t an event in Abuja and it might have been love at

Adaeze and Joseph Yobo

first sight, though I had not noticed it.

“I did not know that it was something that would g o f a r. I n e v e r t h o u g h t I ’ d be married when I did. I was not then into the boyfriend thing. I was still discovering myself. But in the course of our phone chats, it was as if we had known each other for a long time.

He left Nigeria and came back and overstayed this t i m e a n d w e w e re t o g e t h e r.

About a month after that, he started talking about marriage.

He said he was serious a n d t h a t h e re a l l y l o v e d m e . I w a s a l re a d y i n l o v e with him, so I thought a b o u t i t a n d re a l i s e d I h a d nothing to lose.

“I told him if he was serious, he needed to come see m y m u m . Tw o w e e k s a f t e r the discussion, he came to see my mum. Joseph and I both immediately a g re e d o n h a v i n g a b a b y.

Because we thought if I got p re g n a n t , e v e r y o n e w o u l d k n o w t h a t w e w e re s e r i o u s about getting married. He left for the UK and I was

always going to the hospital every other time to f i n d o u t i f I w a s p re g n a n t .

Eventually I called him to tell him the good news, and on hearing the news, he told me he was getting m e t h e n e x t f l i g h t t o L i v e rpool.

Then we started planning for the wedding… b u t a g re e d t o d o a s m a l l w e d d i n g b e c a u s e t h e re w a s no time to plan a big one.

We h a d t h e w e d d i n g a n d a l i t t l e c e re m o n y a n d J o e l e f t immediately the next day for the nation’s cup.”

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˜ ˞ APRIL 18, 2020

JOE/FAJ

THEFRONTLINES

COVID-19: Random Musing over Lockdown

JOSEPH USHIGIALE

T

he two weeks lockdown ordered by the federal government as a result of the novel COVID -19 pandemic ravaging the world today including Nigeria, leading to a forced lockdown in designated states like. Lagos, Ogun and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) ended last Sunday.

After a careful appraisal of the effectiveness of the lockdown, it was extended by another two weeks by President Muhammadu Buhari who noted that given the stark realities unraveling on the ground, an extension was inevitable and imperative if the virus is to be contained.

The president, relying on statistics from the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), noted in a recent nationwide broadcast to justify the need for an additional 14-day extension that “we had 131 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in 12 States on 30th March 2020. We had two fatalities then. This morning, Nigeria had 323 confirmed cases in twenty States. Unfortunately, we now have ten fatalities. Lagos State remains the center and accounts for 54% of the confirmed cases in Nigeria. When combined with the FCT, the two locations represent over 71% of the confirmed cases in Nigeria.�

He pointed out that “Most of our efforts will continue to focus on these two locations. The majority of the confirmed cases in Lagos and the FCT are individuals with recent international travel history or those that came into contact with returnees from international trips.�

Furthermore, the president noted that “By closing our airports and land borders and putting strict conditions for seaport activities, we have reduced the impact of external factors on our country. However, the increase in the number of States with positive cases is alarming. The National Centre for Disease Control has informed me that, a large proportion of new infections are now occurring in our communities, through person-to-person contacts. So we must pay attention to the danger of close contact between person to person.�

The lockdown that went into force since March 30, has thrown up a lot of questions challenging the government’s decision to opt for a total lockdown of some states without taking into cognizance the socio-economic peculiarities of the people including exposing a new dimension of official tardiness.

Locked in this argument on one side are those who believe that the government would have devised a more robust, pragmatic and proactive approach by adapting to the cultural traits as well as the socioeconomic realities of an average Nigerian. This group believes that since the government and the private sector can only provide few jobs for the people, the majority of these

Buhari

Nigerians survive on the streets on a daily basis. Therefore, stopping them from plying their trades and locking them down over a period of time without the provision of meaning palliatives would provoke negative results.

Yet, others believe that the federal government must adopt the current standard global practice of locking down an entire state or country to stem the spread of the virus as was recently observed in Italy, Spain, United Kingdom, currently in the United States of America and previously in China.

The reality today, however, suggests that each country needs to study its peculiar nature and evolve appropriate policies that would be embraced by the people so that in the long run, the objectives could be achieved. There are several reasons why Nigeria should not adopt a one solution cures all approach to follow the standard global practice.

First, according to the president, the infections have moved from Nigerians who traveled abroad at about the period of the outbreak to the communities. Why would a responsible government allow this to happen with all the evident forewarnings from abroad? It is quite evident that the administration went to sleep and exposed the silent majority to what we are about to start experiencing shortly- explosion of infections in communities.

With daily information on what was happening in China, Italy,

jushigiale@yahoo.co.uk, joseph.ushigiale@thisdaylive.com 08023422660 (sms only)

Spain, Germany and the USA, the federal government ought to have been prepared ahead by ordering the closure of the country’s borders and all entry points into the country. Since that was not done, it was expected that all incoming travelers from abroad ought to be screened and quarantined for a minimum period of 14 days.

Again that was not done because according to reliable sources, one of the president’s daughters was abroad. The federal government swung into action only after she was safely back into the country, by which time, a lot of damage had been done and hundreds of infected persons coming from abroad had slipped into the country and vanished into thin air with the virus.

Today, some of these people, have become the primary sources of the spread that is currently permeating the communities across the country. It is such tardiness that has provoked an investigation in the United States of America to unravel whether intelligence failed to provide intel resources highlighting any threat to U.S interests either internally or from abroad; also why the U.S government failed to act to protect U.S interest.

While people are being called to account in the U.S., in Nigeria, government officials are carrying on as if the lives of vulnerable Nigerians do not matter.

Second, our officials are often quick to align with standard global practices only when they suit their purposes. From experience, standard global practices do not exist in a vacuum. They are products of deliberate consistent policies that lead to the building of a very strong institutional structure upon which policies are driven. Do we have such institutional structures in Nigeria? NO. What really is institutional structures? To answer the question, again let us go back to the developed economies like the U.S to illustrate this point. As soon as the pandemic broke in that country, President Donald Trump announced a stimulus package including palliatives for Americans, their businesses, etc, to cushion the hardship that would kick in from the lockdown.

That could only be possible because of the availability of dependable demographic data showing clearly the percentage of people who need help, narrowing down to states and precincts. In that way, there is no ambiguity, every transaction is transparently executed with no room for officials to cut corners.

Readers can continued online www.thisdaylive.com

Seyi Makinde’s Unenlightened Self-Interest

T

he article you are about to read suffered an inexplicable disappearance last weekend. It is still some sort of mystery to me, and perhaps a glitch of technology. Two Wednesdays ago,April 10, 2020, I had completed the creation process: thinking, applying, writing, editing and proof-reading. To season it, and be sure no sediment was not lurking somewhere, I decided to “sleep on� it, and do the needful the following day, Thursday, in spite of over-stretching my editor’s deadline.

So, on Thursday, after a quick review... satisfied, I sent it as email to the editor - or so I thought! Then, last Saturday, I sat calmly in a lockdown mode to read this newspaper. Alas, Counterpoint was missing! I scrubbed the internet, nothing. Then, I asked the editor if he had exercised his power to shunt the column for pecuniary reason; mind you, advertising revenue is more than a king nowadays. He hadn’t seen my mail...or nothing came from me. He simply assumed I had fallen victim to the underwhelming aroma of the Lockdown!

I still cannot fully grasp how the article disappeared between my Gmail draft box and the outbox - the ‘sent’ box was empty!

Nevertheless, I am persuaded that the thought and position which influenced the article almost two weeks ago, are still tenable and relevant. Here we go...

It is obvious to all that the young governor of Oyo State is eager to serve, and possibly leave telling legacies in the nooks and crannies of the ancient cities that make up the nerve centres of the state. Observers have taken keen interest in his programmes and pronouncements...some of which are commendable, and some in which he has been forced to recant or remonstrate himself. We have seen him own up to gaffes in public actions worthy of severe reprimands. There have been occasions where he has impressed with his doggedness and thinly veiled hunger to surpass his predecessors of assorted pedigrees....and some unworthy of recollection.

Our current dismay is the speed and stuff of the governor’s recent encounter with the dreaded coronavirus disease (COVID-19).

He was one of three governors (others are Bala Mohammed of Bauchi and Nasir El-Rufai of Kaduna) in a sensational moment of continental recognition for the awesome power and limitless disregard of COVID-19 to infect and overpower anybody.

He admirably announced his contract with COVID-19 on his Twitter page on Monday, March 30 (same day Lagos, Ogun - neighbouring states - and Abuja went on lockdown). Makinde declared briskly: “I just received my COVID-19 confirmation test result. It is POSITIVE. I am asymptomatic (yet without symptoms) and will continue to self-isolate.�

This turn of event was not entirely surprising to observers of Oyo politics. Few weeks earlier, after a trip to Europe, amidst the

COUNTERPOINT

FEMI

AKINTUNDE-JOHNSON fajalive1@gmail.com 08182223348 - (SMS Only)

Makinde

pervasive careless, lethargic attitude of most parts of Europe to the spiralling coronavirus pandemic, the politician in Makinde led him against common sense and enlightened self-interest to host a political rally of his party, People’s Democratic Party, PDP. Widespread condemnation and opprobrium impressed on the young ambitious governor to flog himself, and contrary to usual pigheadedness of Nigerian politicians, to admit wrongdoing, and take responsibility for acts of impunity. Makinde declared a “lapse in judgement�, and a belated realisation that the gathering, at that point in the maturity of the dreaded disease, was less than responsible. Consequently, his ratings soared, with bipartisan praises for doing the unimaginable, and trusting that he would have learnt from that “lapse�.

Now, some of his discerning watchers are wondering if, indeed, he needs more chastening lessons in the fine balance between political expediency and statesmanship. What with the manner and attitude displayed in handling his positive/negative treatment of the COVID-19 personal invasion.

Exactly one week after he tested positive for Coronavirus, by his own admission; he also certified himself negative, and a relieved nation shouted hallelujah. But wait a minute... who did the test? Who signed the result? When was the first negative test confirmed? By whom? How many days were observed before the second mandatory test was conducted? Who did the second test? When? Where?

What sort of treatment regimen was followed? Or did he simply depend on the alternative condiments spruced by his doctor friend?

And all this was achieved within seven days? Were the people he came in contact with, ‘at work, home and abroad’, identified, tested

and isolated accordingly? Shall we take it that the oft-mentioned 14 days of self-isolation, even for those merely suspected of coming in contact with a COVID-19 victim, is no longer necessary? Can a hitherto positive victim, though asymptomatic, be free to resume active duties (a couple of days after being confirmed negative)? And continue to move around in a frenetic desire to manage the biggest city in West Africa in a state as massive and susceptible as Oyo? So many questions... with answers nowhere in sight, as usual.

Perhaps, one particular answer lies in the governor’s remarkable recovery regimen as eloquently prescribed in a media interview where he declared himself negative. Earlier this month, while chatting with a private radio station in Ibadan, Makinde revealed his use of honey, Vitamin C and Blackseed Oil to conquer the might of the novel coronavirus.

His quote: “My very good friend and brother, Dr. Muyideen Olatunji is the one in charge of the Primary Healthcare for Oyo State. He came to me and said, look, I am going to send to you this blackseed oil, it boosts immunity. So I mixed it with honey and took one teaspoon in the morning and one in the evening.� “So, there are local solutions to boost immunity. Our people should not fret. Just as I have been able to get the virus out of my system, so will it be for majority of our people.� Amen to that!

Well, we join his Oyo compatriots to wish him sustained health, and capacity to govern effectively, especially during this time that the state, and indeed the country, need competent, hardworking, sensible and intuitive leaders.

While in celebratory mode, it is pertinent to drop a note of warning. It is understandably worrisome what the huge population of Oyo State can take away from Makinde’s miracle return, a revival seemingly based largely on home-groomed concoction. We strongly fear that a surge in self application of alternative medicine, as prescribed by Makinde, may lead to abuse, misuse, and consequently a recurrence of public devastation as cruel as those wreaked

by COVID-19 in some parts of Europe.

While we chant “God forbid!�, it is advisable that the governor and his handlers release into public domain more information surrounding the speedy recovery of Seyi Makinde...let it be made clear how and where he observed the mandatory 14-day isolation... the need to protect himself, family, aides and others to avert possible relapse, or further contamination...and the consistent aggressive measures, homegrown or transferred, to combat the spread and threat of the pandemic in the state.

3

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ APRIL 24, 2011

GLOBAL SOCCER A

WEEKLY PULL-OUT

18.04.2020

NEWS

ENGLAND RETURN ON THE HORIZON PAGE. 29

Contract Renewal: No Orchid for Gernot Rohr

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾APRIL 18, 2020

28

GLOBAL SOCCER

Contract Renewal: No Orchid for Gernot Rohr over Twice, Nigerians have called for the head of Gernot Rohr after returning from major tournaments with the Super Eagles-2018 World Cup and the 2019 AFCON -and on both occasions, the eggheads of the Nigeria Football Federation failed to act against him. With the stringent conditions attached to his contract renewal, it now seems the NFF may be ready to dump the FrancoGerman tactician, Kunle Adewale writes

Y

es, Gernot Rohr had qualified the Super Eagles with a game to spare for the two major tournaments Nigeria had participated in –the 2018 World Cup in Russia, where the team failed to go past the group stage and the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt, in which the Eagles lost out in the semi-final.

However, analysts are of the opinion that the Franco-German tactician does not possess the tactical savvy to take the senior national team to the dream land.

There is a strong opinion that Rohr’s changes cost Nigeria the game against Argentina in the last group game of the Mundial in Russia, while it was glaring that the Super Eagles lost to the tactical superiority of our opponent’s coach in the semifinal of the AFCON in Egypt.

Rohr’s biggest criticism is that his Super Eagles lack a clear identity since he took over.

While Nigerians were calling for the sack of the former Gabonese Manager, NFF Boss, Amaju Pinnick was toying with the idea of sending a supposedly expatriate for a refresher course abroad, but considering the outcry that followed, it never saw the light of the day.

Indeed, former Nigeria international, Kadiri Ikhana branded NFF‘s decision to send Rohr on refresher course to Germany as a waste of funds.

While reacting to Pinnick‘s statement, Ikhana who is a member of the 1980 Green Eagles squad when Nigeria won the first African Cup of Nations title, said the football authority should have invested the funds in indigenous coaches.

“If you feel Rohr has not done well, why not ask him to leave, that’s the honourable thing to do. But if he has done well, why

not, he stays. But sending him on a refresher training is what I cannot fathom,” stated Ikhana.

“Is it not a waste of resources? We have so many ex-internationals in this country who are coaches. Why not send some of them on coaching clinics? After all, when they come back, it will be to the benefit our football generally rather than on a foreigner.“ “Why should NFF be talking about spending more money to retrain someone who is on a huge salary? Why not take that money to train some young coaches who will in turn impart their knowledge on the development and improvement of the game in the country?, ”Ikhana concluded.

Having refused to discard the German after two failed missionary journeys, observers were however taken aback when pinnick came up with three stringent conditions the former Bordeaux of France player must meet - He must reside in Nigeria, his salary will be paid in naira, he must watch local league matches with a view to picking players that could be nurtured to become international stars, for his contract to be renewed.

“In one week, Rohr will get his contract; he should study his contract and come back to us. So, give and take, within seven days, he should have his contract,” Pinnick stated in an interview on Arise TV ‘Morning Show’.

“The only thing that can impede the contract is if he refuses some of our new clauses in the contract.

“Rohr should live in Nigeria and go around to watch the league matches and see how to nurture the players.

“He has to be paid in naira, we will pay him naira equivalent of the dollars, we have to strengthen our currency. If he’s able to accept, we have a deal.”

Pinnick also assured Nigerians that

getting a new coach won’t be a challenge should Rohr decline the terms.

“I get calls every day from coaches that want to come here,” Pinnick added.

“We have always had wonderful relationship with him. The process is ongoing and the document has been sent to our external solicitors and it will come back to the NFF before we send it to him. I cannot mention the names of the very top coaches who have showed interest in the Eagles job,” Pinnick noted.

“We will seek legal opinions on international coaches’ contracts. We shall also seek the opinion of the Sports Ministry.

He should get the contract (with the new conditions) in about a week’s time so that he can revert after studying it.”

In his reaction, Rohr claimed that since his appointment as the Nigeria’s senior national team Manager, he had spent more time in Nigeria than in Europe, saying that he had in the past invited 24 home-based players to the Super Eagles, with many of them earning contracts abroad after their call-ups.

The German football tactician has now aimed a thinly-veiled dig at Pinnick for going on air to discuss the conditions attached to his new proposed contract.

“My philosophy is not to speak publicly about these things. Already, I’ve spent more time in Nigeria over the past three years. All my players, except one, plays abroad,” the former Bayern Munich defender said.

Rohr added that he’s received offers over a coaching job but his first priority was to continue coaching the Super Eagles, saying money was not a deciding factor.

“I’m waiting for the contract proposal.

Things could be very easy. I don’t want more money, bonuses... just want to keep doing this.

“Personally, I received a few offers from other countries but I rejected them. I just

want to take this team to the next AFCON and World Cup.” “I’ve invited about 24 local players since I was appointed. Funnily, most of them get a contract in Europe almost immediately.

“It’s difficult getting local players who are better than the ones we already have. That’s why CHAN is important.”

Pinnick however said the need for Rohr to live in Nigeria was to ensure that he “goes around to see how to nurture domestic players and make them a part of the Super Eagles”.

“Rohr should not just rely on second-hand reports about domestic players,” Pinnick said. “He needs to help domestic players actualise their dreams of playing international football”.

Pinnick reiterated the federation’s preference to retain the Franco-German for the next AFCON and World Cup, but said despite Rohr having “done so well” in his time in charge, the NFF would not hesitate to jettison him if he baulks at the terms of his new contract because “nobody is indispensable.

“We believe he has done so well and we can maintain this dynamic and relationship.

We have a young, talented and disciplined team and we believe they can do very well in the next Africa Cup of Nations and the next World Cup. “The only thing that can impugn it is if Rohr refuses the terms of the contract.”

Pinnick’s new stand however contradicts his opposition against calls for Rohr’s sack after Super Eagles’ lacklustre performance at the AFCON in Egypt.

“He will remain in the job. I have complete confidence in him,” the NFF president assured in spite of renewed calls for Rohr’s sack following the semi-final defeat to Algeria at the 2019 AFCON. “There are some people that have been calling on me and the federation to sack Gernot. But I am not going to do that. In fact, Gernot is going on a refresher training period with Bayern Munich after the Nations Cup. We have a long-term plan with him.

‘We have had rocky and difficult moments in our relationship, but this is normal in any relationship between two people. He is a good coach and we want him to remain with us. That said, we will work together on what needs to be improved upon,” Pinnick had assured then.

In a telephone chat with former Nigeria international, Mutiu Adepoju soon after the German was employed in 2016, he admitted that Rohr may not be one of the best coaches in the world but thought he was right for the job considering the little time the federation had to employ a new coach.

“If we are thinking of bringing the best coach for Nigeria at this time, we would just be going round and round. I just believe Rohr is the right person we can get now and I think he would do a great job for the team considering the way he has related with them, his intelligence and the working ethics he has brought,” Headmaster as he was fondly called by his admirers told THISDAY then.

Since taking charge of his first game against Tanzania on September 3, 2016, Rohr has overseen a total of 40 matches, winning 23, losing nine and drawing eight over four years.

The Super Eagles have also scored 61 goals and conceded 34 in his time in charge.

G LO B A L S O C C E R ASSISTANT EDITOR KUNLE ADEWALE THISDAY ON SATURDAY EDITOR YEMI ADEBOWALE DEPUTY EDITOR CHIKA AMANZE-NWACHUKWU THISDAY NEWSPAPERS EDITOR-IN-CHIEF/CHAIRMAN NDUKA OBAIGBENA MANAGING DIRECTOR ENIOLA BELLO DEPUTY MANAGING DIRECTOR KAYODE KOMOLAFE

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ APRIL18, 2020

GLOBAL SOCCER

Ola Aina: England Return on the Horizon With regular shirt almost impossible at Chelsea considering the more experienced players at the Stamford Bridge’s disposal, Nigerian international Ola Aina was finally shipped to Torino on a permanent move after an initial loan spell at Hull City. However, a move to English football may be on the horizon with West Ham United and Everton lurking According to Calciomercato, Torino will seek at least £9 million for West Ham United and Everton target Ola Aina this summer.

Aina came through the youth ranks at Stamford Bridge and moved to Torino permanently last summer after an impressive loan spell at the club, but the Nigerian international, however, could be set to return to England.

The Italian editorial Calciomercato claim Torino will seek a similar fee to what they paid, while West Ham and Everton are both cited as suitors.

The Hammers have had problems at right-back all season, Pablo Zabaleta is aging, while Ryan Fredericks has been inconsistent since joining the club from fellow London side Fulham.

It came as a surprise to see West Ham fail to sign a right-back in January, but they will surely strengthen that position this summer.

Everton on the other hand will likely look to sign a right-sided defender amid the ongoing uncertainty surrounding the futures of Jonjoe Kenny and Monaco loanee, Djibril Sidibe.

Aina has started 15 Serie games for Torino this season. He has averaged 1.4 tackles and 1.7 interceptions per league encounter.

Still young at 23, Aina has the best years of his career ahead of him and his versatility means he can play at either fullback position.

The two clubs have already contacted Torino on the defender regarding the player and As per Gazzetta dello Sport has valued the player at €18m.

The likes of West Ham and Everton should be able to pay that fee if they are truly interested in signing the player.

The Hammers need to improve defensively and Aina could be a good addition to their back four. The youngster has done well for the Serie A club but he is keen on returning to London. Aina wants to stay closer to his family.

The young full-back could replace Zabaleta at the back next season. The Argentine defender will be a free agent this summer and West Ham are unlikely to renew his deal.

After his departure, West Ham will be left with Fredericks as their only rightsided defender and the former Fulham ace hasn’t been consistent since his move to the club.

Aina has the quality to start for the London club next season and it will be interesting to see if the Hammers pay up.

They should look to make their move quickly in order to avoid a transfer battle with the other suitors like Everton.

The defender can play as a left-back as well and his versatility will be an added bonus for his suitors.

With more experienced players like Cesar Azpilicueta, Marcos Alonzo and Emerson at Chelsea’s fold regular playing time was hard for Aina to come by, he was therefore loaned to Hull City last season before another loan spell to Torino, which later turned to a permanent move.

Aina saw Azpilicueta consolidate his right-back position at Chelsea under manager Maurizio Sarri and even captaining the Blues.

Aina has said severally he is delighted with his new environment and the opportunity to hone his skills in Italy after he joined Walter Mazzarri’s men temporarily for 2018-19 campaign after extending his contract with Chelsea to 2021 last month.

After spending the majority of his career in England which included a season-long spell with Hull City, the 23-year-old highlighted differences between the two countries.

“I really like Turin. It’s not as big as London, but it’s a bit more relaxed and relaxing, a bit like me. In England, we train a lot in the morning, here it’s more the afternoon. I’m getting used to it though. Everyone is adapting to me, and obviously vice-versa. My teammates have made me feel good from the beginning, I thank them because it made it much easier for me to settle in,” Aina was quoted as saying by Football Italia.

“Serie A is very different from the Premier League, the football in England is more physical and fast. It’s slower here and there’s more time to think, but you need a very different, more intense, attention to tactics. That’s good for me because that’s exactly what I need to improve.

“I chose Torino because of the coach Walter Mazzarri, I talked to him and I got the feeling he wanted me and wanted to help me grow. I also felt he wanted me to work for him, that I could be important for his cause. Then, of course, Torino have a great history and the Italian league is one of the best, so I couldn’t say no.”

The 23-year-old believes he has started brightly this season, and looks to continue to make a good impression on the first team.

He said: “I have started very well this season, thanks also to my teammates and to the coach, when there are challenges I always face them openly because I believe in my potential.”

He went on to praise Mazzari’s tactics and team set up, emphasising how he

Aina

likes to be given the freedom to attack as well as defend.

Little wonder he has suddenly become a vital part of the team.

“I’ve been enjoying it so far. I’m enjoying training and the games, and all the challenges as there are some top sides here. I’m settling in just fine. My Italian was good but it’s dipped a little.”

“The difference is a lot,” Ola Aina said.

“The level is a lot higher, the concentration and tactical side of things are a lot higher than the Championship. For me, that is what is key for me this season. Right now, the squad are just focusing on each other, and to take each match as it comes.

We want to play good football and get as many points as possible and win games.

So if we can focus on this, then who knows.”

Normally played on the right side, Aina has been operating on the left, though he admitted it makes no difference where he plays.

“Both right and left are the same,” Aina continued, “the only difference is you have to use your other foot. Simple really.”

He was born in London and was raised by two Nigerian parents, he was also one step away from participating in the last World Cup in Russia: he was in fact included in the preliminary list, but was not chosen in the final 23.

A few years ago, when Josè Mourinho was still the manager of the Blues, he spoke highly of the player and his efforts.

Aina won a number of titles with the youth team at Chelsea which forced the Special One to say “He has great potential and I believe that he will represent the future of the club.”

After Mourinho left, Aina was mentored

by Conte and with the Italian Aina played in the 3-4-3 and on 3-5-2 systems and knowing Mazzarri, a young player that knows how to play in a system with three defenders is ideal.

Aina said, “I only arrived in August, but I immediately g o t along well with my new teammates, I tied up with Meite, Ferigra, Edera, but also with many others.

“I feel at home and for this I thank them. I started this season very well thanks to my teammates and to the coach.

W h e n t h e re a re c h a l l e n g e s I always face them openly because I believe a lot in my potential.

“Chelsea allowed me to be h e re b e c a u s e t h e y k n o w t h a t this is an excellent championship and an opportunity to i m p ro v e e v e n t a c t i c a l l y, I c h o s e To r i n o b e c a u s e I t a l k e d t o t h e coach and he immediately made me feel important for this team, a n d t h e n b e c a u se this club has an important history.”

The 23-year-old Chelsea Academy product is good in making short passes and is a good dribbler. He was a rightwinger when he first joined The Blues at U11 level before he was converted into a defender.

30

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ APRIL 18, 2020

GLOBAL SOCCER

Anthony Joshua holds three of the four major world heavyweight titles, while Tyson Fury has the other

Kids playing football on the street

Inter Target Osimhen as Replacement for Barcelona Target Martinez Lille striker Victor Osimhen could be the next Nigerian player to represent Inter Milan, if reports emanating from the Italian press are anything to go by.

According to La Gazzetta dello Sport via Goal, Osimhen is one of the players being targeted by Inter Milan as a replacement for Lautaro Martinez, who is heavily linked with a switch to Barcelona in the summer transfer window.

Leipzig’s Timo Werner, Manchester

United’s Anthony Martial and Real Madrid’s Luka Jovic are the other players being considered by the Nerazzurri, with the German their primary target.

After joining Lille from Sporting Charleroi in August 2019, Osimhen has been one of the revelations of the Ligue 1 this season, scoring 13 goals in 27 matches and has produced five assists.

Inter Milan face English Premier

League and La Liga competition for the Nigeria international as the likes of Manchester United, Chelsea,Arsenal, Liverpool, Tottenham Hotspur, Barcelona, Real Madrid and Sevilla are also tracking his progress in France.

Lille chiefs have repeatedly stated that Osimhen is in their plans for the 2020-2021 season, however, it is thought that a monster bid of more than 80 million euros could make them change their mind.

Aiyegbeni Revealed How He Trained with West Ham before Portsmouth Switch Retired Nigeria internationalYakubu Aiyegbeni has revealed that he trained with West Ham United before his switch to Portsmouth in January 2003.

The Hammers’ inability to make a quick decision over offering him a contract paved the way for him to join Pompey on an initial loan deal before the move was made permanent.

Yakubu is one of the highest profile Nigerian players to feature in the Premier League and is Portsmouth’s all-time leading scorer in the English top-flight with 29 goals.

In an Instagram conversation with

South African journalist Carol Tshabalala, Yakubu stated : “Portsmouth wasn’t the team I was supposed to go to.

“I went to West Ham United in the first place, I was in West Ham United for a week for trials and they wanted me to stay more days but my agent said I’d done enough already and they should make a decision now.

“I went back to Nigeria, few weeks later I got a call from my agent telling me there is a team in England, Portsmouth that wanted me. I was so excited coming to England to

play in Portsmouth.

“It was a six-month deal with option. I did so well in six months and I got a three-year contract, all the way from Maccabi Haifa to English Premier League, one of the best leagues in the world. It’s an honour to play for Portsmouth, then from Portsmouth to Middlesbrough.”

The highest scoring Nigerian in Premier League history, Yakubu also played for Everton, Leicester City, Blackburn Rovers, Reading and Coventry City in England.

Premier League Clubs Committed to Completing Season Finishing the season in a 40-day window was one of the scenarios discussed at a Premier League meeting on Friday.

Top-flight clubs remain committed to playing all 92 remaining fixtures this season but did not discuss a deadline by which action must resume.

Clubs were expected to debate a 30 June deadline to end the season but instead discussed “possible scheduling models”.

The Premier League said it “remains our objective” to complete matches but currently “all dates are tentative”.

The league has been suspended since 13 March because of corona-

virus.

It is understood some clubs expected to discuss the proposed 30 June deadline at Friday’s meeting but it was decided this was not the right time to do so.

In a statement, the Premier League said “in common with other businesses and industries” clubs were “working through complex planning scenarios”.

“Today’s shareholders’ meeting provided an opportunity to discuss possible scheduling models,” it added.

“It remains our objective to complete the 2019-20 season but at this stage all dates are tentative while the impact of Covid-19 develops.”

Sixteen of the 20 Premier League teams have nine games to play, with four having 10 left.

Earlier this month the Premier League said play will only resume when “it is safe and appropriate to do so”. The number of coronavirusrelated deaths in the UK has since risen to more than 12,000.

On Thursday, the government issued a further three-week lockdown to ensure social distancing and manage the spread of the virus.

BBC sports editor Dan Roan has learned Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden spoke to Premier League bosses this week and signalled the government was content for them to start contingency planning.

Enyeama Craves Kaizer Chiefs, Orlando Pirates Move Former Nigeria international goalkeeper Vincent Enyeama has not ruled out a move to Kaizer Chiefs or Orlando Pirates.

The shot-stopper, who amassed 101 caps for the Super Eagles, is currently a free agent having last played for French club Lille in 2018.

The 37-year-old has still been keeping himself fit and opened up on the possibility of plying his trade in the Absa Premiership.

Enyeama told African Football HQ: “Yeah, why not?

Johannesburg is a good place to be.

“If there’s an opportunity to play at Chiefs or Pirates, why not?

“Football is my life, football is my blood and if there is an opportunity to play and the terms and details are okay and my family and wife are okay with it, then we move.”

Enyeama retired from international football in 2013 while he is also a two-time CAF Champions League winner with Nigerian club Enyimba.

Okakuro Pledges Support for Street Children to Achieve Sporting Dream The world last week solemnly marked the International Day for Street Children with the theme, ‘Safe Spaces,’ amidst the current global health challenge. The times deprived this group of children who are already suffering as a result of lack of parental care, the unique privilege to have fun as they usually do at this time of the year as set aside by United Nations Organisation (UNO) to recognise and share in their plight. This day is celebrated every April 12, all over the world.

However, the representative of the Okakuro Group International in Nigeria, Idemabasi Mkpokporo, opined that streets across the world were full of children who had no homes to go to and were therefore the highly vulnerable.

Among them are very gifted and specially talented kids in various skills which leaves one aghast if opportune to be humble enough to go close to and observe them while playing football or practicing boxing or any other skill, you would be amazed how brilliant and good they are in what each of them have chosen to do.

Mkpokporo further stated that like in the present day situation, life becomes more difficult and hazardous for these children.

They need to be help. Government and good-spirited individuals who are doing everything possible to cushion the effect of the global health challenge should also look at their direction.

They abound everywhere, in street corners, motor parks, stadiums, club houses, markets and under the overhead bridges. Taking proper care of these children will go a very long way in building a better society and indirectly protecting our own children.

“These children are on the streets as a result of what they are experiencing at home- various forms of violent abuse from people who are supposed to care for them.

Such dysfunctional behaviour towards them makes them run away from home. Some are even thrown out by their parents or relations. These kids abound around us. To better the society and save the future - our own children, we need to help them in any little way we can. Now, the rule is stay at home. Thousands of them do not have where they can call home. Not to talk of food to eat. Still find them hanging around, exposing themselves to so much danger. Going back to history, most great legends of one form of sports or the other emanated from the streets,” she explained.

Corroborating her submission, the Chief Executive Officer, Russell Smith Group Nigeria, Kayode Adeleke, said his company’s involvement in sponsoring a team like FC Bulmaro, currently playing in the Nigeria League One was primarily because “the club open her doors to these vulnerable children, many of them have exception skills and talents and giving them opportunities to exhibit their talents home and abroad, through FC Bulmaro is an idea we embrace with both hands.”

He revealed that if not for current global health issues a few were chosen by the team to travel with them to Spain for the youth world tournament this April, adding, “We cannot afford but help to save and secure our tomorrow which is the more reason we are working.

“For us as a responsible corporate citizen, in our own very little way, but subtly, we strive to also be innovative in adding impactful social investment values in the areas we recognised genuine need.

The reason we like to partner with bodies like Okakuro and FC Bulmaro, whose vision in this venture is in concert with ours.”

Furthermore, Adeleke commended organisations and i n d i v i d u a l s w h o i n s p i t e o f t h e t i m e s remembered this genre members of the human society.

He called on government to provide a place for the children during this period as she was trying to do for the disabled persons in the FCT. “Even if it is using part of the National Stadium in Lagos and Abuja so that it makes it easier for interested bodies and individuals who have the capacity and are willing to help these vulnerable children to be able to do so.

“We should all take responsibility, for our own good,” he stressed.

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾APRIL 18, 2020

31

GLOBAL SOCCER

Dickson Etuhu A Dent to His Career

While most soccer loving Nigerian are still yet to come to terms with the life ban placed on former international, Samson Siasia for bribery-related offence by FIFA, another former Super Eagles player, Dickson Etuhu was handed five-year ban for match-fixing in Sweden

F

ormer Manchester City, Preston, Sunderland and Fulham midfielder, Dickson Etuhu, has been banned from football in Sweden for five years after being found guilty of match fixing.

In November the Nigeria international was found guilty of attempting to fix a match between IFK Gothenburg and AIK in 2017. Etuhu was fined and ordered to serve a period of probation but avoided a prison sentence, with his lawyers still planning to take his case to Sweden’s Supreme Court.

The court said that “the content of what the men submitted to the player (Stamatopoulos) was so clear that it should be considered a criminal offer of bribe.”

Etuhu had initially been acquitted by a court last year but that was appealed by prosecutor Johan Lindmark, who told local Swedish newspaper Expressen that he was satisfied with the outcome.

“It was with satisfaction that I received the verdict today,” Lindmark said.

“I had appealed on the grounds that I thought the court of law would change and was not surprised when I saw the verdict.”

However, the Swedish Football Association has now taken action to ban the 37-year-old Etuhu and the former IFK Rössjöholm player Alban Jusufi for “deliberately trying to persuade an Allsvenskan player to underperform in one of their team’s matches,”

The decision also details the findings of the court, which was told that Etuhu and Jusufi met the AIK goalkeeper Kyriakos Stamatopoulos on 16 May 2017 at a Stockholm restaurant, where the bribery attempt took place. Stamatopoulos was offered around £160,000 (SEK2m) to underperform during a match against IFK Gothenburg but the former Canada keeper reported their approach and as a result the match was postponed the next day.

Etuhu moved to IFK Rössjöholm from AIK in August 2017, shortly after the bribery attempt.

The former Nigerian international was found guilty in court in November 2019 having first arrived in Sweden in 2014, signing for Stockholm-based club AIK fresh from a fairly uninspiring spell at Blackburn Rovers.

The offence involved a match between AIK and IFK Göteborg in the Allsvenskan. It wasn’t the greatest attempt in history as the match was called off shortly before kick off when the authorities were made aware of the attempt by the player who was approached.

The ex-Premier League midfielder was found guilty of offering money to teammate Kyriakos Stamatopoulos, who was AIK’s back-up goalkeeper at the time, to allow Göteborg to win.

In a statement the Swedish FA said: “The Disciplinary Board has decided to suspend two people because they have deliberately tried to persuade

a football player to underperform in one of the team’s matches.

“Through their actions, these people have violated the anti-match fixing regulations, and they are therefore suspended for five years.

“The ban includes training, competing or performing any assignments in any sports.”

What it means is that Etuhu, who played for his country at the 2010 World Cup, is banned from playing for or coaching any Swedish club until April 2025.

Etuhu enjoyed a 14-year stint in England. Starting at Manchester City, he was one of David Moyes’ final signings as Preston boss, where he impressed in the Championship for almost four seasons and earned a move to Norwich City.

He was signed by Sunderland in 2007 upon the Black Cats’ return to the Premier League under Roy Keane. His best spell, however, came at Fulham as he was in the heart of Roy Hodgson’s midfield that famously went all the way to the Europa League final in 2009/10.

And of course he scored this cracker.

Injuries eventually led to Etuhu being released

by AIK and dropping down five divisions to play for IFK Rössjöholm, before he hung up his boots in 2017.

While Etuhu may have officially hung up his boots years ago, the announcement will certainly tarnish any hope he had of a future in the sport.

S A 18 2020

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MISSILE Ekweremadu on Lockdown Killings “While the lockdowns are very necessary for containing the pandemic, they must be enforced with every sense of professionalism, discipline, restraint, empathy, and above all, with utmost respect for human life” – S I E fl COVID

PENDULUM DELE MOMODU

dele.momodu@thisdaylive.com

Donald Trump and His Nigerian Disciples “The pride of man will be humbled And the loftiness of men will be abased; And the Lord alone will be exalted in that day...” - Isaiah 2: 17-18 “Everyone who is arrogant in heart is an abomination to the Lord; be assured, he will not go unpunished...” - Proverbs 16: 5

F

ellow Nigerians, please permit me to take you on a virtual flight to the United States of America. In this era of virtual meetings, parties and even dates by Skype, Google Hangout, BlueJeans, Zoom and the like, we might as well travel virtually too. That is why I have decided to travel to far flung America today.

My reason for this journey is simple. It is about the American President, Donald Trump and his many flights of fancy, leading to his bizarre and incompetent handling of the corona virus pandemic, not only as regardsAmerica but with impact on the rest of the world.

Let me say, unapologetically, that I’m not a fan of President Donald Trump. Not that I hate him, particularly, I’m after all not an American, but I don’t fancy his haughtiness, standoffishness and erratic behaviour. The President of America is expected to be a role model. But Trump isn’t any kind of model by any stretch of the imagination. He is expected to be knowledgeable. But Trump and knowledge are not the best of buddies. He should be compassionate in the true tradition of God’s own country, but Trump is the exact opposite. The President of America is meant to be an epitome of capacity, brimming with confidence, competence and ability. Instead, Trump presents as almost your village head bungling, bumbling, and bumpkin. Trump is a compulsive, impulsive and reckless bully.

He just loves to fight. For him, nothing is too small to fight over. However, like all Bullies he at heart a coward. He cannot face or stand tall to those he knows are his match or better. That is why, despite the age-old rivalry between America and Russia, Trump is still ingratiating himself and cozying up to Vladimir Putin, the Russian President. It is why in spite of his irascible bluster he cannot stand beside ‘midget’ Kim of North Korea.

He babbles about how he is going to destroy Kim and obliobliterate NoNorth Korea out of world map, but when faced with moments of truth, he ducks out of any challenge, but makes cooing noises like a terrified pooch.

I believe that his attitude and problems stem from the fact that all his life, he’s been used to ordering people around, like zombies.

I do not know what Americans saw in this highly contemptuous and condescending man that they voted for him as much as they did, even though I recognise that he did not win by popular vote, but by reason of America’s arcane Electoral College system. By voting in Trump in this manner, the Americans unwittingly and, thus, inadvertently invited pestilence and peril on the rest of the world. However, I do not really blame the Americans who voted with their toes, instead of their heads and thumbs. The one thing the Americans who voted for him did was to show us that they were not as clever or as intelligent as they professed to be. Given that they truly live in a country where their votes count, the place they call ‘God’s own country’ surely showed that it is not God, but Mammon that

T holds sway.

Whilst I do not blame the Americans because they only proved that a country gets the leaders it deserves, and they sure did because they are clearly a country of bigots and hypocrites, I blame the Nigerians who claim to love Trump to the point of acting like strangers who weep louder than the bereaved. “Donald Trump is America’s best President ever...” they write on social media without qualms. Such profanities litter everywhere. And when you ask the reasons for such hocus pocus, they will tell you “he is a no-nonsense guy...” when he is the embodiment of crudeness, crassness and a source of intellectual angst. Trump is a pitiable man who lacks decorum and spews garbage and insults on whosoever crosses his path, no matter how weak or vulnerable such a person is. Every mortal has his weakness, but it should never outweigh your usefulness.

Let me say emphatically that Trump has not only debased America, he has greatly diminished its standing in the comity of nations. America today is living in past glory, courtesy of the cantankerous Trump. About four years ago, rambunctious Trump boasted at every campaign rally that he would build walls against Mexico. He was so incensed against Mexico that his everyday attack on that country became a national anthem. Four years after, Mr Trump is yet to even purchase the sand for the foundation of his most ambitious project. The rampaging Mexicans have given him little respite either. They are prepared to cross the border in droves and continually find a way of outsmarting and thwarting the Feds and all those in charge of the Mexican Border in the Customs and Border Protection arm of the Department of Homeland Security.

According to the Yoruba, a baby who says his mother will not sleep should also be prepared for a bout of insomnia.

I do not mind if Trump’s base of mostly uneducated and uncultured fellow American extremists scream their heads off, but I worry and shudder when I see otherwise brilliant and intelligent people join in this inexplicable misadventure. I still count Nigerians as being in this select group of nationalities that display cerebral and reasonable qualities. However, there are some of us that joined the Trump bandwagon probably because they believe it is fashionable to do so and, in some cases, out

of an ill-conceived and misjudged sense of belonging. In this latter category and, the worst amongst them, are those who call themselves pious or devout Christians of the Pentecostal faith. Their reasons are laughable. They tell you Trump is a devout Christian while Barack Obama was a devil incarnate, an American of Moslem origin who had never forgotten his Islamic roots and who had the sole aim of trying to impose the Moslem faith on Christian America, but who Trump stopped dead in his tracks. They were also bitter with Obama because they considered him a poor example of an African American who wilfully refused to help his own people. They always assume that America is like Nigeria, where a President can practise all kinds of ethnic jingoism and political ethnic cleansing and literally do anything and everything bad, knowing that he could sit ensconced in his citadel of power without a whimper of protest from his cowed (no pun intended) citizens.

In Nigeria, the President is indeed the Alpha and Omega. “Apase wa” – the man who commands at will – as the Yoruba call him.

I’m a good Christian. I was even born in a Church for good measure. I love the Church.

I read the Bible so much, in my childhood days that the pages are literally burnt into my head. I had no choice really. My Mother considered it blasphemy and heresy for her son to be anything but a religious fanatic.

I assume that you will say that given this background I was fortunate enough to have a Bible Knowledge teacher as a brother-in-law.

Baba BK, the late Pa Stephen Adeniran, now of blessed memory, ensured that any latent deficiencies I had in Bible knowledge was pummelled into my head and body, God rest his soul. In short there was no reason for me to be a Bible basher. God is good though and I always thank the Lord because while he gave me the faith, he did not give me the stupid faith. How then can I not appreciate our Lord and the miracles he has wrought in my life and that of many others including Americans and Nigerians alike.

I have gone into a little spiel about my Christian background to demonstrate that I am not a heretic or agnostic. I truly know and believe in God. However, I do not know what version of Biblical verses people read these days or if they read it upside down. My confused and lost Christian brothers and sisters base part of their belief and trust in what they claim are his efforts to restore America back to its Christian foundations. They rely on his elevation of the celebration of Christmas to its former glory. They forget that in one sense, Donald Trump is a reality show king and from that pillar became a consummate politician. He easily and readily identifies those that are gullible and vulnerable and preys on their fears. Trump recognised the pervasive fear of terrorism in America and used it to cajole his people to follow him to root out this evil. He chose extremist Christian demagogues who wished to become relevant in the scheme of things and used them to rally his hoodwinked victims to believe that he was the anointed man of the Messiah.

Furthermore, if we read the same Bible, they would have known, very clearly, that egotism and arrogance have no place in Christendom.

For example, Trump not only insulted Mexico endlessly, he railed against China so rabidly and is still doing so because he needs a fall

guy for his huge domestic failings arising from his ineptitude and incompetence in dealing with the corona virus pandemic at home in America. But I believe Trump was just being deliberately bullish and hoping that China would fall for his hanky-panky.

Similarly, Trump had propromised all out war on North Korea. Rather, he childishly invited its leader on a fancy trip, all gas and no substance.

It is his handling of the Corona Virus pandemic at home and on the international front that has finally shown Trump for what he is. A failed caricature of a statesman and human being. Having failed colossally, he seeks to bring down the world with him. His much-vaunted economic magic has suddenly crumbled before his very eyes and become a huge mirage. He now seeks to risk the lives of many in order to kick-start the economy and hopefully shore it up until the elections by ending the lockdown.

His pledge to make America great again has blown up spectacularly in his face as the Chinese have apparently gained the upper hand during this pandemic. They have become the country to turn to as even Trump has had to eat humble pie and with his tail between his legs turned to the Chinese for some assistance.

Having failed with his incessant attacks on the Chinese, Trump has trained his sights on the World Health Organisation (WHO) blaming them for pandering to China and being too Chinacentric. The WHO has been the organisation that has tried to make sense to this pandemic and bring order to the international response. Instead, Trump behaving like a child deprived of his toy or lolly suddenly began throwing tantrums, and unlawfully cut off the funding of that stellar organisation. The whole world including his fellow Americans are in uproar, but his fanatical base can see no wrong in their god with feet of clay!

I forgot, I could have titled this piece: HOW DONALD TRUMP SOLD AMERICA CHEAPLY TO CHINA...

Abba Kyari Passes On

Just as we were going to bed with the publication of this Column the Presidency broke the news this morning, through the Chief Presidential spokesman, Femi Adesina, that the shrewd, indefatigable, indomitable, quintessential and larger than life Chief of Staff to the President, Mallam Abba Kyari has died of COVID-19 complications.

Abba Kyari was everything to everyone, but what is incontrovertible is that he had the ears of the President and was indeed his primero uno adviser and, lately, de facto deputy. He ran a tight ship at the Presidency.

He will surely be sorely missed by those for whom he was a benefactor and torch bearer. There is no doubt that Mallam Abba Kyari stamped his authority and influence on governance in Nigeria. How he will be judged is a matter of history. It is my hope and wish, that now that he has gone, history will be kind to him.

For now, I am still in shock. All I can do is sincerely say rest in peace Mallam Abba Kyari. May Allah grant you Aljannah Firdaus.

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