TheNewsGuru

Author: Emmanuel Bagudu

  • Profile of Buhari’s late CoS, Abba Kyari

    Profile of Buhari’s late CoS, Abba Kyari

    Late Abba Kyari, a recipient of the national honours title of Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON), was an influencial Nigerian politician who served as Chief of Staff to President Muhammadu Buhari.

    Late Kyari was born in 1952 from the Kanuri speaking tribe in Borno State.

    EDUCATION

    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.

    In 1984, he obtained a master’s degree in law from the University of Cambridge. He later attended the International Institute for Management Development in Lausanne, Switzerland and participated in the Program for Management Development at the Harvard Business School, in 1992 and 1994, respectively.

    PROFESSIONAL CAREER

    Kyari worked for the law firm Fani-Kayode and Sowemimo for some time after his return to Nigeria.

    From 1988 to 1990, 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.

    Kyari was 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.

    POLITICAL CAREER

    In August 2015, Kyari was appointed Chief of Staff to President Muhammadu Buhari.

    Kyari was 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. Further enhancing his influence within government circles, and being labelled as the de facto head of government.

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

    DEATH

    On March 24, 2020, it was made public that Kyari tested positive for COVID-19 on March 23, following an official trip to Germany nine days before. Kyari died in a Lagos hospital on 17 April 2020, he died from complications related to COVID-19.

    He is survived by his and four (4) children.

  • COVID-19: Kaduna discharges one patient

    Kaduna State Government said it has discharged one out of the six infected Covid-19 patients from the Infectious Disease Centre in Kaduna

    The State Commissioner for Health, Dr Amina Mohammed Baloni disclosed this at the Virtual meeting of the state executive council on Wednesday. She said that the patient has recovered following treatment at the isolation centre.

    The Commissioner further said that the ‘’ state government is looking forward to the recovery and discharge of the other five Covid-19 patients in the state.’’

    ‘’They are also advised to avoid large gatherings and stay at home, except it is absolutely necessary to go out. Wherever they are, they should also practise respiratory hygiene,’’ she advised.

    According to her, “the patient’s recovery has been confirmed by two consecutive negative results, the second of which came yesterday, Tuesday, 14 April 2020.’’

    Dr Baloni acknowledged ‘’ the dedicated contributions of our various teams that are contributing to our collective Covid-19 efforts. We also wish to pay tribute to the medical professionals at the Infectious Disease Centre for the successful management of this patient.”

  • After Six Years in Captivity, Government is intentionally negligent, parents of abducted Chibok girls lament

    Parents of the remaining 112 abducted school girls of government secondary school Chibok Borno state said the Nigerian government have neglected them.

    Yesterday, Monday April 14 makes it exactly six years since the Boko Haram insurgents whisked away the girls numbering 276. 57 of the girls however escaped while 107 of the girl were released in deal between the Nigerian government and the insurgents.

    Speaking with the Hausa service of the British Broadcasting corporation (BBC Hausa), Spokesperson for the Kibaku Area Development Association (Chibok Community), Dr Allen Manasseh, said that some of the parents of the remaining abducted girls have become sick due to restlessness and have subsequently died due to frustration. “It’s even better to be told that your daughter have been killed, that will make you cry and forget and won’t be thinking again, but in this case, no one is telling us anything…this is very frustrating…” Manasseh said. “….All the promises the government made to release the girls have not been fulfilled this creates alot of worries to the parents” he added.

    Dr Manasseh whose two cousin sisters are among the remaining abducted girls told the BBC how he lost his aunt i.e mother of the girls because of frustration. “….Although some few of my sister made the list of the 82 released girls, I still have two cousin sisters; my Aunty’s children still in Captivity, they are twins, one is called Rebecca, the other is called Sarah, they where all abducted 6 years ago and their mum (my aunt) died as a result of frustration. She was the first to die among parents of the abducted girls” Manasseh said.

    Dr Manasseh emotionally explained to the BBC how he was so closed to the twin girls before their abduction 6 years ago recalling how he used to buy them provisions whenever the are resuming to school. He said the Nigerian government has intentionally neglected his family and other parents of the abducted Chibok school girls. “…Since the abduction, no one has spoken to the parents of the abducted girls… atleast the government should once in a while speak to the parent….They don’t necessarily need to make promises, their consolation means alot to the parents….” Manasseh added.

    Asked to react on the recent claim by government that it is working hard to bring back the girls, Manasseh said that the chibok community totally disagree with the government saying the government is lying. “…. Why are they just saying this now, it’s been six years since the girls have been abducted and the government only talk deceptively during events, this is bad….if they can be talking to the parents time to time atleast it will lessen the pains” Manasseh said.

    The abduction of the 276 girls have become a global issue that led to the emergence of he “Bring Back Our Girls(BBOG)” movement in Nigeria.

  • COVID-19 palliatives: NAF distributes oxygen to isolation centres nationwide

    COVID-19 palliatives: NAF distributes oxygen to isolation centres nationwide

    The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has began the distribution of oxygen to isolation centres and designated hospitals across the country to boost the fight against the novel Coronavirus disease aka COVID-19

    Defence Attache to Russia AVM OA Adesanya disclosed this on his Twitter handle; @AVM_OA_Adesanya on Monday.

    “I’m glad to note that the Nigerian Airforce has started distributing the oxygen being produced at it’s Liquid Oxygen Plant to isolation centres and designated hospitals across the country in support of the national response to #COVID-19 pandemic. Kudos to @NigAirForce”. Adesanya twitted

    TNG recalled that NAF promised to help the country in the management of the pandemic since it broke out.

    The NAF produced large quantities of oxygen from its Liquid Oxygen Plants which are now being distributed across the country.

    Another statement from the Nigerian Airforce dated April 10, 2020 stated that “Aside the production and distribution of the oxygen, the NAF’s tailoring unit has also embarked in the production of personal protective equipment (PPE) and masks for healthcare workers and frontline officials in Port Harcourt (PHC).”

    “The service has continuously airlifted healthcare personnel, equipment and supplies across the country following the closure of airports, as well as brought back experts of the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) who were trapped in Congo Brazzaville.” The statement added.

  • COVID-19: Kaduna Central Market resumes with hike in prices of goods

    COVID-19: Kaduna Central Market resumes with hike in prices of goods

    The Kaduna Central Market has once again resume operations on Tuesday but this time with hike in prices of commodities.

    The State Government Monday reviewed the restriction of movement which was imposed to check the spread of COVID-19, to enable people to stock up food and other essentials. In a broadcast to the people of the state, the Deputy Governor, Dr Hadiza Balarabe said that ‘’the restriction of movement will be lifted every Tuesday and Wednesday. Traders in food and other essentials will open their shops on these two days.’’

    But this has not really relieved residents especially those in the metropolitan city who complained to TNG of irregular and irrational hike in the prices of food stuffs.

    With less than five days to the celebration of Easter, buying and selling his increased coupled with the 2-day grace for market activities. Laraba Moses a trader in the market claimed there are no provisions for whole sale buying since the lock, this makes foodstuffs very expensive. “…a tie of rice formerly sold for N500 is now N750, if you won’t buy you go….” She said.

    Customers seems to have given up. Some of them had to relaluctantly adapt to the hike in prices of commodities. “…I just bought a mudu (tie) of garri for N270, against the normal N120 I am use to. Hafsat Uthman told TNG.

    Another trader Malam Iliyasu specialized in the sales of meat said; “a kilo of meat now goes for N1500. Iliyasu pleaded with the state government to ensure the palliative measures reaches everyone in need especially now that another Festive period beckons.

    The Curfew which resumes 12midnight Thursday will be relaxed again on Tuesday next week.

  • COVID-19: Southern Kaduna Christians mark Palm Sunday from home

    COVID-19: Southern Kaduna Christians mark Palm Sunday from home

    Christians in Southern Kaduna on Sunday marked the solemnity of the triumphant entry of Jesus into Jerusalem also called the Palm Sunday discreetly at homes because of the Covid-19 lockdown.

    TNG gathered that as early as 5am on Sunday Christians were seen gathering at different homes of their fellow church members with clergy men leading in the various gatherings.

    The Palm Sunday is the last Sunday before Easter which also marked the beginning of the holy week in the Roman Catholic Calendar.

    The Kaduna State government had banned public gathering including, religious gatherings in a bid to prevent the spread of the novel Covid-19.

    According to a church elder who pleaded anonymity; “….we are not breaking the law….we have to partition in fiftys(50s) and celebrate the Palm Sunday in different homes so as to avoid over crowding… you know how the crowd use to be during Palm Sunday….” He said.

    It could be recalled that two Islamic clerics were arrested two weeks ago and charged to court for holding Ju’maat prayers.

  • Buhari’s aide speaks on rumoured death of Abba Kyari

    Buhari’s aide speaks on rumoured death of Abba Kyari

    Bashir Ahmad, President Muhammadu Buhari’s media aide, has called for an end to the clamour for the whereabouts of the president’s chief of staff, Abba Kyari.

    Kyari tested positive for coronavirus (COVID-19) two weeks ago, and his condition has been the subject of speculations since then.

    Earlier this week, the presidency had also debunked a fake statement attributed to the government that Buhari had sacked Kyari.

    The presidency’s denial of the rumoured dismissal has not done much to put paid to other rumours that Kyari’s case has worsened, with some going as far as suggesting that he might be dead.

    Ahmad took to his Twitter account on Friday, April 3, 2020 to rebuke people who have been demanding to know Kyari’s current location. He said Kyari is in good condition somewhere in Lagos.

    “Though I really don’t know who this Lola is, but someone close to her should pls tell her to leave Abba Kyari to recuperate in peace, he’s in Lagos & responding well to treatment.

    “If it’s caring she should also use the same energy to ask the whereabouts of other #COVID19 patients,” he tweeted.

    His tweet was directed at Lola Omotayo-Okoye, a public relations expert who is married to Peter Okoye, the popular music star of P-Square fame. Lola had commented on the mystery surrounding Kyari’s location on Thursday, April 2.

    “Abba Kyari is President Buhari’s Chief of Staff and we don’t know where he is? Whether he is in Lagos receiving treatment or in Abuja at home, self-isolating, did he even go anywhere to get treatment or is he out of the country…nobody knows,” she said in a video posted online.

    Kyari was transported to Lagos in an air ambulance on Monday, March 30.

    In a statement on Sunday, March 29, he disclosed that his move to Lagos was for additional tests and observation and based on medical advice.

    “This is a precautionary measure,” he said.

    He noted that he’s not experienced high fever or other symptoms associated with the coronavirus disease and is hoping to get back to work soon.

  • FACT CHECK: False! Coronavirus is not an airborne disease

    FACT CHECK: False! Coronavirus is not an airborne disease

    CLAIM: Novel coronavirus aka Covid-19 is an Airborne Disease

    CONCLUSION: False

    EVIDENCE: World Health Organisation (WHO) said coronavirus is not airborne, rather it is transmitted through droplets generated when an infected person coughs, sneeze or speaks.

    FULL TEXT: Since February 27, the day the novel coronavirus found its way to Nigeria, there has been quite alot of misconceptions about the pandemic. No doubt the disease caused a lot of panic among citizens. One among many of the misconceptions was that the Virus is airborne. TNG fact checkers attempted to find out from medical experts. For Doctor Haruna Gidado a consultant with the Barau Dikko specialist Hospital Kaduna, the Covid-19 can only be airborne if it is light enough to be carried by air, but its not. “The virus is handicap and can be wiped out with antiseptic” Dr Gidado said.

    Another fact announced by the world health organisation on its official twitter handle states; “COVID19 is not airborne. The coronavirus is mainly transmitted through droplets generated when an infected person coughs, sneezes or speaks.

    “To protect yourself: -keep 1m distance from others -disinfect surfaces frequently -wash/rub your Open hands -avoid touching your. These droplets are too heavy to hang in the air. They quickly fall on floors or surfaces.

    “You can be infected by breathing in the virus if you are within one meter of a person who has COVID-19. You can be infected by touching a contaminated surface and then touching your eyes, nose or mouth before washing your hands.

    “To protect yourself, keep at least one meter distance from others and disinfect surfaces that are touched frequently. Regularly clean your hands thoroughly and avoid touching your eyes, mouth and nose,” WHO said.

    CONCLUSION: The Covid-19 not being an Airborne Disease can be prevented and managed where necessary. Citizens should therefore adhere to safety regulations currently in the media.

  • Just in: Gun shots at Kaduna Correctional Centre as prisoners riot over Coronavirus fears

    Inmates of the Kaduna Central Correctional Centre are protesting the congestion in their cells following the outbreak of COVID-19 in Nigeria.

    The inmates who are alleged to have engaged prison officials are insisting that they must be released to avoid being infected by the deadly virus.

    Security personnel, including prison wardens, are reportedly battling the inmates.

    Reports say shots have been fired in the ensuing fracas.

    Details soon…

  • EXCLUSIVE: Family of Benue COVID-19 index case laments, faults NCDC test result

    EXCLUSIVE: Family of Benue COVID-19 index case laments, faults NCDC test result

    The family of the Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) index case in Benue State has come out to fault the test result released by the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) for Susan Okpe Idoko Lawani (Mrs.).

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) recalls the NCDC reported a case of COVID-19 was confirmed in Benue on 28th March, and the State Governor, Samuel Orton, during a press conference announced name of the index case as Susan Okpe.

    Meanwhile, family of Mrs Okpe has alleged that the Government of Benue is imposing the COVID-19 positive test result on their daughter.

    TNG gathered that at the moment neither Mrs Okpe, her family, nor Cottage Hospital Makurdi, where she was admitted had seen the COVID-19 test result, which has been announced.

    Dr Felix Lawani, an elder brother to Mrs. Okpe, a British citizen, told TNG that his sister is seriously agitated and that she is determined to see this through.

    Dr. Lawani narrated to TNG that Mrs Okpe 54, who couldn’t visit Nigeria from London, her base since 1997 to bury her dad was emotional after losing her mum on the 6th of March, this year.

    “She said she is coming to bury her mum despite the Covid-19 pandemic. Of course, she, herself and her children in the UK had quarantined themselves and went for test and they were all negative, as a result of that she had the confidence to come,” Dr Lawani told TNG in a telephone conversation.

    Mrs Okpe according to Dr Lawani left the UK on 19th March on Kenyan Airways. She was in Benue 24th March where she had a family meeting with her siblings and relations.

    She later complained of feeling feverish and pains in her joints and was taken to the hospital where she was diagnosed of malaria and typhoid. She recovered after two days.

    But the family led by Dr Lawani, who is a Forensic Pathologist and former Director General Nigerian Institute of Tripanosomiasis Research Kaduna, advised that in line with government directives she (Mrs Okpe) should be subjected to the Covid-19 test.

    “The hospital agrees and immediately invited the Epidemiology Unit of the Benue State Ministry of Health who came on Wednesday and return on Thursday to carry out the test but the test results up till now has not reach Okpe and her family.

    “By Saturday, no results of the test announced was given to us. We expect according to medical ethics that the hospital will receive the test result from the National Centre for Disease Control but no, what happened was that during the day (Saturday) the Governor (Samuel Ortorm) had a press conference where he announced that there was an Index case of Covid-19 in Benue, he mention her name as Susan Okpe, against all known protocols, it is in the news and before the hospital could get hold of that the hospital was invaded, was sieged by government’s officials including the deputy governor, the commissioner of health, the state action committee on Covid-19, the police and a crop of press men with Ambulances and co,” Dr Lawani narrated.

    This apparently got Mrs Okpe agitated according to Lawani which made her confront the doctor for her test results. “The doctor claimed he has not see the test results”.

    Dr Lawani told TNG that the hospital later claimed they received a phone call from some persons who claimed to be the representatives of NCDC saying that Mrs Okpe’s test result is “Weakly Positive”.

    “We didn’t understand what it meant we asked where is the result, they said they sent an email to the hospital and copied the state government, but the hospital said they have not seen the mail,” Dr Lawani said.

    Mrs Okpe kept agitating and later approached the deputy governor together with her siblings which according to Lawani the deputy governor said Okpe doesn’t look sick but for the interest of the public she has to be isolated.

    Dr Lawani who expressed bitterness said the Benue state government has no plans for Covid-19 emergencies.

    “They don’t have isolation centres…” he said. According to him his sister Okpe was taken to a small room where the doctor apologised to them to manage as this is the only facility available.

    He said since his sister and the family have not seen the test results the agitation of the sister became necessary.

    “My junior sister was scared whether they want to kill her. She has received threatening phone calls, people calling saying that we the Lawani family have brought Covid-19 to Benue.

    “It’s very disheartening because we are a very prominent family on Benue State,” Dr Lawani said.

    For now, Mrs Susan Okpe remains agitated. She has reportedly taken her case to the UK Consulate in Nigeria and have been calling on the UK government and the President of Nigeria, Muhammadu Buhari to intervene in her case.

    She insists she is Covid-19 Negative.