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  • Full Text of Buhari’s Third COVID-19 Address to Nigerians

    Full Text of Buhari’s Third COVID-19 Address to Nigerians

    President Muhammadu Buhari on Monday evening addressed Nigerians on latest update on the COVID-19.

    Read full speech below:

    ADDRESS BY H.E. MUHAMMADU BUHARI,
    PRESIDENT OF THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF NIGERIA ON THE CUMULATIVE LOCKDOWN ORDER OF LAGOS AND OGUN STATES AS WELL AS THE FEDERAL CAPITAL TERRITORY ON COVID- 19 PANDEMIC
    AT THE STATE HOUSE, ABUJA
    MONDAY, 27th APRIL, 2020

    1. Fellow Nigerians

    2. I will start by commending you all for the resilience and patriotism that you have shown in our collective fight against the biggest health challenge of our generation.

    3. As at yesterday, 26th April 2020, some three million confirmed cases of COVID nineteen have been recorded globally with about nine hundred thousand recoveries. Unfortunately, some two hundred thousand people have also diedpassed away as a result of this pandemic.

    4. The health systems and economies of many nations continue to struggle as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.

    5. Nigeria continues to adopt and adapt to these new global realities on a daily basis. This evening, I will present the facts as they are and explain our plans for the coming month knowing fullyfully aware that some key variables and assumptions may change in the coming days or weeks.

    6. Exactly two weeks ago, there were three hundred and twenty three confirmed cases in 20 States and the Federal Capital Territory.

    7. As at this morning, Nigeria has recorded one thousand two hundred and seventy-three cases across 32 States and the FCT. Unfortunately, these casesthis includes 40 deathsfatalities.

    8. I will useam using this opportunity to express our deepest condolences to the families of all Nigerians that have lost their lives loved ones as a result of the COVID nineteen Pandemic. This is our collective loss and we share in your grief.

    9. Initial models predicted that Nigeria will record an estimated two thousand confirmed cases in the first month after the index case.

    10. This means that despite the drastic increase in the number of confirmed cases recorded in the past two weeks, the measures we have put in place thus far have yielded positive outcomes against the projections.

    11. The proportion of cases imported from other countries has reduced to only 19% of new cases, showing that our border closures yielded positive results. . These are mostly fellow Nigerians returning through our land borders. We will continue to enforce land border arrival protocols as part of the containment strategy.

    12. Today, the Nigerian Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) has accredited 15 laboratories across the country with an aggregate capacity to undertake 2,500 tests per day across the country.

    13. Based on your feedback, Lagos the State Government and the FCT with support from NCDC is hasve established several sample collection centers in Lagos and the FCT. They are also reviewing their laboratory testing strategy to further increase the number of tests they can perform including the accreditation of selected private laboratories that meet the accreditation criteria.

    14. Several new fully equipped treatment and isolation centres have been operationalised across the country thereby increasing bed capacity to about three thousand. At this point, I will commend the State Governors for the activation of State-level Emergency Operation Centres, establishment of new treatment centres and the delivery of aggressive risk communication strategies.

    15. Over ten thousand healthcare workers have been trained. For their protection, additional personal protective equipment have been distributed to all the states. Although we have experienced logistical challenges, we remain committed to establish a solid supply chain process to ensure these heroic professionals are can work safely and are properly equipped.

    16. In keeping with our Government’s promise to improve the welfare of healthcare workers, we have signed a memorandum of understanding on the provision of hazard allowances and other incentives with key health sector professional associations. We have also procured insurance cover for five thousand frontline health workers. At this point, I must commend the insurance sector for their support in achieving this within a short period of time.

    17. Nigeria has also continued to receive support from the international community, multilateral agencies, the private sector and public-spirited individuals. This support has ensured that critical lifesaving equipment and materials, which have become scarce globally, are available for Nigeria through original equipment manufacturers and government-to-government processes.

    18. The distribution and expansion of palliatives which I directed in my earlier broadcast is still on going in a transparent manner. I am mindful of the seeming frustration being faced by expectant citizens. I urge all potential beneficiaries to exercise patience as we continue to fine tune our logistical and distribution processes working with the State Governments.

    18.19. I have directed the Central Bank of Nigeria and other financial institutions to make further plans and provisions for financial stimulus packages for small and medium scale enterprises. We recognise the critical role that they play in Nigeria’s economy.

    19.20. Our Security Agencies continue to rise to the challenge posed by this unusual situation. While we feel deeply concerned about isolated security incidents involving hoodlums and miscreants, I want to assure all Nigerians that your safety and security remains our primary concern especially in these exceedingly difficult and uncertain times. As we focus on protecting lives and properties, we will not tolerate any human rights abuses by our security agencies. The few reported incidences are regrettableregrettable, and I want to assure you that the culprits will be brought to justice.

    20. I urge all Nigerians to continue to cooperate and show understanding whenever they encounter security agents. Furthermore, for their protection, I have instructed the personnel of the security agencies be provided with the necessary personal protective equipment for their own protection.
    21.

    21.22. As we continue to streamline our response in the epicenters of Lagos and the FCT, I remain am concerned about the unfortunate developments in Kano in recent days. Although an in-depth investigation is still ongoing, we have decided to deploy additional Federal Government human, material and technical resources to strengthen and support the State Government’s efforts. We will commence implementation immediately.

    22.23. In Kano, and indeed many of other States that are recording new cases, preliminary findings show that such cases are mostly from interstate travel and emerging community transmission.

    23.24. Drawing from these, I implore all Nigerians to continue to adhere strictly to the advisories published by the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control. These include rRegular hand washing, social physical distancing, wearing of face masks/coverings in public, avoidance of non-essential movement and travels and avoidance of large gatherings remain paramount.

    24.25. Fellow Nigerians, for the past four weeks, most parts of our country have been under either Federal Government or State Government lockdowns. As I mentioned earlier, these steps were necessary and overall, have contributed to slowing down the spread of COVID nineteen in Nigeria.

    25.26. However, such lock downs have also coame at a very heavy economic cost. Many of our citizens have lost their means of livelihoods. Many businesses have also shut down. No country can afford the full impact of a sustained lockdown while awaiting the development of vaccines or cures.

    26.27. In my last address, I mentioned the Federal Government will develop strategies and policies that will protect lives while preserving livelihoods.

    27.28. In these two weeks, the Federal and State Governments have jointly and collaboratively worked hard on thishow to balance the need to protect health while also preserving livelihoods, leveraging global best practice while keeping in mind our peculiar circumstances.

    28.29. We looked atassessed how our factories, markets, traders and transporters can continue to function while at the same time respecting adhering to the NCDC guidelines on hygiene and social distancing.

    29.30. We assessed how our children can continue to learn without compromising their health.

    30.31. We reviewed how our farmers can safely plant and harvest in this rainy season to ensure our food security is not compromised. Furthermore, we also discussed how to safely transport food items from rural production areas to industrial processing zones and ultimately, to the key consumption centers.

    31.32. Our goal was to develop implementable policies that will ensure our economy continues to function with while still maintaining our aggressive response to the COVID nineteen pandemic. These same difficult decisions are being faced by leaders around the world.

    32.33. Based on the above and in line with the recommendations of the Presidential Task Force on COVID nineteen, the various Federal Government committees that have reviewed socio-economic matters and the Nigeria Governors Forum, I have approved for a phased and gradual easing of lockdown measures in FCT, Lagos and Ogun States effective from Saturday, 2nd May, 2020 at 9am.

    33.34. However, this will be followed strictly with aggressive reinforcement of testing and contact tracing measures while allowing the restoration of some economic and business activities in certain sectors.

    34.35. The highlights of the new nationwide measures are as follows;
    a. Selected businesses and offices can open from 9am to 6pm;
    b. There will be an overnight curfew from 8pm to 6am. This means all movements are will be prohibited during this period except essential services;
    c. There will be a ban on non-essential inter-state passenger travels until further notice;
    d. There will be Ppartial and controlled interstate movement of goods and services will be allowed to allowfor the movement of goods and services from producers to consumers; and
    e. We will strictly ensure the mandatory use of face masks or coverings in public in addition to maintaining physical distancing and personal hygiene. Furthermore, the restrictions of on social and religious gathers shall remain in place. State Governments, corporate organisations and philanthropists are encouraged to support the production of cloth masks for citizens.

    35.36. For the avoidance of doubt, the lockdown in the FCT, Lagos & Ogun States shall subsist remain in place until these new ones come into effect on Saturday, 2nd May 2020 at 9am.

    36.37. The Presidential Task Force shall provide sector specific details and timing guidelines to allow for preparations by Governments, businesses and institutions.
    37. The above are guidelines. State Governors may choose to amend adapt and expand based on their unique circumstances provided they maintain alignment with the guidelines issued aboveon public health and hygiene.
    38.
    38.39. These revised guidelines do will not apply for to Kano State. The total lockdown recently announced by the State Government shall remain enforced be enforced for the full duration. The Federal Government shall deploy all the necessary human, material and technical resources to support the State in controlling and containing the pandemic.

    39.40. I wish to once again commend the frontline workers across the country who, on a daily basis, risk everything to ensure we win this fight. For those who got infected in the line of duty, be rest assured that Government will do all it takes to support you and your families during this exceedingly difficult period. I will also take this opportunity to assure you all that your safety, wellbeing and welfare remains paramount to our Government.

    40.41. I will also recognize recognise the support we have received from our traditional rulers, the Christian Association of Nigeria, the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs and other prominent religious and community leaders. Your cooperation and support has significantly contributed to the successes we have recorded to date. I will urge you all to please continue to create awareness on the seriousness of coronavirus among your worshippers and communities while appealing that they strictly comply with public health advisories.

    41.42. I will also thank the Nigeria Governors’ Forum and the Presidential Task Force for all their hard work to date. Through this collaboration, I remain confident that success is achievable.

    42.43. I also wish to thank corporate organisations, philanthropists, the UN family, the European Union, friendly nations, the media and other partners that have taken up the responsibility of supporting our response.

    43.44. And finally, I will thank all Nigerians again for your patience and cooperation during this difficult and challenging period. I assure you that government shall continue to take all necessary measures to protect the lives and livelihoods our citizens and residents.
    39. I thank you for listening and may God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria

  • FACT CHECK: False! UK COVID-19 Vaccine trial volunteer Elisa Granato Not Dead [Video]

    FACT CHECK: False! UK COVID-19 Vaccine trial volunteer Elisa Granato Not Dead [Video]

    CLAIM: Microbiologist Dr Elisa Granato, who took part in the Covid-19 Vaccine trial in Oxford on Thursday, had died following complications after taking the Covid-19 trial vaccine.

    VERDICT: False

    EVIDENCE 1: Dr Elisa Granato said she is very much alive in a Video released on Sunday 26th April, 2020, by the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) on Twitter. The video can be found on this link: pic.twitter.com/Csw1WqmBQa.

    EVIDENCE 2: The government of UK through the department of health and social care said in a tweet on Sunday that the news of Granato’s dead is “completely untrue”

    EVIDENCE 3: WHO has not faulted Oxford Vaccine trial which Dr Granato volunteered for.

    FULL TEXT: News of the demise of Dr. Elisa Granato one of the volunteers for the trial of the much awaited Covid-19 Vaccine, engulfed the social media worldwide on Friday. The news suggest that Dr Granato immediately died on Thursday after volunteering to be giving the vaccine.

    TNG COVID-19 Fact Check team began investigating the authenticity of the news and it turns out to be false and fake. Granato One of the first people to be injected as part of UK human trials for a coronavirus vaccine has said she is “doing fine”.

    The news of Granato’s demise was said to be triggered by a fake article that suggests she is death and was circulated on social media.

    According to the Article “Microbiologist Dr Elisa Granato, who took part in the trial in Oxford on Thursday, had died following complications after taking the vaccine.”

    The UK government was first to debunk the news where it stated in a tweet through the department of health and social care that the article was “completely untrue”, and warned people about sharing unsubstantiated claims online.

    Following the article about her “death”, Dr Granato tweeted about the news before making her Twitter account private. She wrote: “Nothing like waking up to a fake article on your death … I’m doing fine everyone.” Granato’s Tweet which also involved her video was obtained by the BBC.

    CONCLUSION:
    Covid-19 vaccine is considered the ultimate exit strategy from lockdown by many experts, and scientists across the world are racing to develop one that can be produced at scale.

    The Oxford Vaccine Group hopes to have at least a million doses ready in September. The world health organisation (WHO) has not faulted any vaccine trial yet.

  • COVID-19: Lagos, Kano, Benue, others order masks from Cross River

    COVID-19: Lagos, Kano, Benue, others order masks from Cross River

    As various states in Nigeria battle to contain the ravaging global pandemic, COVID-9, Lagos state government, Benue State and a Kano Business mogul, Alhaji Isiaku Rabiu, have separately placed orders for nose masks from the Cross River State Garment Factory.

    While Lagos State placed order for one million nose masks, Rabiu ordered for 100,000 pieces of the masks to assist the Kano state government contain the pandemic.

    Cross River state governor, Sir Ben Ayade who made the disclosure Monday at the Garment factory Calabar stated that production of masks has been ramped up at the factory following the orders.

    Apart from states, order organizations that have made orders for masks from the factory include construction giants, Julius Berger and DHL.

    “We have Julius Berger, a construction company that has made a massive order. Shoprite also has made a massive order. We have also received an order of one million masks from Lagos State government.
    “Alhaji Isaiaku Rabiu made an order for a hundred thousand masks for Kano state,” the governor disclosed.

    He said he was at the factory to carry out an inspection on quality control and ensure that the masks were made according to specifications.

    “As you can see, we are here at the garment factory to carry out an inspection on quality control of preparation of the masks and ensuring that by the time they finish the ironing process, it will go through a sterilization chamber which is an innovation”, Ayade said

    He disclosed that plans were under way to design military style masks for the military and para military organizations.

    According to him, the special masks will come with fitted special protection and air filtration systems.

    Ayade: “As you are all aware, Cross River State started the concept of cloth mask. So we want to use this opportunity to say we want to move into the new brand of a military mask which will have special protection and special air filtration as well as special breathing support systems to enable the military use it on a daily basis even in the face of a biological warfare ”

    The governor maintained said he has taken time to wear the mask in different combination of clothes to create awareness and to show that no matter how you dress, there is a mask that can fit with your dressing.

    “I have taken time to wear the mask in different combination of clothes not just for the purpose of wearing the mask but to create awareness on the use of the masks

    And also as a means of marketing that even if you are wearing a traditional attire, there are masks that can go with your dressing”

    “If you intend to go with a jean and a top it can still fit so whether you are young or middle aged or old, there is always a way and style that the mask will fit. And until Coronavirus is over, wearing masks has to become our way of life.”

    He expressed optimism that with the support of the federal government, Cross River State should be in a position to start exporting masks to other African countries in the near future.

    “I believe that with the support of the federal government, we should be in a position to start exporting masks to other African countries very soon.with our installed capacity at three shifts we can do close to a million masks a day and am happy the federal government is adopting wearing of nose masks as a national policy”, Ayade quipped.

  • Mysterious VIP deaths: Why Buhari cannot visit Kano now – APC

    Mysterious VIP deaths: Why Buhari cannot visit Kano now – APC

    The ruling party, All Progressives Congress, APC on Monday reacted to calls by main opposition party, Peoples Democratic Party, PDP asking President Muhammadu Buhari to do on the spot assessment of the incessant deaths of prominent and non-prominent Kano indigenes and residents.

    According to a statement signed by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Lanre Issa-Onilu, said: “This is yet another infantile and desperate attempt by the opposition party to play petty politics with a serious matter of national and international importance.

    “The latest baseless accusation by the PDP that the APC-led government has not lived up to its responsibility of protecting the people of Kano State against the backdrop of some deaths recorded in the state is a case in point.

    “This allegation is not only baseless, but very irresponsible. It is false in its entirety. Shockingly, while all well-meaning organisations, home and abroad, and individuals are putting in positive shifts to overcome the Covid-19 pandemic, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has rather chosen to dance on the graves of the unfortunate Nigerians that have been killed by the disease.

    “PDP has this rare opportunity to stand up to be counted by making positive contributions to end the scourge, but this opposition party thinks this is the time to politicise Coronavirus cases and deaths, particularly in Kano State.

    “We invite the PDP to borrow a leaf from the patriotic efforts being made by the cross-party platform, the Nigeria Governors Forum, NGF, who has kept politics aside and joined the President Buhari government in jointly, proactively and frontally combating the pandemic which is currently a threat to our very existence. The PDP must understand that only the living can play politics.

    “The APC would, once again, refresh the memory of the PDP, since the party appears irredeemably lost in its present, unenviable state of idleness and irrelevance.

    “Weeks before the pandemic hit Nigeria, this administration had started taking practical steps in preparation for it. The PDP may claim to be unaware, but emergency operations centres have been established in states to serve as coordination platforms and are networked to a national incident coordination centre.

    “Many states are now better equipped and prepared to coordinate within and across their borders in combating the coronavirus. From just about four testing laboratory centres, NCDC has 15 testing centres as at today with testing capacity increasing to over 3000 daily from just a few hundreds weeks ago.”

    “While it is clear that no single country, including the advanced nations, boasts adequate capacity to respond at once to this pandemic, and are all working hard to scale up capacity to contain the spread of COVID-19 and in the same vein making efforts to find a cure for it, the APC-led government has not been found wanting in protecting the lives of all Nigerians, except for PDP that is incurably irrational.

    “Nigeria has received commendations from bodies like the World Health Organisation, WHO, the European Union. The Presidents of West African countries under the aegis of ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government have appointed President Muhammadu Buhari as Champion of the COVID-19 response.

    “Our successes achieved so far in our Coronavirus response happened without the insidious prodding of the PDP.

    “When the PDP held a rally in Oyo State in a most irresponsible manner and against public outcry, at a period the Corvid-19 cases had already been recorded in Nigeria, perhaps it was a deliberate effort by the opposition party to jeopardise the lives of the people of this country.

    “It is not surprising that the Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, who was making a joke of the pandemic got no cautionary words from PDP.

    “We may never know the damage caused by the ill-advised rally held by PDP in Oyo State. But it suits the opposition party to attack the Kano State Governor, Abdullahi Ganduje to score cheap political points.

    “To make the matter worse, quite unfortunately, the PDP is asking President Buhari to embark on a state visit to Kano. The opposition party believes that there should be a Presidential movement to anywhere in this country at this period, least of a densely populated city like Kano.

    “Have they suddenly forgotten what it means to have the President visit Kano State at a period like this that requires social distancing and when much of the country is under a lockdown order?

    “We urge the PDP to come clean on why it is asking the President to embark on a state visit now. Nigerians should ask PDP if it is praying that the whole of Kano and, indeed, Nigeria be swarming with COVID-19 cases and corpses in order to fit into its known and unpatriotic wishes against our beloved country.”

  • COVID-19: Lawmakers should undergo compulsory test before plenary resumes Tuesday

    COVID-19: Lawmakers should undergo compulsory test before plenary resumes Tuesday

    As the House of Representatives reconvene tomorrow, there’s a clarion call by some lawmakers that members should undergo a compulsory test to know their COVID-19 status.

    The lawmakers who spoke under the condition of anonymity told TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) that it would be out of place to hold sessions when most lawmakers do not know their Covid-19 status.

    Recall that the House of Representatives in a statement issued and signed by the Clerk, Patrick Giwa late Sunday night had asked members to resume tomorrow.

    But some Lawmakers are not finding it funny as all the calls by Nigerians insisting that they should undergo a Covid-19 test was rebuffed.

    One of the Reps who is from the South East geo-political zone of Nigeria simply told TNG that”I don’t want to be a dead hero I won’t near the National Assembly.

    “What am I going there to discuss when the questions to be raised already have answers so you expect me to go and debate an already answered question, I won’t do that I will rather stay at home.

    Another Rep from the South West geo-political zone said” I am not going until we undergo a compulsory test on Covid-19 and once the results are out I can now summon courage to appear in that chamber.

    “If they announce now that we should come over to run tests I will be the first Lawmaker to show my face there.

    “Instead of this Government looking seriously into the mysterious deaths in Kano and find a lasting solution to it they want us to meet.

    “If I may ask, are we going to isolate Kano lawmakers at the emergency plenary or we will all be in the same chamber, forget it I won’t go.

    In the statement issued by the Clerk of the House, members were advised to strictly adhere to the guidelines of NCDC such as social distancing and the wearing of face masks.

  • Ishaku reacts as Taraba records six confirmed COVID-19 cases at once

    Ishaku reacts as Taraba records six confirmed COVID-19 cases at once

    Six persons have tested positive for COVID-19 in Taraba state.

    The news of the six confirmed cases was reported by the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), after samples taken from the victims who are being quarantined at the NYSC Isolation Center, Sibre, tested positive.

    Governor Darius Ishaku also confirmed the report in a state broadcast on Monday.

    Since the global outbreak of the pandemic, Taraba had maintained a zero status until Wednesday.

    Governor Ishaku said he was shocked over report of the sudden six index cases. He, however, told Tarabans not to panic.

    “I wish to assure the people of Taraba State that this is not a time for panic as government is on top of the situation.

    “Additional manpower and resources have been mobilised and deployed to trace contacts of all those that have tested positive to the Coronavirus, immediately.

    “Let me assure you (Tarabans) that we are prepared, having already identified two treatment centres located at the State Specialist Hospital, Jalingo and the Federal Medical Center also in Jalingo with the combined capacity to handle 22 cases.

    “In the meantime, we are in the process of completing a one hundred bed capacity isolation centre with the assistance of Access Bank.

    “Tarabans should, therefore, be rest assured that their protection is paramount and government will do all within its powers to checkmate widespread of the virus,” he stated.

    Ishaku said it was unfortunate that the reported outbreak came about despite the robust proactive steps taken by his administration to prevent the virus from entering Taraba State.

    It was gathered that the persons who tested positive are among 130 interstate travellers from Bauchi, Kano, Jigawa, Borno, Ogun and Lagos states intercepted at the state’s borders.

    The committee on Covid-19 in the state, headed by the Commissioner of Health Innocent Vakkai, had earlier intercepted on two occasions, 65 and 59 persons from Ogun state en route to Adamawa state and were allowed to proceed amid tight security.

    Governor Ishaku said: “We all woke up this morning to the shocking news of six confirmed cases of Covid-19 by the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) from samples taken from persons already quarantined by the State Task Force on COVID 19 who are presently at the NYSC isolation centre, Sibre.

    “I, therefore, commend the proactive steps of the committee which led to the isolation and identification of the reported cases.

    “You will recall that immediately the index case was identified in the country, we took a number of preventive steps such as the closure of our land borders with neighbouring states as well as the international boundary with the Republic of Cameroon.

    “We also temporarily closed places of worship, schools, markets and other public places that attract large crowds.

    “In addition, government had also rolled out intensive sensitisation and advocacy programmes using our two religious bodies (Christianity and Islam) and traditional institutions as well as the media.

    Ishaku said the situation in Taraba demands strict adherence to preventive measures approved by the World Health Organisation endorsed by NCDC and adopted by his administration, such as regular washing of hands, use of sanitizers, social distancing and avoidance of handshakes.

    “We in Taraba State should continue to practice these habits as regular new ways of social interaction to keep the virus in check.

    “Our lockdown measure which is meant to encourage people to stay at home is not negotiable.

    “Security agencies are to ensure that interstate travelers are prevented from coming into the State and that those who are already in the State stay at home,” Ishaku said.

    The governor acknowledged that the measures come with a lot of inconveniences to the people, but they must adopt them in order to save lives.

    “Government will do everything possible to ameliorate the suffering of those that may be adversely affected by these measures,” he assured.

  • BREAKING: Tinubu, wife announce COVID-19 test results

    BREAKING: Tinubu, wife announce COVID-19 test results

    The National Leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Asiwaju Bola Tinubu and his wife, Senator Remi Tinubu have tested negative for COVID-19.

    The results of their samples taken on Saturday, which were released on Monday, returned negative.

    The test was necessitated by the death of Tinubu’s Chief Security Officer, Lateef Raheem, who was later confirmed positive for coronavirus.

    However, an aide of the former Lagos Governor, who had contact with the late CSO, tested positive and has been taken to an isolation centre.

    His other aides, however tested negative for the virus.

    Tinubu’s spokesman, Tunde Rahman, disclosed these in a statement.

    He said: ”Following the death of our well-respected and beloved Chief Security Officer, Alhaji Lateef Raheem, NCDC medics took the wise precaution of taking samples from his body for testing to actually determine the cause of death. Today, the test results are back. The samples tested positive for Covid-19.

    ”As a precautionary measure taken soon after the death of Alhaji Raheem, His Excellency Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, his wife, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, and all their aides took COVID-19 tests Saturday, April 25. The results of the tests were returned this morning. Test results for both Asiwaju and Senator TInubu were negative.

    ”The results of one aide were positive. The rest of the staff was negative. The one staff member has been isolated in accordance with NCDC guidelines. Further contact tracing and COVID-19 tests are being conducted by the NCDC with regard to the relatives and possible contacts of that staff member.

    ”Asiwaju has stressed that openness and transparency must be observed if we are to defeat this disease. There is no house immune to its entry. Contracting the virus should not bring social or moral stigma any more than contracting malaria or a common cold.

    ”We cannot overcome this challenge by acting like it does not exist or by trying to conceal that someone may have it due to social shame. The culture of denial is counterproductive and will do great harm in our current situation.

    ”Asiwaju asks that you not be afraid to be tested if you have any symptoms or if you believe you may have come in contact with someone who has been infected. We must do all we can to contain the spread of the virus and to well treat those of us who have been hit by it.

    ”As you go about your day, we know you must find daily sustenance. Yet, please continue to do all you can to maintain social distance and to take all other public health measures to protect yourself and others. In this way, we all may contribute to halt the spread of this dangerous virus.”

  • BREAKING: Gov Douye Diri orders total lockdown in Bayelsa

    BREAKING: Gov Douye Diri orders total lockdown in Bayelsa

    After the Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak in Bayelsa State, the State Governor, Douye Diri has ordered a one week total lockdown, exempting essential duties.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports Governor Douye Diri imposed the lockdown on Monday during a state wide broadcast, revealing the COVID-19 index case in Bayelsa is a 49 years old female.

    During the broadcast, Douye Diri, in his address, pleaded with Bayelsans to continue to adhere to the established preventive protocols against the virus.

    The address reads: “I announce with regret that we have joined the league of states with the COVID-19 pandemic. This is coming over eight weeks since the first case was announced in Nigeria.

    “The index case in Bayelsa is a 49 years old female. She has since been evacuated to the Niger Delta University Teaching Hospital (NDUTH) Isolation Center for further management.

    “As a procedure to stop the spread, we have started tracing all her contacts while necessary environmental decontamination will be carried out immediately at the Bayelsa Specialist Hospital where she was hospitalized.

    “Following the latest sad development, I have placed a one week compulsory stay at home, except those on essential duties, beginning from midnight today.

    “I plead with Bayelsans and others who reside in the state to continue to adhere to the established preventive protocols against the virus.

    “It is a battle we can win but to achieve that feat, we must work together with complimentary efforts. This is not the time to panic. It is also not the time to spread falsehood. I assure you that it will end in victory!”

    Recall that Dr Inodu Akpoku, the Chairman, Bayelsa COVID-19 Task Force implementation Committee had earlier confirmed the first case of COVID-19 in the State.

    He said that the state had prepared well to handle the situation, revealing that the affected woman had been quarantined at one of the isolation centres in Bayelsa.

    The chairman said that the government was preparing a detailed statement on the case which would be made public.

    “We have recorded one case and she is a woman and she has been moved to the isolation centre at the Niger Delta University Teaching Hospital (NDUTH) at Okolobiri in Yenagoa Local Government Area.

    “There is absolutely no need for panic because the Bayelsa government is adequately prepared for this.

    “We have at no fewer than three isolation centres and well trained medical professionals to tackle the pandemic.

    “We appeal to the people to take their personal hygiene more seriously and we have emphasised the use of face masks by residents in addition to other protocols put in place by the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC).

    “In addition, people should ensure they take more of fruits and vegetables in their diet as it boosts the immune system.

    “In addition to complying with the hygiene protocols, good nutruition is also recommended,” he said.

    The NCDC has listed the case in Bayelsa as one of the 91 new cases of the COVID-19 confirmed in Nigeria on Sunday.

  • COVID-19: Gov Akeredolu confirms Ondo 6th case is a murder suspect arrested in Edo State

    COVID-19: Gov Akeredolu confirms Ondo 6th case is a murder suspect arrested in Edo State

    Governor Rotimi Akeredolu of Ondo State has confirmed the sixth Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) case in the State is a murder suspect arrested in Edo State.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports Governor Akeredolu made the confirmation on Monday during the State weekly update on COVID-19.

    In his address during the live broadcast, Akeredolu said the suspect was arrested in Edo and transferred to Ondo for trial of crime earlier committed in Ondo.

    “As you are aware, Ondo State recorded five more Cases of Covid-19 infection over the weekend. The fourth and fifth Cases occurred on Saturday while the sixth, seventh and eighth Cases were discovered yesterday, Sunday.

    “The fourth and fifth Cases are officers of the Nigerian Police Force, serving under the Lagos State Police Command while the sixth case is a murder suspect who was arrested in Edo State and transferred to Ondo State for trial of crime earlier committed in Ondo State.

    “The seventh case was a female civilian who sneaked into the State from Abuja. Meanwhile the eighth case was discovered in Owo and samples taken were confirmed positive late last night,” the Governor narrated.

    He further stated that he had directed the activation of a wider process to trace, isolate and test all primary and secondary contacts of COVID-19 in the State.

    “In order to curtail a further spread of the infection through these Cases, I have directed the activation of a wider processes to trace, isolate and test all primary and secondary contacts with all the Cases while at large in the State.

    “The Nigerian Governor’s Forum has consistently reviewed the trends and patterns among the 36 States. We are seriously worried about the implications of the existing measures on the self-preservation, well-being and prosperity of our people.

    “Already, the mass production and free distribution of facemask by Government has commenced and is gaining traction satisfactorily. I am confident that in a matter of days, all the critical sectors of our society will have been covered.

    “I have also been briefed of efforts of public spirited individuals who have also been providing and distributing face masks and food items as palliatives to the public, particularly the people in the vulnerable category.

    “Government notes such charitable efforts with satisfaction and expresses its gratitude to every individual and body captured in this category.

    “Finally let me again thank all our health workers, the media and other stakeholders for the great sacrifice and dedication. I sincerely pray that God almighty will see us through these challenging times”.

  • COVID-19: ‘When you get it… please die alone’ – Buhari’s aide

    COVID-19: ‘When you get it… please die alone’ – Buhari’s aide

    Social Media aide to President Muhammadu Buhari, Lauretta Onochie has said anyone with Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) should not spread it, but die alone.

    The presidential aide stated this on Sunday via Twitter when she commented on the defiance being shown by some Nigerians against the stay at home order, and she was asked if Nigerians should stay at home and die.

    “It’s your choice. We all stay home for a short while, manage what we have now. Or keep spreading d virus & die. The earlier we obey the rules, the earlier we will all come out and carry on with our lives. Just like China. When you get it, dont infect your family. Please die alone,” she tweeted.

    Stay at home and die of hunger, right?

    "When you get it, dont infect your family. Please die alone," - Lauretta Onochie
    “When you get it, dont infect your family. Please die alone,” – Lauretta Onochie