TheNewsGuru

Tag: Governors

  • COVID-19: NUJ Applauds Nigerian Medical Practitioners, Cautions Governors, Politicians

    The NIGERIA Union of Journalists (NUJ) describes as outstanding and courageous, the excellence and professionalism so far demonstrated by Nigerian medical doctors, nurses, and health workers in managing the Coronavirus Pandemic since the case was reported in the country.

    The Union is indeed proud of what our home grown medical practioners and health workers have achieved so far in the fight against this pandemic; inspite of poor facilities, hostile working environments and frustrating conditions of service.

    The Union notes that with very low mortality rate, increasing number of discharged persons and effective management of positive patients, our medical professionals have shown that they can compete favourably with the best in the world if given the opportunity and accorded the required recognition.

    The Union calls on the Federal and State Governments to consider adequate remuneration for health workers in this line of duty.

    The Union advises the Federal and State Governments, the private sector at all levels that the time to invest in the health sector is now. The obvious impact of this rampaging pandemic has made it more imperative for our hospitals to become more functional considering that everybody no matter how highly or lowly placed has now been circumstantially compelled to patronize our local hospitals.

    The NUJ also welcomes with high expectations, the measures so far taken by the Federal Government to manage the crisis. The Union commends the professionalism shown by the Director General of the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control, (NCDC), Dr. Chikwe Ihekweazu in particular and the SGF-led Presidential TasK Force on COVID 19.

    The NUJ identifies the daily media briefing by the Task Force, interface with various state governments as important steps that have helped information dessemination, public education and enlightenment. It has also helped to draw national attention to the dangers that lie ahead, the responsibilities of all Nigerians and the need for unity of purpose to defeat the pandemic.

    The NUJ therefore stands with the government and the Task Force and will continue to offer every support in this direction.

    The Union commends its members, health reporters and correspondents and the Nigerian media generally for the on-going aggressive campaign through various news and programs on the dangers of the virus. We also once more call on authorities and owners of media establishments to do everything possible to equip their reporters and provide palliatives for journalists across the country so as to reduce the risk faced at this critical time. For debtor media houses, the Union reiterates that it will not continue to stand idly while journalists who work round the clock are owed several months arrears of salaries. Since its strategic engagements appear not to be yielding results as expected, the Union in the coming weeks may be forced to resort to either picketing of such media houses or take legal actions.

    The NUJ also views as disappointing and careless some decisions and actions of some state governors which if not checked are capable of undermining the restrictions and social distancing directives put in place for overall public safety. Relaxing the lockdown order in some states for the commemoration of the Easter celebration was a dangerous gamble and the affected states are advised to avoid such errors in future. Governors of states where cases have been recorded but are still yet to order a lockdown are advised to do so as it remains better to err on the side of caution.

    The Union uses this opportunity to advise politicians from all political parties to stop forthwith from playing politics with a deadly global health challenge such as the coronavirus pandemic that constitutes a matter of life and death. Politicians are urged to watch closely and learn from what is happening all over the world, where politics has taken a back seat in all countries including the USA that has a general election this year.

    The NUJ also applauds some affluent Nigerians, religious organisations, NGOs, development partners, the public and private sectors that have donated funds to support the covid-19 fight and calls on others within and outside the country to emulate the gesture.

    As a result of experiences in the past in Nigeria, the NUJ wishes to put all on notice, that the Union as watch dog of the society is set to raise at the background, high proflie investigative reporters drawn from the print, electronic and social media to track, monitor very closely every income and expenditure of all funds raised for the purposes of managing the covid-19. Our scope of coverage will cover all tiers and levels of government. It must be made clear that the NUJ will hold accountable all those saddled with the responsibility of handling public funds during this period.

    While calling for more sustained palliatives for the poor and hungry in society, efficient distribution to all parts of the country, the Union appeals to all citizens to give their full cooperation to all lawful ordes to curb the spread of this virus.

  • Special Report: Nigeria likely to record multiple COVID-19 cases in weeks as governors relax lockdown for Easter

    Special Report: Nigeria likely to record multiple COVID-19 cases in weeks as governors relax lockdown for Easter

    At a time nations are working round-the-clock to eliminate and contain the spread of the deadly coronavirus disease [COVID-19] by ensuring strict enforcement of government policies especially the stay-at-home order which has become a global approach sort of, some Nigerian governors are busy relaxing the lockdown that was largely disrespected in the first place.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports that Michel Yao, the Africa programme manager for emergency response of the World Health Organisation (WHO) at a media teleconference on Thursday predicted that African countries could see a peak in coronavirus cases in the coming weeks and testing should be urgently increased in the region.

    “During the last four days, we can see that the numbers have already doubled. If the trend continues, and also learning from what happened in China and in Europe, some countries may face a huge peak very soon,” he said, adding that it could arrive in the coming weeks, but without naming countries.

    It was also as part of desperate measures to contain the spread of the virus in Nigeria that President Muhammadu Buhari on Sunday, March 29 in his nationwide broadcast imposed a two-week lockdown on flagged areas like Lagos, Ogun and Abuja. However, as complementary efforts, other states with few confirmed cases of the virus also pronounced a lockdown to keep the numbers low since body contact with an infected person happens to be one of the easiest ways to contact the virus. TNG reports that as at 9:30 pm on Friday, April 10, Nigeria has 305 confirmed cases of COVID-19, 58 have been discharged with 7 deaths.

    Danger in relaxing lockdown for Easter, other religious activities

    Nothing can be as worrisome as the decision of some governors to relax the self imposed curfew in their states aimed at preventing or reducing the spread of the virus. While it is true that some of the concerned states either have low or no confirmed coronavirus case, however, prevention has always been better than cure. For states that have not closed their borders, an innocently infected person could gain entrance into the state from a high risk neighbouring state and mix with as many people as possible during this period of ‘free movement’. This was the case of a transiting infected person that eventually died in Delta on Thursday.

    Confirming the development, Governor Ifeanyi Okowa said: “I have just been informed of another case of #COVID19 in Delta State. The individual in question, had underlying health issues and had visited Lagos State in the past two weeks. The patient presented himself late to one of our hospitals with severe symptoms.

    “These symptoms included difficulty in breathing. He was immediately given the necessary attention by healthcare professionals. Shortly after the specimen was taken, he passed away. However, his test results came back positive today.

    “In order to mitigate against the spread of the virus, we are fast-tracking our contact tracing to ensure that all those that came in contact with the deceased patient are properly isolated and tested immediately.

    “Again, it is important that as we work to protect the citizens and residents of our state, families and friends of individuals that are exhibiting the primary symptoms of the #COVID19 virus, do not keep it from the authorities. If you see something; say something.”

    One can only imagine the catastrophe that would have happened if the scenario above played out in one of the state during this suspension of the curfew.

    TNG reports that already, states, such as Imo, Akwa Ibom, Ebonyi, Bayelsa and Abia, which earlier imposed restrictions, relaxed them on Wednesday.

    Ebonyi State government granted a partial restoration of religious activities in the state.

    The government relaxed the ban on burials by giving those in the state between April 9 and 20 to bury their dead loved ones.

    Imo State Governor Hope Uzodinma said residents were free to shop today for Easter.

    Also yesterday, Abia State government announced a two-day intra-state movement.

    Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Chris Ezem, said residents were free to move about on Good Friday and Easter Sunday to enable them to shop and perform other religious activities in commemoration to Easter.

    Rivers State Government also temporarily relaxed the restrictions.

    In a broadcast on Thursday, Governor Nyesom Wike said the directive permits the Muslim community to observe their Jumaat Prayers today, while Christians can hold Easter services on Sunday.

    Bayelsa State government also relaxed its lockdown measures for Easter celebrations.

    Governor Duoye Diri’s Acting Chief Press Secretary, Mr Daniel Alabrah, said the measure was specific to church services during the Easter celebration.

    Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello lifted the ban on religious grounds.

    Commissioner for Information and Communication, Kingsley Fanwo, said it was to allow religious bodies to have their normal worship, but called for caution.

    The Delta State Governor, Ifeanyi Okowa also on Friday relaxed the lockdown with some conditions attached. Katsina State Governor who had earlier relaxed the lockdown was forced to enforce it again on Friday with three new cases of coronavirus discovered in Daura Local Government of the state.

    Relaxing lockdown will fuel transmission – NMA warns governors

    Sensing danger in the action of the governors and an outbreak that it personnel might not be able to handle, the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) warned state governments against relaxing the lockdown orders saying the relaxation will only heighten the transmission of the virus, as there are evidences of community transmission in the country.

    In a statement on Friday in Abuja, the President of the NMA, Dr. Francis Faduyile said: “The attention of the Nigerian Medical Association has been drawn to some isolated statements negating the established measure of preventing COVID-19 – social distancing; and orders by some state governors authorising the mass observance of Jumat prayers and Easter Sunday services.

    “Of particular concern are: the declaration by the Cross River State Governor that social distancing is not needed while wearing a face mask; a moratorium on the lockdown to allow mass gathering in mosques and churches starting from Friday to Sunday in Rivers state; and the lifting of the ban on Friday prayers by Katsina and Kogi States government.

    “We are aware that similar orders have also been given in Ondo, Ebonyi and Imo states which have approved mass attendance of Easter services.

    “While appreciating the prime place of religion in our national lives and especially the value Christians place on Easter, we place on record that there is now the evidence of community transmission of COVID-19.

    “As such, relaxing any guideline that promotes mass gatherings in any part of our nation now can only heighten and not flatten the curve of transmission dynamics.

    “We therefore pray all authorities concerned to rescind their decision in the interest of safety of lives and implore the Nigerian Police force and other security agencies ensure that such gatherings do not take place.”

    Nigerians still skeptical of COVID-19

    Meanwhile, a large section of the populace, particularly the unread, still bask in the euphoria of ‘I am not rich, the disease cannot catch me’. This is despite the public service announcements on radio, television, online and offline newspapers and social media.

    A public relations expert, Olusegun Kugbayi while suggesting ways of better reaching the uninformed said: “The question is how many people in the rural areas have access to the internet, radio and television. We look down on some of these things as common or basic because we are in the city. To reach these people government, particularly the states and local must work with the traditional rulers and also deploy town criers to the villages and communities where access to electricity and broadcast media is still luxury.

    If state governments implement their ugly decision to impose a curfew, the doubting Nigerians will be convinced in his ignorance the more that the COVID-19 is not real. Because truly it sound logically to question that ‘Why relax preventive measures if its real? Does the virus identify holidays as holy as it may be?,” he queried.

    FG hints on possibility of lockdown extension

    TNG reports that the lockdown which took full effect on Tuesday, March 31 is supposed to last till Tuesday, April 14. The Chairman of the Presidential Task Force against COVID-19 and the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) Boss Mustapha recently said only President Buhari can decide and extend the lockdown if need be. The Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed has also warned that the lockdown might be extended if Nigerians refused to comply with the stay at home orders.

    “If we don’t behave ourselves, there is a likelihood that the lockdown will be extended,” the Minister said at a press conference by the Presidential Task Force on Coronavirus in Abuja recently.

    Lai Mohammed urged Nigerians to observe social distancing and a good hygiene, so everyone can get back to their normal lives after the 14-day lockdown.

    Lai Mohammed continued, “but if we behave ourselves, there might not be an extension and I hope we do so.

    “If we stay at home for two weeks, and we are doing everything we are supposed to do, we should be able to effectively contain the disease.

    “Therefore, my appeal to Nigerians is that they should obey the directive on social distancing, personal hygiene and shun gatherings; after two weeks, we will resume our normal life.

    “But if they think it is a joke, then we may have to stay at home more than the two weeks.”

    Borrowing a leaf from South Korea

    The head of the religious sect that has been at the centre of the coronavirus outbreak in South Korea, Lee Man-hee recently apologised to his nation for the disease’s spread.

    Lee Man-hee, the leader of the Shincheonji Church of Jesus, got on his knees and bowed at a news conference on Monday, March 2nd.

    Then, about 60% of the country’s more than 4,000 confirmed cases were sect members. Deaths nationwide then stood at 28. However, as at Friday, 10 April, the country has recorded 10,450 cases with 208 deaths and 7,117 recovered.

    Prosecutors in South Korea have been asked to investigate Mr Lee on possible charges of gross negligence.

    “Although it was not intentional, many people have been infected,” said the 88-year-old leader. “We put our utmost efforts, but were unable to prevent it all.”

    Of the confirmed cases, about 75% are from the southern city of Daegu and 73% of those have been linked to the Shincheonji Church.

    In the capital, Seoul, the mayor urged the city’s 10 million residents to work from home and to avoid crowded places.

  • FG to Governors: Stop playing politics with COVID-19 directives

    FG to Governors: Stop playing politics with COVID-19 directives

    The Federal Government has admonished some state governors to stop playing politics with the directives issued to contain the coronavirus pandemic spreading across the country.

    The Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed gave the admonition on Friday when he featured on Nigeria Television Authority (NTA) programme, Good Morning Nigeria”.

    Mohammed, who was giving update on efforts of the Presidential Task Force for the Control of Coronavirus at containing the pandemic, underscored the need for continued engagements with states and harmonisation of directives.

    The Minister, a member of the task force, said the kind of rifts and counter directives between some states and the federal government in the efforts to contain covid-19 were uncalled for and unnecessary.

    Responding to a question on the controversy over the chopper that flew into Rivers State and the arrest of the pilots, Mohammed said such rift was uncalled for and people should stop politicising covid-19 fight.

    “The federal government has responsibility to all Nigerians irrespective of the state they reside.

    “A situation where the federal government needs exemption for certain category of people but the state government will not cooperate is not helpful.

    “We will not succeed if there is no cooperation with the state governments,” he said.

    Reacting to question on some state governors that have ordered the relax of stay at home order for Jumat and Easter festivities, the minister underscored the need for harmonisation of the directive of President Muhammadu Buhari for lockdown in the FCT, Lagos and Ogun states.

    “We have a very little window, and as of today, there is no known cure or vaccine for this disease all we have is Non Medicinal Intervention basically on prevention and management.

    “We need the cooperation of the populace as a whole and they need to listen to what the federal government is saying.

    “The whole essence of the lockdown is that by the time we lockdown for 14 days it is a presumption that whoever is incubating the virus must have manifested.

    “However, people can contact the disease by not staying at home or not adhering to the hygiene instructions like washing of hands regularly, using hand sanitiser and social distancing,” he said.

    It will be recalled that as parts of measures to check the spread of coronavirus, many states banned large gatherings and restricted movements.

    However, despite the fact that covid-19 as at Thursday had spread to 17 states with 288 confirmed cases, 51 recovered and discharged patients and seven deaths; some states have relaxed the measures ahead of Easter and for Jumat prayers.

    Specifically, Gov. Rotimi Akeredolu of Ondo approved the request of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in the state to observe the Easter Sunday worship in various churches across the state.

    Similarly, Gov. Nyesom Wike of Rivers directed the Muslim to hold Jumat prayers and Churches to hold Easter service accross the state with full congregation.

    Ebonyi state government, relaxed ban on burials by giving those in the state between April 9 and April 20 to bury their dead.

    Worshippers in the state are expected to attend their normal service only on Sunday for Christians and Friday for Muslims with effect from April 12.

    Similarly, Gov. Yahaya Bello of Kogi directed that the ban on religious gathering be lifted to allow for normal worship and services.

    In Katsina state, Gov. Aminu Masari directed that Muslim faithful will be allowed to observe their Juma’at prayers under strict health and security guidelines.

    Gov. Douye Diri of Bayelsa on his part relaxed interstate boundary closure, on the ground that it would allow for foodstuffs, drugs and vehicles conveying personnel on essential duty access the state.

  • BREAKING: FG counters governors, says only Buhari can determine extension of lockdown

    BREAKING: FG counters governors, says only Buhari can determine extension of lockdown

    The Federal Government on Tuesday said only President Muhammadu Buhari can decide if the lockdown of Lagos, Ogun and the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, over Coronavirus will be extended or not.

    Buhari had a week ago ordered total lockdown of Lagos, Ogun and FCT for 14 days to checkmate the spread of Coronavirus.

    Secretary to the Government of the Federation and Chairman, Presidential Task Force on COVID-19, Boss Mustapha, who spoke in Marina, Lagos, Southwest Nigeria, said only the president had the power to grant extension or not, but noted that Buhari did said the lockdown would be for 14 days in the first instance.

    He said the presidential taskforce had come to Lagos for a revaluation and report back to the president, adding that Buhari lockdown Lagos, Ogun and FCT based on advice from the Minister of Health.

    “It is only Buhari who can say that the lockdown will be extended or not. He did say during his address that Lagos, Ogun and FCT would be shutdown for 14 days in the first instance,” he said.

    According to him, if the objectives of the lockdown had been achieved, the presidential taskforce would report back to Buhari for him to take the necessary action whether to extend the lockdown or not, saying that would be done before the week ran out.

    Earlier, Mustapha in a briefing, said the taskforce was in Lagos to inspect facilities put in place by the government for the control of the COVID-19 Pandemic.

    He assured all Nigerians of the unwavering commitment of Buhari to this war against COVID-19 and his readiness to mobilize resources to achieve national objectives.

    He stated that it was not the desire of government to punish its citizen by restricting their movement, but rather out of the abundance of caution, that difficult decision was taken to save lives by preventing spread.

    “Reports have been received on the general level of satisfactory compliance in Lagos with the lockdown order and we have similarly received reports of violations. In this case, I commend the instant action taken by the Lagos State Government by prosecuting and convicting notable violators, which shows that nobody should be above the law.

    “In recognition of the impact of the lockdown order on the poor, physically challenged, the elderly and the vulnerable, Mr. President approved the release of 70,000 metric tons of grains from the strategic grains reserve. Out of this, about 6,800 will be distributed in Lagos, Ogun and FCT while the rest will be distributed to the 13 frontline states that have recorded cases of the COVID-19 disease. I assure you that the distribution of the Lagos state share will commence shortly.

    “Mr. President has similarly approved the payment of 2 months Conditional Cash Transfer to 2.6 million poor and vulnerable already registered in the social safety net program. On behalf of Mr. President, I wish to commend the government of Lagos State magnificently controlling the pandemic and for putting in place isolation centers, ICU facilities as well as establishing a wide network of contact tracing,” he said.

    Mustapha emphasised that the nation was at war with an unseen but very potent enemy and that to successfully prosecute this war, “we must own it, we must participate in it, we must create awareness, we must obey rules and regulations, we must stay at home when ordered and we must not conceal any information from the medical and disease control authorities.

    “One person who is infected in a community can endanger the entire community regardless of its size and status or position of the people living there. Coronavirus is real and dangerous. Let me appeal to Lagosians, indeed, all Nigerians to play our roles in defeating Coronavirus.

    “To win the war, we must abide by instructions to stay-at-home, maintain social distancing, personal hygiene and report all suspected cases to the designated health authorities.”

     

  • COVID 19: MAN tasks governors on smooth movement of essential items

    COVID 19: MAN tasks governors on smooth movement of essential items

    The Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) has appealed to state governors to give necessary directives to some officers who were hindering smooth passage of essential products across states of the federation.
    In a statement to newsmen on Tuesday in Lagos, MAN President, Mr Mansur Ahmed, said that better sensitisation of such officers became necessary following some of their actions, which were hampering the chain of distribution.
    “Since the decision to lock down economic activities by different states and the eventual national declaration by the Federal Government, MAN has maintained consistent talks with relevant governmental authorities.
    “The talk is on the survival and sustenance of livelihood of Nigerians, via the operation of critical manufacturing sector and has indeed yielded positive results.
    “One of the numerous results is the letter addressed by the Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) to my humble self for manufacturers.
    “The food, beverage, pharmaceutical and other complementing sector that makes the value chain of essential products available are very critical.
    “The Association is glad that Government recognised this critical role in its directive for 14-day lockdown.
    “Let me add that the directive of the NGF has yielded good outcomes in some states as our members have testified to unhindered operations in the face of the lockdown.
    “Notwithstanding, some security operatives in other states are not yielding, particularly, the rank and file officers on the field,” he said.
    Ahmed said, in order address this setback, MAN has been in talks with the NGF to give the necessary directives for adequate sensitisation of officers to give manufacturers of essential products easy movement.
    He commended the Federal Government’s response to manufacturers as it the tackles Corona Virus pandemic. (

  • Fayemi tests for Coronavirus, urges colleague governors to do same immediately

    Chairman, Nigerian Governors’ Forum, NGF, Dr. Kayode Fayemi has told all governors to go into self-isolation immediately after being exposed to contacts who have tested positive for Coronavirus.

    Recall that Chief of Staff to the President, Abba Kyari and Governor Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State tested positive for Coronavirus on Monday and Tuesday respectively.

    Bala and Kyari met with governors and ministers last week.

    However, Fayemi, on his Facebook page, said he just took Coronavirus test, having gone into self-isolation since on Monday evening.

    According to him, he is asymptomatic and felt well, but noted that he was in the meeting with two people who had since tested positive.

  • Coronavirus-infected Bauchi Governor: Dangote, ministers, governors at likely risk for COVID-19

    Coronavirus-infected Bauchi Governor: Dangote, ministers, governors at likely risk for COVID-19

    A review of the social media timeline of Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed who tested positive to coronavirus, shows that he had physical contacts with billionaire, Aliko Dangote; met the director-general of Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), Chikwe Ihekweazu and also attended the National Economic Council meeting in Abuja, where he interacted with several governors.

    The aforesaid activities of the sick Bauchi governor have since raised concerns that those he had personal contacts with may likely be at risk for Covid-19.

    Recall that the governor took the test after it was announced that Mohammed Abubakar, son of former vice president, Atiku Abubakar, had tested positive for the virus on Sunday, March 22.

    The governor also recently travelled to Germany, a high-risk country where he could have also contracted the virus.

    The governor had met Abubakar inside an Abuja-bound airplane in Lagos and reportedly shook his hand on March 17.

    Timeline of Bala Mohammed’s activity flow as it appears on his official handle, @SenBalaMohammed:

    He attended the National Economic Council meeting on March 19. The meeting regularly takes place at the Presidential Villa and comprises all 36 state governors, the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria and other top government officials.

    After his return from Germany, the governor led a high-level delegation from Bauchi State to the office of the NCDC, led by its director-general, Chikwe Ihekweazu.

    The meeting was to discuss Bauchi’s preparedness and response to Lassa fever and other infectious diseases.

    He met with billionaire, Aliko Dangote

    According to reports, the meeting with Dangote was on March 17 in Lagos, but the photo was posted on governor Mohammed’s timeline on the 18th of March, 2020.

    The governor had similarly tweeted about his meeting on March 17 with the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Sabo Nanono, but it’s unclear if that happened before his contact with Mohammed.

    The governor also launched an affordable housing project in Bauchi that was attended by scores of people on March 21.

    Governor Mohammed could have been infected in Germany

    While the governor is believed to have been infected through contact with Mohammed (Atiku’s son), he had visited Germany before the two met. Germany is a high-risk country that has recorded nearly 30,000 cases of coronavirus.

    President Muhammadu Buhari’s chief of staff, Abba Kyari, recently tested positive for coronavirus after returning from the European country.

    During a meeting in Germany on March 13, the governor signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Water is Right Foundation, led by its founder, Rolf Stahlhofen.

    The governor failed to adhere to the directive of the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) for returnees from high-risk countries to self-isolate themselves for 14 days to watch for possible symptoms and avoid infecting others unknowingly.

  • 17 governors visit Lagos explosion site, pledge N200m

    17 governors visit Lagos explosion site, pledge N200m

    The Nigeria Governors’ Forum has donated N200million to the victims of gas explosion in Abule Ado-Soba town area of Lagos state.

    Chairman of the forum and governor Ekiti state, Kayode Fayemi, made the announcement when he led no fewer than 17 members of the forum to the devastated area on Saturday.

    Governors Godwin Obaseki of Edo, Abdullahi Ganduje of Kano and host Babajide Sanwo-Olu, were in the entourage.

    The explosion which occurred at last Sunday killed no fewer than 21 people and destroyed scores of businesses and homes, including Bethlehem Girls college.

    Reverend Sister Henrietta, principal of the school died while trying to rescue some students when the school building collapsed.

    The Lagos Government had pledged N2billion to rehabilitate the victims.

  • Omo-Agege proposes law to oust immunity for President, governors, others for criminal, corruption, thuggery offences

    Sitting Presidents will no longer enjoy immunity from criminal matters if the alteration being proposed to the 1999 Constitution by the Senate sails through.

    Also to be affected are Vice-Presidents, governors and their deputies. This followed the second reading of a Bill titled: “A Bill for an Act to alter the provisions of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 to qualify criminal liability for certain public officers under Section 308”.

    The bill sponsored by Deputy Senate President, Ovie Omo-Agege,contains the proposal.

    The explanatory memorandum of the bill states: “This act provides for qualification of the immunity clause to exclude immunity for Public Officers referred to in Section 308 from criminal liability where the offence involves misappropriation of funds belonging to the Federal, State or Local Government and also the use of thugs to foment violence.”

    Section 308 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) reads: “(1) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Constitution, but subject to subsection (2) of this section –

    “(a) no civil or criminal proceedings shall be instituted or continued against a person to whom this section applies during his period of office;

    “(b) a person to whom this section applies shall not be arrested or imprisoned during that period either in pursuance of the process of any court or otherwise; and

    “(c) no process of any court requiring or compelling the appearance of a person to whom this section applies, shall be applied for or issued:

    “Provided that in ascertaining whether any period of limitation has expired for the purposes of any proceedings against a person to whom this section applies, no account shall be taken of his period of office.

    “(2) The provisions of subsection (1) of this section shall not apply to civil proceedings against a person to whom this section applies in his official capacity or to civil or criminal proceedings in which such a person is only a nominal party.

    “(3) This section applies to a person holding the office of President or Vice-President, Governor or Deputy Governor; and the reference in this section to “period of office” is a reference to the period during which the person holding such office is required to perform the functions of the office.”

    Read Also: Insecurity: Senate panel gets seven days to submit report
    But Omo-Agege’s bill provides that a President, Vice-President, Governors and Deputy Governors shall lose their immunity if they are investigated by security and anti-graft agencies, including the courts.

    The bill seeks that: “Section 308 of the Principal Act is altered by (a) Substituting for subsection (2), a new subsection “(2)” –

    “(2) The provisions of subsection (1) of this section shall not apply –

    “(a) to civil proceedings against a person to whom this section applies in his official capacity or to civil or criminal proceedings in which such a person is only a nominal party; and

    “(b) to persons who hold the office of Vice-President, Governor or Deputy Governor, if it is determined either by the Economic Financial Crimes Commission, Independent Corrupt Practices Commission, Nigerian Police and State Security Service through a collaborative investigation that the said person is indicted by a court of competent jurisdiction for:

    “(i) Financial misappropriation of funds belonging to the Federal, State or Local Government; or

    “(ii) Sponsoring of thugs to perpetrate violence that cause injury or death of political opponent, a member of his family, agent or personal representative.”

    Also yesterday, a bill which prescribes a degree certificate as a minimum qualification for any one aspiring to the Office of the President also scaled second reading.

    Senator Istifanus sponsored the bill titled: “A Bill for an Act to alter the provisions of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 to provide for the amendment of Sections 65 (2) (a), 131 (d), Section 106 (c) and Section 177 (d) therein, to provide for minimum qualification for election into the National and States Assembly, Office of the President and Governors, and other related matters, 2020.”

    The bill seeks to alter Section 131 (d) of the 1999 Constotution which deals with minimum requirements for anyone running for the office of the President.

    Section 131 (d) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) states that the person seeking the office of the President must have “been educated up to at least School Certificate level or its equivalent.”

    The states: “Section 131 (d) is now rephrased to read: ‘He has been educated up to at least HND level or’ its equivalent.”

    It also seeks to alter Section 65 (2) (a) of the Constitution which deals with the qualifications for intending members of the National Assembly.

  • South South Governors mull setting up own regional security outfit

    South South Governors mull setting up own regional security outfit

    Governors from the South South states have agreed to set up their own regional security outfit, TheNewsGuru.com can authoritatively report.

    The governors who meet on Thursday (today) at Government House, Asaba, Delta State said the decision to float the security outfit follows the recent level of insecurity in the country.

    Briefing the press after the meeting, the Chairman South South Governors Forum and Governor of Delta State Senator Ifeanyi Okowa said the issue of security and development was dear to the governors hence the need to come out with a formidable regional security outfit to guarantee peaceful coexistence.

    He said Bayelsa, Rivers, Akwa Ibom, Cross River, Edo and Delta (BRACED Commission) would work out modalities on the operations of the proposed regional security.

    Governor Okowa said the forum has resolved that all Commissioners of Health from States in the region will meet immediately to work out modalities on how to curtail the laser fever epidemic and the dreaded Corona virus disease that is currently posing global health challenge.

    He said there was no known case of corona virus in South South region but there was need to take proactive measures.

    The forum according to the chairman also called on President Muhammadu Buhari to constitute the governing board of the Niger Delta Development Commission NDDC to enable it perform its constitutional mandate effectively.

    He said the forum resolved that the thirteen percent derivation must be taken out of the fund from oil proceed before the rest of the money is shared by Federal Accounts Allocation Committee, FAAC.

    The forum resolved to provide logistics to revive the BRACED Commission because of its input in regional economic growth and collective development of the region.

    The meeting had in attendance five Governors including that of Rivers, Edo, Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa and Delta while the governor of Cross Rivers was absent but represented by his deputy.

    The Director General BRACED Commission Ambassador Joe Keshi was also at the meeting.