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Tag: Politicians

  • PDP reacts to US visa ban on Nigerian politicians

    PDP reacts to US visa ban on Nigerian politicians

    The People’s Democratic Party (PDP) has commended the United States over its latest imposition of a visa ban on some Nigerian politicians accused of undermining democracy and the electoral process in Nigeria.

    In a statement on Tuesday by the spokesman for the PDP, Kola Ologbondiyan, the opposition party urged the United States Department of State to include family members and assets of the politicians affected by the ban.

    The United States had on Tuesday announced a fresh visa ban on some politicians believed to have played some roles in electoral violence during the November 16, 2019 governorship elections in Kogi and Bayelsa states.

    The PDP also urged the United States to invite the European Union as well as other nations, particularly the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Saudi Arabia, to also join in imposing similar sanctions on electoral violators in Nigeria who are bent on destroying the nation’s democracy.

    It similarly demanded an extension of the ban to families as well as confiscation of assets of such individuals to serve as a stronger deterrent to protect innocent Nigerians who are left to bear the brunt of the misdeed of such unpatriotic persons.

    The PDP added that the ban, if taken across the globe, would be a final warning to the leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC), as well as “compromised” security and electoral officials, being used to perpetrate electoral violence and manipulations.

    The statement said, “It is instructive to note that this announcement by the US, which reinforces the determination for resistance in Nigeria, is also an unambiguous cautionary to the sacked national chairman of the APC, Adams Oshiomhole, the APC governorship candidates in Edo, Osagie Ize-Iyamu and his Ondo counterpart, Rotimi Akeredolu, over their plots to use violence to undermine the sanctity of the Edo and Ondo state governorship elections.

    “Our party asserts that the position of the US Department of State is a confirmation that 2019 general elections, the November 2019 Kogi governorship election, as well as other elections under the Buhari regime were massively rigged with unrestrained violence against the people and rampant manipulations by the APC and their compromised security agents.

    “The world is aware of how our compatriots were killed and maimed in Kano and various parts of our nation in the 2019 elections; how collation of results were compromised by relations of APC candidates and how compromised security operatives were used to frustrate the will of the people.

    “Without saying, Nigerians know the individuals who unleashed violence to rig the November 2019 Kogi state governorship election; who deployed thugs and security agents to shoot and kill voters, cart away ballot boxes, used police helicopter to fire tear gas on Nigerians, burnt an innocent woman, Mrs. Salome Abuh, alive, altered election result figures to make themselves winners.

    “The US ban is, therefore, firm support to our stiff resistance to plots by Oshiomhole and Ize-Iyamu, who have been overheating the polity in Edo state with serial attacks on other political parties while assembling thugs, cultists, fake policemen as well as their ‘tigers and lions’ who they publicly instructed to invade polling centres to unleash violence and undermine the electoral process.

    “In Ondo, Nigerians are already aware of how the self-confessed APC militant and former APC chairman in the state, Isaac Kekemeke, boasted that the APC will use violence to rig the October 10 election and that Governor Akeredolu was behind the violent political attacks rocking the state.

    “It is instructive to note that after Kekemeke’s boast, INEC facility in Akure, Ondo state capital was set ablaze, leading to the destruction of not less than 5141 card readers meant for the election were destroyed.

    “Furthermore, Nigerians know the faces of INEC and security officials used as political mercenaries to manipulate elections in Kogi, Ekiti, Osun, and other states. Our party vehemently rejects the deployment of the same individuals to Edo and Ondo.

    “The presence of such persons is an invitation to the crisis as the people of Edo and Ondo will use every means available and allowed in a democracy to resist them.”

    The party charged INEC and security agencies to strive to go by the rules, stressing that the world is watching their actions and that a shameful end awaits those who undermine the will of the people.

    The PDP urged Nigerians, particularly in Edo and Ondo states to remain at alert and strengthen their resolve by voting and firmly defending their votes from the polling and collation centres to the final declaration of results.

    It called on them to demonstrate enough determination to unbridle the instrument of resistance to anybody who may attempt to undermine their will at any stage of the electoral process.

  • Edo polls: US speaks on ‘deteriorating political climate’, warns politicians

    Edo polls: US speaks on ‘deteriorating political climate’, warns politicians

    The U.S. has expressed worry over reports of deteriorating political climate in Edo and interference by security forces in political matters, ahead of the September gubernatorial election.

    The U.S Embassy in Abuja, in a statement called for free, fair and credible elections where the will of the Nigerians would be reflected in results.

    According to the mission, the U.S pledges support to Nigeria’s democratic process, stating that as long-time friends, it will continue to follow political developments ahead of off-cycle elections in the country.

    “The U.S. supports a democratic process where the will of the people is reflected in the results, and does not favour any party or candidate.

    “We are concerned with reports of the deteriorating political climate in Edo and are disappointed with the role played by some political actors in the state.

    “We are especially concerned with allegations of interference by security forces in political matters, which we will continue to monitor closely in the run up to gubernatorial elections in September.

    “As we approach the 2020 off-cycle elections in Edo and Ondo, we urge all stakeholders to work toward a free, fair, transparent, and peaceful process.

    “We encourage all stakeholders, including INEC, political parties and the security services to continue to improve the electoral process. We look to Nigeria as an important leader on the African continent,” it said.

    The U.S said that as a democratic partner of Nigeria, it remained committed to working together to achieve mutual goals of peace and prosperity for the citizens of both our countries.

  • Okogie laments: ‘Nigeria sinking as our leaders get away with daylight robbery, murder’

    Okogie laments: ‘Nigeria sinking as our leaders get away with daylight robbery, murder’

    Archbishop Emeritus of Lagos Metropolitan Archdiocese, Anthony Cardinal Olubunmi Okogie has released a letter to the Nigerian government, and political elites at large to condemn the worrisome state of the affairs of the country.

    Okogie likened Nigeria to a sinking ship navigated by pirates, while condemning the idea of corrupt our leaders getting away with daylight robbery, murder, others.

    In his latest article titled: “Corruption and Nigeria’s uncertain future” made available to newsmen by the Director of Social Communications at the archdiocese, Rev. Father Anthony Godonu, Cardinal Okogie said it is difficult to differentiate between politics and criminality in Nigeria.

    The letter reads: “As we look into our uncertain future, its uncertainty is compounded by the disturbing conduct of Nigeria’s political elites. At this point in time, it is extremely difficult, if not impossible, to differentiate between politics and criminality in Nigeria. Politics in Nigeria is divorced from morality. That is why we hear of huge sums of money getting into the wrong hands. What we have is not politics of the common good but politics of selfish interests. And its agents in every government are going scotch free.

    “The constitution we operate provides incentives for corruption, and where there is corruption there will be poverty and insecurity. Our constitution is just a formula for sharing Nigeria’s wealth placed in the hands of politicians. It provides for so many offices, so many parastatals and ministries, and the bureaucracy it creates is consuming Nigeria’s money. The size of government has depleted Nigeria’s wealth. Politics is the largest industry in Nigeria. It is no longer news that many people go into politics because of the opportunity to enrich themselves at the people’s expense.

    “Democracy is being assaulted by our politicians. This cannot continue without destroying Nigeria. There is no wisdom in spending so much money on political office holders who are not acting in the interest of the people. We ought to have utilized the wealth of Nigeria to develop the people. But we have witnessed successive regimes of politicians in military and civilian garbs who enrich themselves by impoverishing the people. The sad consequences confront us: no good roads, no good schools, no good hospitals, no good airports, no electricity, no security, no comfort. The average Nigerian has nothing to enjoy while members of the political oligarchy are living extravagantly. But for COVID-19, they would have been in Dubai. Fela Anikulapo Kuti once asked: “How country go dey make money when country people no dey see money?” The question is yet to receive an answer.

    “The beautiful country that God gave us is raped and robbed with impunity by those who should be working for the common good. The future of Nigeria is jeopardized in the present by politicians who show symptoms of kleptomania, an irresistible tendency to take what belong to all of us. Many of our leaders are getting away with daylight robbery and murder.
    We are deceived into believing that a war is being waged on corruption. But we witness a circus, a shameless show of brigandage in government, where we hear of billions of naira being spent on frivolous projects that are of no advantage to the Nigerian. We have been told that looted money is being returned. Yet, government is borrowing. There is a big contradiction here. If looted money is being returned, why does Nigeria have to borrow so much?

    “There is an urgent need to restructure government in Nigeria. Concrete steps will have to be taken. First, the constitution must change. The current constitution provides a recipe and a licence for theft in government, for poverty of the populace, and for insecurity in the land.
    Secondly, again, as a matter of urgency, the size of government needs to be drastically reduced. This is not a step to be taken tomorrow but a step to be taken today. The current political arrangement legitimized by the current constitution provides for a big government, but a big government is, by nature, corrupt and inefficient.

    Thirdly, the new constitution Nigeria urgently needs must introduce new term limits. Considering the acrimony and breach of peace that go with every reelection bid in Nigeria, its attendant temptation to use the people’s money as campaign funds, it would be advisable to limit our President and Governors to one term in office. Each President and each Governor should consider his single term in office to be a penalty kick. A player chosen to take a penalty kick has only one opportunity to put the ball in the net.

    Fourthly, Nigeria does not need a bicameral legislature of 109 senators and 375 members of the federal House of Representatives. She can do well with just one federal parliament. The current bicameral legislature is wasteful and should be abolished by the new constitution. The military origin of this constitution shows that it was conceived by people who thought Nigeria’s oil wealth would flow endlessly to the advantage of political officeholders. Now, we know better. The oil is not dry. But it is not being bought. This will have severe consequences on the standard of living of the Nigerian. Post-COVID-19 Nigeria cannot survive on a bicameral legislature.

    Fifthly, there is need to curtail the habit of cross carpeting by politicians shopping for a political platform to get into the dining room that government had become in Nigeria. A politician who moves from one party to another should not be allowed to contest for political office on the platform of the new party for four years. Similarly, such politicians should not be appointed into office by a government run by the new party he or she has joined.

    Finally, Nigeria is a sinking ship being navigated by pirates. There is need to take urgent steps to rescue Nigeria from the hands of brigands. Not to do so would amount to flirting with violence. The current level of corruption is dangerous. The anger of the people may lead to a violent uprising whose consequences we cannot foresee. Let us step back from the road to bloodshed.

    His Eminence,
    Anthony Cardinal Olubunmi Okogie
    27th July, 2020

  • [TNG Analysis] Ondo 2020: Politicians abandon Akeredolu as SSG resigns declaring his election as gov was rigged

    [TNG Analysis] Ondo 2020: Politicians abandon Akeredolu as SSG resigns declaring his election as gov was rigged

    By Emman Ovuakporie
    Signals emanating from Ondo State All Progressives Congress, APC indicate that embattled Governor Rotimi Akeredolu has been abandoned by politicians in his cabinet.
    Recall that his deputy, Agboola Ajayi had abandoned him barely three weeks ago.
    Akeredolu without restrain immediately sacked all his aides and declared a war on his former deputy.
    On Monday, his Secretary to State Government, SSG, Sunday Abegunde equally jumped ship leaving the governor to sail alone.
    The SSG reportedly gave reasons why he dumped his principal in an interview he granted in the Yoruba language on Crest FM, Akure, shortly after he tendered his resignation to the state governor in a letter he personally signed on Monday.
    He said he had to resign from the Akeredolu-led government following the ill-treatment meted out to him by the governor for the three and a half years he was with him.
    However Abegunde resigned dropping a bomb shell as he revealed that the election that brought his former principal to power was massively rigged.
    He is alleged to be preparing to defect to the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP within the week further compounding Akeredolu’s re-election bid.
    The APC crisis is fast turning into washing of dirty linens in the glare of the public, this factor definitely will shape the Ondo guber election.
    Now that the citizenry of the state know that their governor allegedly stole another man’s mandate and has been in government house for almost four years calls for a lot of questioning.
    It’s a known fact in the Sunshine State that the embattled Governor is not popular and his chances of returning to the position of the number one citizen of the state is already in jeopardy.
    Unlike in Edo state, the governor, Godwin Obaseki defected alongside his deputy and the entire cabinet relocated into PDP, Akeredolu’s men are abandoning him to sail alone.

  • No politician can hijack 774,000 jobs from reaching Nigerians who need them – Keyamo

    The Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Festus Keyamo, has said some politicians are blackmailing and pressurising him to enable them determine those to be allotted the 774,000 jobs President Muhammadu Buhari approved recently.

    The 774,000 jobs are within a special public works programme (SPWP) targeted at recruiting 1,000 persons in each of the 774 local government areas to be implemented by the National Directorate of Employment (NDE).

    The programme, which is targeted at creating jobs for unskilled persons in rural areas, will last three months (October to December).

    The workers are expected to clear and protect public infrastructure in rural areas while they earn N20,000 each within the three months.

    Keyamo, who spoke during the inauguration of the states’ selection committee of the project, stressed that majority of the jobs must be allotted to ordinary Nigerians who need them.

    The minister said he would not sacrifice his reputation and principles by going beyond the 10 to 15 per cent allocated to political officers, adding that only President Buhari could make him do otherwise.

    “In the past, it used to be that certain people entrusted with this kind of programmes handed them over entirely to political leaders.

    “There has been an attempt at blackmailing in this particular programme too to make us also yield to political leaders. But we have said no, not while I am here.

    “Except Mr. President, who appointed and gave me the opportunity and rare privilege to drive this programme stops me, no other political leader or person can stop me. I am answerable only to Mr. President. This programme is for all Nigerians,” he said.

    “Before coming here today, there has been an attempt by certain political leaders to say I must come and see them behind the scenes first to determine who gets what and how. I said no, I will not do that. I am ready at any time for a public debate on this with them,” he said.

    Advising the committee chairmen not to allow the process from being hijacked by politicians, Keyamo warned that anyone caught under politicians’ bug would be relieved of the position and replaced immediately.

    He added: “I think the chairmen can stand on their own. Don’t go and meet in any Government House to hold any meeting; don’t go to any politician’s house to do selections. Hold your meetings in NDE offices.

    “The NDE is the one driving this programme; it has coordinators. Keep firm, stand firm. Nobody should be given more than what we allotted to the person.

    “We are going to be strict in allotting to different sectors: civil society, market women. Wait for directives. So, nobody should intimidate the chairmen. I know the chairmen will stand their ground. I am also here to back them up. We are going to remove anybody who is dancing to the tune of anybody and undermining the drive of this programme.

    “All my life, I have fought for good governance. I have gone to court to ensure that things are done right when out of government. That is what gave me my name and pedigree before I came into government. I have a practice to go back to. I want to reach the zenith of my profession.

    “Nobody will come and dictate to me the work that Mr. President told me to do. I cannot come into government and then abandon all the principles I fought for while I was out of government. I will not do that. Any attempt to intimidate or blackmail us here, we will not give in, except Mr. President tells me to stop; then, I will stop.”

  • Melaye to fellow politicians: Shame on us, we failed Nigerians

    Former Senator representing Kogi West Dino Melaye has concluded that Nigerian politicians including himself have failed Nigerians as the country continued to battle the Coronavirus pandemic.

    According to the former lawmaker, himself and everyone who held and is holding any political office in Nigeria, have disappointed Nigerians, because politicians refused to feed the citizens for just 2 weeks of lockdown

    He further said that the God of the poor will judge them, as it is time to reboot.

    “Shame on us all,” he captioned the post on his Instagram page.

    “Everyone who held and is holding any political office in Nigeria, whether elective or appointed including me have failed.

    “We sold crude oil for 64 years but we couldn’t feed our citizens for just 2 weeks of lockdown!!! Well, the God of the poor will judge us all.

    “It’s time to reboot,” he concluded.

  • 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.

  • See list of Celebrities, Athletes and Politicians Who Have Tested Positive for Coronavirus

    See list of Celebrities, Athletes and Politicians Who Have Tested Positive for Coronavirus

    As the new coronavirus continues to spread around the globe, famous actors, athletes and politicians have tested positive for the virus.

    By going public with their diagnoses, they have helped put a face to the virus. Many have shared the news via social media and news conferences, while providing regular updates on their symptoms and conditions.

    Here’s a roundup of public figures who have announced that they have the virus.

    Credit…Joyce Kim for The New York Times

    Idris Elba: The actor posted a video on social media on March 16 to announce that he had the coronavirus. “Listen, I’m doing OK,” he said in the video, appearing with his wife, Sabrina. “I didn’t have any symptoms,” he added.

    Mr. Elba, who played Stringer Bell on “The Wire” and Heimdall in the “Avengers” and “Thor” movies, said he got tested because he had been exposed to someone who had tested positive. “I will keep you updated as how I’m doing. So far, we’re doing OK,” said Mr. Elba, 47.

    Tom Hanks and Rita Wilson: The Academy Award-winning actor and his wife, Ms. Wilson, both 63, said in a statement on March 11 that they were in Australia and had the coronavirus. Mr. Hanks was set to film a movie there about the life of Elvis Presley.

    “We felt a bit tired, like we had colds, and some body aches,” Mr. Hanks said in the statement, which was also posted on Instagram. “Rita had some chills that came and went. Slight fevers, too. To play things right, as is needed in the world right now, we were tested for the coronavirus, and were found to be positive.”

    Days later, they posted another update, saying that they were “taking it one day at a time.” Their son Chet Hanks said in a video that they had been released from a hospital and were in self-isolation.

    Rachel Matthews: The actress, who was the voice of Honeymaren in “Frozen II,” said on Instagram on March 16 that she had tested positive and had been in quarantine for the previous week. “I’m feeling better,” she said. She listed her symptoms for the past seven days, beginning with a sore throat and fatigue on the first day to shortness of breath and loss of appetite more recently. “Rest, drink lots of liquids and self-quarantine,” she said.

    Kristofer Hivju: The “Games of Thrones” actor said in an Instagram post on March 16 that he had tested positive for the virus and that he, along with his family, was in isolation. “We are in good health — I only have mild symptoms of a cold,” Mr. Hivju, 41, said. He urged people to take precautions and to distance themselves from others. “Together we can fight this virus and avert a crisis at our hospitals,” he said.

    Olga Kurylenko: The actress, perhaps best known for her role in the 2008 James Bond film “Quantum of Solace” and the “Magic City” television series, said on Instagram on March 15 that she had tested positive for the virus. “I’ve actually been ill for almost a week now,” Ms. Kurylenko said. “Fever and fatigue are my main symptoms.”

    In a follow-up post, Ms. Kurylenko, 40, described how her fever had risen and said she was unsure how she might have contracted the virus. “Impossible to know,” she said. “It could be anywhere. I could have touched a taxi handle and gotten it from there.

    Daniel Dae Kim: The actor, best known for his roles on the television shows “Lost” and “Hawaii Five-0,” said in video that he posted to his Instagram account on March 19 that he had tested positive for Covid-19, the disease caused by the coronavirus.

    Mr. Kim, 51, said that he was in New York shooting “New Amsterdam,” an NBC medical drama in which he plays a doctor who is recruited by a hospital to help patients during a pandemic, when the coronavirus outbreak halted the production. He returned home to Hawaii, where he said he was tested at a drive-through facility.

    In the video, Mr. Kim said the “senseless violence and prejudice against Asian people” over the coronavirus should stop. “Yes, I’m Asian and yes I have coronavirus,” he said, “but I did not get it from China. I got it in America, in New York City.”

    Andy Cohen: The creator of the “Real Housewives” reality show franchise and host of Bravo TV’s late night talk show “Watch What Happens Live” said in an Instagram post on March 20 that he had tested positive for the coronavirus.

    “As much as I felt like I could push through whatever I was feeling to do #WWHL from home, we’re putting a pin in that for now so I can focus on getting better,” Mr. Cohen wrote.

    Colton Underwood: The leading man on Season 23 of the ABC reality show “The Bachelor” and former NFL football player said in an Instagram post on March 20 that he had tested positive for the coronavirus.

    “I want to let you guys know, I’m 28, I consider myself pretty healthy, I work out regularly, I eat healthy and I became symptomatic a few days ago,” Mr. Underwood said in a video.

    Mr. Underwood said he could not walk up a flight of stairs without being out of breath and that he was exhausted. “The reason I am sharing this is not to cause fear or panic,’’ he said, “but to hopefully encourage you guys to stay at home.”

    Credit…Paul Childs/Action Images, via Reuters

    Kevin Durant: On March 17, the Brooklyn Nets announced that four of their players had tested positive for the coronavirus, but did not name them. Mr. Durant, one of the biggest stars in the N.B.A., told The Athletic that he was one of those players. “Everyone be careful, take care of yourself and quarantine,” he said. “We’re going to get through this.”

    Callum Hudson-Odoi: The Chelsea Football Club player, who tested positive for the virus, said on Instagram that he had recovered but was still following health guidelines including isolating himself from others. “I’m feeling good and hope to see you all soon,” he captioned a video. Days later, Mr. Hudson-Odoi, 19, shared several videos of himself cycling indoors with the caption, “Stay home, but find a way to work.”

    Rudy Gobert and Donovan Mitchell: The Utah Jazz stars became the first NBA players to test positive for the virus, helping push the league to freeze its season. Mr. Gobert, 27, apologized for making light of the health crisis before his diagnosis — he pointedly touched the microphones and recording devices in front of him on his way out of a March 9 news conference. “I was careless and make no excuses,” he said in a post on Instagram.

    Mr. Mitchell told “Good Morning America” that he was feeling “fine” and that he was not showing symptoms. The test for the virus, he said, was unpleasant and made him cry. In a post on Instagram, the 23-year-old said he hoped that everyone continues to educate themselves and “realize that they need to behave responsibly both for their own health and for the well-being of those around them.”

    Sean Payton: The New Orleans Saints coach told ESPN that he tested positive for the coronavirus on March 19. Mr. Payton said he did not experience fever as a symptom.

    “If people understand the curve, and understand the bump, we can easily work together as a country to reduce it,” Mr. Payton, 56, told ESPN. “Take a minute to understand what the experts are saying. It’s not complicated to do what they’re asking of us.”

    Credit…Stephane Mahe/Reuters

    Francis Suarez: On March 13, the mayor of Miami confirmed that he had tested positive for the coronavirus. “I feel completely healthy and strong,” he said in a video message. Mr. Suarez said he would remain in isolation while he governed the city remotely. In disclosing the diagnosis, Mr. Suarez became one of the first U.S. elected officials to announce he had the coronavirus.

    In his daily video updates, Mr. Suarez, 42, described having a mix of symptoms including congestion, aches and cold sweats. He said he self-quarantined after coming in close contact with a top adviser to President Jair Bolsonaro of Brazil who later said he had the coronavirus.

    Sophie Grégoire Trudeau: The wife of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau of Canada tested positive for the virus. “She is feeling well, is taking all the recommended precautions and her symptoms remain mild,” the prime minister’s office said in a statement on March 12. Mr. Trudeau, who has shown no symptoms and has not been tested, said that the family would be in isolation and that he would work from his home in Ottawa for 14 days.

    Prince Albert II of Monaco: The prince tested positive for Covid-19 and was being closely monitored by physicians and specialists, according a statement from his office on March 19. Prince Albert, 62, appeared to be the first head of state to announce that he had contracted the virus. The prince’s health “poses no concern,” his office said, adding that he would continue to work in his private apartments.

    Representatives Mario Diaz-Balart and Ben McAdams: On March 19, Representative Mario Diaz-Balart, Republican of Florida, and Representative Ben McAdams, Democrat of Utah, became the first members of Congress to learn they had been infected with the coronavirus. Both lawmakers fell ill after voting on the House floor on March 13. In separate statements, Mr. Diaz-Balart said that he was feeling much better, and Mr. McAdams said he would continue to work from home.

    Soon after, Representative Steve Scalise, the No. 2 Republican, and Representative Drew Ferguson, his top deputy, said they would self-quarantine.

    Culled from https://www.nytimes.com/

  • ‘Nigerian politicians selfish, money-driven’

    Former Osun State Governor Chief Bisi Akande, took a swipe at Nigerian politicians, claiming that a politician should consider his/her servitude to the people before money and material things.

    The 81-year-old former acting Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) made this known while speaking with newsmen at his birthday celebration held at his ancestral home in Ila-Orangun.

    He described the present pattern of politics in Nigeria as money-driven, maintaining that most of the current Nigerian politicians had no other job aside politics. Akande added that good governance and accountability could be a mirage when people go into politics without a stable source of livelihood.

    “The new generation of politicians are driven by material things, whereas in our days, we consider service to the people first before any other thing. You can’t be successful in politics without stable economic condition,” he said.

    Akande refused to comment on the South-West initiative; ‘Operation Amotekun’, saying that such issue required appropriate legal understanding and framework. He, however, said that there was nothing wrong with people putting mechanisms for self-defence in place to secure life and property.

    He said: “Self defence is the first law of nature, there is nothing wrong in securing one’s abode through different means, including engaging the service of private guards to protect life and property.”

  • Matawalle raises alarm over infiltration of Boko Haram elements in Zamfara

    Matawalle raises alarm over infiltration of Boko Haram elements in Zamfara

    Governor Bello Matawalle of Zamfara has alerted on the presence of elements of Boko Haram allegedly recruited by some politicians to cause havoc in the state.

    The governor made the revelation through his Director-General of Press Affairs, Yusuf Idris at a press briefing in Gusau on Monday. He said the state government “has credible intelligence reports suggesting that some disgruntled politicians of the state origin are making clandestine moves to destabilize the state.

    “They are intending for sinister and personal gains, collaborating with dispersed elements of Boko Haram, to launch series of attacks on innocent and peace-loving people of the State to scuttle the relative peace being currently enjoyed as a result of the peace and dialogue process initiated by the present administration.

    “According to the intelligence report, the cruel and mischievious elements have perfected plans to launch the attacks in seven local government areas of the state and other strategic places within the state capital and that two important personalities of the state are also targeted for elimination should this dastardly act succeed.

    “The targeted local governments include Gusau, the state capital, Tsafe, Talata Mafara, Anka, Zurmi, Maru and Maradun while the strategic places targeted are Gusau Central Mosque and Gusau army Mammy Market where soft targets are known to gather both at day and night.

    “The Boko Haram elements were said to have been recruited from far and wide to carry out these heinous acts slated for between Monday 23rd September to 25th October 2019.”

    The governor further said it became imperative to alert people of the state on the development to guard against panic and give an update on government preparedness in collaboration with security agencies in arresting the situation. He said already, security had been beefed up in all the identified flashpoints and areas while stop and search operations were being intensified in all parts of the state.

    Matawalle appreciated the people’s goodwill to his administration and assured that he would not be “deterred nor distracted by negative thinkers in his drive to improve the standard of living of the state and its people.”

    The governor also thanked repentant bandits and members of the Yansakai group for sustaining the peace process initiated by his administration which had brought peace in the state.