UPDATED: Buhari’s Chief of Staff, Abba Kyari, is dead

The Chief of Staff to the President, Abba Kyari, is dead.

Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina, confirmed this in a press statement.

 

Adesina said the Chief of Staff to Nigeria’s President, Major General Muhammadu (retd.), died on Friday, about 25 days after testing positive for COVID-19.

He said, “The Presidency regrets to announce the passage of the Chief of Staff to the President, Mallam Abba Kyari.

“The deceased had tested positive to the ravaging COVID-19, and had been receiving treatment. But he died on Friday, April 17, 2020.

“Funeral arrangements will be announced shortly.”

It was reported on March 24  that Kyari had contracted the coronavirus.

The late Kyari, who was one of the most influential and powerful members of the Buhari regime, visited Germany and Egypt after Nigeria recorded its first coronavirus case on February 27.

In Germany, he and the Minister of Power, Saleh Mamman, on March 9, met Siemens officials over the power deal signed with the company.

Barely a week after the report on his status, Kyari announced his decision to leave Abuja for Lagos to receive medical treatment in a private facility, where he is believed to have died.

 

Upon his arrival at Lagos, the State and Federal Governments refused to disclose  his whereabouts.

The announcement of Kyari’s death came a few hours after the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control stated that no fewer than 11 people have died of coronavirus-related complications in the country.

However, it could not be ascertained if Kyari’s death had been counted as one of the fatalities.

The NCDC also said that the confirmed cases of coronavirus have increased to 493 in Nigeria after 51 new infections were recorded on Friday.

Reports shows that of the 17 coronavirus-related deaths recorded in Nigeria, 11 patients died in Lagos, two in Abuja, one each in Kano, Edo, Delta, and Katsina.

NCDC said, “Fifty-one new cases of #COVID19 have been reported: 32 in Lagos, six in Kano, five in Kwara, two in FCT, two in Oyo, two in Katsina, one in Ogun, one in Ekiti.

“As of 10:10 pm on the 17th of April, there are 493 confirmed cases of #COVID-19 reported in Nigeria. Discharged: 159; Deaths: 17.

“As of 10:10 pm on the 17th of April, the number of states with confirmed cases of #COVID19: 19 + FCT. Currently, Lagos has 283, FCT- 69, Kano- 27, Osun- 20, Edo- 15, Oyo- 15, Ogun- 10, Kwara- nine, Katsina – nine, Bauchi – six, Kaduna- six, Akwa Ibom- six, Delta- four, Ondo- three, Ekiti- three, Enugu- two, Rivers- two, Niger – two, Benue- one, and Anambra- one.”

The NCDC also said that no fewer than 7153 samples have been tested for #COVID-19 in the country.

Buhari initially appointed Kyari as his Chief of Staff on August 27, 2015 and reappointed him on July 5, 2019 after winning his second term election.

The late Kyari held Bachelors and Masters Degrees from the University of Cambridge and the University of Warwick in Law and Sociology. He had worked with the New Nigeria Development Company, New Africa Holdings, African International Bank, United Bank for Africa, Unilever, and Mobil in various capacities over the years.

FG excludes Lagos, Borno, Delta from cash transfer as North West gets biggest

MURIC alleges corruption in sharing of COVID19 relief materials

Lagos, Borno, Delta states have been excluded from the National Cash Transfer for COVID-19, while the North West zone gets the biggest share. The National Cash Transfer Office (NCTO) info-graphics created on April 11, 2020 and made public by the International Centre for Investigative Reporting (ICIR) revealed the discrepancies in the cash transfer scheme.

It disclosed that 1,126,211 households were currently benefitting from the conditional cash transfer including: Katsina (133,227), Zamfara (130,764), Jigawa (99,004), Kano (84,148) and Plateau (78,431), while Borno, Delta and Lagos got zero allocation, among others.

Speaking to The Guardian, a public analyst, Bola Bolawole, lamented what he described as unequal relationship among states of the country given the lopsidedness in the national transfer scheme.

He said, “While there is nothing national in it, it is actually a transfer of the wealth of one section of the country to another. It shows the nepotism and tribalism of the President Muhammadu Buhari administration, whether in appointments or allocation of resources, projects and even the coronavirus pandemic.”

On his part, Publicity Secretary of Afenifere, Yinka Odumakin said the states being totally locked down received nothing, adding that the country could not continue this way.

Meanwhile, the Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has introduced a scheme to cushion the effect of the lockdown on on its residents. The new palliatives were rolled announced less than 24 hours after President Buhari extended restriction of movement in Lagos, Ogun and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja.

The scheme came on the heels of the commencement of the second part of Food Stimulus Packages being distributed to 250,000 residents since the lockdown directive came into effect.

Besides, the Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) has advised the federal, state and local government authorities to create feeding centres urgently in order to cushion the effect of the extension of COVID-19 lockdown.

It said this followed its discontent with the handling of relief materials meant for poor Nigerians, noting that the extension was the best option, especially with the new revelation that index cases had increased.

MURIC’s Director, Professor Ishaq Akintola, in a statement said, “Government at all levels should device means of making the diversion of palliatives cumbersome, unprofitable and unnecessary.

Meanwhile, the Biafra Zionists Federation (BZF) has accused the President Muhammadu Buhari administration of dividing Nigeria along ethnic lines amid the coronavirus disease.

Leader of BZF, Benjamin Onwuka, yesterday said at a time when countries of the world were united in seeking solutions to the pandemic and cushioning the effects of lockdown on their citizens, the Buhari government was politicising distribution of palliatives.

His words: “It is now clear that the Buhari-led government has recognised us a people who are no longer part of Nigeria. This is manifest in the way the South East people are being excluded in welfare schemes.

“First, it was the $22.7b loan, which made provisions for other geopolitical zones, except the South East. As if that was not enough, the South East has been schemed out of the COVID-19 palliatives. They are sharing money to their cronies in the North, neglecting those in the South East.”

"Free electricity amid Coronavirus pandemic is not for all Nigerians"

Speaker of Nigeria’s House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamilahas revealed that the free electricity proposal amid the Coronavirus pandemic is not for all Nigerians.

The Speaker revealed this after a meeting on Thursday April 16, with top federal government officials, principal officers of the House of Representatives and stakeholders in the power sector.

It was agreed that a joint committee will be setup to work out modalities for the proposed two-month free power supply to Nigerians aimed at cushioning the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Femi Gbajabiamila said the committee would identify Nigerians that would benefit from the free power supply using the number of households connected to the national grid “which will give a way forward for regular power supply to Nigerians after the COVID-19 crisis.”

Tweets shared on his official Twitter handle reads;

As part of ongoing efforts to provide free electricity to Nigerians during this COVID-19 lockdown, today the @HouseNGR leadership under my watch met with the power sector stakeholders, the Minister of Power, GMD of NNPC @MKKyari, NERC Chairman, MD of NBET, Heads of all DISCOs…..to work out the most practical way to effect this palliative.

With all the useful submissions I have set up a technical committee that will design a workable model that will hopefully target intended consumers throughout Nigeria.Everyone is committed to achieving this objective

On his part, NNPC GMD Mele Kyari stated that the issue of gas supply to the GenCos is critical to power supply in the country. He added that the proposal is workable if the issue of who is to carry the burden of cost and margins in the supply value chain is settled and agreed on.

Mele further disclosed that “note had to be taken of the actual beneficiaries of the two-month free power supply palliative because not every Nigerian falls into the category of the poorest.” He pointed out that the industrial sector should be of concern at the end of the crisis period.

The NNPC GMD said though 100 per cent uninterrupted power supply is impossible because not enough is generated due to the COVID-19 crisis, he assured that gas supply would not be an issue as 100 per cent supply is guaranteed once the debt issue is addressed.

The DisCos assured that they can deliver the mandate as soon as all the details were worked out and agreed on.

BREAKING: INEC Headquarters On Fire

The Headquarters of the Independent National Electoral Commission INEC is currntly on fire.

According to reports, the fire which began from the building behind the Press Centre inside the commission's compound, started at about 12 noon today.

The cause of the fire is yet to be ascertained.

Coronavirus: Lagos moves to stop Sunday, Juma’at services.

Lagos State will ask religious leaders to stop Friday (Juma’at) and Sunday service, the state Commissioner for Information, Mr Gbenga Omotosho, has said.

Omotosho at a briefing on Wednesday said the religious leaders will be advised to shut down services in the interest of the public.

He said this a few hours after Lagos recorded its seventh coronavirus case.

We are all aware that the Federal Government asked the National Youth Service Corps to shut down orientation camps; yesterday (Tuesday) the Commissioner for Home Affairs said there will be a meeting with religious leaders today (Wednesday).

“It is going to be suggested to them to maybe stop Friday and Sunday services – wherever we have large gatherings.

“Going by the new development, I am sure they will be advised to shut down the services in the interest of the public and all of us. I am sure they are going to comply,” Omotosho said.

Five New Cases Of Coronavirus Confirmed In Lagos

The Federal Ministry of Health has announced 5 new cases of #COVID19 in Nigeria bringing the total number confirmed cases in Nigeria to 8.

All 5 cases had a travel history to the UK/USA

We urge Nigerians to remain calm as public health response activities are intensified across the country.

The National Center for Disease Control have said on their official page that a detailed travel history of each case is being compiled & contact tracing has begun.

Our National Emergency Operations Centre is supporting response in the states.

The Federal Government through the Federal Ministry of Health is conducting risk assessment to initiate other relevant measures.

4 reasons why you should consider going to white-garment churches. Take note of 1 and 4

A lot of people tend to misunderstand white garment churches. Although from the way some bad people who hide under the umbrella of the "White-Garment" churches have misled some innocent souls, those victims can decide to generalize all garment churches to be bad.

But let it be remembered that there are a lot of bad people who don't hide under the umbrella of white - garment churches and yet mislead and even dupe innocent souls, we will not decide not to go to church becauseof them.

Here are 4 Key benefits of going to ( Celestial Church or Cherubim and Seraphim ) white garment churches:

Visions: Yes, every church could see visions about their members and warn them before hand depending on whether they have that type of person in the church but it can't be denied that White-Garment churches devote more time and energy into that and even have prophet and prophetesses who go into trance for days or weeks just to deliver visions. This is not as common as that in other churches.

Praise: White-Garment churches are known more for their vibes when it comes to praise, and even God let it known that the only food we can give to him is Praises and through that, you can even get your prayer requests answered before asking.

Prayers: White-Garment churches tend to devote more time to praying than other churches. They spend more time in church, they don't always give short time services as they believe the service would only go as the spirit leads.

Accommodation: Unlike other churches that open when they have service / programs alone, Celestial and Cherubim churches are known to always build apartments in same compound where the church is. There's no time you go to their churches that you won't meet people and they tend to accommodate people who are homeless or people who have been instructed to stay in the church premises for days or weeks.

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I Visited the Ongoing Nigerian Railway Modernization Project Along powerline Area

PHOTO NEWS:

Today i visited the location and what i saw made me feel good.  This is really a good development in the railway system.  Talk to some people around the locality and what they all said about the ongoing project was positive and cheering.  This will aid a better transportation system for all Nigerians connect Lagos to Ibadan to Abuja,  Kano Kastina,  even to Maidiguri. Two different railway tracks will be constructed.

Hope this is not another political strategy to sway people for political reasons.  Well i will commend the current Government Administration for this lovely and ground breaking project on our Railway Transport System. 

According to some people i spoke with,  i was told the project should be completed by June and in the first two months,  there will be free transport for passengers boarding the train.  

Omoyele Sowore Joins Lagos Marathon Race Today

PHOTONEWS: I ran for Nigeria and finished strong. Help me replicate this feat come February 16 2019, let's take our country back! Thank you Kayode Thomas of the Lagos City Marathon and the entire organizing team for inviting me and the #TakeItBack team. To #Runlagos

BREAKING! VP Osinbajo Escapes Death As Chopper Crash Lands In Kabba

Vice President Yemi Osinbajo has survived after his Chopper crashed landed in Kabba today. Also, the entire crew are safe. He is continuing with his engagements and plans for the day in Kogi State.

 

Confirming the report, Senior Special Assistant to the Vice President, on Media & Publicity Laola Akande tweeted: "VP Osinbajo's Chopper crash lands in Kabba, but he and the entire crew safe. He is continuing with his engagements and plans for the day in Kogi State."

BREAKING: Oby Ezekwesili’s ACPN declares support for Buhari

The Allied Congress Party of Nigeria ACPN has reacted to the withdrawal of its Presidential Candidate, Dr Oby Ezekwesili from the February 16 Presidential Elections.

DAILY POST had reported that Ezekwesili in a statement on Wednesday said she stepped aside from the presidential race to help build a coalition to defeat the All Progressives Congress and the Peoples Democratic Party in the February 16, 2019 election.

According to her, her decision to withdraw from the race followed extensive discussions with Nigerians at home and in the Diaspora and an examination of the country’s electoral environment sequel to the 2019 presidential debate of Saturday, January 19, 2019.

But reacting, the party in a press conference on Thursday while accusing Dr Ezekwesili of using its platform to negotiate a ministerial position in the next political dispensation, said Ezekwesili did not consult them before withdrawing from the race.

Addressing the press, party’s National Chairman and running mate to Dr Ezekwesili, Alhaji Ganiyu Galadima, National Secretary, Chief Paul Isamede, Deputy National Chairman, South, Otunba Bosun Omosule and his counterpart for the North, Alhaji Ibrahim Goronyo said they received with consternation but not surprising Ezekwesili’s withdrawal which was to preempt the decision that the party would have reached after its meeting on Thursday.

The party added that they intended to withdraw her candidacy and give to somebody else.

“She only preempted the decision we would have reached today which was to withdraw her candidacy and give to somebody else.

“Our presidential nomination ticket is N10 million and expression of interest is N500, 000 but when she came she said she did not have money, that she only had N100, 000 and because we wanted to encourage women, we gave her our platform”, said Mr Galadima.

” The ACPN has declared it’s support for the reelection of President Muhammadu Buhari of the All Progressives Congress APC, ” he said.

BREAKING: Fela Durotoye agrees to withdraw from Presidential race

Presidential Candidate of the Alliance for New Nigeria (ANN), Fela Durotoye, has agreed to step down from the 2019 presidential race.

He, however, gave conditions that would make him to step down like Dr. Oby Ezekwesili of the Allied Congress Party of Nigeria (ACPN).

It will be recalled that Ezekwesili announced her withdrawal from the presidential race on Thursday, saying that was to show her commitment to having a coalition with other candidates.

In a statement to react to Ezekwesili’s withdrawal, Fela Durotoye said:

“I have always believed that leadership is about service and sacrifice and today, I would like to commend Dr. (Mrs) Oby Ezekwesili for leading the charge to forming a viable coalition to presenting a Consensus Candidate for the 2019 Presidential elections.

“To ensure that an alliance is formed and we present a united front, I AM READY to come into any coalition talks with my brothers Omoyele Sowore and Prof. Kingsley Moghalu and to submit myself to any transparent process that will help us arrive at a selection of a Consensus Candidate from amongst us.

“To be clear, if the process produces any other candidate apart from myself, I AM READY to support whoever the Consensus Candidate is and to do all I can to support the coalition to win the 2019 Presidential elections for our generation.

“Once again, I implore the frontline candidates in our generation.

“Let us come together and seize this historic window of opportunity for our generation to select one of us to go ahead of us … so that all of us can come together and speak with one voice at the 2019 General Elections.

“Together, we can do the perceived impossible. Our generation is depending on us. We must not let them down.”

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