March 2020 - INSTANT NEWS

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    • Tuesday, March 31, 2020

    Soldiers can’t be deployed to enforce lockdown says Falana

    4:21 PM 0
    Soldiers can’t be deployed to enforce lockdown says Falana

    Femi Falana, a human rights lawyer, says it is illegal to deploy soldiers during the lockdown over coronavirus.
    In a national broadcast on Sunday, President Muhammadu Buhari had ordered a lockdown of Ogun, Abuja and Lagos from 11pm on Monday.
    But Dapo Abiodun, governor of Ogun, said he succeeded in convincing Buhari to extend that of his state till Friday to enable food supply.
    There had been criticisms over Buhari’s decision to restrict movement in those areas because, according to some lawyers, there was no legal backing.
    But the president later signed quarantine regulations on lockdown. Femi Adesina, his spokesman, said the regulations, effective March 30, 2020, “gave legal backing to the various measures outlined in the President’s National Broadcast on March 29, 2020, such as Restriction/Cessation of Movement in Lagos, FCT and Ogun State and others toward containing the spread of the pandemic in the country”.
    In a statement, Falana said while the president has the powers to adopt any measures to tackle COVID-19 pandemic, the plan to deploy troops should be reconsidered.
    “Following the national broadcast of President Buhari on the COVID-19 pandemic, some lawyers have questioned the constitutional validity of the restriction of locomotion of people in Abuja, Lagos and Ogun states. No doubt, the President is empowered to adopt any measures deemed fit to combat the dangerous disease but such measures have to be spelt out in a Regulation made pursuant to section 305 of the Constitution or under the Quarantine Act. Otherwise, the presidential order on the restriction of movement in the affected areas cannot be enforced by the police,” he said.
    “However, while the nation’s armed forces should be commended for making their medical facilities available to members of the public in the fight against the highly dangerous virus the plan to dispatch armed soldiers to the streets to enforce the COVID-19 guidelines should be shelved because it is illegal.
    “For the umpteenth time, I am compelled to draw the attention of the military authorities to the case of Yussuf v Obasanjo (2005) 18 NWLR (Pt ) where Salami JCA (as he then was) held that “It is up to the police to protect our nascent democracy and not the military, otherwise the democracy might be wittingly or unwittingly militarized. This is not what the citizenry bargained for in wrestling power from the military in 1999. Conscious steps should be taken to civilianise the polity and thereby ensure the survival of and sustenance of democracy.”
    Falana advised the military to focus more on the war against insurgency in the north-east while the police and allied security agencies should be allowed to enforce the COVID-19 regulations and guidelines.
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    Anthony Fauci Coronavirus could claim up to 200,000 US lives

    4:15 PM 0
    Anthony Fauci Coronavirus could claim up to 200,000 US lives

    In the US, the epicentre has been New York City, with 672 deaths so far. Hospital staff have issued desperate pleas for more protective equipment.

    Mayor Bill de Blasio said Sunday that his city’s hospitals have enough protective equipment — but not enough of the life-saving ventilators — for only another week.

    He said he had made a direct request to President Donald Trump and the US military “to find us immediately more military medical personnel and get them here by next Sunday.”

    De Blasio credited federal officials with being “very responsive,” but added, “we’re talking about a sharp escalation ahead.”

    From Washington state, where the disease first struck with force, Governor Jay Inslee described “a desperate need for all kinds of equipment.” He said the nation needed to be put on an essential wartime footing.

    Inslee pushed back against the notion, advocated earlier by Trump, that the country could begin returning to work by Easter.

    “There are some hard realities we have to understand,” he said on CNN. “Unless we continue a very vigorous social distancing program in my state, this will continue to spread like wildfire.”

    Governor Gretchen Whitmer of Michigan also described a deteriorating picture, especially in her state’s largest city, Detroit.

    “We had a thousand new cases yesterday,” she said. “We know that number will be even higher today… The dire situation in Detroit is getting worse by the minute.”

    Whitmer bemoaned a system that has states competing against one another for desperately needed supplies.

    “We’re bidding against one another, and in some cases, the federal government is taking priority,” she said.

    “It’s really, I think, creating a lot more problems for all of us.”
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    Oil crash puts Africa's cash-strapped producers in peril

    4:00 PM 0
    Oil crash puts Africa's cash-strapped producers in peril
    LAGOS (Reuters) - Collapsing oil prices have left African producers facing not only lost revenue when they most need it to tackle coronavirus, but also a fall in hard-won market share they may never regain.

    FILE PHOTO: The logo of the Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC). Vienna, Austria December 6, 2019. REUTERS/Leonhard Foeger/File Photo
    The continent’s producers such as Nigeria, Angola and Algeria cannot compete with the lower costs of erstwhile allies Saudi Arabia and Russia, who are flooding the market with oil.
    In a sign of their desperation, the Republic of Congo’s oil minister wrote to OPEC secretary general Mohammad Barkindo on March 20 calling for an urgent meeting to find a way to keep member nations from sinking into recession.
    But while desperate for OPEC+, the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries plus Russia, to ride to the rescue, Africa’s oil producers have little leverage over them.
    “They have no power,” one Nigerian oil industry source told Reuters. “All they can do is ask.”
    Although non-OPEC nations such as Britain, Norway and the United States all have relatively high-cost production, their diversified economies mean they are not dependent on oil.
    (Graphic: Fiscal Breakeven Price link: here)
    Reuters Graphic
    As well as hitting already tight budgets, the oil price drop had led oil majors to cut billions from spending plans. The longer-term impact for the comparatively costly African fields could be far more painful.
    (Graphic: Estimated 2020 cash costs for oil fields link: here)
    Reuters Graphic
    “Companies are reviewing their whole portfolios on a daily basis,” said Roderick Bruce, principal research analyst for Africa at IHS Markit, which forecasts final investment decisions on the continent could hit historic lows this year.
    “They (African countries) are in a very difficult position,” Bruce added, citing their higher production costs.
    In Nigeria, for instance, production is forecast to fall by 35% without offshore field investments. Across Africa, Rystad estimates delayed spending could mean 200,000 barrels per day (bpd) drop in expected output by 2025.
    “The discipline that’s going to be introduced will be a shock to the system,” said Alex Vines, head of the Africa Program at British think-tank Chatham House.
    “This is really different terrain, and these are very vulnerable economies,” Vines added.
    Larger nations are also elbowing African producers out of incredibly competitive spot trade.
    They cannot match the agile, aggressive marketing that saw Saudi Arabia slash its selling prices almost immediately after the collapse of the OPEC+ deal.
    By comparison, Nigeria took nearly two weeks to make record cuts to its official selling prices.
    The country is also struggling to sell its oil, which is rich in the gasoline and jet fuel that the world is not using as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.
    While Angola’s production has fallen from close to 2 million barrels per day (bpd) a decade ago to 1.4 million bpd, it had been in the midst of reforms which were meant to boost output.
    And Equatorial Guinea is trying to auction new licenses and find a replacement for ExxonMobil, which wants to leave.

    CASH CRUNCH

    The sudden cash crunch is also hindering the ability of Africa’s oil producers to manage growing coronavirus outbreaks and a group of African finance ministers has called for a $100 billion stimulus package to help deal with the pandemic.
    Health systems across the continent are already chronically underfunded and citizens are often too poor and tightly packed in slums to stock food or self isolate, while the oil crunch also casts doubt on whether nations can craft rescue packages or pay soldiers and police to enforce lockdowns or combat unrest.
    Nigeria, which has cut nearly $5 billion from its budget and promised a halt to all non-essential projects, said it needs 120 billion naira ($333.33 million) to fight the coronavirus outbreak.
    Algeria, whose public debt rose to 45% of gross domestic product at the end of last year from 26% in 2017, plans 30% public spending cuts and has directed state energy firm Sonatrach to halve planned investment to $7 billion.
    (Graphic: African Oil Producer Debt to GDP Ratios link: here)
    Reuters Graphic
    Angola, where oil production has fallen steadily in recent years, is mulling a $3 billion Eurobond offering to shore up a budget based on $55 per barrel oil, while debt-ridden Congo Republic has been trying to renegotiate $1.7 billion of oil-backed loans.
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    Nigeria records second death from coronavirus

    3:47 PM 0
    Nigeria records second death from coronavirus

    Nigeria has recorded yet another death from the coronavirus outbreak.
    Osagie Ehanire, minister of health, disclosed this during the presidential task force briefing on COVID-19 in Abuja on Monday.
    Ehanire said the victim, whose identity was not disclosed, had serious underlying health issues.
    He added that most of the confirmed cases recorded were people who came into the country from overseas.
    “Majority of them are persons who came from overseas and the others have been traced as close contacts of such returnees,” he said.
    “The high number of imported cases in Lagos and Abuja is directly due to their function as the country gateway for air travels.
    “Till date, three persons have been discharged after successful treatments but sadly, another fatality was recorded over the weekend in the person of a patient who had severe underlying illnesses.”

    He said the ministry has intensified contact-tracing and plans were in place to increase its testing capacity.
    “We have intensified contact-tracing and our strategy remains to promptly detect cases, isolate them and follow up with their contacts and also isolate and treat in order to reduce the spread of the infection,” he said.
    “The federal ministry of health is working closely with states and the presidential task force on COVID-19 to review response activities and institute measures to protect the health and well being of Nigerians while the NCDC-led multisectoral emergency operation centres continue to coordinate national response activities.
    “The NCDC has expanded its capacity by engaging hundreds of ad hoc staff to support various areas of responses including the call centres.
    “On the order of the President, all retired but essential and able-bodied staff are to be recalled to service at this crucial period.”
    He added that training are being conducted for medical personnel to support the ongoing activities to prevent the virus from spreading to other states.
    “Members of the public are to note that testing is free of charge and anyone demanding to be paid should be reported to the appropriate authorities,” he said.
    Ehanire said social distancing remains one of the major containment strategies and urged citizens to practice all preventive measures in good faith and join collective efforts against the disease.
    He noted that the elderly ones are the most vulnerable and should be protected from needless contacts with children and persons who could be positive from the coronavirus and other diseases.
    Suleiman Achimugu, former managing director of the Petroleum Products Marketing Company (PPMC), is the first victim of the disease in Nigeria.
    Achimugu, who died last Monday, also had underlying medical issues and had been undergoing chemotherapy for cancer.
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    Monday, March 30, 2020

    UPDATED: Buhari locks down Lagos, Abuja, Ogun

    4:58 PM 0
    UPDATED: Buhari locks down Lagos, Abuja, Ogun

    The President, Major General Muhammadu Buhari (retd.), has announced total restriction of movement in Lagos and Abuja.

    The President also restricted movement in Ogun State because of its proximity to Lagos.

    He said this during a nationwide broadcast on Sunday.

    According to him, the restriction will last for an initial period of 14 days with effect from 11pm on Monday, 30th of March, 2020.

    He, however, said the order will not affect persons delivering health care, manufacturing institutions as well as petroleum distribution firms, private security firms, print, and electronic media staff.

    Buhari said, “The few confirmed cases outside Lagos and Abuja are linked to persons who have travelled from these centres. We are therefore working to ensure such inter-state and intercity movements are restricted to prevent further spread.


    “Based on the advice of the Federal Ministry of Health and the NCDC, I am directing the cessation of all movements in Lagos and the FCT for an initial period of 14 days with effect from 11pm on Monday, March 30, 2020. This restriction will also apply to Ogun State due to its close proximity to Lagos and the high traffic between the two states.

    “Furthermore, commercial establishments such as food processing, distribution and retail companies; petroleum distribution and retail entities; power generation, transmission and distribution companies; and private security companies are also exempted.

    “Although these establishments are exempted, access will be restricted and monitored. Workers in telecommunication companies, broadcasters, print and electronic media staff who can prove they are unable to work from home are also exempted.”

    Buhari said all seaports would remain operational but changes would be made.

    The President stated that all vehicles conveying food and other essential humanitarian items into these locations from other parts of the country would also be screened thoroughly before they are allowed to enter these restricted areas.
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    Saturday, March 28, 2020

    UPDATED: Explosion Rocks Akure Suburb

    9:57 PM 0
    UPDATED: Explosion Rocks Akure Suburb
    Residents of Iluabo, a suburb of Akure were shocked by an explosion that occurred in the area at about 1 am on Saturday, Channels TV can report.
    According to the State’s Commissioner of Police, Undie Adie, the explosive belonged to a construction company based in Edo state.
    It was being conveyed when it exploded in Ilu-Abo, a village near Akure along Owo/Akure highway at about 1 am on Saturday.
    Although no life was lost, many houses were damaged.
    The explosive made a large excavation on the road and the impact was felt kilometres away from the scene.
    Residents have since been trooping to the area, which has been cordoned off by police.
    Ondo State Governor, Rotimi Akeredolu confirmed on Twitter that there had been a “loud blast” and said he was headed to the “scene to assess”.


    Arakunrin Akeredolu
    ✔@RotimiAkeredolu

    I've been briefed by security agencies in the state concerning the loud blast that was heard in Akure. I will be at the scene to assess on the advise of heads of our security agencies.

    I ask that all citizens remain calm as we ascertain details of the incidence.

    1,580
    8:37 AM - Mar 28, 2020
    Twitter Ads info and privacy

    753 people are talking about this
     The Governor also asked that citizens “remain calm as we ascertain details of the incidence.”
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    Coronavirus: Sanwo-Olu imposes curfew in Lagos, shuts airport for 2 weeks

    9:56 PM 0
    Coronavirus: Sanwo-Olu imposes curfew in Lagos, shuts airport for 2 weeks

    Babajide Sanwo-Olu, governor of Lagos, has announced the imposition of a dusk to dawn curfew in the state from Sunday.
    The governor made the announcement while giving an update on coronavirus in the state on Friday.
    According to the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), the country has recorded 81 coronavirus cases of which 52 cases are in Lagos.
    Sanwo-Olu said the state is heading towards a lockdown but a number of factors are being considered before some decisions are made.
    He said a dusk to dawn curfew will begin in the state from Sunday, adding that the domestic airport will be shut for a period of two weeks.
    The governor said the state has acquired over 200 disinfecting machines to commence fumigation of public areas.
    “We are moving in the direction of a total lockdown but there are numbers or indices that we need to see before we carry it out, which we have yet to see. We need to see a huge spike in the numbers of confirmed cases, so, we are looking at that,” he said.
    “I am hereby directing a statewide curfew from 8pm to 6am, starting from Sunday until further notice. This is to enable us to carry out comprehensive disinfection of the Lagos Metropolis.
    “I am pleased to note that we have taken possession of over 200 disinfecting machines, and starting today, we will be disinfecting all major highways, bus stops, markets, parks, and other public areas.
    “With effect from Sunday, we will be closing the domestic airport in Lagos, the General Aviation Terminal and the MM2. All movements in and out of Lagos through the two domestic terminals will, therefore, be suspended from Sunday for two weeks in the first instance. The only exceptions will be flights carrying essential supplies and those on emergency operations.”
    The state government earlier announced the closure of schools and a ban on large gatherings.
    Seventy percent of workers in the state’s civil service were also directed to stay at home for a period of two weeks.
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    UPDATED: Vehicle carrying explosives caused Akure blast – Akeredolu

    3:00 PM 0
    UPDATED: Vehicle carrying explosives caused Akure blast – Akeredolu

    Ondo State Governor, Rotimi Akeredolu, has said a vehicle moving improvised explosive devices to a nearby state caused the explosion that rocked Akure, the state capital.

    The PUNCH reports that the explosion which occurred in the early hours of Saturday split the Akure-Owo Road into two, destroying over 50 buildings.

    Akeredolu, who inspected the scene of the explosion on Saturday, said he was briefed by security chiefs.

    He explained that the vehicle was in a convoy heading to a storage facility in a neighbouring state when it broke down along the Akure-Owo Road, some 2km to the Akure Airport.

    The governor said the explosion, which destroyed over 50 buildings, happened in the process of fixing the vehicle.

    He said the state would commence work on creating an alternative route for commuters due to the importance of the split Akure-Owo road.

    He said, “I have been briefed by the security chiefs that in the early hours of Saturday, March 28th, a vehicle in a convoy transporting explosives to a storage facility in a neighbouring state developed a fault while in transit along the Akure Owo Road about 2km from the Akure Airport.

    “Security personnel and other individuals transporting the ordinances noticed smoke from the vehicle. After several attempts to extinguish the resulting fire failed, the vehicle and its consignment ignited causing a massive explosion that was felt in Akure and its environs.

    “Presently, efforts are being made to ascertain if there are casualties.

    “I have directed that the area be cordoned off to allow the explosive ordinance department/bomb squad to extricate the vehicle buried underground because it is unclear if there are still explosives that are yet to be detonated.

    “I have instructed the State Ministry for Works to commence the rehabilitation of the alternate route, a rural road through Iluabo, due to the importance of the Akure-Owo Road. We will also engage the Federal Government on how to fast track the repair of the damaged portion.

    “Everything is under control and I will be updating the public on any new developments.”

    He warned the people of the state to stay away from the spot where the vehicle exploded, advising them to maintain a respectable distance to avert another disaster should another explosion recur.

    “Do not also forget that coronavirus is in the country. I thank God that there has not been any recorded case in Ondo State,” he added.
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    UPDATED: Nigeria’s COVID-19 cases rise from 65 to 70

    2:26 PM 0
    UPDATED: Nigeria’s COVID-19 cases rise from 65 to 70

    Nigeria has recorded five new cases of coronavirus in the Federal Capital Territory and Oyo State.

    This brings the number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in the country to 70 from 65.

    The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control made this known on Friday evening via its Twitter handle.

    NCDC tweeted, “Five new cases of #COVID19 have been reported in Nigeria: Three in FCT and two in Oyo State

    “As of 08:00 pm, 27th of March, there are 70 cases of confirmed #COVID19 reported Nigeria.

    “Three have been discharged with one dead.

    “Currently, Lagos has 44 cases; FCT- 14; Ogun – three; Ekiti – one; Oyo- three; Edo – one; Bauchi- two; Osun – one; and Rivers – one.”

    Nigerian authorities have closed airports and borders and shut schools across the nation as part of a series of measures aimed at curbing the spread of the coronavirus.
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    Monday, March 23, 2020

    Coronavirus: IGP Warns Nigerians Against Social Visits To Police Stations

    4:27 PM 0
    Coronavirus: IGP Warns Nigerians Against Social Visits To Police Stations

    The Inspector-General of Police, Mohammed Adamu has warned Nigerians against social visits to police stations nationwide.

    According to a series of tweets by the Nigeria Police, the IGP also cautioned the citizens to minimise official visits to police stations, except where absolutely necessary.

    The police boss also ordered formations nationwide to properly screen individuals before admitting them into custody.

    “The IGP enjoins citizens to avoid social visits to police stations and other police offices and minimize official visits, except where absolutely necessary.

    “The IGP further directs that adequate measures be emplaced to screen persons to be committed into police custody,” he stated.

    Adamu also directed zonal Assistant Inspectors-General of Police and state police commissioners to strictly enforce the directives on social restriction order imposed by the government in their respective jurisdiction.

    He also ordered the closure of all institutions owned by the Force in line with the Federal Government’s directives on the closure of all schools in the country.

    “Also, in compliance with the Federal Government’s directive that all tertiary institutions be shut, the IGP has ordered the immediate closure of the Nigeria Police Academy as well as all Police Primary and Secondary Schools nationwide.

    “The Force Medical Services has been empowered and directed to step up sensitisation programmes across Commands, Formations and Barracks in the country,” he stated.
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    Health Minister Gives Update On COVID-19 After Nigeria Records First Death

    4:16 PM 0
    Health Minister Gives Update On COVID-19 After Nigeria Records First Death

    The Minister of Health, Dr Osagie Ehanire, is giving an update on COVID-19 after Nigeria recorded the first death as a result of the disease.
    The press briefing is ongoing at the Federal Ministry of Health in Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
    This comes hours after the number of confirmed cases of coronavirus in the country rose to 36.
    The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) revealed the new figure after announcing that six new cases had been confirmed.
    According to the health agency, this is the latest update on the disease as of 10:35am on March 23, 2020.
    A breakdown of the figure showed that three cases were confirmed in Lagos, and two cases in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), while one case was confirmed in Edo State.


    StatesNumbers    StatesNumbers
    Abuja FCT6Abia0
    Adamawa0Akwa Ibom0
    Anambra0Bauchi0
    Bayelsa0Benue0
    Borno0Cross River0
    Delta0Ebonyi0
    Enugu0Edo1
    Ekiti1Gombe0
    Imo0Jigawa0
    Kaduna0Kano0
    Katsina0Kebbi0
    Kogi0Kwara0
    Lagos25Nasarawa0
    Niger0Ogun2
    Ondo0Osun0
    Oyo1Plateau0
    Rivers0Sokoto0
    Taraba0Yobe0
    Zamfara0
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    Coronavirus: Ghana Closes Schools, Bans Gatherings

    3:39 PM 0
    Coronavirus: Ghana Closes Schools, Bans Gatherings

    Ghana on Monday closed all schools and universities and suspended public events to stop the spread of coronavirus as a string of African nations imposed tighter restrictions to stem the spread of the global pandemic.

    President Nana Akufo-Addo announced in an address to the West African nation that the authorities were shutting schools and universities “until further notice”.

    Public gatherings — including conferences, religious services, sports matches and political rallies — have also been suspended for four weeks, he said.

    Ghana on Sunday announced it would start barring entry to the country from Tuesday for any non-Ghanaian citizen or resident “who, within the last 14 days, has been to a country that has recorded at least 200 cases”.


    The move came as the authorities reported a rise in the number of confirmed cases of COVID-19 from two to six, with the new cases all arrivals from abroad.

    Numerous nations in sub-Saharan Africa — including Senegal, Kenya and South Africa — have begun imposing entry restrictions or closing schools as the continent scrambles to halt the spread of the virus.
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    Petrol Pump Price Now N130 Per Litre

    3:25 PM 0
    Petrol Pump Price Now N130 Per Litre

    President Muhammadu Buhari has approved the reduction in the pump price of premium motor spirit (PMS) from N145 per litre to about N130.

    Our correspondent gathered from presidency sources that the approval followed a presentation by Minister of State For Petroleum Resources, Timipre Sylva to the Federal Executive Council (FEC), on Wednesday, on the need to reduce the pump price following the global fall in oil price.

    At the behest of the spread of Covid19, international crude oil price slumped from $60 to $30, causing fear of a possible economic crisis.
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    Wednesday, March 18, 2020

    Yobe State University joins ASUU warning strike, paralyses academic activities

    7:22 PM 0
    Yobe State University joins ASUU warning strike, paralyses academic activities
    Academic Staff Union of Universities, (ASUU) Yobe State University Branch has joined the two-week warning strike called by the national body of the union.
    The notification of the strike action was contained in a letter dated 12th March, 2020 and signed by the Branch’s chairperson, Mohammed Saje Jajere.
    Part of the strike notification read:
    “Sequel to the National Executive Council, (NEC) meeting of ASUU held on 7th-8th March, 2020, the NEC has resolved and directed its members to embark on two weeks warning strike with effect from Monday, 9th March, 2020.
    “In view of the said directives, the university management is hereby formally notified that the congress of ASUU-YSU Branch resolve to join strike from 12th March, 2020”.
    A visit to the university by DAILY POST Correspondent showed that, academic activities have been paralysed following the warning strike.
    It was learnt that most students of the university have already vacated hostels and have traveled out to their various communities, pending the expiration of the warning strike.
    However, an observation also showed that, few undergraduates particularly final year students have decided to stay back and deal with their projects and other assignments.
    Recalled that the national body of ASUU had directed its members to embark on a 2-week warning strike in protest against federal government planned move to enroll university teachers into the Integrated Personal Payroll Information System, (IPPIS) for the payment of their salaries.
    ASUU, among other reasons, is viewing the move as a deliberate attempt to infringe on the financial autonomy of the Nigerian universities.
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