As the confirmed cases of the deadly COVID- 19 virus in Nigeria surpassed 5000 on May14, 2020, it was reported that four governors from the North had eased the lockdown of their respective states, permitting religious activities with immediate effect.
The governors of Borno, Gombe, Adamawa and Zamfara, on Thursday reopened Mosques and Churches in their states, much to the annoyance of the federal government because it against the laid down COVID- 19 protocal, which is aimed at curbing the spread of the virus.
The federal government believes that the situation of the virus spread in the country, which is presumed to be at “community transmission level”, does not permit lowering the guard in any form.
The Presidential Task Force on COVID-19 Control has resolved to engage with the governors.
Addressing the issue, the Minister for Information and Culture Alhaji Lai Mohammed said: “We are always working together with the Nigerian Governors’ Forum (NGF). We believe that the Governors won’t do anything that will put in jeopardy all we have achieved in the last few weeks of lockdown. So, I think it is better that we continue the engagement and I am sure that the chairman of the taskforce who is constantly in touch with the governments will take up this matter and we hope that he will be able to give a feedback.”
Gombe State Governor Muhammadu Yahaya said places of worship could be opened, if residents adhere strictly to the laid down rules of using face masks, maintaining social and physical distance, washing of hands and the use of hand sanitizers.
He urged the members of aid groups in mosques and Boys brigade in churches should ensure that worshippers comply with the above listed safety precautions. He added that flouting the safety precaution measures would tempt him to reverse the decision to ease the lockdown.
The Adamawa state governor lifted the ban on religious activities in the state through the Press Secretary to governor, Mr. Humwashi Wonosikou, in a statement which read: “Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri has eased the restriction on worship places and social gatherings earlier imposed on the state, following the outbreak of the Coronavirus pandemic.
“Churches, Mosques and the international cattle markets under lockdown can now reopen.”
On the part of Borno, the Deputy governor, who is also the COVID-19 Response Committee Chairman in the state disclosed in a statement on Wednesday that the state governor had lifted the ban on religious activities with immediate effect.
According to him, “All churches shall conduct church services as recommended by Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Borno Chapter in strict adherence with social distancing and use of facemasks.
“The ban on the sales and consumption of liquor and other intoxicating substances is still in force. Defaulters will be dealt with severely in accordance with the liquor law,” he said.
The governor of Adamawa state, Bello Matawalle, in a radio broadcast, said: “I want to commend the people of the state for supporting government in our effort to frustrate the spread of coronavirus in our dear state by complying with the lockdown orders.
“In the light of this, therefore, we are suspending restrictions on congregational prayers in Mosques and Churches while appealing to people not to converge in large numbers at the same time.” he said.
He however urged the people to follow the laid down precautions on how to curb the spread of the novel virus.
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At Senior officers Conference, IGP orders CPs AIGs others to reduce crime rates by 50%
At Senior officers Conference, IGP orders CPs AIGs others to reduce crime rates by 50%
The Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has directed all commands of the Force to implement a comprehensive plan to reduce crime rates by 50 per cent in 2025.
He gave the directive at the 5th Edition of the Annual Conference and Retreat for Senior Police Officers in Abeokuta on Monday.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the programme is with the theme ‘Improving Nigeria’s Internal Security and Economic Prosperity Through Inclusive Policing.’
Over 1,000 senior police officers are attending the three-day conference, which runs from Feb. 24 to 26.
Egbetokun noted that the theme aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s security vision and reinforces the commitment to tackling insecurity.
“The theme highlights the President’s plan to build a professionally competent, intelligence-driven police force capable of addressing emerging threats proactively,” he said.
According to him, intensified operations and cooperation with the military and other security agencies are yielding significant results in the fight against organised crime.
Also speaking, Chairman, Niger Delta Development Commission, Mr Chiedu Ebie, urged the Federal Government to conduct periodic evaluations and vetting of police officers.
“A regular and comprehensive health check, including psychiatric assessments, must not be overlooked,” he said.
He also commended the police for their efforts to improve security in the country.
“However, Nigerians do not always appreciate the police force enough.
“As it stands, only 370,000 officers are responsible for the security of over 230 million people,” he stressed.
He promised that the commission would support the police in all capacities.
A senior police officer, speaking anonymously to NAN, said many commands are implementing the directive to reduce crime by 50 per cent.
“This is why the country is witnessing a higher rate of prosecutions in the courts,” he said. (NAN)
News
Tinubu decided not to make me Minister – El-Rufai reveals private discussion with the President
Tinubu decided not to make me Minister – El-Rufai reveals private discussion with the President
A former governor of Kaduna State, Mallam El-Rufai, has claimed that President Bola Tinubu did not want him in his cabinet.
According to him, the National Assembly did not reject him because of a security report from the Department of State Services, DSS.
Speaking on Arise TV on Monday night, El-Rufai said, “Forget what you read. The National Assembly did not reject me. President Bola Tinubu changed his mind about working with me.
“The security thing was a good excuse they used.
“Since then, has anyone released that report telling us the security issue?
“Look, I was minister 20 years ago. I don’t need to be in politics. I have a private life.
“Tinubu appealed to me and begged me. He threw me a challenge that no president has sorted out electricity problems. He said you and I can do it. it was the challenge that made me accept it.
“I had the opportunity to serve my country. The person that gave me took it back and that is not a problem.”
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Housing Minister threatens to decamp from APC over Leadership issue
Housing Minister threatens to decamp from APC over Leadership issue
The Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Yusuf Abdullahi Ata, says he will resign if the current APC state chairman, Abdullahi Abbas, is re-elected.
Ata made this statement at a press conference in Kano on Monday. He reaffirmed his position, stating he would resign from both his ministerial role and the party.
He said, “This is my position to this day. We oppose the reinstatement of the current APC leadership in Kano, given what happened in the last election.
“We will not accept this situation again. If the leadership remains, I will resign from my ministerial post and leave APC.
Ata emphasised his strong moral values and respect for elders, noting, “We will not compromise our values.”
He expressed concerns over the party leadership’s statements, which he believed contributed to the party’s failure in 2023.
“We must engage individuals of integrity to gain the trust of Kano citizens,” Ata stressed.
He said, “Votes and money do not grant power; only God bestows authority.”
Ata urged politicians from all parties to promote peace, respect each other, and follow the rules. (NAN)
At Senior officers Conference, IGP orders CPs AIGs others to reduce crime rates by 50%
Tinubu decided not to make me Minister – El-Rufai reveals private discussion with the President
Housing Minister threatens to decamp from APC over Leadership issue
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