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NPA truncates NCDC’s claim on six cases detected on vessel

Ihuoma ILO
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NPA truncates NCDC’s claim on six cases detected on vessel

THE Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) has denied claims by the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) on the discovery of six new cases of coronavirus on a vessel.

The NCDC While announcing the 14 new cases of coronavirus on Thursday night, said that six of them were detected on a vessel.

“Of the 14, 6 were detected on a vessel, 3 are returning travellers into Nigeria & 1 is a close contact of a confirmed case.”

Replying the tweet by the NCDC, the port agency said it has not recorded any confirmed case of COVID-19 to date and asked NCDC to provide details on the confirmed cases.

“In respect to the 6 new cases that “were detected on a vessel” in Lagos, the Authority in collaboration with Port Health has not recorded any confirmed cases to date.

 

“To enable verification and proper record keeping, kindly avail us with specific details on the name of the Vessel the passengers were on board, and the Terminal or Jetty where they berthed,” NPA said.

Meanwhile, Nigeria currently has 65 confirmed cases following the confirmation of 14, three discharges, and one recorded death.

With Lagos as the epicentre of the Coronavirus having 44 confirmed cases, FG has approved N10 billion to support the state in the fight against COVID -19.

No African country can afford debt repayment in 2020 — Oxfam

Seun DUROJAIYE
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No African country can afford debt repayment in 2020 — Oxfam

OXFAM, a confederation of 19 independent charitable organisations focused on the alleviation of global poverty, has called on the Group of Twenty (G20) leaders to consider debt moratorium for African countries, who it stated are unable to afford debt repayment given the COVID-19 crisis.

The G20 is an international forum for the governments and central bank governors from 19 countries and the European Union.

In a statement released on Thursday, and sighted by The ICIR, Oxfam, welcomed the decision of G20 leaders to hold a virtual Extra-Ordinary Summit to respond to the health crisis and economic recession triggered by Covid 19, and called on it to consider a universal debt suspension.

Oxfam submitted that Africa is facing the worst health and economic crisis in decades following the impact of coronavirus pandemic. 

It said that the slump in commodity prices and disruption of global supply chains is hitting the continent the hardest and for which suspending debt repayment will enable the country free up resources to tackle COVID-19.

“This is the moment that Africa needs to use all its existing resources to cope with the emergency. It makes no sense for African countries to transfer much-needed resources to foreign banks, developed nations with capacity to cope with the pandemic, or international institutions,” said Peter Kamalingin, Oxfam Pan Africa Director.

The nonprofit group also commended the calls for debt relief by the World Bank (WB) and International Monetary Fund (IMF) but highlighted it as only a first step.

In its statement, it argued that such implementation doesn’t serve the needs of the African people who need to focus on strengthening their public health systems to adequately respond to the COVID-19, as well as provide social protection for its most vulnerable groups.

Oxfam urged the G20 leaders to consider giving Africa a fighting chance in this ‘life-threatening crisis,’by suspending debt repayments.

“Decisions need to be taken now, any delay only serves to worsen the already fragile situation and make the recovery process more expensive. Debt relief free from conditionalities is the best way to leave money in the hands of African governments to make decisions now,” submitted Kamalingin.

Meanwhile, Standard & Poor’s global ratings release shows that Nigeria’s sovereign credit rating has sunk to ‘B-’ due to crashing international oil prices, following lower oil demand tied to the coronavirus pandemic.

According to the report, the Federal Government policy responses are unlikely to be effective enough to reduce the effect of lower oil prices which is already hurting Nigeria’s external and fiscal positions, and putting further pressure on the foreign exchange reserve.

Federal Government confiscates ex-JTF Commander, Atewe’s properties over N8.5 billion fraud

Amos ABBA
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Federal Government confiscates ex-JTF Commander, Atewe’s properties over N8.5 billion fraud

THE Federal High Court sitting in Lagos ordered the temporary forfeiture of N293 million and assets belonging to Emmanuel Atewe, former commander of Military Joint Task Force, Operation Pulo Shield, in the Niger Delta.

Atewe is facing prosecution instituted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on a 22-count charge of money laundering, stealing and conspiracy.

Others facing the same charges include Patrick Akpobolokemi, a former Director-General of Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, Kime Enzogu and Josephine Otuaga.

The order of interim forfeiture follows an ex-parte application by the EFCC alleging that the assets were part of the proceeds of N8.5 billion for the military Operation Pulo Shield in the Niger Delta, which he is accused of diverting from the military between September 5, 2014, and May 20, 2015.

The presiding judge, Justice Mohammed Liman stated that alongside the N293 million temporarily confiscated by the Federal Government, six parcels of land and 30,000 MTN shares were also recovered.

Counsel for the EFCC, Rotimi Oyedepo, argued that it would be in the interest of justice for the court to order the temporary forfeiture of the assets.

Justice Mohammed adjourned the trial until April 20, 2020, for anyone interested in the assets to appear before the court to show reasons why they should not be forfeited permanently to the Federal Government.

The landed properties identified include 50 hectares of farmland at Plot No. FL746B Gaube Farmland Extension II Layout, Kuje, Abuja; a piece of land located at Commercial Layout, Yenagoa Gardens, Bayelsa State; one hectare of land in Kuje District, Abuja; Plot No. CP10, Sector Centre B Layout, Kuje, Abuja; Plot MF62 Outer Northern Expressway Cadastral Zone, Abuja; Plot No. 1228 Jahi, Abuja; four hectares of land designated as Plot No.CP6386 and Plot No.CP6387, Sabon Lugbe, Abuja.

COVID-19: US Govt offers work visas to medical professionals

Olugbenga ADANIKIN
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COVID-19: US Govt offers work visas to medical professionals

THE United State Government is inviting both immigrant and non-immigrant visa holders to its country in order to help in its fight against the ravaging COVID-19 pandemic.

Since the outbreak of COVID-19, the US government has recorded over 81, 321 cases and more than 1,000 deaths, surpassing China, Spain, and Italy among other nations with previous high reported cases, says the New York Times.

Worldometer, an online platform that records real time COVID-19 cases and casualty figures also put the current cases in the US at 85,762 and more than 1,316 deaths.

According to  the World Health Organsiation (WHO), about 465,915 cases have been confirmed globally, with 21,031 deaths in 200 countries as at Thursday, 26 March.

In the announcement shared via the US Department of States Bureau of Consular Affairs, @TravelGov the request was mainly targeted at medical professionals working to provide a solution to the COVID-19 virus or helps to prevent the virus spread.

“We encourage medical professionals with an approved U.S. non-immigrant or immigrant visa petition (I-129, I-140, or similar) or a certificate of eligibility in an approved exchange visitor program (DS-2019), particularly those working to treat or mitigate the effects of COVID-19, to review the website of their nearest embassy or consulate for procedures to request a visa appointment,” the state department tweeted.

“For those foreign medical professionals already in the United States: J-1 Alien Physicians (medical residents) may consult with their program sponsor, ECFMG, to extend their programs in the United States.  Generally, a J-1 program for a foreign medical resident can be extended one year at a time for up to seven years.”

However, it noted that the visa expiry date does not necessarily determine how long concerned persons can reside in the country.

Interested persons were urged to confirm required departure date here.

Moreover, the US Travel Bureau emphasised that those who might be interested in extending their stay or adjust their visa status should apply with the United State Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS).

This is, however, coming days after medical doctors in Nigeria complained over poor remuneration  and working tools.

There are reports of several Nigerian medical doctors who had also left the country due to poor welfare package, even prior to the COVID-19 pandemic outbreak.

Nigeria’s credit rating sinks further – Standard and Poor’s

Paul Owolabi
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Nigeria’s credit rating sinks further – Standard and Poor’s

STANDARD & Poor’s global ratings release showed that  Nigeria’s sovereign credit rating sank to ‘B-’ due to crashing international oil prices following lower oil demand tied to the coronavirus pandemic.

Moody’s credit rating for Nigeria was last set at B2 with negative outlook while Fitch’s credit rating for Nigeria was last reported at B+ with a negative outlook.

A credit rating is used by sovereign wealth funds, pension funds and other investors to gauge the creditworthiness of Nigeria.

This rating shows the impact on the country’s borrowing costs.

Global rating agency Standard & Poor’s has downgraded Nigeria’s credit rating further into weak external position due to the oil price crash.

According to the report, the federal government policy responses are unlikely to be effective enough to reduce the effect of lower oil prices which is already hurting Nigeria’s external and fiscal positions, and putting further pressure on the foreign exchange reserve.

Junk bonds are typically rated ‘BB’ or lower by S&P.

B is a notch lower than BB and a speculative grade.

S&P had in early March lowered its outlook on Nigeria from “stable” to “negative” after Moody’s and Fitch slammed lower ratings on the country.

The latest downgrade of B- is only one notch above CCC which would mean that Nigeria is currently highly vulnerable to non-payment, and S&P expects default to be a virtual certainty, regardless of the anticipated time to default.

COVID-19: FG partners private sector led by Aliko Dangote

Paul Owolabi
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COVID-19: FG partners private sector led by Aliko Dangote

THE Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has announced plan by the Bankers’ Committee in partnership with the private sector-led by Aliko Dangote Foundation and Access Bank to form the Nigerian private sector coalition against COVID-19.

According to the apex bank, it is set to engage the stakeholders in the private sector on how to provide support to the federal government in procuring equipment and materials to combat the menace of novel coronavirus in Nigeria.

This coalition was created out of the urgent need to combat the unfolding COVID-19 crisis in Nigeria.

The CBN said in the press briefing that the rate at which the virus is spreading is unprecedented and it appears the world is fighting the most lethal adversary to date.

Federal Government has expressed the difficulty in fighting the coronavirus pandemic alone, hence the reason why the private sector is stepping in to support the government’s effort.

The objectives of the Coalition are to mobilize private sector thought leadership, mobilize private sector resources, increase general public awareness, education and buy-in, provide direct support to private and public healthcare’s ability to respond to the crisis and support government effort.

The coalition, according to CBN, has set up four major committees comprising of;

Steering Committee to provide leadership and steer the coalition and committees in procuring all needed funding, equipment and materials for the battle against the pandemic.

The steering committee will be chaired by the Secretary to the government of the federation, Mr Boss Mustapha who currently chairs the federal government committee on Covid-19.

Funding Committee:

This committee will be responsible for the initial funding of the effort.

Membership comprises the CBN Governor, Aliko Dangote, Herbert Wigwe, Jim Ovia, Tony Elumelu, Segun Agbaje, Abdulsamad Rabiu and Femi Otedola.

Each member of the committee is to ensure that their institution contributes at least one billion Naira to this effort.

More members are allowed as long as they are willing to contribute at least one billion Naira.

Operational Committee:

This group is responsible for project management, logistics, communication and advocacy.

This comprises CBN Governor, Aliko Dangote Foundation, Access Bank, Zenith Bank, GT Bank, Stanbic IBTC, Ecobank, Fidelity Bank, Unity Bank, Nigerian Breweries Plc.

Technical Committee:

This committee is responsible for gathering data about the equipment and materials needed nationwide.

They will also be responsible for intellectual leadership around testing issues, treatment protocols, isolation centres, etc.

Membership Comprised of Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), World Health Organisation (WHO), Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, Federal Ministry of Health and select members of the operational and funding committee.

The CBN also highlighted that it will be working with reputable institutions and consultants including the Lagos State Commissioner of Health, Dr Akin Abayomi, Dr Christian Happi, Dr Phillip Onyebujo.

Information gathered so far has revealed that to procure all the needed equipment, material, and all infrastructure required to fight the pandemic, over N120b need to be raised.

An account will be set up at the CBN to receive both Naira and foreign currencies from donors.

The report showed that at the end of the process, the CBN shall use a reputable firm of accountants to render a full account of how the funds were utilized as well as account for the materials donated.

Worldometer a website that tracks live global data of novel coronavirus reported  that a total of 552,943 persons have been infected globally as at today, 81,340 in China, 80,589 from Italy, 85,762 from America and 64,059 persons from Spain.

It also revealed that South Africa has 927 infected persons while Nigeria number of the infected so far stands at 65.

Lagos Task Force officials seen on tape vandalising shops to effect Coronavirus lockdown

Seun DUROJAIYE
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Lagos Task Force officials seen on tape vandalising shops to effect Coronavirus lockdown

A video, in which a group of Lagos State Task Force officials was captured destroying goods and wares of shops located in a remote town in Lagos, has gone viral.

It is believed that the task force officials, principally policemen, were enforcing the partial lockdown order given by Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, who directed the shutdown of court sittings, markets and stores, except for essential services from Thursday, March 26.

This is in response to the rising cases of coronavirus in the state and an attempt to curb the further spread of the deadly virus.

As at the time of filing this report, Lagos, had recorded 44 cases of COVID-19, according to the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) and there are concerns over a looming outbreak.

In line with the directives of health experts and NCDC on practicing social distancing, Lagos State has activated measures to prevent crowd gathering by shutting down markets and stores but the methods in which this is enforced has come under scrutiny.

The viral clip, in which policemen can be seen destroying wares in a store to effect the partial lock down order, has raised many questions and many social media users have accused the Task Force agents of implementing draconian measures that are more harmful than protective to business owners in this trying period.

Nigerians on social media have expressed worry over the manner in which officials are effecting the lock down. While some argue that the shutdown directive should be adhered to by citizens, given the  impending danger of an outbreak, others have voiced concerns over the use of force and brutality against citizens and businesses to achieve results.

In response to the clip, the The Inspector General of Police, M.A Adamu, condemned the action of the officers, describing it as a display of unprofessionalism and highhandedness.

This was reflected in a post shared on the Nigerian Police official Twitter page, in which it was announced that the IGP has ordered for investigation into the matter and that disciplinary measures be carried out against the erring officers.

Former Chairman of National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), Chidi Odinkalu, has also condemned the methods by which security agents are enforcing the lockdown in Lagos.

“The control measures for COVID-19 are increasingly rife with abuse

“Citizens are being threatened with a N100,000 fine if caught disobeying the lockdown order and this can either lead to abuse or bribery and corruption,” Odinkalu explained.

Odinkalu told The ICIR that the context in which such practice is being effected is faulty. According to him, Nigeria is dealing with a situation already designed for abuse and the economic distress in the country is not being considered in the implementation of such order of a lock down.

Outside Nigeria, several video clips and complaints showing the excessive force employed by security agents to enforce a mandatory locked down have flooded the social media.

In South Africa,  President Cyril Ramaphosa ordered a 21-day lockdown, restricting movement of its 56 million inhabitants.

In so doing, it deployed police and army in the country to enforce  lockdown as Corona virus cases in the country passed the 1,000 mark.

Security agents in the country have been seen making serial arrests and anyone caught disregarding the rule is to face imprisonment or pay a huge fine.

“If people are not complying, they (the military) may be forced to take extraordinary measures,” Defence Minister Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula warned.

India, another country pinning its hope on curtailing the virus by practicing social distancing, given its fragile health care system and large population, has also imposed a total lockdown to prevent the spread of the virus.

With over 1.3 billion population, India has effected strict measures in ensuring that citizens stay home to prevent spread of the virus.

Sowore raises alarm over suspected arrest by military

Olugbenga ADANIKIN
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Sowore raises alarm over suspected arrest by military
OMOYELE Sowore, Publisher of Sahara Reporters and Convener of #RevolutionNow protest has raised alarm over suspected moves by the Federal Government to effect his rearrest.
Sowore claimed that, this time, his arrest would be perfected by the Nigerian military as there are purported plans by the government to secure a court order through John Tsoho, the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court (FHC) for his arrest.
The activist revealed that the new move by the President Muhammadu Buhari-led administration surfaced following Sahara Reporters’ story exposing how Abba Kyari, Chief of Staff to the President contracted the COVID19 pandemic.
“Folks! It is important to inform you that we are facing some unusual circumstances, and the days ahead might be very tense and difficult, but we will conquer,” Sowore wrote in a statement shared online.
“Following the revelation by SaharaReporters that the Chief of Staff. Abba Kyari contracted Corona Virus and subsequent revelations about the criminal conducts and negligence that has brought Nigeria to the nadir of this global pandemic, the Buhari regime today sent some high powered delegation to the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court of Nigeria to help procure a judge to grant a detention order against me.”
Sowore expressed concerns that after his anticipated arrest, he would be tortured and allegedly infected with COVID-19 virus.
According to him, the information had leaked to his lawyers, who also made known of the new plan and the need to prepare for a possible government action.
“This was leaked to our lawyers a few minutes ago. The plan this time is to use the Nigerian Army for the sinister plot.
The plan is to obtain a court order and then send soldiers to shoot up my residence in Abuja by claiming that I resisted arrest with armed colleagues.”
“If I am arrested alive they would take me to an Army Barracks in Abuja to be tortured and /or infected with COVID-19. I am not raising the alarm to scare anyone, it is to inform our compatriots that we should brace for difficult days ahead,” he said.
However, he expressed hope, saying that his arrest could trigger a better fortune for the country and possibly end all forms of ‘brutal repression’ and harrasement by government authorities.
“I am urging all to stand firm, unbowed and unbroken.”
Sowore has been labelled anti-Buhari by most supporters of the current administration.
He was arrested by the men of the State Security Service (SSS) from the hotel where he lodged on the eve of day scheduled  for #revolutionnow protest.
Sowore was later detained, taken to court, rearrested before he was eventually released on bail.

UK Prime Minister, Boris Johnson tests positive to coronavirus, considers working from home

Abeeb ALAWIYE
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UK Prime Minister, Boris Johnson tests positive to coronavirus, considers working from home

THE United Kingdom Prime Minister, Boris Johnson, has tested positive to the Corona virus, disease, The ICIR has learnt.

In a video posted on his  Twitter handle few minutes ago, the Prime Minister confirmed he had developed mild symptoms over the last 24 hours and tested positive to the disease.

“Over the last 24 hours I have developed mild symptoms and tested positive for coronavirus. I am now self-isolating, but I will continue to lead the government’s response via video-conference as we fight this virus,” he wrote.

The minister, who is the first major world leader to fall victim, said that he is going to be working from home as that is the right thing to do following medical advise and also thanked everyone who is involved in activities to keep the country going forward as they fight to beat the Corona virus pandemic.

EFCC clamps down on 35 illegal betting, lottery operators

Lukman ABOLADE
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EFCC clamps down on 35 illegal betting, lottery operators

THE Economic Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) says it has uncovered 35 lottery and betting companies operating illegally in Nigeria,  including popular ones like Surebet and Betnow.

The anti graft agency said the discovery followed  an investigation which it said was carried out as part of efforts to end fraud related taxes in the lottery and betting industry in the country.

Tony Orilade,  EFCC spokesperson said in a statement on Thursday that the investigation was carried out in collaboration with the National Lottery Regulatory Commission (NLRC), following a request from the Commission.

Orilade explained that the 35 illegal companies were discovered during the investigation to be lacking the ‘core license to operate in Nigeria’.

He added that the anti graft’s findings were corroborated by a document made available  by the NLRC.

According to the Commission, only 21 licensed operators and 18 companies with permits from the NLRC currently operate in Nigeria while others were believed to be illegal operators.

Naming the illegal operators in the country, EFCC listed Emerald Bets International Limited (Emerald Bet), Saharabets Sports Ltd (Surebet247), Bimm Entertainment Ltd (Easy Bet), Champion Superbet (Superbet), EbonyBet, 360Bets Limited, Bet Now Global Business Services Limited, Caryle Investment Limited (BetMunster), Camlake Limited (Wakabet) and West Africa Betting Company Limited (PMUbet).

The Commission also named Playwin International Limited (RukkaBet), Ana Lottery Ltd, ParknBet Champion Bookmakers. Nig. Limited, Space Gaming, Fane Int’l Sports Tour Limited (First Fane Sports), Zandalex Int’l Nigeria Limited, Gidi Games, Uwin Bets Limited, Megawin Bets Limited, Vertical Bets and Gaming Limited, Smart Bet Limited (Power Bet), EasyGold Network (Awoof Bet), Melbet and 22Bet as part of the illegal operators.

LovingBet, LionBet, NetBet, Nairapower Bet, SupaBet, SportBet, KorectWin, 2SureBet, Betwin9ja and Western Sportbet Nigeria Limited were also blacklisted by the commission.

Those hitherto operating illegally, in contravention of the relevant laws and guidelines would, henceforth , face the full wrath of the law as investigation is ongoing on their illegal activities, he said.

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