Tuesday 3 November 2020

Endsars

This prompted Douglas Jack Agu, the Nigerian artiste popularly known as Runtown, to call for a protest on October 8 in Lagos against the unit of the Nigeria Police Force allegedly responsible for offences against the population.

Supported by Folarin Falana, better known as Falz, the demand was simple: End SARS, definitively this time.

This has gone long enough and now we MUST take action! I'll be leading a protest to

#ENDSARS on Thursday, October 8th 2020.

They MUST listen to us, they MUST make/effect REAL and VISIBLE changes! Empty promises won't work this time!!!

— Runtown (@iRuntown) October 4, 2020

Nigeria internationals weren’t left out, with players abroad putting their influence on their social media to use by tweeting in support of the peaceful protests. Indeed, currently unattached Super Eagles midfielder John Ogu was on the ground, actively participating by joining the plethora of demonstrators in Lagos.

This continued until the events of October 20, where the military allegedly fired live rounds at protesters at the Lekki Toll Gate.

Odion Ighalo, former Nigeria international, condemned the incident immediately after

Manchester United defeated Paris-Saint Germain, labelling the Nigerian government ‘a shame to the world’ in an impassioned 90-second video on the Parc des Princes turf.

Pray for NIGERIA🇳🇬✊🏿 pic.twitter.com/V7i4Ngs9qd

— Odion Jude Ighalo (@ighalojude) October 20, 2020

Following the denials from the powers that be, Ogu, still representing the national team despite being uninvolved lately, spoke to BBC World Service radio on October 23, beseeching his colleagues to boycott Nigeria’s pair of Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers with Sierra Leone in November.

"What is the point in representing the country if this is what the politicians, the people we're representing, can do to us?" Ogu told the World Football show on Friday. "I feel like this is the best thing to do right now until they get back to their senses and listen to us.

"We want a good government, the police brutality to stop, we want the SARS to stop, we want the killings to stop, we want good laws, we want job opportunities. It's just crazy.

He continued: "I believe most of my colleagues understand where I am coming from, I wish we can do this. There are games coming up and if we boycott these games I'm sure they will know we've made a statement.

"I haven't really spoken to any of my teammates about this. They feel for the people here, their loved ones, those that have died. I'm sure the players are aware."

#EndSarsNow #EndBadGovernmentinNIGERIA

#EndPoliceBrutalityinNigeria #EndSWAT

#SarsMustGo pic.twitter.com/dOy0lC3OJ2

— John Ogu (@ogujohnugo) October 18, 2020

Ogu’s initial plea to boycott the game vs the Leone Stars was understandable given the circumstances, and there was hope among some supporters that the players had the firmness to indeed make a statement, even though it remained to be seen whether the government would respond to such an eye-opening decision.

Reacting to the 32-year-old’s frank view, an NFF official speaking to the Guardian Nigeria criticised the midfielder, calling him ‘unpatriotic’ for even bringing up the ‘nonsense’ suggestion. He finished by stating the midfield man's pleas stem from the fact he’s now on the periphery of the national team.

The midfielder subsequently reversed his initial standpoint, with a Twitter post on Wednesday reflecting his change of heart.

"I want to sincerely apologise to Nigerians, the Nigerian Football Federation and the players of the Super Eagles, both past and present and even those dreaming to wear the green and white jersey that I wore with great pride and honour,” the statement read.

“My comments about the Super Eagles boycotting the Afcon qualifiers was said in the heat of the moment from a place of pain, frustration and anger for the shooting of harmless, flag carrying and national anthem singing Nigerians, at the Lekki toll gate.

“I wish that my comments that were spoken out of anger and pain would not cause more division in our football and even at a time such as this that the nation needs to pull together. Thank you.”

GOD BLESS NIGERIA 🇳🇬. pic.twitter.com/vgcXpoCmN6

— John Ogu (@ogujohnugo) October 28, 2020

The exact reasons behind Ogu's u-turn may not be entirely clear, but was it justifiable that accusations of a lack of patriotism were aimed at the midfielder?

He could have been defended for being passionate about this cause, about the well-being of his compatriots, and for sticking fervently to his beliefs.

Surely, he didn't need to apologise for his emotions running high...this is what being human is about, after all, isn't it?

It also appears unfair to suggest that Ogu’s prior message to the Super Eagles was borne out of his recent lack of involvement. The midfielder, like many Nigerians, wants what’s best for the country and it could be argued that he was actually the patriotic one, given his initial calls for the Nigeria team to present a united front.

At the time of writing, boycotting November’s pair of games seems to be on ice, unless there’s a quick turn of events in the coming days.

The upshot of refusing to turn up against the nation currently in third spot in Group L would have meant the points were awarded to the Leone Stars. Given that Gernot Rohr’s men currently sit atop the standings, after victories over Benin and Lesotho, six points going Sierra Leone’s way was going to put the African giants in a position where securing victories in their final games was imperative.

Also, there may have been far-reaching sanctions imposed by the Confederation of African Football if the three-time African champions were uninvolved next month, but given the context, perhaps it could have been a hit worth taking.

It’s not business as usual, and the former Hapoel Be'er Sheva player wanted his colleagues in the national team to reflect this by showing unity when, for the first time in ages, young citizens made themselves heard during the protests. His initial emotive comments had been a breath of fresh air.

After forthright thoughts on social media, it was time to actually walk the talk by taking a stand. It wasn’t going to imply Ogu and his teammates are ‘unpatriotic’, rather it meant they’d be empathetic human beings who truly understand why their boycott makes them heroes for doing the bare minimum in speaking up against the plight of their countrymen. #EndSARS: Would a potential Super Eagles boycott be 'unpatriotic'?

Seye Omidiora

Correspondent

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Monday 27 April 2020

COVID-19 Lockdown: Buhari Addresses Nigerians (Full Speech)

Lockdown Extension: Buhari To Decide Governors' Proposal

Buhari addresses Nigerians as Africa’s most populous nation grapples with the coronavirus pandemic (image courtesy: State House)

President Muhammadu Buhari on Monday eased the lockdown imposed on Abuja, Lagos and Ogun over the coronavirus pandemic with effect from May 4.

The Nigerian leader, in a nationwide broadcast, said “in line with the recommendations of the Presidential Task Force on COVID-19, the various Federal Government committees that have reviewed socio-economic matters and the Nigeria Governors Forum, I have approved a phased and gradual easing of lockdown measures in FCT, Lagos and Ogun States effective from Monday, 4th May, 2020.”

Concise News reports that Buhari had on 29 May imposed the lockdown on the aforementioned areas for an initial period of 14 days, asking citizens to stay in their homes.

The Nigerian leader, on 13 April, extended the lockdown for another two weeks.

Till date, Nigeria has recorded 40 deaths as a result of the virus.

Read full speech below:

Fellow Nigerians

2. I will start by commending you all for the resilience and patriotism that you have shown in our collective fight against the biggest health challenge of our generation.

3. As at yesterday, 26th April 2020, some 3 million confirmed cases of COVID-19 have been recorded globally with about 900,000 recoveries. Unfortunately, some 200,000 people have passed away as a result of this pandemic.

4. The health systems and economies of many nations continue to struggle as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.

5. Nigeria continues to adapt to these new global realities on a daily basis. Today, I will present the facts as they are and explain our plans for the coming months fully aware that some key variables and assumptions may change in the coming days or weeks.

6. Exactly two weeks ago, there were 323 confirmed cases in 20 States and the Federal Capital Territory.

7. As at this morning, Nigeria had recorded 1,273 cases across 32 States and the FCT. Unfortunately, this includes 40 deaths.

8. I am using this opportunity to express our deepest condolences to the families of all Nigerians that have lost their loved ones as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. This is our collective loss and we share your grief.

9. Initial models predicted that Nigeria will record an estimated 2,000 confirmed cases in the first month after the index case.

10. This means that despite the increase in the number of confirmed cases recorded in the past two weeks, the measures we have put in place thus far have yielded positive outcomes against the projections.

11. The proportion of cases imported from other countries has reduced to only 19% of new cases, showing that our border closures yielded positive results. These are mostly fellow Nigerians returning through our land borders. We will continue to enforce land border arrival protocols as part of the containment strategy.

12. Today, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) has accredited 15 laboratories across the country with an aggregate capacity to undertake 2,500 tests per day across the country.

13. Based on your feedback, Lagos State Government and the FCT with support from NCDC have established several sample collection centers. They are also reviewing their laboratory testing strategy to further increase the number of tests they can perform including the accreditation of selected private laboratories that meet the accreditation criteria.

14. Several new fully equipped treatment and isolation centres have been operationalised across the country thereby increasing bed capacity to about three thousand.

15. I commend the State Governors for the activation of State-level Emergency Operation Centres, establishment of new treatment centres and the delivery of aggressive risk communication strategies.

16. Over 10,000 healthcare workers have been trained. For their protection, additional personal protective equipment have been distributed to all the states.

17. Although we have experienced logistical challenges, we remain committed to establishing a solid supply chain process to ensure these heroic professionals can work safely and are properly equipped.

18. In keeping with our Government’s promise to improve the welfare of healthcare workers, we have signed a memorandum of understanding on the provision of hazard allowances and other incentives with key health sector professional associations.

19. We have also procured insurance cover for 5,000 frontline health workers. At this point, I must commend the insurance sector for their support in achieving this within a short period of time.

20. Nigeria has also continued to receive support from the international community, multilateral agencies, the private sector and public-spirited individuals. This support has ensured that critical lifesaving equipment and materials, which have become scarce globally, are available for Nigeria through original equipment manufacturers and government-to-government processes.

21. The distribution and expansion of palliatives which I directed in my earlier broadcast is still ongoing in a transparent manner. I am mindful of the seeming frustration being faced by expectant citizens. I urge all potential beneficiaries to exercise patience as we continue to finetune our logistical and distribution processes working with the State Governments.

22. Our Security Agencies continue to rise to the challenge posed by this unusual situation. While we feel deeply concerned about isolated security incidents, I want to assure all Nigerians that your safety and security remain our primary concern especially in these difficult and uncertain times.
23. As we focus on protecting lives and properties, we will not tolerate any human rights abuse by our security agencies. The few reported incidences are regrettable, and I want to assure you that the culprits will be brought to justice.

24. I urge all Nigerians to continue to cooperate and show understanding whenever they encounter security agents. Furthermore, for their protection, I have instructed that the personnel of all the security agencies be provided with the necessary personal protective equipment against infection.

25. As we continue to streamline our response in the centers of Lagos and the FCT, I am gravely concerned about the unfortunate developments in Kano in recent days. Although an in-depth investigation is still ongoing, we have decided to deploy additional Federal Government manpower, material and technical resources to strengthen and support the State Government’s efforts, with immediate effect.

26. In Kano, and indeed many other States that are recording new cases, preliminary findings show that such cases are mostly from interstate travel and emerging community transmission.

27. Drawing from these, I implore all Nigerians to continue to adhere strictly to the advisories published by the Presidential Task Force and the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control.

28. These include regular hand washing, physical distancing, wearing of face masks/coverings in public, avoidance of non-essential movement and travels and avoidance of large gatherings.

29. Fellow Nigerians, for the past four weeks, most parts of our country have been under either Federal Government or State Government lockdown. As I mentioned earlier, these steps were necessary and overall, have contributed to slowing down the spread of COVID-19 in our country.

30. However, such lockdowns have also come at a very heavy economic cost. Many of our citizens have lost their means of livelihood. Many businesses have shut down. No country can afford the full impact of a sustained lockdown while awaiting the development of vaccines.

31. In my last address, I mentioned that Federal Government will develop strategies and policies that will protect lives while preserving livelihoods.

32. In these two weeks, the Federal and State Governments have jointly and collaboratively worked hard on how to balance the need to protect health while also preserving livelihoods, leveraging global best practices while keeping in mind our peculiar circumstances.

33. We assessed how our factories, markets, traders and transporters can continue to function while at the same time adhering to NCDC guidelines on hygiene and social distancing.

34. We assessed how our children can continue to learn without compromising their health.

35. We reviewed how our farmers can safely plant and harvest in this rainy season to ensure our food security is not compromised. Furthermore, we also discussed how to safely transport food items from rural production areas to industrial processing zones and ultimately, to the key consumption centers.

36. Our goal was to develop implementable policies that will ensure our economy continues to function while still maintaining our aggressive response to the COVID-19 pandemic. These same difficult decisions are being faced by leaders around the world.

37. Based on the above and in line with the recommendations of the Presidential Task Force on COVID-19, the various Federal Government committees that have reviewed socio-economic matters and the Nigeria Governors Forum, I have approved a phased and gradual easing of lockdown measures in FCT, Lagos and Ogun States effective from Monday, 4th May, 2020.

38. However, this will be followed strictly with aggressive reinforcement of testing and contact tracing measures while allowing the restoration of some economic and business activities in certain sectors.

39. Furthermore, new nationwide measures are to be introduced as follows;
a. There will be an overnight curfew from 8pm to 6am. This means all movements will be prohibited during this period except for essential services;
b. There will be a ban on non-essential inter-state passenger travel until further notice;
c. Partial and controlled interstate movement of goods and services will be allowed for the movement of goods and services from producers to consumers; and
d. We will strictly ensure the mandatory use of face masks or coverings in public in addition to maintaining physical distancing and personal hygiene. Furthermore, the restrictions on social and religious gatherings shall remain in place. State Governments, corporate organisations and philanthropists are encouraged to support the production of cloth masks for citizens.

40. For the avoidance of doubt, the lockdown in the FCT, Lagos and Ogun States shall remain in place until these new ones come into effect on Monday, 4th May 2020.

41. The Presidential Task Force shall provide sector specific details to allow for preparations by Governments, businesses and institutions.
42. In respect to the above guidelines, State Governors may choose to adapt and expand based on their unique circumstances provided they maintain alignment with the guidelines issued above.
43. To support our businesses and traders, the monetary and fiscal authorities shall deploy all the necessary provisions needed for production to continue and thus, jobs restored.

44. These revised guidelines will not apply to Kano State.

45. With regards to Kano, I have directed the enforcement of a total lockdown for a period of two weeks effective immediately. The Federal Government shall deploy all the necessary human, material and technical resources to support the State in controlling and containing the pandemic and preventing the risk of further spread to neighboring States.

46. I wish to once again commend the frontline workers across the country who, on a daily basis, risk everything to ensure we win this fight. For those who got infected in the line of duty, rest assured that Government will do all it takes to support you and your families during this exceedingly difficult period. I will also take this opportunity to assure you all that your safety, wellbeing and welfare remain paramount to our Government.

47. I will also recognise the support we have received from our traditional rulers, the Christian Association of Nigeria, the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs and other prominent religious and community leaders. Your cooperation and support have significantly contributed to the successes we have recorded to date.

48. I will urge you all to please continue to create awareness on the seriousness of the coronavirus among your worshippers and communities while appealing that they strictly comply with public health advisories.

49. I also thank the Nigeria Governors’ Forum and the Presidential Task Force for all their hard work to date. Through this collaboration, I remain confident that success is achievable.

50. I also wish to thank corporate organisations, philanthropists, the UN system, the European Union, friendly nations, the media and other partners that have taken up the responsibility of supporting our response.

51. And finally, I will thank all Nigerians again for your patience and cooperation during this difficult and challenging period. I assure you that government shall continue to take all necessary measures to protect the lives and livelihoods of our citizens and residents.

52. I thank you for listening and may God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria

Latest Biafra News Online Update Today Saturday April 25th 2020

Nnamdi Kanu/File Photo

Welcome to the compilation of the latest world Biafra online news headlines on Concise News for today Saturday, April 25th, 2020.

Nnamdi Kanu Reacts To Anti-Lockdown Protest In Ogun State

Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the outlawed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), has reacted to a protest staged against the lockdown in Ogun State.

Some indigenes of Ogun marched to the palace of the Alake of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Aremu Gbadebo, with cries of being tired of the lockdown because of hunger.

In reaction, Nnamdi Kanu, who acknowledged the need for a lockdown, however blamed the hardship suffered by the people on the ‘cabal’ ruling Nigeria.

“As necessary as the #COVIDLockdown is, the INSENSITIVE Cabal ruling Nigeria continues to ignore the rising hunger/hardships. The masses of Ogun State taking to the streets is indicative of a nationwide angst against a union that has outlived its usefulness,” he tweeted.

That’s the latest Biafra news headline on Concise News for today. More Biafra and Nigerian news headlines are on this website.

I Was Almost Aborted By My Mother – BBNaija’s Mercy Eke

Mercy Eke (source: Instagram)

Former BBNaija reality TV star, Mercy Eke has revealed that she was almost aborted by her mother while the woman was pregnant with her.

Mercy Eke stated that her mother almost took the decision because catering to another child appeared burdensome to her.

The tale from her mother made her decide that he must become somebody in life which eventually came to pass when she won the 2019 BBNaija show.

She said: “My mom told me that, when she was carrying me, there was this aunt of mine, my dad’s cousin, who came and asked her, ‘Are you still pregnant after all these kids you have?,” Mercy said.

“That really got my mom trying to abort me. My mum told that what she did was when she goes to the farm, she would climb a tree and intentionally fall from there to see if she could get rid of me.

“When she told me that, I had told myself that I had to make it, whatever it took to be somebody. I had to make her proud somehow for what she did for me.”

COVID-19 Lockdown: 39 Strippers, Others Arrested In Lagos

Some of the suspects

The police in Lagos state, southwest Nigeria, say they have arrested and charged 620 persons, including 39 strippers at a nightclub, for violating the lockdown directive.

Spokesman for the police in Lagos, Bala Elkana, said seven inter-state commercial buses were impounded and 95 travellers and their drivers were arrested and charged for defying the government’s lockdown directives.

He also said that 211 other violators were arrested in different parts of the state.

Elkana said, “On Tuesday, April 21, 2020, around 8pm, acting on information, operatives from the Denton Police Station arrested 95 inter-state travellers at the Bhojson area, Ebute Meta, in seven commercial buses with number plates LG 91 BGT, travelling from Lagos to Benue; BDA 690 XA, Lagos to Abuja; BGA 86 EA, Lagos to Abuja; LSD 459 XA, Lagos to Benue; LRN 105 YR, Lagos to Ilorin; LSD 81 XX, Lagos to Ilorin; and BWR 975 PN, Lagos to Abuja.

“The buses were impounded; the drivers and passengers were arraigned before a mobile court and sentenced accordingly. In addition, 211 violators of the lockdown order were also arrested in different parts of the state and also charged.”

It was learned that on Thursday, April 23, 2020, men of the Maroko Police Division arrested 10 suspects for organising a party at the Lekki Gardens, along the Lekki-Epe Expressway.

Elkana said the suspects were charged and sentenced to six months’ imprisonment each, while 121 violators of the lockdown order were also arrested, charged, fined and ordered to do community service for two hours.

“On April 23, 2020, around 10.30pm, operatives from the Maroko Police Station arrested 10 suspects for organising a party at the Lekki Gardens. The suspects were arraigned on three counts and found guilty as charged. They were sentenced to six months’ imprisonment and community service to run concurrently,” he said.

“Similarly, 121 violators of the lockdown order were arrested in different parts of the state and charged. They were awarded fines ranging from N5,000 to N10,000 and two hours community service.”

Also, police team from Idimu arrested 39 suspects for clubbing in a hotel against the lockdown order of the government.

The police spokesman said the suspects had been charged, adding that the enforcement team of the Rapid Response Squad of the command also arrested the Imam of the Sheik Central Mosque, Suleiman Abubakar, for violating the social distancing regulation when he held an evening prayer involving a large number of worshippers in a mosque in the Mile 12 area of the state.

“On April 24, 2020, around 1.30am, acting on credible intelligence, operatives from the Idimu Police Station arrested 39 suspects in a hotel at Idimu for clubbing and striptease. This is in total violation of the lockdown order and social distancing regulations,” Elkana said.

“Also, on the same day, around 8.30pm, the enforcement team of the RRS arrested one Suleiman Abubakar, the Imam of the Sheik Central Mosque, Mile 12, for holding evening prayers (Maghrib and Isha) in the mosque with a large number of worshippers in violation of the social distancing regulations.

Nigerian Newspapers: Top 10 Headlines Monday, April 27th, 2020

Nigerian Newspapers: Top 10 Headlines Today

Nigerian newspapers headlines by Concise news

Welcome to the Concise News roundup of the top 10 Nigerian newspapers headlines for today Monday, April 27th, 2020.

1. Buhari Briefed As COVID-19 Lockdown Expires Monday

President Muhammadu Buhari has been briefed on the latest development in Nigeria as regards the coronavirus pandemic ravaging the world. The country’s health minister Dr Osagie Ehanire, and the Director-General of the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), Dr. Chikwe Ihekweazu, met with the Nigerian leader on Sunday in Abuja. The meeting comes barely 24 hours to the expiration of the total lockdown in Lagos, Abuja, and Ogun by the president.

2. Coronavirus: Nigeria Records 91 New Cases, Five More Deaths

The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) Sunday said 91 more people had tested positive for the coronavirus, bringing the country’s total cases to 1,273. Concise News reports that 43 of the new infections were recorded in Lagos, eight in Sokoto and six in Taraba. The health agency also reported that Nigeria’s total deaths from the virus had increases to 40 while 239 people had recovered.

3. More Prominent People Die In Kano State

A professor of mass communication at the Bayero University, Kano, Balarabe Maikaba, died on Sunday after a brief illness amid growing tension over reports of people dying as a result of a yet-to-be-identified disease. It is understood that many people, including the elite, have died, with Dala, Fagge, Tarauni, Nasarawa, Gwale, and Kano Municipal worst hit.

4. COVID-19 Lockdown: 39 Strippers, Others Arrested In Lagos

The police in Lagos state, southwest Nigeria, say they have arrested and charged 620 persons, including 39 strippers at a nightclub, for violating the lockdown directive. Spokesman for the police in Lagos, Bala Elkana, said seven inter-state commercial buses were impounded and 95 travellers and their drivers were arrested and charged for defying the government’s lockdown directives. He also said that 211 other violators were as well arrested in different parts of the state.

5. COVID-19: Ikpeazu Locks Down Three LGAs In Abia State

Governor Okezie Ikpeazu has locked down three local government areas in Abia state, southeast Nigeria, as part of efforts to check further spread of coronavirus (COVID-19) in the state. The governor announced the lockdown on Saturday, saying that an extensive contact tracing exercise had commenced in Ukwa West, Ikwuano and Umuahia North.

6. Coronavirus: Suspected Killer Of Afenifere Leader’s Daughter Test Positive

The government of Ondo state, southwest Nigeria, has reported three new cases of coronavirus (COVID-19), bringing the total in the state to seven. Concise News understands that one of the persons that tested positive for COVID-19 had been arraigned in a court in Akure over the killing of Mrs Funke Olakunrin, the daughter of National Leader of Afenifere, Pa Reuben Fasoranti.

7. Kaduna State Govt Extends COVID-19 Lockdown

The government of Kaduna state, northwest Nigeria, has extended the period of the COVID-19 lockdown in the state for 30 more days. The Kaduna government disclosed this on Twitter on Sunday evening. “KADUNA UPDATE: Malam Nasir @elrufai has extended the quarantine orders in the state for another 30 days, effective from 26th April 2020. The decision follows a recommendation to that effect by the State Standing Committee on Covid-19, chaired by @DrHadizaBalarabe,” it posted.