Category: News

Justice Donatus Okorowo of the Federal High Court, Abuja, on Monday, restrained the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from prosecuting the suspended Adamawa Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Hudu Yunusa-Ari.

INEC had dragged Yunusa-Ari to court over his declaration of Aisha ‘Binani’ Dahiru, the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, as the winner in the March 18 poll.

In the ex-parte motion marked: FHC/ABJ/CS/935/2023, moved by counsel to Ms. Dahiru, Michael Aondoaka, the APC candidate in the poll sued INEC, the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) and another as respondents.

Moving the motion on Monday, Aondoaka argued that until the election petition tribunal decides his client’s fate per section 149 of the Electoral Act, 2022, the prosecution of Mr Yunusa-Ari cannot be valid.

He said the decision of INEC to file an action against any person involved in Ms. Dahiru’s April 15 declaration as winner of the supplementary poll in the state when the tribunal was yet to determine the petition of his client, would deprive her of section 285(6) of the law which gives 180 days within which the petition filed on May 6 should be dispensed with.

He informed the court that though a similar suit was filed before Justice Inyang Ekwo, where a judicial review of INEC’s action was sought, the sister court ordered Ms. Dahiru to approach a tribunal with her suit, having been an election-related matter.

Mr Andoaka said an undertaking had been signed to prove to the court that the present suit was not frivolous.

He said in the undertaking, they were ready to face any cost should the court find the case to be frivolous.

After listening to Mr. Andoaka, Justice Okorowo ordered the parties to maintain the status quo ante bellum pending the hearing and determination of the matter.

The judge, who adjourned the matter until July 18 for a hearing, ordered the respondents to show cause while the reliefs sought by Ms. Dahiru should not be granted.

The Ministry of Health has urged Nigerians to make
conscious efforts to avoid contracting diphtheria, adding that everyone is at risk of
being infected with the disease.

The Ministry’s Health Promotion Department on Monday issued a health advisory, asking Nigerians to be cautious and protect themselves.

The department stated that the disease, a life-threatening infection caused by bacteria, is easily transmitted from person to person through coughing, sneezing, and contact with an open sore/blister/wound on the skin.

Diphtheria is caused by bacteria called Corynebacterium diphtheriae. The bacteria produce a toxin that causes severe damage to the respiratory system, heart, skin, and other organs.

The disease, which has an incubation period of usually two to five days after exposure, can extend to 10 days in some cases.

The ministry advisory, therefore, cautioned that “everyone is at risk of getting infected with diphtheria, especially children under five years and adults above 60 years.

“Also, children who have not completed three doses of the Pentavalent vaccination, people living in crowded areas, people that practice poor personal hygiene, and people living in areas with poor environmental hygiene and sanitary condition are also vulnerable.

“Additionally, people with weak immune systems, people that travel to infected areas, people living in areas with poor access to health facilities, people caring or having close contact with infected persons with diphtheria, and healthcare workers in endemic areas are also at risk.”

Meanwhile, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) had since December 2022, reported multiple diphtheria outbreaks in different states across the country.

However, as of June 30, NCDC said it confirmed 798 diphtheria cases from 33 local government areas in eight states of the federation, including the FCT.

The centre added that so far, a total of 80 deaths were recorded from the confirmed cases.

The signs and symptoms commonly associated with diphtheria are sore throats, which can be mild or severe, scratchy and painful, with a thick gray or white membrane that covers the back of the throat and tonsils.

Others are swollen and tender lymph nodes in the neck, fever, which can be moderate to high fever, usually above 38°C (100.4°F), cough, difficulty swallowing, rapid breathing, and difficulty in breathing, leading to blockage of the airway.

Some other symptoms are general weakness and fatigue and hoarseness or changes in voice when it affects the vocal cords.

However, there is treatment for diphtheria but early diagnosis is key.

The ministry’s directory advises anyone who experiences any of the signs and symptoms to promptly go to the nearest health facility
for proper diagnosis and treatment.

On prevention of the disease, the ministry said vaccination, promotion of herd immunity, and practice of good hygiene would help.

“Get vaccinated, diphtheria can be primarily prevented through vaccination. In Nigeria, three doses of the Pentavalent vaccine is administered
to children to prevent the five diseases namely Diphtheria, Tetanus, Pertussis (whooping cough), Hepatitis B and Hemophilus influenzae type B.

“The three doses are given as follows: first dose at six weeks of age, second dose at 10 weeks of age and third dose at 14 weeks of age.

“However, Tetanus Diphtheria (Td) vaccine is also given to children two to five years old during immuinisation campaigns, pregnant
women during Ante Natal Care and health workers that are involved in handling diphtheria outbreak vaccination response.”

The Federal Government also advised the practice of good personal hygiene by always washing hands with soap under clean running
water, clean hands with alcohol-based hand sanitizer if there is no water.

“Cover your mouth and nose with tissue or bent elbow when coughing or sneezing. Throw used tissue into the covered dustbin
immediately, avoid close contact with sick persons, and do not share personal items (clothes, cup, toothbrush) with another person,” the
government cautioned.

It also advised that surroundings should be kept clean, while people should avoid crowded places.

*Denounces Regional Coups

President Bola Tinubu, who assumed office as the President of Nigeria a few months ago, has been elected as the new Chairman of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), comprising 16 nations.

The unanimous endorsement by his fellow leaders reflects the trust and confidence they have in him.

During the 63rd Ordinary Session of the Authority of Heads of State and Government in Guinea-Bissau, Tinubu accepted the role on behalf of Nigeria and expressed his commitment to running an inclusive administration for the regional organization.

He emphasized the urgent need for collective action to address the escalating threats to peace, including terrorism and the growing trend of military takeovers. Tinubu underscored the importance of combating insecurity and terrorism, which hinder the region’s progress and development. He pledged to harmonize frameworks under his leadership to fulfill the aspirations of ECOWAS.

“On peace and security, the threat has reached an alarming level, and needs  urgent actions in addressing the challenges. Indeed, without a peaceful environment, progress and development in the region will continue to remain elusive. In this regard, we must remain committed to the utilisation of all regional frameworks at our disposal to address the menace of insecurity,” he declared.

President Tinubu noted that ECOWAS had developed a security architecture, which he noted, “covers a wide range of areas that involved kinetic and non-kinetic operations, including preventive diplomacy. There is also the Regional Plan of Action on Fight against Terrorism 2020-2024 as well as the operationalization of the ECOWAS Standby Force on Fight Against Terrorism. 

“I will ensure that we immediately harmonize these plans and mobilize resources as well as the political will to towards the actualisation of the initiatives. As terrorists do not respect boundaries, we must work collectively to have an effective regional counterterrorism measure,” the President further stated.

Commenting on his emergence as Chairman on his first participation at the summit, having just started out as the elected leader of Nigeria, the President stated that he was humbled and honoured by the trust to assume the leadership of the regional body, pledging his commitment to serve the interest of the community.

He said: “Indeed, I’m humbled and honoured by this trust, and want to assure you of my unalloyed commitment to provide the necessary leadership with dedication to serve the interest of the community.”

To underscore his commitment towards regional integration, the Nigerian President declared that he would prioritize political stability, peace and security, regional economic integration and strengthening of the ECOWAS institutions, declaring that democracy and good governance remain the abiding cornerstone of peace and sustainable development. While decrying the emerging pattern of coup d’etat in West Africa where soldiers have toppled the popular mandate of the people through barrel of guns, President Tinubu charged ECOWAS to stand firm in defence of democracy.

“We must stand firm on democracy. There is no governance, freedom and rule of law without Democracy. We will not accept coup after coup in West Africa again. Democracy is very difficult to manage but it is the best form of government. 

“There is no one here among us who did not campaign to be a leader. We didn’t give our soldiers resources, we didn’t invest in them, in their boots, in their training to violate the freedom of the people. To turn their guns against civil authorities is a violation of the principles upon which they were hired which is to defend the sovereignty of their nations. We must not sit in ECOWAS as toothless bulldogs,” the President warned.

On political stability, he said: “You will all agree with me that democracy and good governance are the cornerstones of peace and sustainable development of every society. I’m fully committed to deepening democracy and good governance in the region. 

“We must strengthen our democratic institutions and ensure the respect for human rights and the rule of law. I will enhance engagements with the countries in transition to ensure their quick return to democratic rule”. 

The new ECOWAS Chairman called for improved private sector participation in the effort towards the economic development of member-states as well as their social integration.

“We would work collectively to pursue an inclusive economic integration, which will be significantly private sector driven, in order to unlock the vast economic potentials of our region. We would actively promote trade, investment, and business cooperation among Member States by addressing the barriers impeding intra-regional trade, as well as creating a conducive business environment.

“We must encourage economic partnerships to raise the level of trade and investments in our region, hence facilitating employment creation and sustainable development and prosperity for our citizens. 

“To this end, we must look inward and work with our regional economic facilitation platforms such as the Federation of West of West Africa Chamber of Commerce and Industry (FEWACCI) as well as ECOWAS Trade Organisation Network to attain our desired goals, “he said further.

President Tinubu assured the regional leaders of the immediate implementation of his vision for the body, declaring that:

“In furtherance of my vision for our region’s economic recovery and growth, Nigeria intends to convene an ECOWAS Extra Ordinary Summit on Trade and Investment in October 2023. 

“The event will provide opportunity for Member States to showcase their potentials and encourage match-making, in order to evolve business cooperation among the various organized private sector within the region,” he added while calling for the strengthening of the institutions of the body.

“In the area of strengthening our Organisations Institutions and ensuring effective performance, we underscore the need for the conclusion of the on-going institutional reforms of the organization.

“Given that Community Levy remained the biggest source of generating funds to run our organization, we must ensure that our citizens being taxed must be positively impacted by the programmes and projects of ECOWAS. This is in line with the shift of ECOWAS slogan from “ECOWAS of State” to “ECOWAS of People,” the Nigerian President stressed.

He appreciated the Authority of Heads of States and citizens of the Community for trusting him to lead the West African body.

His words: “Your Excellencies, let me conclude by once again deeply appreciating the Authority of Heads of State and the citizens of the Community for your trust in me. Together, we can shape a brighter future of shared values of peace, democracy, and economic prosperity of our region.”

Earlier in his welcome address, the outgone ECOWAS Chairman and President of Republic of Guinea-Bissau, Umaro Mokhtar Sissoco Embalo, praised his fellow leaders for sustaining the vision of the organisation despite the global economic headwinds and trouble spots within the region. He cited Mali, Burkina Faso and Republic of Guinea as countries where the constitutional order had been distorted while congratulating Nigeria and Sierra Leone for sustaining constitutional order through democratic process with the recent successful elections.

The Department of State Services (DSS) on Sunday debunked reports that it arrested the former governor of Zamfara State, Senator Abdulaziz Yari over the just concluded race for the president of the senate.

The DSS also refuted speculation that it had stormed and raided the Independent Corrupt Practices and other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) and Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB) and carted away certain files from them and as well.

The Service made the clarification in a statement made available to newsmen in Abuja by the Spokesperson of the Service Dr Peter Afunnaya.

Media reports at the weekend had suggested that Yari was picked up over his alleged refusal to heed the plea of President Bola Tinubu to abandon his ambition to become President of the Senate.

According to the statement, “the so-called news platforms variously and wrongly fed the public with misleading narratives and accusations against the Service.

The statement reads: “The attention of the Department of State Services (DSS) has been drawn to false reports by sections of the online media, particularly Sahara Reporters, Peoples Gazette and Jackson Ude.

“The so-called news platforms variously and wrongly fed the public with misleading narratives and accusations against the Service.

”For instance, Sahara Reporters wrote that the Service stormed the Independent Corrupt Practices and other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) and Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB) and carted away certain files from them. Jackson Ude falsely claimed that there is a rumble in the DSS due to nepotism.

”He further accused the Service of snooping on Judges on the Presidential Election Petition Tribunal.

“On its part, Peoples Gazette reported that Senator Abdulaziz Yari was arrested for alleged refusal to pick up the President’s phone call (whatever that meant).

“There are other variants of unsubstantiated and anonymous petitions flying around against the DGSS, his family and some officials.

”The Service ordinarily would not have responded to these inaccuracies but for the fickle-minded and vulnerable persons as well as the unsuspecting public that may take the lies for facts.

“To set the records straight, the DSS did not execute operations of any kind at the ICPC and CCB or remove files from their offices.

“Instructively, the two agencies have, on their own, refuted the news in widely circulated press statements. It is petty, if not laughable, to report that Yari was invited for refusing to pick up the President’s call. This is the height of junk journalism. Yari knows why he was invited.

“In fact, the Service denies all the allegations as they lack any factual basis or credibility. They are only figments of the creators’ imaginations.

“This is more so that the publishers in question have been noted in and outside the country for their notoriety for peddling fake news, sensational and gutter journalism. Without a modicum of proper and civilised behaviour, they indulge in character assassinations and sundry blackmail as a business.

“It is not in doubt that their reports under reference are hatchet jobs designed to smear or impeach the integrity of the Service and its leadership.

“Notably, the Service proactively alerted the public about this development earlier in June 2023. While it is aware of the sponsors of these campaigns of calumny, it will simply allow them to exhaust themselves knowing too well that they would someday be brought to justice.

“Many days, it is said, are sure for the thief but there will be that one day for the owner of the house.

“It is clear that the writers and their sponsors are oblivious to the accolades the Service has continued to receive from the majority of stakeholders for excellent performance and its professional demeanour in handling many critical issues of national importance.

“Rather, they have chosen to use their platforms to subvert the Agency and undermine its capabilities.

”Restating its respect for the rule of law, independence and autonomy of other agencies including the Judiciary and Legislature, it will not shirk its responsibilities or allow some detractors to prevent it from undertaking its statutory duties or carrying out lawful orders by constituted authorities.

“If Yari or anyone else is to be invited or taken into custody, the Service will not hesitate to do so as far as that is procedurally done within the confines of the law.

It however promised that “the Service will remain focused, resilient, patriotic and professional in the conduct of its affairs and the members of the Public to disregard the misleading stories which are aimed at causing disaffection in the country and disparaging the Service’ leadership”

According to it, “the Service will continue to work with relevant stakeholders to address security challenges in the country in line with its mandate and the directives of the President. It does not matter how many times naysayers and hostile agents will plan to distract it.