BREAKING: Court Restrains Sacked Oyo LG Chairmen, AGF, IGP From Forceful Takeover Of LG Councils

An Oyo State High Court sitting in Ibadan, the State capital, on Tuesday restrained the 68 sacked council chairmen and chairmen of Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs) from the forceful and illegal takeover of the council offices across the state.

The Court, presided over by Honourable Justice Moshud A.A. Abass, granted the four reliefs sought by the lead counsel to the Oyo State Government, Dr. Akin Onigbinde, SAN, including an order of interim injunction restraining the sacked chairmen from forcefully taking over the Local Government Councils or taking steps capable of causing breach of peace in the State.

The orders of interim injunction, which were granted by the Oyo State High Court followed an ex-parte motion filed by the State Government in Suit No: I/78/2020.
Also restrained were the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, SAN; Inspector General of Police, Mohammed Abubakar; Commissioner of Police, Oyo State Command, Mr. Shina Olukolu, and the Oyo State APC chairman, Mr. Akin Oke.

The parties and their agents were restrained from taking any step that could tamper with the pending the hearing and determination of the Motion on Notice.

According to the Court, the sacked chairmen, as well as the four other defendants, their officers, agents, privies or otherwise, were restrained from taking steps that would cause a breach of peace by embarking on self-help to give effect to a letter dated 14th January 2020 with reference number HAGF/OYO/2020/VOL.I/1 issued by the Attorney General of the Federation to the sacked chairmen and the Inspector General of Police pending the hearing and determination of the motion on notice.

LG crisis: We will prosecute those who vandalized LGs properties -Oyo govt

…Says sacked chairmen’s destruction of councils criminal

’Govt’ll await Appeal Court judgment’

 

The government of Oyo State declared on Monday that it will bring the full weight of the law to bear on the criminal and violent takeover of some Local Governments and Local Council Development Areas' secretariats by the dissolved illegal chairmen loyal to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Reports from different parts of Oyo State confirmed on Monday that the sacked chairmen resorted to break-ins and vandalisation of government properties, leading some imposters to seize offices of council Chairmen.

The State Government, in a statement by Honourable Babatunde Oduyoye, the Special Adviser on Strategy and Political Matters to Governor Seyi Makinde, maintained that the action of the sacked chairmen amounted to criminality and unwarranted provocation.

It condemned what it called unwarranted lawlessness and motor-park-like brigandage perpetrated by the sacked chairmen on Monday.

According to the State Government, the imposters broke into council offices, vandalising gates, doors, windows and other properties at the respective local council secretariats.

The government, however, appealed to the teeming people of the State to remain calm, law-abiding and patient, pending the decision of the Court of Appeal on the matter slated for 19 February 2020.

It promised that  "a drastic measure “will be taken on the reports of destruction and violence which characterised the actions of the sacked chairmen on Monday.

Hon Oduyoye said: "We have received reports of vandalisation of government property. We have received reports of wanton destruction of doors, windows, and others, and I can tell you that the governor will not sit down and watch while some people decide to be lawless. This is criminal and the government will pursue it to a logical conclusion. 

"So, pending the determination of the cases at the Court of Appeal, I think it is only appropriate for these chairmen to be law-abiding because we had said earlier that it is sub judice and we cannot do anything until these cases are determined in the court. 

"For the records, the state government, in a statement yesterday, did say that we are going to ensure we do not allow a breakdown of law and order. As we speak, there are two cases in the Court of Appeal and the cases are coming up on February 19th. I do not know why the Attorney-General of the Federation wrote such a letter that is now being used as excuse by some to act recklessly. We will recall that he did a similar thing on the issue of Amotekun.”

The Special Adviser added that as a law-abiding and peace-loving Government, the 68 caretaker chairmen appointed by Governor Makinde were directed to stay away from the secretariats in order to forestall an outbreak of violence, noting, however, that the chairmen have been charged with keeping peace and order in their respective local councils.

He added: “We in Oyo State are law-abiding citizens. The government directed the chairmen to maintain peace. We have just finished a meeting now and workers in the state under the umbrella of NULGE are on strike, and you now begin to ask why the sacked APC council chairmen went to the local government councils. 

“The issue is, there is industrial action by NULGE. I think they are justified by the level of reports we have received of people macheting PDP members they found around the local government councils’ premises, destroying government properties, forcing doors open and all that. NULGE was right to have taken such a decision. We do not begrudge them for doing that but we have told our people to be law-abiding. We have told the chairmen too to ensure there is no breakdown of law and order within the local government areas.”

Speaking on the situation that led to the current imbroglio, Oduyoye maintained that the Court should be allowed to take its decision on who is right or wrong on the matter on ground, insisting, however, that the government, under the leadership of Governor Makinde, would not sit down and watch some desperate elements destroy the state and create fear in the minds of the people.

"Whether one is right or the other is wrong, it is not for me to decide. The court will decide.  This is a very simple matter. An election was held when there was an injunction. Second, elections took place in LCDAs not recognised by the Constitution. These are matters before the court.

“As I said, the court will decide if you can conduct elections in areas not recognized by the constitution and, if you can go ahead to conduct an election when there was a pending injunction, these are matters for the Court of Appeal to decide upon.

Pending that time, we have appealed to the good people of Oyo State to be calm, law-abiding and we will ensure we do something about the report sent to us on those who have destroyed government property,” Oduyoye said.

Signed

Hon. Babatunde Oduyoye

Special Adviser on Strategy and Political Matters

January 27, 2020.

NEWSPAPERS HEADLINES FOR MONDAY 27TH JANUARY 2020

*PUNCH*

Amotekun, the fearsome cat threatening selfish ambitions

Insecurity creating more widows, orphans, says Olurode

Summon Buhari on national security, PDP urges NASS

Man allegedly stabs girlfriend to death in Bauchi

Edo PDP attacks Umahi for endorsing Obaseki

Four ways to access pension benefits PenOp

FG acquires training simulator for aviation college

Equities generate N22.76bn turnover in one week

Digital economy, most promising Obaseki

7.5% VAT implementation begins February 1

Nigeria recorded 43 building collapse cases in 2019 Report

Education, risk management key to forex trading Experts

Recapitalisation: NAICOM plans to retain 70% local content

Reconstruction: Ikeja residents raise the alarm over building collapse

Airtel Nigeria gets commendation for touching lives

Lagos physical planning appeals committee begins sitting

More clarity on Finance Act will boost compliance SWIT

NBCC, UK create partnership to drive investment

Nigerias abandoning its natural resources shameful

7.5% VAT implementation begins February 1

UPDATE: Kobe Bryant, daughter, seven others die in helicopter crash

NLC writes El-Rufai over withheld check-off dues

Four ways to access pension benefits 'PenOp

FG acquires training simulator for aviation college

Start strike immediately your salary is stopped, ASUU tells lecturers

Nigerians should be thankful that bombing has reduced Presidency

Equities generate N22.76bn turnover in one week

Amotekun proposed law: Personnel will have power to arrest criminals, says AG

*VANGUARD*

Paga acquires Ethiopia-based tech firm, Apposit

Police smash robbery syndicate that steals vehicles from churches

CRR Hike: CBN curtails banks' lending power by N1.2trn

Stock market records 200% rise in new listings

Seplat set for more asset acquisitions, growth ' Aavurua

Man stabs girlfriend to death for receiving phone call from male friend

Four more companies beat deadline for release of end year results

Access Bank, Wigwe honoured at THISDAY Silver Jubilee celebration

Edo 2020: Oshiomhole not fighting Obaseki says Iriase, others

Edo PDP faults Umahi, petitions national chairman over Obaseki's endorsement

Akwa Ibom Re-run: Ekpenyong wins again

2023: Gbagi, Odebala preach Urhobo unity in London

Overhead bridges: 36 persons arrested for crossing expressway in Lagos

Four suspected Fulani herdsmen found dead in Nsukka communities

Accidental discharge: Senatorial candidate shot dead by NSCDC official in Imo

WHO chief to meet Chinese government on coronavirus

As the new Finance Law takes off

Leah Sharibu hasn't denied her faith, says Northern CAN

Why invasion of NASS/Mace saga is considered dead 'Senate

Crisis looms in Oyo as parties claim legitimacy

Kano re-run: My mandate was stolen but I accept defeat ' Jibrin

Kano Rerun: Jibrin loses bid to return to House of Reps

Akwa Ibom Re-run: Ekpenyong defeats Akpabio again

Amotekun has shown that restructuring is inevitable ' Bakare

Kogi Politics: Former Kogi Gov. Idris, son, reject claims for Expulsion

PDP wins Akwa Ibom rerun polls

Bauchi Supplementary elections: PDP clinches Zaki Federal Constituency seat

Bauchi Rerun: PDP records another victory as INEC declares Gololo winner in Gamawa

*THE NATION*

Borno, Sokoto take preventive measures

Ogun patient not dead, says commissioner

Mbaka: Prophecy and counter-prophecy

Osun govt takes campaign to churches

Four years of Bellos footprints in Kogi

NDDC donates kits, drugs in Rivers

Lassa fever: Death toll rises as states take precautions

Making disabled persons votes count

Setbacks in Ogun PDP

UK seeks proper use of N3.5b Delta cash

PDP wins Akwa Ibom rerun

Bello to be sworn in today

Cross River re-run: APC wins National Assembly seat, PDP gets state assembly

T.Y. Danjuma Foundation donates N200m for health, education

Military is tired, blame politicians for prevailing insurgency -Nyako

Fed.Govt, ASUU row over payroll grows

Mace snatching report dead, says Senate

Fed Govts case against Amadi, IDID Nigeria Ltd resumes Wednesday

BREAKING: Ihedioha heads to Supreme Court for review of Imo gov judgement

Rev Mother Ajayi to open Lekki church

Sade Adu, Chamillionaire, five other Nigerians who won The Grammy

What you need to know about the 2020 Grammy Awards

Waheed Ogunbiyi marks birthday with hospital patients

Shina Peters affection for wife Sammy

How K1 made Asiwaju Tinubu dance

Maiyegun Chieftaincy Title: Kayode Ajulo breaks silence

Adams Oshiomhole flatters Jonathan

Finecoat Paints CEO to remember dad

*THISDAY*

Stepping Up Fight against Inflation

FG Seeks Support on National Policy on Methanol

Polaris Salary Advance Excites Customers

Finance Act Will Align Tax Laws to Current Realities

CoralPay Deploys CGate Solution to Ease Payment

Baobab MFB Gets BBB Rating

Vitafoam Grows First Quarter Profit after Tax by 126% to N819m

Firm Partners FG to Bridge Housing Deficit

US Basketball Great, Kobe Bryant, Daughter, Three Others Die in Helicopter...

CAF CONFEDERATION CUP: Rangers Win in Egypt, Fail to Qualify for...

Kanus Hotel Dispute with AMCON to Resume Hearing Tomorrow

Nigeria Will Reap Benefits of Oyo Unity Cup Soon, Says Falode

TRANSFER NEWS Lampard Calls for Chelsea to Make Fresh Signings

FA CUP. Man Utd Fans Voice Frustration Despite 6-0 Thrashing of Tranmere

Inter to Complete Eriksen Deal Today

AUSTRALIAN OPEN: Federer Reaches Qfinals

Djokovic to Face Raonic in Qfinals

Coco Gaufs Fairy-tale Run Ends

SArabia Wealth Fund in Talks to Buy Newcastle for 340m

Fireworks as NOGIG 2020 Preliminaries Begin

Serie A: In-form Ronaldo Leads Juventus to Napoli

Iheanacho Man of Match in Leicesters FA Cup Win

Australia Open: Kyrgios to Face Nadal in Last 16

Again, Emefiele Forecloses Possibility of Currency Devaluation

Airtel Launches 0904 Number Series

FG Warns Contractors against Poor Project Delivery

Adeduntan: Banking Sector Recapitalisation Will Support Economic Growth

All-Share Index Year-to-date Growth Hits 10.4% as Bulls Remain in Control

*THE SUN*

State of affairs taking toll on Nigerians 'Jemibewon

APC wins Reps seat in Ogun

APC wins Okigwe North federal constituency rerun

Ekpenyong wins Akwa Ibom N'West rerun

Reps rerun: APC floors PDP in Cross River

PDP, APC win federal constituency seats in Kano, Sokoto, Bauchi, Kaduna re-run

Terrorism: PDP charges NASS to summon Buhari

PDP wins Niger Assembly rerun election

Only Buhari 'll decide Oshiomhole's APC future ' Jigawa gov

Akwa Ibom rerun: I'm done declares Mike Igini

US basketball legend Kobe Bryant dies in helicopter crash

Saudi Arabia wealth fund in talks to buy Newcastle United for 340 million

Lekki Deep Seaport to generate $158bn, induce business

Nestle re-launches Golden Morn with Soya

Guinea-Bissau seeks Nigeria's support in rice production

Six governors, others for NEXIM South-South enlightenment campaign

FG orders Nami to surpass N8.5trn target

Ondo begins payment of N30,000 minimum wage from January

Sanwo-Olu orders investigation into Amu market fire disaster

Truck owners, drivers lament pains in accessing Lagos ports

We won't allow breakdown of law, order 'Oyo

Ogoni clean up on course, contractors on 21 sites already ' Presidency

Security situation under Buhari better than Jonathan's 'Adesina

Amnesty empowers 250 in crisis impacted communities

Borno builds N1bn mega schools

Tiv youths plan mass burial for kinsmen killed by gunmen in Nasarawa

Politics Nigeriana: No better preacher or teacher

Hope Uzodinma and Imo hailers and nailers

*GUARDIAN*

Rangers secure 1-0 away win over Egypt's Pyramids FC

PDP clears Akwa Ibom, Sokoto, Bauchi re-run polls, APC, AA win Imo, Cross River Rep seats

FRSC to impound container-trucks without proper latching

Underwriters assure investors' of readiness for recapitalisation

Order Buhari, Osinbajo, govs to publish their assets, SERAP tells court

X-raying Nigeria's weak links with savings, investment and growth

Insurers, tech firm seal pact to grow money market fund

Nigeria to take part in African Olympic Qualifying Tournament in Tunisia

Police arrest three for theft of four-year-old boy in Ogun

Adekuoroye's adopter, Halogen hails wrestler's feat at ranking series

*DAILY TIMES*

Maryam Sanda, alleged husband killer knows fate today

Police arrest 16 suspects over alleged attack on patrol team in Minna

12-year-old killed as B/Haram suicide bombers hit Borno mosque

Senator sends SOS to Buhari over attacks, killing in his Niger constituents by bandits

Road construction: Take advantage of dry season to deliver results, Obiano charges contractors

Armed Forces Remembrance Day: ANSAA boss calls for recruitment of youths in forces

Accident kill four persons in Bauchi

Without me as your candidate, you will lose Ondo 2021 election, Akeredolu tells APC

Be agents of change, Okowa urges Nigerians

Kwankwaso slams Ganduje, Bichi over comments after Supreme Court Kano verdict

Nigeria canvasses gender equality in access to agricultural inputs, land

Female Network of NGos in Edo throws weight behind Obasekis re-election bid

Akpabio blames PDP for Essien LG violence in A/Ibom rerun

Amotekun: Its time to address issues of nationhood and reset Nigeria on path to progress Bakare

PDP wins Kiru/Bebeji Federal Constituency re-run in Kano

APC wins re-run in Imo federal constituency

Ukraine is willing to partner Nigeria on Infrastructure and Metallurgy- Envoy

APC Consolidates In Kano as Doguwa, Danagundi Reclaim Mandates

Coronavirus: WHO advises countries to prepare for detection as death toll hits 56

China stiffens defences against epidemic as death toll hits 56

Daily Times Newspaper, Monday, January 27, 2020

Ihedioha heads for SCourt to seek judgment review

PDP charges NASS to summon Buhari over national security

Lassa fever: Jigawa, Kaduna, Ogun, Kogi confirm new cases

Senate: Constitution review, Hate Speech, Social Media Bills top agenda

Insecurity: Buhari orders Air Force to shell bandits in Niger

Were nurturing youths to see politics as service to humanity Obaseki

MPC: Experts express concern over hike in cash ratio to 27.5%

*DAILY TRUST*

Why APC will survive after Buhari ' Govs

Senate ex-spokesman, Adeyeye wants Appeal Court to review judgment

Calls for my expulsion uncalled for ' Former Gov Idris

Ihedioha heads to S/Court for review today

Nigeria first as foreign policy

Develop capacity to hold political office, Osun speaker charges youths

Gunmen kidnap Imam's sons, 1 other in Abaji

Rerun polls: Doguwa reclaims seat, Jibrin fails to return to N/Assembly

Want to live forever

PDP wins Bauchi rerun polls

Court remands 2 for allegedly stealing money to gamble

Civil War: Disclosures and Closure

APC defeats PDP in rerun election in Imo

Minister pledges to complete renovation of public schools in FCT

Customs and Nigeria's future beyond oil

PDP wins Benue supplementary election

Group to standardise, regulate herbal drugs in Nigeria

Sultan's brother loses seat to PDP in Sokoto

Land ownership: Ogun community traditional head backs Obasanjo, says titles not defective

Police arrest 3 over theft of 4-year-old boy

Police arraign 28-year-old man for allegedly stealing motorcycle

We specialise in stealing cars during church service ' Suspects

At least 38 dead in Turkey as quake rescue efforts continue

Dozens dead in Brazil floods as officials warn of more landslides

Gambia police clash with protesters demanding president step down

Kogi confirms 3 cases of Lassa fever, 1 death

Ogun: FMC backtracks, says Lassa fever patient not dead

Lassa fever: 29 dead, 195 cases confirmed

*DAILY INDEPENDENT*

Grammy 2020: Sad Day For For Burna Boy As Angelique Kidjo Wins

Community Associations Charged On Mentorship Of Youths

Senate President, Lawan, Empowers 350 Constituents

No Rift Between Me, Deputy Governor ' Chief Of Staff To Bello

A'Ibom Rerun: PDP Sweeps Assembly, Reps, Senate Elections

Amotekun: Time To Beef Up Security In South East- Journalists' Group Tasks Governors

Lessons Of Land Border Closure

Biafran Scientists: How Nigeria Snatched Defeat From The Jaws Of Victory

Nigerian Recorded Fewer Foreign Investors Last Year

Abia Business Model To Encourage Private Sector Participation ' Okiyi

Analysts See CBN's Treasury Bill Ban Propelling Equities Market Recovery

We're Ready For February Relocation 'Abakaliki Building Materials Association

30-Year-Old Abandoned Osusu Road Market Ready Soon

Savannah Petroleum Set To Acquire More Nigerian Oil & Gas Firms

Naira Devaluation Imminent 'Afrinvest

Fixed Income Market Gets 20.42% Boost, Hits N13trn ' Report

Ebonyi Set Database Committee To Capture Employable Youths

Airtel, Western Union To Launch Real- Time Global Payments

Police Arrest 16 Suspects Over Attack On Patrol Team In Minna

Three Arrested Over Child Theft In Ogun

Tragedy: Jealous Man Stabs Girlfriend To Death In Bauchi

Police Quiz Eight Over Demolition Of Centenarian's House

86 Cultists In Police Net In Lagos

36 Persons Arrested For Crossing Expressway In Lagos

Family Of Attacked Benin Chief Petitions IGP Over Alleged Plot To Compromise Investigation

Yahoo-Yahoo Student Bags 13 Years In Ondo

Former Commissioner For Agriculture Jailed 19 Years

Israeli Woman Jailed In Russia Seeks Pardon

*TRIBUNE*

Agriculture: NGROPPMAN meets Netherlands Consulate-General, as Nigeria's groundnut hits global market

Setting Amotekun up commendable ' Pastor Bakare

Boko Haram: Senator Ndume raises alarm, says military must be strengthened

Basketball legend, Kobe Bryant, dies in helicopter crash

Salary stoppage threat: Get ready for industrial crisis, ASUU tells FG

Coronavirus: US to evacuate consulate staff, citizens from Wuhan

Making Amotekun effective, efficient

On faulty federalism

Amotekun: Some lessons in history

NSE: Sell-offs reduce gains at 0.03%

Biblical support for Amotekun

How I started my award-winning cake business with pocket money 'Oloyede

Online data security, privacy and how to stay secure

Domestic investors outperformed foreign investors by 2% in December 2019

Two forces that will open great doors in 2020

AfDB to attract $5trn into African Exchanges

The dynamics of godly influence ' 3

UPDATE: Lakers legend, Kobe Bryant, 13-year-old daughter, three others killed in helicopter crash

*BLUE PRINT*

Lassa fever: FMC Lokoja confirms 3 cases, 1 death

One dies as Lassa fever hits Ogun

Pandemonium as NSCDC operative guns down top politician in Imo

One dies as Lassa fever hits Ogun

Leadership crisis rocks Miyetti Allah in Oyo

Insurance brokers generate N220.89bn premium in 2018

Leadership crisis rocks Miyetti Allah in Oyo

Amotekun needs FG's backing to operate- Vigilante group

Why civil society groups intervened in FIIRO DG, staff saga

Amotekun needs FG's backing to operate- Vigilante group

FG set to disburse $200 million CVFF Ship owners

LGs/LCDAs crisis: Stay away from office, Oyo NULGE directs members

How we plan to curb borrowings ' FG

LGs/LCDAs crisis: Stay away from office, Oyo NULGE directs members

Police arrests 21 suspected cultist in Ikorodu

Edo: PDP hits Ebonyi gov, BOT member over Obaseki's endorsement

Police arrests 21 suspected cultist in Ikorodu

Buhari authorises air power deployment against bandits in Niger state

PDP wins Kaduna Assembly seat

PDP wins Kaduna Assembly seat

Tennis: Clement, Favour win Kaduna/Nocaco U-16 clay court tourney

APC wins reps seat in Ogun

Oyo Unity Cup will 'revolutionalize' football- Dare

APC wins reps seat in Ogun

Police arrest 16 suspects over attack on patrol team in Minna

*SPORTS*

2020 Farmers Insurance Open: Marc Leishman Surges Past Rahm, McIlroy to Win - Bleacher Report

A true inspiration' - Football stars pay tribute to Kobe Bryant after basketball hero dies in helicopter crash - Goal

A-League and Australian football news LIVE: Chelsea legend Drogba set to play in charity match - Goal

A-League and Australian football news LIVE: Chelsea legend Drogba set to play in charity match - Goal

Access Bank Lagos City Marathon: Expo begins today with new sponsor - New Telegraph

Adeleye, Udofia, Yakubu shine as Azimuth Tennis ends - Daily Trust

AFN crisis: Gusau challenges impeachment in court - New Telegraph

Ahly edge Etoile to claim key win - African Football

Ajayi gutted to miss Cardiff clash - Punch

Ajayi gutted to miss Cardiff clash - Punch

Amokachi applauds minister on Oyo Unity Cup - New Telegraph

Andrade Beats Humberto Carrillo, Retains United States Title at WWE Royal Rumble - Bleacher Report

Aribo reveals Rangers debt to 'Uncle' Defoe - Punch

Arsenal Absolutely Have to Sign Brighton's Shane Duffy This January - Yes, Seriously - FTBpro

Attamah joins Turkish second division side Fatih Karagumruk on loan - Goal

Australia Open: Kyrgios to Face Nadal in Last 16 - Thisday

AUSTRALIAN OPEN: Federer Reaches Qfinals - Thisday

Australian Open: Simona Halep beats Elise Mertens to reach quarter-finals - BBC

Barty battles into Australian Open quarter-finals - Punch

Barty named Young Australian of the Year - Daily Trust

Bayley Beats Lacey Evans, Retains SmackDown Women's Title at WWE Royal Rumble - Bleacher Report

Becky Lynch Beats Asuka, Retains Raw Women's Title at 2020 WWE Royal Rumble - Bleacher Report

Brewers' Ryan Braun Says 'It's Possible' He Retires After 2020 Season - Bleacher Report

Bryant's 13-yr-old daughter, Gianna, among 5 dead in helicopter crash - Vanguard

Bryant: There are women who could play in NBA 'right now - CNN

Burnley target Osayi-Samuel - Punch

Burnley target Osayi-Samuel - Punch

CAF Confed Cup: Rangers make history - New Telegraph

Compiled by:

 abdulkareemihiovi@gmail.com

Northern backs 'Amotekun', demand for "Operation Shege ka Fasa"

 

The Coalition of Northern Groups (CNG) is canvassing the establishment of Operation Shege ka Fasa in the North in response to the Western Nigeria Security Network codenamed Operation Amotekun. ‘Shege ka Fasa’ means I dare you.

The coalition, which was the brain behind the 2018 quit notice to the Igbo living in the North,said yesterday that the North is even more genuinely entitled to be angry in view of the current high level of security challenge in that part of the country. It cited the incessant attacks on and killings of innocent citizens by gunmen,abductions, destruction of communities and terrorism.

Spokesman for the group, Abdulazeez Suleiman,said in a statement in Kaduna that the North has persevered in a dangerous security environment fuelled by outside interests that thrive on the supply of deadly merchandise including hard drugs and other harmful substances and the proliferation of arms in the region. The group wondered why the SouthWest had to wait until after the conclusion of the 2019 elections before coming up with Operation Amotekun. But it said the security outfit should function within the ambit of the law.

“We are convinced that there is indeed a justifiable reason for Nigerians to seek to take extra measures for self- protection and preservation in the prevailing circumstances,” it said. It added: “This need is necessitated by the apparent failure of the government to discharge its primary duty of protecting the lives and properties of all citizens. “Recall that in 2015, Nigerian voters trusted Buhari to lead our nation through and out of its limitations, into a future in which we will live secure lives and pursue livelihoods in a united Nigeria whose human and material resources will be protected by leaders.

“Regrettably, five years on, the story is that of poverty ravaging communities, hunger stalking millions of homes, inflation making life difficult, people losing jobs, businesses closing down, infrastructure decaying, young Nigerians losing hope, which are all drivers to the current security situation.

“Worth recalling also, is that long before the current deterioration, the government had been advised severally to take definite steps to end the conflict between farmers and the pastoral communities which it shunned. Instead government came up with various ambiguous policies in the form of Ruga, livestock transformation, etc that all ended in controversy, and were never implemented.

“At a point, the CNG and Northern Elders Forum were compelled to consider advising the pastoralists to return home to safety at which the presidency intervened by renewing the vow to protect all citizens’ rights to live and thrive anywhere in the country.

“Having evidently failed to do that, the ensuing level of fear and uncertainty pervading the country now sparks concerns that government’s willingness and the quality of coordination of efforts, management of resources and the capacities and integrity of the mechanisms charged with the nation’s security do not do justice to the magnitude of the problems, or address the sense of urgency in dealing with an escalating disaster.”

On the launching of Operation Amotekun by the SouthWest,the CNG said: “While we do not dispute the right of the South West to initiate the Amotekun as a necessary alternative to secure their safety in the face of government’s control lapses, we nevertheless understand the need for such measures to abide by due processes that conform with relevant laws of the land.

“In this regard, CNG recognizes the authority of the Federal Government to take steps to disband all militias and armed groups everywhere in Nigeria to ensure that no group has the capacity to challenge the State in its prerogative to maintain law and order, and protect citizens’ lives and properties.

“The acceptable position remains that only legally constituted outfits and lawfully sanctioned organizations under the direct control of the Federal Government, as recognized by the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, can be so organized, armed and fitted.

“Any extra judicial arrangement by which regions set up state-sponsored armed militia groups may therefore not be tolerated as it only confirms suspicions of a wider agenda similar to that of IPOB, to cajole other parts of the country to submit to their ambition for political ascendancy.

“In particular, the idea of Amotekun on the claim of deteriorating national security at this point, raises the question of why, if they are sincere, the South West leaders fought so hard to secure the return of this same administration for another term, notwithstanding the security lapses that manifested long before the elections of 2019.

“If indeed the aim of the South West leaders is to use Amotekun as weapon to coerce the nation into ceding the presidency to them in future, CNG finds it pedestrian and tactless as brigandage will only jeopardize their chances the way IPOB did to South East politics. On the contrary, any section of the country that is able to present a credible alternative shall certainly gain the support of Nigerians without the need for resorting to bluffing.

“ In the prevailing circumstances, the North is even more genuinely entitled to be angry at the rate its people are attacked, killed, towns and villages vandalized, innocent citizens including children abducted, and terrorized, families traumatized and communities displaced on a daily basis.

“All this while, the North has persevered in a dangerous security environment fuelled by outside interests that thrive on the supply of such deadly merchandise as hard drugs and other harmful substances and the proliferation of arms into the region.

“With the current level of anger, frustration and uncertainty that is fueling communal disharmony and mutual distrust, CNG believes that the North should as well take similar steps to arrange for the protection of the region and its people from these daily attacks and destructions.

“Thus, failure of the authorities to provide proof of its capacity to protect citizens in all parts of the North as minimum evidence that they are serious about their responsibilities, would leave the people with no option than to resort to forming an Arewa Security Initiative to secure their people’s lives with the proposed code name “Shege ka Fasa.”

“For the avoidance of doubt, notwithstanding that Nigerians may not have quarrels with region taking measures to protect its people, they are at the same time unlikely to give in to calculated manipulation, coercion, intimidation, aggression or undue show of force in whatever guise.

“On its part, the North remains confident that it will not shy away from any process leading to any form of national reassessment that may arise now or in the future, in the context of a genuine dialogue without hidden agendas or preconditions.”

•Source: The Nation

LG crisis: We won't allow breakdown of law and order-Oyo Govt

...Says State will insist on full observance of tenets of 1999 Constitution. 

 

The Oyo State Government, said on Sunday, that it would not allow any group of persons to throw the state into crisis as a result of the ongoing debate on the management of local governments in the state.

The State also insisted in a statement that it was insisting on the full observance of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) in relation to the ongoing controversy surrounding the dissolution of the 68 illegal local council chairmen in the State.

The State warned some individuals who have been  threatening to derail the peace of the State to desist from such ruinous path or face the full wrath of the law.

The Government, in a statement signed by the Chief Press Secretary to Governor Seyi Makinde, Mr. Taiwo Adisa, maintained that the Government’s position became imperative following the threats of violence by the sacked illegal chairmen and the stay-at-home order issued to all local government workers in the State by the National Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE).

The statement maintained that though Government would not begrudge the NULGE for directing its members to stay away from work in response to persistent threats emanating from the sacked chairmen of local councils and LCDA, it urged all workers in the state to reject any act of brigandage by persons or groups seeking to derail the peace and progressive governance in the State.

The statement read: “The attention of the Government of Oyo State has been drawn to a sit-at-home order announced by the State Chapter of the National Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE).

“The Government understands that the sit-at-home order was a response to persistent threats emanating from the sacked chairmen of local councils and Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs). 

“Whereas the administration of Governor Seyi Makinde will not begrudge NULGE for seeking to preserve its members from a perceived Armageddon as promised by the sacked council chairmen, the Government would like to put it on record that it will continue to stand by the dictates of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999, as amended.

“As earlier stated in a position by the State's Attorney-General and Commissioner of Justice, Professor Oyelowo Oyewo, issues concerning the tussle over local government administration in Oyo State are before the Court of Appeal and that the two cases are scheduled for hearing on February 19, 2020.

“Any lover of peace, progress and democracy would have no problems waiting to hear from the Court on the day stated.

“We, however, urge all workers in the state to reject any act of brigandage by any persons or groups who are merely seeking to derail the peace and progressive governance that have been the lot of the State since May 29, 2019.

“We call on the workers and the teeming people of Oyo State to please ignore the threat of violence and brigandage from the sacked chairmen and rest assured that the train of unmatched groundbreaking good governance in Oyo State started by His Excellency, Governor Seyi Makinde, cannot be stopped.

 

AMOTEKUN: Governors Set For Recuitment Kick-Off As FG Approves Recruitment Of Special Constables

AMOTEKUN: Federal Govt Approves Recruitment Of Special Constables! 

Just as Governors of the Southwest states are close to announce the recruitment modalities for Operation Amotekun the federal government has directed the Nigerian Police Force (NPF) to proceed with recruitment of special constables.

In a letter issued and signed by 'Nigeria Police DRP Abuja' to all States' Commissioners of Police directed them to proceed with recruitment of special constables as a step forward to enhancing community policing policy nation wide.

According to the letter, "Nigerian Police directs that you be informed that federal government has given approval for recruitment of special constables as a step forward to enhancing community policing policy nation wide".

Stressing that Nigerian Police further directs all Commands, Commissioners of Police, Assistant Commissioners of Police, and Divisional Police Officers (DPOs) in their respective commands to liase with traditional rulers, and community leaders in their respective areas to form screening committees that will screen volunteers.

Meanwhile, Governor Rotimi Akeredolu, Chairman of the South-West Governors’ Forum has said the recruitment for the South-West Security Network, otherwise known as Operation Amotekun, will commence any moment from now.

The governor said State Attorney-Generals and members of the State Assembly represented by their Speakers in the six participating states are already meeting on the legal framework.

“As it is now, we are good to go; any moment from now the operation will kick off. We are commencing our recruitment any moment from now in line with government position,” Akeredolu, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) said.

Nigpolice DRP Abuja added, "volunteers who must be of good character, who will eventually be recruited as special constables and all those to be recommended must be residents in their respective communities and must also be between the age of 21-50 years old with willingness to serve the community".

"All Commands, Commissioners of Police, Assistant Commissioners of Police and DPOs are advised to study Police Act 49 and 50 for proper guidance and you are also directed to acknowledge receipt and continue to render updates on this very important directives and treat as very important please, the statement read.

With subtle acceptance of 'Operation Amotekun' and in compliance with community policing policy, they were also directed that the volunteers for Western Nigerian Security Networks codenamed 'Operation Amotekun' be commissioned as constables after a short training on security information and intelligence gathering.

We are set to kick-off recruitment for Operation Amotekun – Akeredolu

Governor Akeredolu, who spoke through Alhaji Jimoh Dojumo, his Special Adviser on Security Matters, in a report by Punch, noted that a proposed bill for the purpose of Operation Amotekun would be sent to the State Houses of Assembly.

The South-West governors met with the Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo on Thursday evening at the Presidential Villa, after heated controversy that followed establishment of the security outfit.

Diverse Yoruba socio-cultural groups also protested prior to the Federal Government’s approval of the security network.

It could be recalled that some northern groups including the Miyetti Allah Hautal Hore Fulani Socio-Cultural group had vehemently opposed the project with concerns that it could disintegrate the country, or deployed for selfish political purpose in the region.

“We have involved the House of Assembly and the Attorney General is also involved. We will send the bill very soon. That is what we discussed in our meeting in Ibadan and we have concluded that everything will be in line with the community policing arrangement,” Akeredolu stated.

Already, Ondo state is considering to recruit 430 personnel for the security initiative, with plans to employ more men in near future.

Ekiti, Osun, Lagos, Oyo and Ogun State administrators are yet to disclose the recruitment model or slots from each States.

However, it was gathered that the Development Agenda for Western Nigeria (DAWN) Commission would play a vital role in the administrative operation of the security group.

Yinka Oyebode, the Special Adviser Media and Publicity to the Ekiti State Governor, told the newsmen that: “The DAWN Commission is the brainchild of the governors from the South West States so it is driving development in the south west region”

Abubakar Malami, the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice had earlier tagged the network as illegal until the latest resolution.

“The setting up of the paramilitary organisation called ‘Amotekun’ is illegal and runs contrary to the provisions of the Nigerian law. The constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended) has established the Army, Navy and Airforce, including the Police and other numerous paramilitary organisations for the purpose of the defence of Nigeria,” he said through Dr. Umar Gwandu, his media aide.

Sources: The ICIR, NaijaNewsToday

NEWSPAPERS HEADLINES FOR SUNDAY 26TH JANUARY 2020

*PUNCH*

Dont restore Nnamdi Kanus bail, FG tells court

I revealed Olamide helped Majek Fashek under pressure Manager

My colleagues used to gang up against me Erahbor, policeman who rejected N6m bribe

10 eligible, wealthy bachelors

South-East cant get 2023 Presidency with intimidation ACF Secretary General, Sani

Lassa fever can be sexually transmitted Expert

Fulfilling ones passion is true meaning of success Ogunye

FRSC to impound improperly latched containers-carrying trailers

FG inaugurates committee for $1.1bn agric mechanisation scheme

Ill combine medical practice with hair business Omale

SAHCO to provide ground-handling services for Ethiopian Airlines

Guinea seeks Nigerias support in rice production

Polaris Bank supports depositors with N1bn salary advance

Railway authorities move to contain coronavirus

Coronavirus: Oil prices may plummet, says Goldman Sachs

Operators to invest pension funds in road, rail projects

Uber drivers to set ride fares

Seplat aims to acquire more oil, gas assets

Workers hopeful as FG moves to revive Ajaokuta Steel Company

APGA expels Araraume for anti-party activities

Christians, Muslims attend slain pastors memorial service

Youre blind to Christians persecution, 25 groups tackle Presidents spokesperson

DSS arrests student over anti-Buhari articles

FG orders recruitment of constables for community policing

We want our daughter alive, with or without baby Leah Sharibus family

Fresh pressure mounts on PDP to change name

Economy attracted $21.8bn investments in one year ' NBS

Dad was killed hours after his workers burnt vital files Oko Oloyuns son

*VANGUARD*

Ojukwu gave me staff of office in Chekwas Okorie's presence ' Ukaegbu

Imo rerun: Election witnesses low turnout of voters

Abule Egba explosion: Sanwo-Olu seeks NNPC's support for compensation of displaced victims

Insecurity: My people under siege, Senator Musa cries out again

Leah Sharibu's dad dismisses news of girl giving birth in Boko Haram custody

Akwa Ibom Re-run: INEC says dissapointed at disruptions in polling units

Abule Egba explosion: Sanwo-Olu seeks NNPC support

Kano rerun election: I will emerge victorious ' Doguwa

Why APC should be wary of Oshiomhole acting as National Chair ' Idahosa

2021: Drop me and lose Ondo, Akeredolu dares APC

2021 Guber race: Drop me, lose Ondo Gov Akeredolu dares APC

Edo 2020: Oshiomhole preaches peace after thugs destroyed platform, vehicles

As TI bombs presidency with report on corruption, Garba Shehu defends Buhari

Essien Udim Re-run: Low turnout at Akpabio's unit

Kaduna re-run election witnesses voter apathy

Breaking: Soldiers cannot defeat Boko Haram alone ' EU tells Buhari

Boeing backs out of experimental spaceplane project

I wonder why people think we can't defeat Boko Haram ' Buhari

Two tributes in one ' Ajibola and Attah

APC disowns Aguma over alleged betrayal of party, Amaechi

Construction of 11 new roads: Onuesoke lauds Okowa

Barca beaten by Valencia in early blow for Setien

The stripes of a prophet

West Ham suffer FA Cup misery, Spurs held at Southampton

Edo politicians: Remember Lassa Fever

Lassa fever: 29 deaths, 195 confirmed cases reported in 11 states ' NCDC

Dickson offers automatic employment to 104 first class graduands

Coronavirus: China virus toll hits 41; Australia reports first four cases

*THE NATION*

Why I may contest governorship in 2023 Bwacha

NDLEA unveils Guchi as anti-drug ambassador

Edo 2020: Its Obaseki vs four others in APC

MOUAU Clears Vice Chancellor of sexual harassment allegation

Ondo 2020: Can PDP get it right

Africa can be biggest economic miracle, says AfDB president

Otti not suspended, still leader of party, says APGA

Chinese imports from Nigeria rose by 70% in 2019 Envoy

Those festering Edo crisis should face opposition Oshiomhole

When less fear is more fear

50 gunmen kill vigilante, kidnap doctors wife, children

Voter apathy mars Imo rerun, supplementary polls

Nappy Girl: Relationship Be Like was a big turnaround for me

FG inaugurates committee for $1bn agric programme

Bauchi Supplementary, rerun polls, an improvement over 2019 exercise REC

Monica Ogah: Project Fame baked me

FRSC to impound trailers/ containers without latch

What does Kwankwanso want

Kano re run election records impressive turnout

Implementation of Eco currency impossible Aremu

Sanwo-Olu visits victims, promises compensation

Rage over Eco currency

Billions lost in eight Lagos fires

Ondo Council poll: APC for indirect primary

ALGON crisis: NULGE issues no work order to members

Why you dont get your claims paid

Bauchi rerun polls record large turnout of voters

Major players championing e-commerce industry

*THISDAY*

FAAC: How Three Tiers of Govt Benefitted in 2019

How FG Plans to Remove Wasteful Fuel Subsidy

Governor Abiodun Meets UK Coys in Investment Drive

Any Hope for Consumers as Inflation Keeps Rising

How Telcos Leverage Campaigns to Maintain Market Shares

Report: Capacity Building for Infrastructure Entrepreneurs Key in Project Finance

Imo: Why PDP Must Seek a Review

And Andimi Paid the Supreme Price

Coronavirus: Nothing Should Be Taken for Granted!

Imo: What Next After the Protests

A Long Road to Peace in Rivers APC

The Looming Uncommon Transformation of Niger Delta Region

Junaid Mohammeds Echo Chamber and the Amotekun Civil War

Edo 2020: Can Obaseki Scale the Hurdles

Ihedioha Under Pressure to Apply for Case Review

That Supreme Court Verdict on Imo

Valencia Humble Barca 2-0

Mourinho Criticises Inter over Eriksen Transfer

Solskjaer Says there is No Quick Fix for Man Utd

Victor Moses: Still Contes Trusted Tool

Man City Turn Attentionto FA Cup Defence

*THE SUN*

Eco currency: Issues, debate on Nigeria's policy option

Though my father supported Buhari, he wasn't APC card-carrying member 'Ikedife Jnr.

Uzodinma: PDP attacking supreme court highest point of rascality 'Gulak

Southwest floating regional security outfit speaks volumes 'Okhai, PPC presidential candidate

New emirate law: Why we dragged Kano govt to court 'Prof Auwalu Yadudu

Ndigbo are using wrong approach for 2023 presidency 'Ralph Obioha, Ohanaeze chieftain

Uzodinma's realistic disposition'lllift Imo 'Uba, ex-guber candidate

Re-run elections: Voters' apathy in Akwa Ibom, Kaduna, as violence mars exercise in Cross River, Imo

Despite arson attack, Oshiomhole receives 30,000 PDP defectors into APC in Edo

Rooney fails to inspire as Derby draw goalless with Northampton

Asia moves to deepen cultural ties with Nigeria

Groups take campaign against sexual harassment to UNEC

MOUAU clears Vice Chancellor of sexual harassment allegation

Multichoice Talent Factory to host West Africa masterclasses on acting for camera

Gov Abiodun eulogises late OGBC boss

Hope Reality Movement congratulates Uzodinma, calls for support

Bulkachuwalauds Ugwuanyi's efforts in Enugu judicial system

Controversy trails NASS N128bn budget

Fire guts Amu market in Mushin, destroys goods worth billions

Lagos govt supports demolition structure in Atlas Cove

Lassa fever

Peter Obi as Governor of the Decade

Foundation they laid for us

How to handle being ghosted

Gosh, just discovered my wife is a lesbian

How does age affect your eyes

When sex toy becomes the new husband

Imo guber election and Supreme Court judgment

*GUARDIAN*

Abule Egba pipeline explosion: Victims yearn for government assistance

Bulkachuwa hails Ugwuanyi's development efforts

MFM's Bolus sure of win over Plateau Utd

Another Ebola outbreak may be imminent in Nigeria 'Don

Battles against night attackers - Part 2

Shun moral impurity

Customer alleges loss of cargo to ABC express

Rev. Andimi beheaded for refusing to convert to Islam ' Northern CAN

He will do it again

Delta will continue to support federal agencies

*DAILY TIMES*

Lekki residents want Lagos govt to fix roads in dry season

Netflix releases docuseries as coronavirus spreads to Europe

Nigeria to overcome North East insurgency soon Buhari

APC scribe commends Abia South peaceful re-run elections

NGO donates improved seedlings to 50, other items to 340 IDPs in Plateau

Breaking: Nigerian military not sufficient to defeat Boko Haram EU tells Buhari

Bolivia cut-off diplomatic relations with Cuba

FRSC doctorates 25 newly promoted officers in Nsukka

Just In: Hoodlums allegedly set Oshiomholes rally venue ablaze

Africa has potential to be biggest economic miracle, says AfDB President

C/River Govt assures of timely completion of General Hospital Calabar

Kaigama tasks Gov Lalong on inclusive governance

Kaduna re-run election witnesses voter apathy

NATE to fabricate rice dryer, other agric machines this year

North-East: FG working toward resettling displaced communities

NPFL: Plateau United, Rivers United, Lobi Stars in battle for top spot

India-Nigeria bilateral trade volume increase to $13. 9b in 2018-2019

Korean blockbuster film Extreme Job light-up Asian Film Festival in FCT

Mobile court prosecutes 300 sanitation offenders in Nasarawa

Finance Act will stimulate Nigerian economy Osinbajo

Re-run: Police commend peaceful voting in C/River

Just In: Guinea Seeks Nigerias Support in Rice Production

*DAILY TRUST*

Save Maiduguri-Damaturu highway

12 things before NASS in 2020

The political fortunes of Ajegunle

Dozens of non-oncology drugs can kill cancer cells ' Research

Beauty sleep could be real, say body clock biologists ' Research

Emergency response heightens as Lassa infections climb to 195

BREAKING: One dies of Lassa fever in Ogun State

JUST IN: Kaduna state confirms first case of Lassa fever

Initiatives heat up fight against germs

Foundation restores sight to poor, indigent

Home Remedy Alert! PROBLEM:Upset stomach'Try: rice

China to build new hospital within 10 days

Lassa fever: 76 persons test positive in Edo

Infrastructure Games 1

RE: SARDAUNA JAN 15 ' WE SHALL NEVER FORGET

2020 Argungu Fishing Festival: NSK, Malcomines, others rekindle Polo rivalry

Barcelona suffer first away league loss to Valencia in 13 years

Iheanacho extends FA Cup scoring record

Lagos Glitters for 2020 Lagos International Polo Tournament

Tanak says 'everything fine' after crash

Frustrated Lampard calls for Chelsea to make signings

PSG join Barcelona in race for Aubameyang, open talks with star striker

Manchester United target Nigerian goal machine, Odion Ighalo

Iheanacho fires Leicester into FA Cup fifth round

Do you know that Chelsea's Kepa Arrizabalaga is worst goalkeeper in Premier League

*DAILY INDEPENDENT*

NEXIM Bank Hosts Export Enlightenment, Engagement Programme January 28-30

Cross River Rerun Election: INEC Confirms Kidnap, Release Of Supervisory Presiding Officer

BREAKING: Leah Sharibu Gives Birth To Baby Boy In Captivity

Ogun Govt. Trains Law Officers In ICT

Amotekun: Tinubu, A True Leader ' Yoruba Ronu

Mrs Saraki Mourns Death Of WHO's Head Of UHC, Salama

Iran Slams US Over Attacks On Nationals

Revisiting The Privatisation Of Power Sector

FG To Obtain $1 Billion Loan To Boost Mechanised Farming

FA CUP: Iheanacho Gives Leicester Lead Against Brentford

Chelsea Targets Dembele, Piatek, Jovic For Striker Position

Charity Workers Go Missing In Iraq

*TRIBUNE*

FAAN alerted of bush fire incident at Lagos airport

BREAKING: PDP's Jatau wins Zaki House of Reps seat in Bauchi

INEC declares Ogun APC Reps candidate winner of rerun election

Tasks for govs after Supreme Court verdict

How informal security got to the North

Romancing Hisbah, Civilian JTF

Makinde to lay foundation for Ibadan South West traditional council's 'mini Mapo hall

Apotheosis of Ironsi

The People's Republic: How they rule

Can't Buhari stop waffling on Boko Haram

Amotekun: The beginning of restructuring

Educating the youth in pain, agony

Adekunle Gold, Kizz Daniel drop collaboration hint

I have not lost my sight, Mike Ezuruonye douses tension

Showbiz manager, Alex Ozone gives back to society

How I combine comedy with career in Navy'TheCute Abiola

AM Best revises Axa Mansard's outlook to stable from negative

*BLUE PRINT*

Imo: Confusion as APGA sends Ararume packing

Grammy awards: Burna Boy, others jostle for top honour

Breaking: PDP's Jatau wins Zaki re-run election in Bauchi

Breaking: PDP's Jatau wins Zaki re-run election in Bauchi

Breaking: PDP's Jatau wins Zaki re-run election in Bauchi

LGs/LCDAs dissolution crisis: Oyo NULGE directs members to stay away from office

Zamfara: Buhari commends Mattawallen on security

CP FCT condemns killing of policeman in Ushafa

CP FCT condemns killing of policeman in Ushafa

New coach tastes defeat as Messi-ful Barcelona fall to Valencia

Buhari didn't promise to handover power to Tinubu ' Muoghalu

NANS to Buhari: Sack service chiefs now

Iheanacho rescues Leicester again, fires club to FA Cup victory

Rising debt not unusual for emerging economy ' Ex-CBN director

CBN hikes banks' cash reserves ratio to 27.5%

Rising debt not unusual for emerging economy ' Ex-CBN director

Lassa fever hits Kaduna, one case confirmed

PSC knocks TI over graft report on Nigeria

Tension in Umuahia over man's 'missing' private organ

PSC knocks TI over graft report on Nigeria

Police nab 4 for kidnapping council boss in Ogun

Why I dumped nursing for politics ' Abiodun Essiet

Police nab 4 for kidnapping council boss in Ogun

UNICEF tasks FG, state govts on youth devt

Mohammed Abba Gana, Musa Elayo: Where are they now

UNICEF tasks FG, state govts on youth devt

Ondo govt tasks security agencies on synergy

Anxiety over unoccupied houses and ICPC's threat

*SPORTS*

2020 Argungu Fishing Festival: NSK, Malcomines, others rekindle Polo rivalry - Daily Trust

2020 Senior Bowl: Matt Miller's Latest Stock Update for Game's Top Players - Bleacher Report

A-League and Australian football news LIVE: Olyroos secure spot at 2020 Olympics - Goal

A-League and Australian football news LIVE: Olyroos secure spot at 2020 Olympics - Goal

AFN crisis: I remain the duly elected president, says Gusau - Punch

AFN crisis: I remain the duly elected president, says Gusau - Punch

Angel Di Maria Hopes PSG Will Be His 'Last Club in Europe - Bleacher Report

Antonio Conte beware: Victor Moses is a Trojan horse - Goal

Antonio Conte beware: Victor Moses is a Trojan horse - Goal

Are you stupid'' Nick Kyrgios rages at umpire over bleeding hand during victory - CNN

Arteta urges Arsenal fans to maintain perspective around 'incredible' Martinelli - Goal

Arteta urges Arsenal fans to maintain perspective around 'incredible' Martinelli - Goal

Aussie Open: Kyrgios wins thriller to set up Nadal clash - New Telegraph

Australian Open: Medvedev cruises to set up Wawrinka last-16 clash - Punch

Australian Open: Nadal crushes Carreno Busta after watching Federer five-set epic - Punch

Australian Open: Petra Kvitova fights back to reach quarter-finals - BBC

Barca beaten by Valencia in early blow for Setien - Vanguard

Barcelona suffer first away league loss to Valencia in 13 years - Daily Trust

Bayern Munich 5-0 FC Schalke 04: Robert Lewandowski scores again in comfortable win - BBC

Bayern thrash Schalke 5-0 to cut Leipzig's lead to one point - Punch

Bayern thrash Schalke 5-0 to cut Leipzig's lead to one point - Punch

Ben Simmons, 76ers Beat Lakers; LeBron Passes Kobe Bryant on NBA Scoring List - Bleacher Report

Billy Cooper, the Barmy Army's trumpet player, to retire - BBC

Caf Champions League wrap: Raja Casablanca, Esperance proceed, AS Vita out - Goal

Caf Champions League wrap: Raja Casablanca, Esperance proceed, AS Vita out - Goal

Chelsea lost ground when Hazard left' - Lampard wants January transfers to take team forward - Goal

Chelsea lost ground when Hazard left' - Lampard wants January transfers to take team forward - Goal

Chelsea Targets Dembele, Piatek, Jovic For Striker Position - Daily Independent

Compiled by:

 abdulkareemihiovi@gmail.com

OYRTMA gets ambulance to enhance special night rescue, emergency operations

The Oyo State Road Transport Management Authority (OYRTMA) has gotten into its fleet of operational vehicles, an Ambulance to enhance its special night rescue operations.

Mogaji Akin Fagbemi expressed immense appreciation to the Executive Governor of Oyo State, His Excellency, Engr. Seyi Makinde for his continuous support towards the Authority while inspecting the Ambulance.

“This will not only help to save more lives and enhance our night rescue operations, it will further assist in the actualization of the four cardinal agenda of the State Government in the specific areas of Health, Security of lives, Economy and Education. We are indeed blessed to have a people-loving Governor”, Dr. Fagbemi said.

PUBLIC HEALTH ADVISORY TO NIGERIANS ON NOVEL CORONAVIRUS. A must know!

A butcher selling a yak's head to a customer at a market in Beijing.AFP via Getty Images

This is a public health advisory on a new virus; the novel coronavirus (nCoV), by the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control. As this is a new virus, and new information is emerging every day, this advisory will be updated as new information and research on the virus and its impact on populations become available.

The first case of a novel (new) coronavirus (2019nCoV) strain was confirmed in China on the 7th of January 2020. According to preliminary investigations, most patients either visited or worked in the Huanan Seafood wholesale market, Wuhan city. As at the 20th of January 2020, 278 laboratory-confirmed cases of 2019-nCoV infection including six deaths have been reported to WHO globally since the first case was reported on the 31st of December 2019.

The New York reported that one "can usually smell the markets where it all started in China before you see them.

Especially if you’re downwind.

It’s a sickly, almost sweet and nauseating smell of death. Once inside, the fetid stench — made worse by blistering temperatures and zero refrigeration — is overwhelming, and it is places like this where the deadly coronavirus originated.

In stall after stall, a mix of live and dead animals, which run the gamut from the known (pig, ox, duck, chicken) to the rare or unknown due to the condition of the carcass — stare back at you. In the wet areas of the market — usually reserved for fish and sea creatures and where the ground is slick with water and often blood — the stink is worse. The animals that have not yet been dispatched by the butcher’s knife make desperate bids to escape by climbing on top of each other and flopping or jumping out of their containers (to no avail). At least in the wet areas, the animals don’t make a sound. The screams from mammals and fowl are unbearable and heartbreaking.

These unregulated and usually filthy markets are found all over Asia and Africa."

Many of the initial cases were thought to have contacted the virus through animal-to-human transmission from the market, but human-to-human transmission has also been established. Global surveillance is being established and it is expected that more cases will be reported over the next weeks.

Wuhan city is a major transport hub in China. Beyond Wuhan, cases have been confirmed in other cities in China; Guangdong, Beijing and Shanghai. As at the 21st of January, five cases have been confirmed in four other countries; Thailand, Japan, Republic of Korea and the United States of America, all with a travel history to China.

Coronaviruses are zoonotic, meaning they are normally transmitted between animals and people. A novel coronavirus (nCoV) is a new strain of the virus that has not been previously identified in humans. Some coronaviruses can be transmitted from person to person, usually after close contact with an infected patient, for example, in a householdor health care setting. Several known coronaviruses are circulating in animals that have not yet infected humans.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has convened its Emergency Committee today (22/01/20) to determine whether this outbreak should be declared a “Public Health Event of International Concern” (PHEIC).

SYMPTOMS

This new coronavirus 2019nCoV appears to cause mild to severe respiratory symptoms like cough and breathing difficulties. From current evidence, it appears that death is a rare outcome, mostly in patients with underlying illness.

TREATMENT

There is no specific treatment for disease caused by the novel coronavirus yet. However, many of the symptoms can be treated. Therefore, treatment is based on the patient’s clinical condition. In addition, supportive care for infected persons can be highly effective.

NIGERIA’S PREPAREDNESS AND RESPONSE

The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) is currently coordinating a multisectoral technical group that is assessing and managing the risk of importation to Nigeria. NCDC is in close communication with the World Health Organization (WHO) who is closely monitoring the situation globally. WHO is in direct communication with the Government of China and other affected countries, and has released technical and travel guidance.

The Port Health Services unit of the Federal Ministry of Health in Nigeria has been placed on alert and has heightened screening measures at the points of entry. In China, exit screening measures have been enhanced for travellers from Wuhan city at the Points of Entry (PoE) (airports and ground transport stations) since the 14th of January 2020. This includes temperature checks, combined with provision of information and masks to passengers with fever, as well as directing symptomatic passengers to health facilities for follow up.

Nigerians are advised to remain calm. Travelers from Nigeria to Wuhan, China, are advised to avoid contact with sick people, animals (alive or dead), and animal markets.

Travelers from Wuhan to Nigeria, may be asked questions upon arrival by the Port Health Services unit at points of entry about symptoms of illness and travel history, and are advised to report immediately to NCDC, if they feel ill after a trip to Wuhan.

The Federal Ministry of Health through NCDC and its partners are fully committed to strengthening our preparedness and response to infectious disease outbreaks.

Information will be shared with the public as it becomes available.

HOW TO PROTECT YOURSELF

To reduce the risk of spread of coronavirus, members of the public are advised to adhere to the following measures:

• Wash your hands regularly with soap under running water

• Cover your mouth and nose properly with handkerchief or tissue paper when sneezing and/or coughing. You may also cough into your elbow if a handkerchief is not available.

• Avoid close contact with anyone showing symptoms of respiratory illness such as coughing and sneezing

• Avoid self-medication, report to the nearest health facility when you experience any of the above-mentioned symptoms

• Healthcare workers are always advised to observe standard infection prevention and control measures when attending to patients and take a travel history.

As the situation is evolving, this advisory will be updated as more information becomes available.

ABOUT NCDC

The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) is the government agency with the mandate to lead the prevention, detection, and control of communicable diseases. Its functions are to prevent, detect, investigate and control communicable diseases of national and international public health importance.

Contact:

NCDC Toll-Free Number: 0800 9700 0010

SMS: 08099555577

WhatsApp: 07087110839

Twitter/Facebook: @NCDCgov

Email: info@ncdc.gov.ng”