Senator JT Useni Extends Palliative To Attacked Communities
• Tells security agencies, ”Rise to your Responsibilities”
• Donates foodstuff and cash
• These attacks more painful than Coronavirus – traditional Head
Former Minister of the Federal Capital Territory Lt Gen (Rtd) Jeremiah Timbut Useni has stepped forward with both words of encouragement and material support to survivors of recent attacks in Bassa Local Government Area of Plateau State.
Unable to personally visit because of the Lockdown in the Federal Capital, Senator Useni dispatched a strong delegation with 15 bags of rice and One Hundred Thousand Naira cash to the Irigwe Traditional Council as the state prepared for another lockdown on Sunday Midnight.
“When I heard about the attack, I was very sad. I was also amazed that even when there was complete Lockdown of the entire state because of the Coronavirus, killings could still go on without any challenge.
“I call on the security forces to rise to their responsibility and protect the people from harm. But, we must also be very alert, keep the peace and continue to pray to God as a community.”
Member of the Plateau State House of Assembly, representing Rukuba/Irigwe Constituency Hon Musa Agah Avia, said “Senator Useni’s gesture has really strengthened the Irigwe community.”
The Brra Nggwe Rigwe, His Royal Highness, Rev Ronku Aka, in company of the District Head of Miango and three Village Heads, received the delegation in his palace at Miango, and thanked Gen. Useni for his caring heart.
“Your action has refreshed us. We request you, Sir, to speak for this community using your network wherever you go. We are pained by these weekly attacks which have become worse than coronavirus. We want peace in this land.”
The delegation sent by Sen Useni was led by the former Director General of the JT Useni Campaign Organisation, Prof. Dimis Mai-Lafia, the PDP Deputy Governorship Candidate in the 2019 election, Dr James Dalok, the PDP Chairman of Bassa LGA Maurice Manga, and many Elders of Bassa LGA.
In the last incidence, Hura hamlet of Maiyanga village in Kwall District, Miango Chiefdom was attacked on April, 14th , 2020 resulting in the death of nine people, including women and children with two injured and many houses burnt.
Coronavirus:Quarantine attendees of Kyari’s burial, experts tell FG
By Peter Akpah
Medical experts in the country have asked the Federal Government to quarantine all persons who attended the burial of Mr Abba Kyari, the former Chief of Staff to the President, Major General Muhammadu Buhari (retd.), for public safety.
The experts pointed out that the gathering violated the ban on all forms of gathering in the Federal Capital Territory and government’s directive on social distancing, which were part of measures put in place by the government to contain the spread of the coronavirus.
Kyari, who was the topmost public figure to have died of the coronavirus in Nigeria, tested positive for the disease about three weeks ago, after he had visited Germany, a high-risk country. The former Chief of Staff passed on at a private hospital in Lagos on Friday.
The Lagos State Commissioner for Health, Prof Akin Abayomi, in a thread of tweets on Saturday, said Kyari died of complications of the COVID-19 at the First Cardiologist Consultants hospital, a hospital he described as a Lagos State designated high care, biosecurity-compliant COVID-19 facility.
On Saturday, there were 49 new cases, pushing the total cases to 542, out of which 19 had died and 166 had been discharged.
But, at the Defence Guest House in Abuja where Kyari’s body was first received and the Gudu Cemetery, also in the FCT, where his remains were interred, there were scores of attendees, including top government functionaries, in violation of the ban on large gatherings and physical contacts imposed by the Federal Government.
But, speaking on the impact of the mass gathering at the burial in the midst of the rising spread of the COVID-19, medical experts said it would be in public interest for those at the funeral to be quarantined.
A renowned virologist, Prof Oyewale Tomori, who faulted the gathering of sympathisers at the burial, said even though there was no evidence that any of them had the virus, it would be better to place the attendees in isolation to be on the side of caution.
Tomori, a former President of the Nigerian Academy of Science, said, “I watched the burial and thought ‘this is wrong’. My focus would not be on the dead body but on the rules that we should maintain social distancing and not gather. So what did they take Funke Akindele (celebrity actress) to court for? And look at the number of people who were also in court with Akindele, they should have been taken to court.
YCOVID-19: FG using hunger as weapon of war against us –ASUU
The Federal Government has declared war against university lecturers using the biting hunger over COVID-19, the Academic Staff Union of Universities has said.
The union said if the government used the decisiveness and determination with which it was addressing the current health sector crisis, the ongoing strike would not last long.
Our correspondent reported that the warning strike by ASUU snowballed into a full blown strike on March 23, 2020.
Nigerians have been complaining of hunger and hardship occasioned by the nationwide lockdown to contain the spread of coronavirus in the country.
The National President of ASUU, Prof. Biodun Ogunyemi, in an interview said if the government used same determination and commitment to address the problem in the education sector, the strike would not linger at all after the COVIC-19 pandemic crisis.
He said, “The government has compounded the issue. In the last two months, our members in the federal universities have not been paid. You withheld people’s salaries and think such people would gladly go back?
At a time you’re talking of palliatives, you are denying thousands of families their sources of livelihood and you think you’re solving a problem, you’ve declared war against your intellectuals.’’
“So, it’s like the government of the day has declared war against ASUU and members. Nobody is talking of the welfare of these families that have been thrown into disarray in the face of lockdown. People are helpless and can’t go anywhere, and you’re using hunger as a weapon of war against them, it is genocide.
“We believe that now that there is emergency in the health sector, there is also an emergency in the education sector. So when we finish with the health sector, we will come back to the education sector. But if we had told them that there was no problem, it means that everybody can go to sleep after addressing the emergency in the health sector.
The union said if the government used the decisiveness and determination with which it was addressing the current health sector crisis, the ongoing strike would not last long.
Our correspondent reported that the warning strike by ASUU snowballed into a full blown strike on March 23, 2020.
Nigerians have been complaining of hunger and hardship occasioned by the nationwide lockdown to contain the spread of coronavirus in thecountry.
country.
The National President of ASUU, Prof. Biodun Ogunyemi, in an interview said if the government used same determination and commitment to address the problem in the education sector, the strike would not linger at all after the COVIC-19 pandemic crisis.
He said, “The government has compounded the issue. In the last two months, our members in the federal universities have not been paid. You withheld people’s salaries and think such people would gladly go back?
At a time you’re talking of palliatives, you are denying thousands of families their sources of livelihood and you think you’re solving a problem, you’ve declared war against your intellectuals.’’
“So, it’s like the government of the day has declared war against ASUU and members. Nobody is talking of the welfare of these families that have been thrown into disarray in the face of lockdown. People are helpless and can’t go anywhere, and you’re using hunger as a weapon of war against them, it is genocide.
“We believe that now that there is emergency in the health sector, there is also an emergency in the education sector. So when we finish with the health sector, we will come back to the education sector. But if we had told them that there was no problem, it means that everybody can go to sleep after addressing the emergency in the health sector.
The death of the Chief of Staff to the president of the federal republic of Nigeria, Abba Kyari is expected to throw the nation into uncertainty. His death comes following his diagnosis of being positive for Corona Virus on March 27, 2020.
As a caveat, the importance of Kyari to the Buhari cannot be overstated. He was the gatekeeper to president Buhari. He was the most powerful man in Aso Villa. The president had ordered that all cabinet requests go through Kyari to him. Kyari also oversaw the movement of paper into and out of the president’s office and the president’s schedule. He attended virtually all of the president’s meetings, photo-ops, and press briefings. The president frequently used him to deliver various news. Kyari was regularly in personal touch with virtually everybody at the top of Nigeria’s political and economic establishment.
He had regular, even hourly, contact with the president, whose office was near at hand. Hence, his death has significant implications.
Through this effect, Sourcenews24, carried out analysis on the data generated by National Center for Disease Control [NCDC] on the daily confirmed corona virus cases.
The analysis focused on the growth patterns in the nation, in Abuja FCT and in Lagos. The analysis also examined the spread across the states of Nigeria. The analysis was carried out to help make predictions and take precautionary measures to reduce the spread and possible projections into the future growth rates using simple mathematical models.
The NCDC data used for the analysis is availablehere.
According to the NCDC, the first case of covid19 was confirmed in Nigeria on February 27, 2020 in Ogun State when an Italian man tested positive for the virus following his entrance through the international airport in Lagos State. Eleven days after, the NCDC reported another incident on March 9, 2020 in the Ogun State. The third was recorded in Lagos on March 16, 2020.
Until March 18, 2020, the positive cases were coming in droplets. After the 18thof March, the rate of spread took a turn. The infection began to increase at an alarming rate.
Particularly, between the seven days of March 18 and March 25, the rate of infection increased from 5 to 9 persons per day nationwide. And then from March 25 to April 13, the rate doubled from 10 to 20 persons per day – equaling to an increase from 8 to 330 in 26days. SeeFigure 1.
Fig. 1: Rate of infections per day – measure the increase in the rate of infections
Figure-1is a graphical representation of the growth rate of infection [ROI]. The growth rate was modeled and an equation was generated [ROI = 0.5734day – 6.7414]. The equation fits a linear progression pattern of infection for the period of days examined.
Fig. 2: Total number of infections per day – measures the increase in total infections
The daily infections is represented graphically inFigure 2below. It show the daily infection [DI] between the periods of February 27 and April 13. It was modelled using simple mathematical modelling to aid the generation of an equation [DI = 0.2867day2– 6.7414day + 27.888]. The equation indicated a polynomial pattern.
Utilizing the growth equation, future growth pattern was estimated. The number of infected persons is expected to reach and exceed 5388 within the next 100 days, if the current rate of infection continues.
Fig 3: Total number of infections in LagosFig 4: Total number of infections in Abuja FCT
Figure 3&Figure 4show graphical representations Lagos and Abuja growth patterns as modeled by mathematical models. The equation for the virus spread in Lagos obtained –Number of Infected persons = 0.7361day1.6515–depicted a growth pattern that is exponential. For Abuja, the equation obtained –Number of Infected persons = 2.132day1.0154depicted a similar exponential growth pattern.
Going by the mathematical model, Lagos corona virus is expected to exceed 3000 while Abuja will exceed 300 cases within the next 100days if the current infection pattern continue.
Interested to note is the population densities of Lagos and Abuja correlated against the number of infected persons.
For Lagos, the population density is 2725 persons per square kilometer while Abuja is 260 persons per square kilometer. Abuja’s density is approximately 10% of that of Lagos – and the rate of infection for Abuja incidentally is approximately 10% of Lagos’ rate. This relationship points to population density as one of the main determinants to predicting the spread Nigerian cities.
In terms of geographical spread across the States, February 27 recorded one state. By April 13, the spread had reached 20 states. According to the mathematical model, the spread shows a spread that is linear. SeeFigure 5below for the graphical representation. The modeled equation [Number of States = 0.6864day – 11.31] predicts that within the next 10days, the entire 36 States will record cases of corona virus.
Fig 5: Number of States recording Corona virus case per day
The Federal Government declared a lockdown on March 31, 2020 to curtail or stop the virus from spreading. However, the effectiveness of the lockdown is not easily decipherable judging by the continued growth of infections and the number of States with corona virus cases.
When the lockdown was declared, the rate of infections per day was within the range of 5 to 10. But after 14days of the lockdown, the rate of infections per day increased to 20 nationwide while the number of state registering corona virus cases continued to raise steadily
‘ABBA KYARI WAS THE VERY BEST OF US’,PRESIDENT BUHARI SAYS IN TRIBUTE
On the sad occasion of the demise of Abba Kyari, the Chief of Staff, the President has directed on three things.
First, that this tribute (below) be issued in recognition of the enormous sacrifices and contributions made by the deceased to the success of his politics and administration and to the overall development of the nation.
Second, the President wishes to direct strict observance of the social distancing rules as prescribed by the National Center for Disease Control, the Federal Ministry of Health; and other safe hygiene practices as advised by relevant local authorities.
In this regard, the President will not be available for condolence visitors but urges, in place of that prayers be offered for the repose of soul of the departed Chief of Staff.
Third, the President wishes to convey his deep appreciation to foreign leaders and all Nigerians, from whom a stream of messages have been reaching him over this irreparable loss.
May Allah accept his soul.
Garba Shehu
Senior Special Assistant to the President
(Media & Publicity)
April 18, 2020
The President’s statement:
TO MY FRIEND, MALLAM ABBA KYARI
Mallam Abba Kyari, who died on 17th April, 2020, at the age of 67 from complications caused by the Coronavirus, was a true Nigerian patriot. My loyal friend and compatriot for the last 42 years – and latterly my Chief-of-Staff – he never wavered in his commitment to the betterment of every one of us.
He was only in his twenties when we first met. A diligent student, soon after he was blessed with the opportunity to study abroad – first at Warwick and then law at the University of Cambridge. But there was never any question Abba would bring his first-rate skills and newly acquired world-class knowledge back to Nigeria – which he did – immediately upon graduation.
Whilst possessing the sharpest legal and organisational mind, Abba’s true focus was always the development of infrastructure and the assurance of security for the people of this nation he served so faithfully. For he knew that without both in tandem there can never be the development of the respectful society and vibrant economy that all Nigerian citizens deserve.
In political life, Abba never sought elective office for himself. Rather, he set himself against the view and conduct of two generations of Nigeria’s political establishment – who saw corruption as an entitlement and its practice a byproduct of possessing political office.
Becoming my Chief of Staff in 2015, he strove quietly and without any interest in publicity or personal gain to implement my agenda.
There are those who said of him that he must be secretive – because he did not have a high public profile. But Abba was the opposite: he simply had no need, nor did he seek, the cheap gratification of the crowd; for him, there was nothing to be found in popular adulation. He secured instead satisfaction and his reward solely and only from the improvement of the governance of this great country.
Working, without fail, seven days each and every week, he acted forcefully as a crucial gatekeeper to the presidency, ensuring no one – whether minister or governor had access beyond another – and that all those representing and serving our country were treated equally.
He made clear in his person and his practice, always, that every Nigerian – regardless of faith, family, fortune or frailty – was heard and treated respectfully and the same.
Mallam Abba Kyari was the very best of us. He was made of the stuff that makes Nigeria great. Rest In Peace, my dearest friend.
To his loving wife and doting family who survive him, I extend my heartfelt sorrow at your loss.
Muhammadu Buhari
President, Federal Republic of Nigeria
April 18, 2020
‘ABBA KYARI WAS THE VERY BEST OF US’,PRESIDENT BUHARI SAYS IN TRIBUTE
On the sad occasion of the demise of Abba Kyari, the Chief of Staff, the President has directed on three things.
First, that this tribute (below) be issued in recognition of the enormous sacrifices and contributions made by the deceased to the success of his politics and administration and to the overall development of the nation.
Second, the President wishes to direct strict observance of the social distancing rules as prescribed by the National Center for Disease Control, the Federal Ministry of Health; and other safe hygiene practices as advised by relevant local authorities.
In this regard, the President will not be available for condolence visitors but urges, in place of that prayers be offered for the repose of soul of the departed Chief of Staff.
Third, the President wishes to convey his deep appreciation to foreign leaders and all Nigerians, from whom a stream of messages have been reaching him over this irreparable loss.
May Allah accept his soul.
Garba Shehu
Senior Special Assistant to the President
(Media & Publicity)
April 18, 2020
The President’s statement:
TO MY FRIEND, MALLAM ABBA KYARI
Mallam Abba Kyari, who died on 17th April, 2020, at the age of 67 from complications caused by the Coronavirus, was a true Nigerian patriot. My loyal friend and compatriot for the last 42 years – and latterly my Chief-of-Staff – he never wavered in his commitment to the betterment of every one of us.
He was only in his twenties when we first met. A diligent student, soon after he was blessed with the opportunity to study abroad – first at Warwick and then law at the University of Cambridge. But there was never any question Abba would bring his first-rate skills and newly acquired world-class knowledge back to Nigeria – which he did – immediately upon graduation.
Whilst possessing the sharpest legal and organisational mind, Abba’s true focus was always the development of infrastructure and the assurance of security for the people of this nation he served so faithfully. For he knew that without both in tandem there can never be the development of the respectful society and vibrant economy that all Nigerian citizens deserve.
In political life, Abba never sought elective office for himself. Rather, he set himself against the view and conduct of two generations of Nigeria’s political establishment – who saw corruption as an entitlement and its practice a byproduct of possessing political office.
Becoming my Chief of Staff in 2015, he strove quietly and without any interest in publicity or personal gain to implement my agenda.
There are those who said of him that he must be secretive – because he did not have a high public profile. But Abba was the opposite: he simply had no need, nor did he seek, the cheap gratification of the crowd; for him, there was nothing to be found in popular adulation. He secured instead satisfaction and his reward solely and only from the improvement of the governance of this great country.
Working, without fail, seven days each and every week, he acted forcefully as a crucial gatekeeper to the presidency, ensuring no one – whether minister or governor had access beyond another – and that all those representing and serving our country were treated equally.
He made clear in his person and his practice, always, that every Nigerian – regardless of faith, family, fortune or frailty – was heard and treated respectfully and the same.
Mallam Abba Kyari was the very best of us. He was made of the stuff that makes Nigeria great. Rest In Peace, my dearest friend.
To his loving wife and doting family who survive him, I extend my heartfelt sorrow at your loss.
Muhammadu Buhari
President, Federal Republic of Nigeria
April 18, 2020
In a bit to curtail persistent killings, the Multi-Agency Special Task Force, operating in Plateau, part of Kaduna and Bauchi States, Operation SAFE HAVEN(OPSH), has warned communities in Plateau state against ethnic crisis. The Commander,In a bit to curtail persistent killings, the Multi-Agency Special Task Force, operating in Plateau, part of Kaduna and Bauchi States, Operation SAFE HAVEN(OPSH), has warned communities in Plateau state against ethnic crisis. The Commander, Operation SAFE HAVEN, Major General Chukwuemeka Okonkwo, gave the warning on Friday during an operational visit to Kpashio and Rogochongo villages of Irigwe district in Bassa Local Government Area of the state. He frowns at incessant attacks being carried out within the Irigwe district of the state, cautioned criminals to stay off the state. Major General Chukwuemaka Okonkwo who took over mantle of leadership on 7th April, 2020 assured people of the affected villages its readiness to prevent further attack in the area and the entire state through coordinated operations and constant patrols. Speaking in Kpashio village during the command’s operational visit, Hon. Leo Dillon, said that the presence of troops of Operation SAFE HAVEN has further enriched residents with confidence, while they go about their daily activities unperturbed. He maintained that the village would improve on its community policing and work in cooperation with the security agencies in order to reduce the rate of criminal activities in the area. In a similar reaction, Mr. Aba Zara who spoke during the visit to Rogochongo village, said that the village will remain habitable to indigenes and settlers as a way of managing their differences. Zara described residents of the village as a peace-loving people whose continuous efforts towards peace building have been sustained over the years. Sadly, you would recall between 1st January and April 1st, 2020, no fewer than 30 persons have been reportedly killed in 19 separate attacks on 15 communities in Irigwe Chiefdom of Bassa Local Government Area, Plateau State. Operation SAFE HAVEN, Major General Chukwuemeka Okonkwo, gave the warning on Friday during an operational visit to Kpashio and Rogochongo villages of Irigwe district in Bassa Local Government Area of the state. He frowns at incessant attacks being carried out within the Irigwe district of the state, cautioned criminals to stay off the state. Major General Chukwuemaka Okonkwo who took over mantle of leadership on 7th April, 2020 assured people of the affected villages its readiness to prevent further attack in the area and the entire state through coordinated operations and constant patrols. Speaking in Kpashio village during the command’s operational visit, Hon. Leo Dillon, said that the presence of troops of Operation SAFE HAVEN has further enriched residents with confidence, while they go about their daily activities unperturbed. He maintained that the village would improve on its community policing and work in cooperation with the security agencies in order to reduce the rate of criminal activities in the area. In a similar reaction, Mr. Aba Zara who spoke during the visit to Rogochongo village, said that the village will remain habitable to indigenes and settlers as a way of managing their differences. Zara described residents of the village as a peace-loving people whose continuous efforts towards peace building have been sustained over the years. Sadly, you would recall between 1st January and April 1st, 2020, no fewer than 30 persons have been reportedly killed in 19 separate attacks on 15 communities in Irigwe Chiefdom of Bassa Local Government Area, Plateau State.
The Executive Chairman Of Bokkos LGA,Hon Yusuf Machen is exploring options on how Farmers can access fertilizer during the Lockdown order of the State Government.
the chairman distributed palliatives donated by Senator Hezekiah Dimka and some hand sanitizers to the wards in Bokkos.
Magit Mangut ,the SSA Media to the chairmaissued a Statement made available to Munashakonline;
“The Executive Chairman Bokkos LGA Hon. Chief Yusuf Mahanan Machen today held an emergency Covid-19 Committee and task force meeting to discuss and address issues as regards the previous lock-down fumigation exercise and also asses the forth coming lock-down that will kick off on Monday the 20th day of April 2020.
The Chairman reaffirms the need to respect and observe all the points addressed by the Plateau State Governor, Barr. Simon Bako Lalong. The Governor in his speech declaring the continuation of the exercise, on Wednesday the 15th day of April 2020 reassured all Plateau indigenes about the need of the lock-down in keeping Plateau state free of Corona Virus.
The Chairman states that the total lock-down starts midnight Sunday 19th day of April 2020 to Thursday midnight of the 23rd day of April 2020. He is also urging the good People of Bokkos not to politicise the lock down, as the State Government is doing all it can to prevent the transmission and spread of the disease. Although these measures are burdensome and affect the normal activities of the People, the Chairman is appealing that we take it as a necessary sacrifice in combating this life threatening pandemic.
The Chairman appreciates the Executive Governor of Plateau state for his large heart in accommodating all the peace loving people of Plateau state.
He as well appreciates the good People of Bokkos for their support and cooperation during the lock down and is advising them to exhibit same as the Governor is personally proud of the 100% compliance of Bokkos LGA in the immediate past exercise.
He points out that the forth coming exercise affects all, but farmers will be allowed to go to their farms with the following conditions:
i. Strict compliance to Social distancing.
ii. Farmers are to leave for their farms as early as 7am.
iii. All farmers going to their farms must present a prove of farm implements e.g small hoe, big hoe e.t.c.
iv. People should not go roaming about the streets under the pretext of going to their farms, as they will be arrested and prosecuted by the mobile court.
The Chairman is using this opportunity to appreciate the Senator Representing the people of Plateau Central Senatorial District for his support of 100 bags of maize as a palliative to the poorest of the poor.
In the same vain the LGA handed over 100 gallons of hand sanitizer to all the 20 wards of the LGA through their councillor’s for grassroot awareness campaign.
Also, the palliative sent by the Senator was equally presented to the councillor’s for onward distribution to the poorest of the poor in their respective wards ( each ward was given 5bags).
In another event, the Yusuf Mahanan Campaign Team presented a cake to celebrate the birthday of the Executive Chairman in a show of love. The Chairman warmly appreciates this kind gesture. He dedicated his birthday to the executive governor of plateau state his excellency Barr. Simon Bako Lalong for his proactive measures in fighting the deadly coronavirus.
NORTHERN GOVERNORS MOURNS LATE ABBA KYARI, COMMISERATES WITH PRESIDENT BUHARI
Plateau State Governor and Chairman, Northern Governors Forum Simon Bako Lalong has expressed deep shock over the death of Chief of Staff to the President, Mallam Abba Kyari.
Governor Lalong in a condolence message, sympathised with his immediate family, President Muhammadu Buhari and the entire nation for what he described as a monumental loss.
Lalong said “Mallam Abba Kyari was a deeply resourceful person who provided tremendous support to President Buhari and his Administration, and served Nigeria with patriotism, dignity, honesty and passion”.
Governor Lalong recalled the friendship and support which the late Chief of Staff always extended to members of the Forum and Plateau State, describing him as a man who had zeal for peace and progress of Nigeria.
He also prayed God to grant the soul of the deceased eternal rest and give the family the fortitude to bear the loss.
Dr. Makut Simon Macham, ANIPR
Director of Press & Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State and Chairman, Northern Governors Forum.
18th April 2020.
Sourcenews24/update.com 