COVER
COVID-19 Spreads, Cases Rise to 30
By Orkula Shaagee, Abuja and Joseph Amedu, Lokoja
As the spread of Coronavirus disease intensifies with increase of positive cases, Churches around the country yesterday ignored the directives against public gathering of people more than 50 at a place.
DAILY ASSET, which monitored the situation yesterday in Abuja observed that while expressed fears, others indifferent and went about their respective businesses including worshipping in churches and mosques.
The federal government, through the Nigerian Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), yesterday confirmed that COVID-19 cases have increased to 30, with three new recorded in Lagos.
“Three new cases of COVID-19 have been confirmed in Lagos, with two cases being returning travellers and one as a contact of a confirmed case.
“As at 05:28 pm on the 22nd of March, there are 30 confirmed cases of #COVID19 in Nigeria. 2 have been discharged with no deaths,” NCDC tweeted.
The Lagos State Ministry of Health earlier gave an update on the new cases, saying that one of the three new patients is a 51-year-old Briton who arrived Nigeria on March 8 via BA75 flight.
“The second patient is a Nigerian who returned on March 14 through a connecting flight; KL0582 London -Amsterdam / KL0587 Amsterdam – Lagos.
“The third patient is a 65-year-old United States citizen who arrived in Lagos about six weeks ago, but has just tested positive to the virus.
“Given a rise in the number of confirmed cases, citizens have been advised to practise social distancing, wash their hands frequently with soap and water or use hand sanitizer”, NCDC tweeted.
Several measures have been put in place by the federal and state governments to stall the spread of the virus, such as the closure of schools and the suspension of social and religious gatherings of more than 50 persons.
The Lagos State Government also announced on Sunday that civil servants from grade levels one to 12 should stay at home for 14 days starting from Monday 23, 2020.
Of Nigeria’s 30 confirmed cases, two have been discharged while no death has occurred from the disease.
A breakdown shows that Lagos State still tops the chart with the highest number of confirmed cases.
As of the time of reporting, Lagos State had reported 22 cases, Abuja – four, Ogun – two, Ekiti – one and Oyo – one.
Consequently, Churches in Lagos State
yesterday recorded partial compliance with the ban by the State Government on
gathering of not more than 20 people over Coronavirus (COVID-19).
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that
most Churches had their normal services while other had their services at
various community/zonal centres.
At the Living-spring International Chapel, Ikeja, the time of service was adjusted from 8-10 am, with members holding service at different zones instead of the usual congregational service.
The General Overseer, Pastor Femi Emmanuel said that the step was taken in compliance with the directive from the state government of not more than 20 people in a gathering.
Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) Parish, Okupe Estate, Maryland, the service was adjusted to 50 people per service.
NAN reports that although the Church was scanty, there was quite a large space between worshipers.
In Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), an unconfirmed report stated at the weekend that three passengers aboard a British Airways (BA), was tested positive of COVID-19 and isolated for further action.
One of the passengers, whose wife tested negative, according to the unconfirmed report, is an employee of the Federal Inland Revenue Services (FIRS).
“We are getting in touch with the University of Abuja Teaching Hospital. We are moving them now, we would give more details as soon as possible concerning their flight”.
Churches Ignore Stay at Home Order in Kogi
Despite warnings, many Churches in Kogi state
yesterday ignored the order as many people went for their normal congregational
prayers.
Sources hinted that various churches in Lokoja,
the Kogi State Capital and its environs opened for congregational services.
It was gathered that yesterday services were,
however, used as opportunity to pray against the pandemic disease wreaking
havoc across the globe and threading lives and economic activities since it
outbreak four months ago.
It was learnt that people turned out in their
large numbers , while some people still felt reluctant to go to Churches and
remain at home to observe prayers.
Checks also revealed that some religious
leaders, yesterday have also announced temporary closure of their
churches so that as from next week to observe no gathering of more that
30 order by the Federal and State governments .
Meanwhile as part of efforts to ensure the
people of Kogi state don’t contact pandemic Coronavirus , the
Ministry of Health has distributed hand washing materials to some markets,
communities and Government offices in Lokoja.
In a statement signed the Public Relation Office
,Ministry of Health ,Mrs Dorothy Onoja copy of which was made available to
journalists in Lokoja on Sunday ,said that the state will not leave any
stone unturned to ensure the people are safe from contact the disease.
The commissioner for health, Doctor Saka Haruna
said the campaign against coronavirus will be taken to every nook and cranny of
the state during the sensitization outreach on Corona virus in Lokoja.
The Commissioner explained that with the support
of Governor Yahaya Bello, measures had been put in place to fight the scourge
of the virus.
Police Disperse Worshippers in Ogun
Ogun State Police Command disclosed that some worship centres in the State complied with the directive banning high density gatherings over COVID-19, but added that those who gathered for service in defiance of the ban were dispersed by its Policemen.
The Command’s Police Public Relations Officer, Abimbola Oyeyemi, said that the ban was being enforced state-wide, but was silent on the particular worship centres where congregants were “dispersed by the Police.”
According to him, no arrest was made on the worshippers but they were only dispersed and asked to go home to observe private worship or prayer.
Hours earlier, the State Police Command had threatened to arrest and prosecute anybody or group that violate restrictions and bans on high density gatherings such as churches, mosques, restaurants, cinemas and sports arenas in Ogun.
The ban was imposed on worship centres and other high density gatherings by the Federal and State governments respectively, following the outbreaks of COVID-19 in the country and the measure was taken to manage and contain the spread of the virus in the state and country.
The Police Command advised people to steer clear of gatherings that would attract 50 or more persons, warning that the Police was ready to arrest and prosecute violators of the directive.
However, some of the churches that opened reduced their services to one hour to accommodate two services, with each of the services holding 50 members and provided sanitizers, hand washing bowls and water for the congregants.
The church authorities were seen screening to ensure that those in the church hall did not exceed 50. The sitting arrangements also ensured distance between worshippers.
At the Victory Life Bible Church located along Abeokuta-OGTV –Ajebo Road, attendance did not exceed 50 members, while the church also provided sanitizers.
Similarly at Celestial Church Ibara, Abeokuta, a notice at the church gate informed members of the cancellation of service.
“In compliance with the State Government’s directive on coronavirus endemics, church members and visitors are hereby advised to stay away from the church premises until further notice. Please pray at home.”
At Cathedral Church of Peters in Ake, Abeokuta, 50 members each attended two services lasting an hour each.
When our correspondent visited the Owu Baptist Church at Ita- Iyalode, it was under lock and key, while the same measures were applied at Ibara Baptist Church, as well as African Church Cathedral, Ita Iyalode and African Church, Idi-Ape, Abeokuta.
Meanwhile, some churches also took advantage of their large premises to mount loudspeakers for worshippers who were not allowed into the church hall to follow from outside.
Kano Closes Islamic Schools
Kano State government has said all places of learning for western, Quranic and Islamiyya schools should be shut down from Monday 23 March as a measure to prevent the spread of the dreaded corona virus pandemic ravaging the world.
The Chairman of Kano State Quranic, Islamiyya and Tsangaya schools board Sheik Gwani Yahuza Gwani Dan Zarga confirmed the schools’ closure while speaking with reporters in Kano yesterday.
He said the state government in line with north-west governors agreement instructed schools to shut down to avoid gathering of people that can lead to the spread of the disease among pupils.
According to the Board Chairman, “all Quranic, Islamiyya and Tsangaya schools are expected to be shut from Monday 23 March as directed by the State government.
Gwani Yahuza who said that Kano has 12 Tsangaya model schools , said the directive is not to prevent learning but rather to safeguard against the COVID-19.
‘’Religious leaders and others should please intensify prayers to prevent the spread of COVID-19 pandemic that is ravaging the world,’’ .
The Nation recalled that Kano State government on Friday Ordered the Closure of Schools in the state for 30 days over the pandemic corona virus.
However residents were the opinion that the closure does not include Islamiyya ,Qur,anic and Tsangaya schools.
COVER
Yahaya Bello to Spend Christmas, New Year in Kuje Prison
By Mike Odiakose, Abuja
Immediate past governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello will spend the 2024 Christmas and 2025 New Year days in Kuje prison, Abuja, following refusal of his bail application by the Federal Capital Territory High Court.
Justice Maryann Anenih yesterday adjourned the case until Jan.
29, Feb. 25, and Feb. 27, 2025 for the continuation of the hearing.The former governor is standing trial, along with two others, in an N110 billion money laundering charge brought against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
Justice Anenih had refused to grant a bail application filed by Bello, saying it was filed prematurely.
The judge admitted Umar Oricha and Abdulsalam Hudu, to bail in the sum of N 300 million each with two sureties.
Justice Anenih, while delivering a ruling said, having been filed when Bello was neither in custody nor before the court, the instant application was incompetent.
“Consequently, the instant application having been filed prematurely is hereby refused,” she said.
Recalling the arguments before the court on the bail application, the judge had said, “before the court is a motion on notice, dated and filed on Nov. 22.
“The 1st Defendant seeks an order of this honourable court admitting him to bail pending the hearing and determination of the charge.
“That he became aware of the instant charge through the public summons. That he is a two-term governor of Kogi State. That if released on bail, he would not interfere with the witnesses and not jump bail.”
She said the Defendant’s Counsel, JB Daudu, SAN, had told the court that he had submitted sufficient facts to grant the bail.
He urged the court to exercise its discretion judicially and judiciously to grant the bail.
Opposing the bail application, the Prosecution Counsel, Kemi Pinheiro, SAN, argued that the instant application was grossly incompetent, having been filed before arraignment.
He said it ought to be filed after arraignment but the 1st Defendant’s Counsel disagreed, saying there was no authority
“That says that an application can only be filed when it is ripe for hearing.”
Justice Anenih held that the instant application for bail showed that it was filed several days after the 1st defendant was taken into custody.”
Citing the ACJA, the judge said the provision provided that an application for bail could be made when a defendant had been arrested, detained, arraigned or brought before the court.
Bello had filed an application for his bail on November 22 but was taken into custody on November 26 and arraigned on Nov. 27.
COVER
Middle Belt Group Tasks FG on Resettlement, Safety of IDPs
From Jude Dangwam, Jos
Conference of Autochthonous Ethnic Nationalities Community Development Association (CONAECDA) has called on the federal government to intensify efforts in the resettlement of displaced persons in their ancestral homes.
The organization made this call at the end of its conference held in Jos, the Plateau State Capital weekend.
Thirty resolutions were passed covering security, economy, politics, governance, culture, languages, human rights and indigenous peoples’ rights among others.
The Conference President, Samuel Achie and Secretary Suleman Sukukum in a communique noted that the conference received and discussed reports from communities based on which resolutions were reached on securing, reconstruction, rehabilitation and returning communities displaced by violence across the Middle Belt.
“After considering the reports from communities displaced by violent conflicts, conference resolved, and called on government to focus on providing security to deter further displacements.
“Call on government to provide security to enable communities to return. Government and donor partners should assist in reconstructing and returning displaced communities,” the communique stated.
The GOC 3 Armoured Division Nigeria Army represented by Lt Col Abdullahi Mohammed said the Nigerian Army is committed to working closely with communities to achieve a crime-free society, urging communities to support them with credible information.
“Security is a collective effort, and we cannot do it alone, the community plays a crucial role in ensuring safety.
“We urge everyone here not to shield or protect individuals involved in criminal activities. Transparency and collaboration, together, with maximum cooperation, we can achieve peace, security, and prosperity for our society,” the GOC stated.
The National Coordinator of CONECDA, Dr. Zuwaghu Bonat in his address at the gathering noted that the theme of this year’s program, Returning, Resettling, and Rehabilitating Displaced Communities, was chosen as a wakeup call on the federal government.
He maintained that the organization is aware that President Bola Tinubu has expressed a commitment to ensuring that displaced communities return to their ancestral lands.
He said similarly, some state governments, including Plateau State, have set up committees to address the lingering matter.
The coordinator however cautioned, “It is critical that we avoid generalizations or profiling. For instance, Not all Muslims are involved in terrorism. The overwhelming majority of Muslims in Nigeria are peaceful and reject extremist ideologies.
“We also know that some terrorists exploit religion to mobilize support or rationalize their actions. However, their atrocities – slaughtering women, cutting open pregnant mothers, and killing children show a profound disregard for humanity and God. Normal human beings would not commit such acts.
“We must also be cautious about lumping banditry with terrorism. While statistics indicate that many bandits and kidnappers may share similar ethnic backgrounds, kidnapping has now evolved into a profit-driven enterprise. This distinction is vital to address the root causes effectively,” he stated.
The Governor of Plateau State, Caleb Mutfwang represented by his Senior Special Assistant (SSA) on Middle Belt Nationalities, Hon Daniel Kwada noted that the conference was apt to addressed the various underlying issues bedeviling the region and its people.
“We in the Middle Belt have long been standing at the crossroads of Nigeria’s complex history. Despite our tireless efforts to stabilize this nation, we have faced immense challenges, including underdevelopment, security issues, and marginalization.
“Often, we are unfairly maligned, but gatherings like this offer a chance to change the narrative.
“Such conferences set the tone for better discussions. They allow us to drive processes that bring development, ensure security, and elevate our people to greater heights,” Mutfwang noted.
COVER
Recapitalisation: SEC Charges Banks to Strengthen Corporate Governance
Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has called on banks to reinforce their corporate governance principles and risk management frameworks to boost investor confidence during the ongoing recapitalisation exercise.
Dr Emomotimi Agama, Director-General, SEC, said this at the yearly workshop of the Capital Market Correspondents Association of Nigeria (CAMCAN) held in Lagos.
The theme of the workshop is: “Recapitalisation: Bridging the Gap between Investors and Issuers in the Nigerian Capital Market”.
Agama, represented by the Divisional Head of Legal and Enforcement at the SEC, Mr John Achile, stated that the 2024–2026 banking sector recapitalisation framework offers clear guidance for issuers while prioritising the protection of investors’ interests
He restated the commission’s commitment towards ensuring transparency and efficiency in the recapitalisation process.
The director-general stated that the key to bridging the gap between issuers and investors remained the harnessing of innovation for inclusive growth.
In view of this, Agama said, “SEC, through the aid of digital platform, is exploring the integration of blockchain technology for secure and transparent transaction processing to redefine trust in the market.”
He added that the oversubscription of most recapitalisation offers in 2024 reflects strong investor confidence.
To sustain this momentum, the director-general said that SEC had intensified efforts to enhance disclosure standards and corporate governance practices.
According to him, expanding financial literacy campaigns and collaborating with fintech companies to provide low-entry investment options will democratise access to the capital market.
He assured stakeholders of the commission’s steadfastness in achieving its mission of creating an enabling environment for seamless and transparent capital formation.
“Our efforts are anchored on providing issuers with clear guidelines and maintaining open lines of communication with all market stakeholders, reducing bureaucratic bottlenecks through digitalisation.
“We also ensure timely review and approval of applications, and enhancing regulatory oversight to protect investors while promoting market integrity,” he added.
Agama listed constraints to the exercise to include: addressing market volatility, systemic risks, limited retail participation as well as combating skepticism among investors who demand greater transparency and accountability.
He said: “We are equally presented with opportunities which include leveraging technology to deepen financial inclusion and enhance market liquidity.
“It also involves developing innovative financial products, such as green bonds and sukuk, to attract diverse investor segments.
“The success of recapitalisation efforts depends on collaboration among regulators, issuers, and investors.”
Speaking on market infrastructure at the panel session, Achile said SEC provides oversight to every operations in the market, ranging from technology innovations to market.
He stated that the commission is committed to transparency and being mindful of the benefits and risks associated with technology adoption.
Achile noted that SEC does due diligence to all the innovative ideas that comes into the market to ensure adequate compliance with the requirements.
On the rising unclaimed dividend figure, Achile blamed the inability of investors to comply with regulatory requirements and information gap.
He noted that SEC had done everything within its powers to ensure that investors receive their dividend at the appropriate time.
He, however, assured that the commission would continue to strengthen its dual role of market regulation and investor protection to boost confidence in the market.
In her welcome address, the Chairman of CAMCAN, Mrs Chinyere Joel-Nwokeoma, said banks’ recapitalisation is not just a regulatory requirement, but an opportunity to rebuild trust, strengthen the capital market, and drive sustainable growth.
Joel-Nwokeoma stated that the recent recapitalisation in the banking sector had brought to the fore the need for a more robust and inclusive capital market.
She added that as banks seek to strengthen their balance sheets and improve their capital adequacy ratios, it is imperative to create an environment that fosters trust, transparency, and cooperation between investors and issuers.
The chairman called for collaboration to bridge the gap between investors and issuers to create a more inclusive and vibrant Nigerian capital market.She said: “we must work together to strengthen corporate governance and risk management practices in banks, enhance disclosure and transparency requirements for issuers.” NAN