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
CBN Reduces Banks’ Lending Rate to 50 Percent
By Tony Obiechina, Abuja
Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) yesterday announced a review of the loan-to-deposit ratio (LDR) for banks from 65 percent to 50 percent to align with the current monetary tightening.
LDR is used to assess a bank’s liquidity by comparing its total loans to its total deposits.
An increase in the loan-to-deposit ratio allows banks to expand their credits to businesses and individuals, however, a decline in LDR reduces their ability to loan customers from depositors’ funds.
CBN disclosed the increase in a circular titled “Re: Regulatory Measures to Improve Lending to the Sector of the Nigerian Economy”, signed by Adetona Adedeji, CBN Acting Director, Banking Supervision Department.
“Following a shift in the b ank’s policy stance towards a more contractionary approach, it is imperative to review the loan-to-deposit ratio (LDR) policy to align with the current monetary tightening by the CBN,” the apex bank said.
“Accordingly, the CBN has decided to reduce the LDR by 15 percentage points to 50%, in a similar proportion to the increase in the CRR rate for banks.
“All DMBs are required to maintain this level and are further advised that average daily figures shall continue to be applied to assess compliance.”At the last monetary policy committee (MPC) meeting on March 26, the CBN retained the CRR at 45 percent and the liquidity rate at 30 percent.
COVER
EFCC, Police, Guards in Battle of Supremacy over Yahaya Bello
By David Torough, Abuja
Gunshots rented the air as officials of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) yesterday invaded the Abuja residence of the immediate past governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello in a bid to arrest him.
The plot is at 9 Bengazi Street, Zone 4, Wuse District, Abuja.
Officers of the Nigeria Police Force and armed men dressed in black with the inscription “Special Forces” prevented operatives of EFCC from picking up the former governor of Kogi State, saying he had secured a court injunction against arrest by EFCC.
EFCC arrived Bello’s home at about 9:30am.
After hours of failed attempt to arrest Bello, the security operatives reinforced with backup support from the police and Department of State Services (DSS).
They were about seizing Bello when the governor of Kogi State, Usman Ododo arrived the premises.
Ododo spent few minutes and was zooming out when it was reported that he was driving out with Bello in his (Ododo’s) car.
Quickly, operatives opened fire causing protesters, journalists, onlookers and passers-by to scamper for safety.
Ododo and some security personnel as well as supporters showed up at Bello’s house around 2:30pm to voice their opposition to the invasion of Bello’s house.
Operatives blocked the roads leading in and out of the street causing traffic jam around the area.
Ododo arrived at Bello’s residence at about 2:30pm alongside several security operatives and youth supporters protesting against the siege to the ex-governor’s place.
EFCC has always had it rough while on mission to prosecute highly placed individuals especially formers governors.
While some of them resist arrest, some run to court to secure perpetual injunction against arrest.
Former Governor Peter Odili got a perpetual injunction against arrest.Rabi’u Kwankwaso, Abdul’aziz Yari, Bello Matawalle and others got restraining orders against EFCC.
COVER
Ayu Withdraws Suit against Removal as PDP Chairman
The National Executive Council (NEC) meetng, the National Working Committee (NWC) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has passed a vote of confidence on its Acting National Chairman, Umar Damagum.
The party’s spokesman, Debo Ologunagba announced in a statement that the NWC took the decision at the end of its 584th meeting on Tuesday in Abuja.
He said the decision was reached in commendation of the efforts and commitment of Damagum’s ability to stabilize and reposition the PDP as the main opposition party in the country.
The party’s national executive meeting was slated for Thursday and the purpose of the meeting was to either affirm or replace Damagun.
“The Deputy National Chairman (South), Amb. Taofeek Arapaja presided over the motion for the Vote of Confidence on the Acting National Chairman, which was moved by the National Vice Chairman (South East) Chief Ali Odefa and seconded by the National Treasurer, Hon. Yayari Mohammed,” Ologunagba said.
Earlier, attempt to pass a vote of confidence on Damagun during the party’s caucus meeting in the House of Representatives on Tuesday met stiff resistance.
Lawmakers loyal to the party’s Acting National Chairman and FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike attempted to pass a vote of confidence on Damagun but were blocked.
The meeting convened by the Leader of the Caucus and House Minority Leader, Hon. Kingsley Chinda was held for about two hours at the National Assembly, Abuja ahead of today’s NEC meeting.
Last week, a group of 60 PDP federal lawmakers threatened to quit the party if the doctored list of Caretaker Committees in Rivers and 10 other states which was filled with members and loyalist of the All Progressive Congress (APC) is not nullified.
The group under the aegis of Opposition Lawmakers Coalition also demanded the resignation of the Acting National Chairman to pave way for a north-central person to emerge as Acting National Chairman of the party pending the conduct of convention as required by the party’s constitution.
Damagum was appointed the Acting National Chairman in 2023 following the suspension of the former chairman Iyorchia Ayu.
Ayu yesterday withdrew his appeal suit against the PDP and Terhide Utaan who took Ayu to court restraining him from parading himself as the National Chairman following his suspension by his ward.
The Withdrawal of Appeal was contained in Appeal No: CA/MK/88/2024 before the Court of Appeal in Makurdi dated April 15, 2024.“Take notice that the appellant in pursuant herein intends and does hereby wholly withdraws his appeal against all the respondents filed on 27th day of June 2023 vide notice of appeal dated the 26th day of June 2023,” the document reads.