COVER
Nine States Spend N10bn in Fight Against COVID -19
By Mathew Dadiya(Abuja), Dan Amasingha(Minna), Alfred Babs(Ilorin), Vincent Nyinongu(Makurdi), Beauty John(Lafia) and Sylvia Udegbunam(Enugu)
Three months after President Muhammadu Buhari, ordered a total lockdown in Lagos, Abuja, Ogun and subsequently other state governors followed the same order to curb the spread of the novel Coronavirus otherwise called COVID -19 pandemic in the country,
Nine out of the 36 states of the Federation may have committed over N10billion so far in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic, investigation by DAILY ASSET has revealed.
The funds were spent in the last three months when President Muhammadu Buhari first announced a total lockdown of Lagos and Ogun states as well as the Federal Capital Territory(FCT) on March 29, in the first national response to curb the spread of the dreaded novel Coronavirus.
As the virus spread across the country, the Federal Government enthroned a regime of restriction on inter-state movement and urged states to come up with local measures to curb its further spread.
President had on Sunday March 29, in a national broadcast, announced cessation of all movements for Lagos and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja for an initial period of 14 days with effect from midnight Monday March 30, 2020.
At that time, the total number of infected persons with COVID-19 in Nigeria was 97 with Lagos, Abuja and Ogun leading the chart, compelling President Buhari to order a lockdown in the two affected States and the FCT.
Since then most of the states responded with huge emergency budgetary and extra-budgetary expenditures to implement various response measures in their respective states.
But as at Sunday, July 13, 2020 Nigeria recorded a total of 33,153, infected cases, 13, 671 people have recovered from the disease while 744 people have died. The figures have been on the increase
since June 30, when the Federal Government lifted the restriction on inter-state movement.
Since the outbreak of the pandemic, the states and federal government have recorded billions of naira in donations from individuals and corporate organisations as support for the fight against the virus. Many state governments have claimed to have expended huge amounts of money in testing, treatment and procurement of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) as well as setting up of isolation Centers.
While the Federal Government said it has spent billions to stem the spread of the novel virus in the country, state governments have also been making claims to spending humongous amounts of money in tackling the disease.
Recently, President Muhammadu Buhari approved N6.2 billion for the fight against COVID-19 in Niger Delta, amid huge sums already given to other geopolitical zones. Lagos alone was given N10 billion by the federal government as support for the COVID19-19 fight.
On April 20, 2020, the executive board of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) approved US$ 3.4 billion in emergency support to Nigeria to address the pandemic.
The federal government has realised N145 billion from 395 contributors recently and is expected to increase.
DAILY ASSET’s checks in nine selected states revealed serious doubts in some areas raising fears that the huge sums were allegedly spent on some other sub-heads other than COVID-19.
States Spending on Covid-19:
Niger Expends N795 million
The Niger state government has said it expended the sum of N795M in three months for COVID-19 activities since the out break of the pandemic.
The state government however, lamented that since the out break, it was yet to receive any financial support from the Federal government for COVID-19 activities.
Secretary to Niger State Government, Alhaji Ibrahim Ahmed Matane, who is the Chairman of the state COVID-19 Taskforce disclosed this while fielding questions from members of the state House of Assembly.
Giving a breakdown on how some of the funds were expended, Matane explained that N410 million was expended for palliatives to the vulnerable in the society, while the sum of N85 million was spent for electricity subsidy,
He also disclosed that about N200million was expended on transportation in transferring positive patients to isolation and treatment centres along with allowances for committee members.
“Most of the resources was expended for transportation of movement of taskforce members, movement of patients from the local government centres to the isolation centres, providing water, allowances for volunteers, security operatives, front line workers and some members of the task force,” he stated.
The Chairman of the COVID-19 committee further explained that another amount sum of N290 million was expended on medicals for the purchase of Personal protective equipment (PPEs), drugs, capacity building for health workers, risk communication and travelling of health workers.
According to him, the state taskforce also got N47 million as donations from individuals and cooperate organizations stressing that the fund has not been touched.
“Everything we have done is from the budgetary allocation from the state government. We have not received one naira from the Federal government in terms of monetary donations, only the three trucks of rice and 700 jerricans of vegetable oil from the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs.
“The money received from donations from individuals and organizations is N47 million and the money is still there. We have not spent a dime from it.”
The members of the Niger state House of Assembly have however expressed misgivings on the amount spent by the state COVID-19 taskforce committee in battling the virus that has claimed 7 lives out of the 118 positive cases in the state.
Kwara Spends N1.569 billion
Kwara state government said that a total of N1,569,107,944.70 so far has been spent in the fight against COVID-19 pandemic between April 1 and June 29,2020.
The government in a statement signed by Rafiu Ajakaye, Chief Press Secretary to the governor and spokesperson to the state Technical Committee on COVID-19 said that it received the sum of N243m as financial donations from private individuals and corporate bodies between March 27 and July 3, 2020.
Ajakaye said that the breakdown of the expenses including the running cost of the activities of the technical committee (N132,931,510); medical supplies and equipment (N713,480,100.90); palliatives (N525,277,030.00); COVID-19 related renovation works N149,928,753.80; and security, health workers’ allowances and logistics (N47,490,550.00).
“These expenses covered the purchase of military grade Toyota Land Cruiser Ambulances; automated ventilators and several other Intensive Care Unit (ICU) gadgets/equipment; production of hand sanitizers; and the cost of running the activities of the technical committee and its subcommittees, the statement added.
“The expenses also included the cost of the palliatives that were distributed during the lockdown; renovation of the Sobi Specialist Hospital and the Hajj Camp; mass production of face masks, purchase of surgical masks, digital thermometers and respirators and other Personal Protective Equipment; medical supplies and consumables; security expenses; trainings; allowances for medical personnel and other supportive staff in charge of the pandemic; part-renovation of the Offa General Hospital as an isolation centre; and patients’ management, among others.
The government said it received N243million as financial donations from private individuals and corporate bodies between March 27 and at the time of this report.
The statement said that the donations were in respect of the government’s fight against COVID-19 pandemic, and had at various times been acknowledged in official news releases.
Benue State Government Spends N250 million
Benue State Government said it has spent a fortune in the region of 250 million naira in combating the spread of covid-19 in the state.
The state chairman on Action Committee on Covid-19 and Deputy Governor, Engr. Benson Abounu disclosed but did not give details of the expenditure.
He, however, said that part of the funds was used in establishing two isolation centres at the Federal Medical Centre and the State University Teaching Hospital, which were currently serving the state for isolation and treatment.
According him, the funds were also used in equipping government general hospitals to serve as temporary centres for support to the Central isolation centres in emergency situations as well as treatment of those infected by the virus. The effort has yielded significantly given that Benue has never recorded any death despite swollen number of infections.
“The funds were also used in procuring face masks and hand sanitizers which were distributed to the people to curb the spread. This was done to cushion the impact of the pandemic on the economic well-being of the people.
Other issues like, contact tracing, market fumigations, monitoring and awareness creation as well as repatriation of infiltrators gulped up a significant part of the said sum,” he said.
Enugu State Spends N330 million
The Enugu State Executive Council (EXCO) approved the sum of N330million to tackle the scourge of the COVID-19 in the state.
Recall that the state medical team led by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Health, Dr. Ifeanyi Agujiobi, in his update stated that the Council approved the immediate upgrade and relocation of the state Isolation Centre to ESUT Teaching Hospital, Parklane, Enugu.
He disclosed that the Council’s decision was based on the medical team’s recommendation and in line with the advice from the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) that Isolation Centres are best located within the Specialist Hospitals of the states for prompt and effective emergency response.
He explained that the relocation “will be more convenient, easier for patients who may have Coronavirus or suspected to have Coronavirus to be attended to by medical specialists promptly and timely”, adding that the patient will have access to “the X-Ray machines, the dialysis machine and other high tech machines domiciled in the Teaching hospital”.
The team leader, appreciated Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi for his efforts and effective leadership role in driving “not just the health sector but the entire sectors in Enugu State.”
Agujiobi further disclosed that the Council considered and approved the procurement of more personal protective equipment, sanitizers, masks, respirators and all that are needed to aid the physicians manage their patients.
He further explained that the sum of N150 million was approved by the Council to tackle the issue of Coronavirus and to ensure that the state was fully prepared, while the sum N80 million was also approved for procurement of important and essential drugs that may be needed to treat and manage Coronavirus, Lassa fever and other communicable diseases.
According to him, “the Enugu State Executive Council, in addition, approved N100 million to be kept in the Emergency Operation Centre account, in case of any emergency or any need to access fund before the next EXCO.”
Nasarawa Government Spends Over N500million
The Nasarawa state Deputy Governor, Dr Emmanuel Akabe has disclosed that the state government has expended over N536,156 m in it’s effort to contain the spread of COVID-19 in the state.
Akabe who doubles as the chairman, Nasarawa state task force on COVID-19 made this known to newsmen in Lafia recently.
According to the deputy governor, the money spent was released to ministries, departments and agencies (MDA’s) involved in the fight against the spread of the novel coronavirus pandemic in the state.
Giving the break down, he said that Ministry of health was allocated the sum of N253,890,000, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development N134,350,000 while Sustainable Development Goals ( SDG’s)got N32,288,000, Ministry of Justice N72,981,000, Environment and Natural Resources N21,800,000 were allocated the above sums respectively.
The COVID-19 sum of N3,530,000 was was released Dalhatu Araf Specialist Hospital (DASH), Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism N3,530,000 , Head of Service N3 million, Bureau for Information Communication Technology N 1, 127, 000.
Akabe said that some of the money was used in providing palliatives distributed to the poor to help cushion the effect of pandemic, while protective equipments were also secured from some of the fund.
“The money was used in buying palliative, Personal Protective Equipments (PPEs), security, fumigation of places, sensitisation, setting up of isolation centres, security among others” he said.
In his own words “the sum of N4.5 million naira was released to the chairmen of Nasarawa and Karu Local Government Areas respectively”.
The Deputy Governor gave the released of the money to MDAs to includes; Ministry of Health N253, 890, 000, Information N3, 530, 000, Dalhatu Specialist Hospital Lafia N3, 530, 000, Agriculture and Rural Development N134, 350, 000, Environment and Natural Resources N21, 8000.
Others are; Secretariat of the COVID-19 committee N1, 850, 000, Ministry of Justice N74, 981, 000, Head of Service N3 million, Sustainable Development Goals N32, 288, 000, Bureau for Information Communication Technology N1, 270, 000.
Several donations have been made in the sum of N94 million by different groups, individuals and organizations to compliment government’s effort.
Akabe called on the people to obey the rules by adhering strictly to the use of face masks, washing of hands and use of hand sanitizers, maintaining social distancing and staying away from crowded places.
Lagos spends N800 million on COVID-19 testing
Lagos State government has said it had conducted 16,000 COVID-19 tests so far at the average cost of N40,000 to N50,000. It, therefore, said it had spent about N800 million on testing alone.
The state Governemnt however, refused to dispose the total sum it has expended since the outbreak of the novel Coronavirus despite being the epicenter of the pandemic in the country.
The state’s Commissioner for Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi, stated this while giving updates on state government’s efforts to curb and manage Coronavirus, ignoring the question on how much the state government is spending averagely to treat a COVID-19 patient.
Edo Commits N1bn to COVID-19
Edo.State government said it has spent over N1 billion so to stem the spread of the disease.
Governor Godwin Obaseki, on April 19, said that the state had already spent over N1bn on its COVID-19 response.
His deputy, Mr. Philip Shaibu, later gave a breakdown of how the state spent over N1bn in its response to coronavirus disease now ravaging the world.
Shaibu, who also serves as Chairman of the state’s COVID-19 response Technical Committee, said the money was spent on procuring medical equipment, isolation centres, PPE, and palliatives.
Speaking on a live TV interview on Tuesday, Dr. Okundia said it might be necessary to wait till the end of the pandemic to ascertain how much has been spent, because the state government was spending money every day to fight COVID-19.
“I think the governor has already given an estimate of the expenses going on, but it is at the end of this outbreak that you can actually say how much was really expended.
“So far, it is an emergency situation. Activities are going on and things are coming up every day.
“We are working to build a 350-bed isolation centre. The centre will be at the Stella Obasanjo Hospital, which has been designated as a COVID-19 response centre.
“We’ve trained trained 4,215 healthcare workers. The state has approved incentives for all healthcare workers who are involved in the frontline management of COVID-19.
“We have procured molecular polymerase chain reaction machines, though we have one at the Specialist Hospital in Irrua serving the whole of South.
“However, there was the need to increase the testing capacity. So, the governor went ahead and got two more molecular polymerase chain reaction machines.
“One was for the University of Benin Teaching Hospital and the other was for the Edo Specialist Hospital. This will help to get more people tested,” he said.
Okundia also said the state had adapted its strategy to fight COVID-19 ‘because the viral disease is now in the community.’
“It is becoming obvious that we are now in the phase of community spread of the disease; so, efforts are being geared towards screening in the community.
“The exercise is going on across the 18 local governments of Edo State.
“We started from the first four local governments that had confirmed Coronavirus cases.
“We’ve scaled up mobile screening. This is going on in two local government areas.
“We have set up screening posts at our borders. We have about 18 entry points into Edo State and we have personnel there, with Police and security support to screen people as they come into the state,” he added.
Oyo State Spends N2.8bn
Oyo state government said that it has over N2.8 billion in the fight against Coronavirus.
While N900 million was spent on palliatives and seedlings for affected farmers, it stated that about N370 million was spent on the Infectious Diseases Centre, Olodo.
The governor said that N453million has been spent on security and securing the state borders on the right against COVID-19, N156milliin to be paid to health workers, including volunteers and medical and health workers as allowances.
“The sum of N118m is given to the University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan as support, N321million used in buying ambulances to support the ministry of health and N614 spent on reagents, consumables, tests and cost of treating the patients in the state” he added.
The state, he however said is awaiting financial support of N100million from Federal Government through the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC).
Ogun Commits Over N2 billion to Curb COVID-19
Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State, who declined to disclose the exact amount spent, said that his administration has spent billions of naira in the fight against the spread of COVID-19 pandemic in the state.
The governor did not declare the exact amount he has spent in waging war against the viral disease. DAILY ASSET investigations revealed that about N2billion may have been expened so far by the Abiodun administration in the state on the pandemic.
According to Abiodun the billions of naira were expended on “setting up isolation centers, procuring equipment, sensitization, manpower development, surveillance and other logistics; especially the purchase food items that were distributed across the state to cushion the effects of lockdown on its citizen.”
SERAP Challenges FG on COVID-19 Expenditure
Meanwhile, Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has asked the Federal Government and Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to “provide spending details of public funds and private sector donations to provide socio-economic benefits to the country’s poorest and most vulnerable people, including details of beneficiaries of any cash payments, cash transfers, food distribution and other benefits during the lockdown in Abuja; Lagos and Ogun states because of COVID-19.”
SERAP also asked the Federal Government and CBN to: “disclose information on the details of implementation of the school feeding programme during the lockdown and closure of schools in several states where the programme is being implemented, including the number of children that have so far benefited from the programme and the names of the communities, since the lockdown and closure of schools, as well as the number of cooks engaged.”
DAILY ASSET will continue to give update on the amount of money each of the 36 states of the federation and the FCT has expended on the COVID-19 including the money committed by the federal government to prevent the spread of the disease and cushion the adverse effects on the economy.
By David Torough, Abuja
Zenith Bank Plc has assured its teeming customers of exceptional service delivery and improved customer experience following the successful completion of its Information Technology Infrastructure Upgrade.
The Group Managing Director/Chief Executive of the bank, Dr.
Adaora Umeoji in a statement expressed her immense gratitude to all customers of the bank for their patience and support during its recent IT infrastructure migration to a new and more robust operating system.Umeoji emphasized that the bank was committed to delivering unparalleled service experience, saying “We undertook such an extensive endeavor in other to better position Zenith Bank Plc for improved service delivery to all our valued customers and provide memorable banking experiences at all our touchpoints,” adding that the bank now has one of the best technology infrastructure in the Nigerian banking industry, and is well positioned to ensure customers experience exceptional service delivery going forward.
Zenith Bank has continued to distinguish itself in the Nigerian financial services industry through superior service offering, unique customer experience and sound financial indices.
The bank has remained a clear leader in the digital space with several firsts in the deployment of innovative products, solutions and an assortment of alternative channels that ensure convenience, speed and safety of transactions.
The bank’s track record of excellent performance has continued to earn the brand numerous awards including being recognised as the Number One Bank in Nigeria by Tier-1 Capital for the 15th consecutive year in the 2024 Top 1000 World Banks Ranking, published by The Banker Magazine. The Bank was also awarded the Bank of the Year (Nigeria) in The Banker’s Bank of the Year Awards for 2020 and 2022; and Most Sustainable Bank, Nigeria 2023 and 2024 in the International Banker Banking Awards.
Further recognitions include being recognised as Best Bank in Nigeria for the fourth time in five years, from 2020 to 2022 and in 2024, in the Global Finance World’s Best Banks Awards; Best Commercial Bank, Nigeria for four consecutive years from 2021 to 2024 in the World Finance Banking Awards. Additionally, Zenith Bank has been acknowledged as the Best Corporate Governance Bank, Nigeria, in the World Finance Corporate Governance Awards for three consecutive years, from 2022 to 2024, ‘Best in Corporate Governance’ Financial Services’ Africa for four consecutive years from 2020 to 2023 by the Ethical Boardroom.
The Bank’s commitment to excellence saw it being named the Most Valuable Banking Brand in Nigeria in the Banker Magazine Top 500 Banking Brands for 2020 and 2021; Bank of the Year for 2023 and 2024, and Retail Bank of the Year for three consecutive years from 2020 to 2022 and in 2024 at the BusinessDay Banks and Other Financial Institutions (BAFI) Awards. The Bank also received the accolades of Best Commercial Bank, Nigeria and Best
Innovation in Retail Banking, Nigeria, in the International Banker 2022 Banking Awards, Bank of the Decade (People’s Choice) at the ThisDay Awards 2020, Bank of the Year 2021 by Champion Newspaper, Bank of the Year 2022 by New Telegraph Newspaper, and Most Responsible Organisation in Africa 2021 by SERAS Awards.
By David Torough, Abuja
The death of the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt. General Taoreed Lagbaja has thrown the nation into mourning, casting a heavy pall over official functions at the Presidency and the security services.
The Presidency yesterday announced Lagbaja’s death following what many attributed to his protracted battle with cancer.
A statement by presidential spokesman, Bayo Onanuga, said Lagbaja, 56, died on Tuesday night in Lagos, “after a period of illness”
“President Bola Tinubu expresses his heartfelt condolences to the family and the Nigerian Armed Forces during this difficult time.
He wishes Lt. General Lagbaja eternal peace and honours his significant contributions to the nation,” the statement read.According to the statement, Lagbaja, who was appointed Chief of Army Staff on June 19, 2023, demonstrated exceptional leadership and commitment throughout his service.
He had previously served as a platoon commander in the 93 Battalion and the 72 Special Forces Battalion among other sensitive positions.
Incidentally, President Tinubu had, last weekend Wednesday, appointed Major General Olufemi Oluyede as the acting Chief of Army Staff, to stand in for Lagbaja who had been away on medical treatment.
The President had, last Tuesday, gone ahead to decorate Oluyede as Lieutenant General, deepening speculations that Lagbaja was not being expected back anytime soon.
Following the death of the late COAS, the Presidency postponed the weekly Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting scheduled for yesterday in honour of the fallen COAS.
The President also directed that Nigeria’s national flags be flown at half-mast across the country for seven days.
The Ministry of Defence (MOD) was also caught in the sombre atmosphere. A joint statement mourning the demise of the COAS was issued by Minister of Defence, Mohammed Abubakar; Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle; and the ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Ibrahim Kana.
The MOD expressed shock over the sad news recalling Lagbaja’s contribution to the Army and his dedication to duty.
The statement said, “He exhibited the spirit of camaraderie and cooperation with us in the discharge of our mandate.
“The late Chief of Army Staff contributed in no small measure to the internal security operations across Nigeria and also exhibited a high level of professionalism.
“He will be greatly missed by the family, the military and the nation as he served the nation with commitment and dedication.”
Similarly, there was palpable grief at the Defence Headquarters over the loss with the leadership expressing deep sorrow of the development.
It noted that the COAS, until his death, demonstrated exemplary leadership. He was credited with spearheading the establishment of the Nigerian Army Aviation Wing and also playing critical roles in multiple military operations across the country.
On its part, the Nigeria Police Force announced the cancellation of all non-essential personal and social engagements for two days. The Force also suspended non-urgent commitments in honour of the late COAS.
In a statement by Force spokesman, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, the police authorities described Lagbaja as a highly respected figure, known for his tireless efforts in combating insurgency, armed banditry, and violent extremism.
“His dedication to the Nigerian Army and the nation earned him great admiration. The Inspector-General’s gesture reflects the deep respect and appreciation for General Lagbaja’s remarkable service.
“The Nigeria Police Force extends its heartfelt condolences to Mr President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Nigeria, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and General Lagbaja’s family, colleagues, and loved ones during this difficult time. His legacy and commitment to Nigeria’s security will never be forgotten,” the statement said.
President Bola Tinubu and Alhaji Atiku Abubakar yesterday joined other leaders across the globe in congratulating America’s President-elect, Donald Trump.
The world leaders sent their congratulatory messages hours before Vice President Kamala Harris conceded defeat to Trump.
Tinubu expressed his eagerness to strengthen the ties between Nigeria and the United States amid the complex challenges and opportunities of the contemporary world.
The Nigerian President’s message was conveyed through a statement yesterday by his spokesman, Bayo Onanuga.
Tinubu said, “Together, we can foster economic cooperation, promote peace, and address global challenges that affect our citizens.
”According to him, Trump’s victory reflects the trust and confidence the American people have placed in his leadership.
The Nigerian leader congratulated the American electorate on their commitment to democracy.
“President Tinubu believes that, given President Trump’s experience as the 45th President of the United States from 2017 to 2021, his return to the White House as the 47th President will usher in an era of earnest, beneficial, and reciprocal economic and development partnerships between Africa and the United States,” the statement said.
Tinubu also acknowledged the United States’ influence, power, and position in determining the trend and course of global events, trusting that President Trump will bring the world closer to peace and prosperity.
Atiku, in his message, described Trump’s victory as “a lesson in the art of rising after every fall,” apparently seeing possibilities of his own victory in future elections amid a string of past losses.
Atiku, who contested in the 2023 presidential election on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), lost to Tinubu and his All Progressives Congress (APC).
He has recorded a string of losses in previous election cycles on different political party platforms.
Atiku commended the process that led to the outcome of the US presidential election, hailing the American citizens for their unwavering faith in the power of democracy and the sanctity of the ballot.
He appealed to Trump to stand resolute in ensuring free and fair elections in Nigeria and the world in general.
“I closely followed the presidential election in the United States of America, watching with bated breath as the nation decided its future.
“It is with even greater satisfaction that I now reflect on the result, which heralds a resounding victory for President Donald J. Trump and the Republican Party.
“This triumph, without a doubt, will stand as an enduring testament to the resilience and vitality of the democratic process – a timeless reminder that democracy, with all its trials and tribulations, remains a force for good in the world.
“The narrative of President Trump’s political journey, marked by his struggles and triumphs, shall serve as an inspiring parable of courage in the face of adversity — a lesson in the art of rising after every fall, and ultimately, emerging victorious.
“As the world rejoices in the euphoria of his remarkable comeback, it is to be hoped that President Trump will continue his resolute advocacy for credible elections worldwide and remain steadfast in dismantling anti-democratic forces wherever they may lurk.
“The lesson for us in Nigeria is the integrity of the process that ensures a credible outcome. It is the expectation of every Nigerian that the Trump administration will stand resolute in ensuring free and fair elections in Nigeria and other places in the world.
“I also extend my warm congratulations to the people of the United States, whose unwavering faith in the power of democracy and the sanctity of the ballot has once again shown the world the true might of the people’s voice”, he said.
Meanwhile the US Vice President, Kamala Harris, has called Trump to congratulate him on winning the presidential election.
Associated Press (AP) report quoted a campaign aide of Harris’ as having had a discussion with Trump on the importance of a peaceful transfer of power and being a president for all Americans.
Harris was billed to make a public concession speech later Wednesday night, which would be her first appearance since she lost the election to Trump.
Further report said she would be delivering her speech at Howard University, Washington DC.
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