Politics, terrorism and other activities
In this edition
More on Monkey Pox
Terrorists in Anambra behead lawmakers and kill more people
A wanted fraudster wins governorship ticket
Kidnap activities
Nigeria’s finances
Monkey Pox
Don’t get your swim trunks out for summer’22 just yet cause although COVID in Nigeria seems like a thing of the past, Monkey Pox seems to be making a comeback. The NCDC warns as new cases of the virus have been confirmed both in Africa and Europe, there is yet no cure for the viral infection.
But, unlike COVID, Monkey Pox is only contracted through physical contact as opposed to respiratory inhalation. The cases are also not at a worrisome figure. Yet, if there’s one thing rona taught us, it’s better safe than sorry so here are a few NCDC approved tips to stay clear of Monkey Pox;
Avoid contact with (both sick or dead) animals that could harbour the virus.
Avoid contact with any material that has been in contact with a sick animal.
Thoroughly cook any animal that might have come into contact with an infected animal.
Handle them with standard precautions and observe Monkey Pox symptoms for 30 days and wash with soap and water after contact with infected animals.
Read more about Monkey Pox here
Terrors in Anambra
Gunmen kill a pregnant woman and 4 children
The BBC reported that armed criminals in Anambra have killed at least 12 people including a pregnant woman and her 4 children.
According to a community leader, the woman and her children were returning home on an okada when they were ambushed and subsequently murdered on Tuesday.
The State Governor, Charles Soludo sent condolences to Mr Jubril Ahmed, the widower of the slain mother of four.
Soludo has not confirmed the number of casualties but has explicitly explained that the killings are not a result of ethnic or religious strife. Others blame the killings on the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) who seek secession from Nigeria.
According to police spokesperson, Mr. Tochukwu Ikenga, investigations to unravel the cause of the killings in the State have since commenced.
In an attempt to curve the issue of insecurity, Soludo declared a statewide curfew on Wednesday.
He said, “With effect from tomorrow, Thursday, 26th May 2022, a 6 pm to 6 am curfew is hereby placed on motorcycles (okada), tricycles (keke), and shuttle buses in the Aguata, Ihiala, Ekwusigo, Nnewi North, Nnewi South, Ogbaru, Orumba North and Orumba South Local Governments until further notice. Until further notice also, motorcycles, keke and shuttle buses are banned from operating in these local governments on Mondays until the Sit-at-Home completely stops”.
Lawmaker beheaded
Member of state House of Assembly, Okechukwu Okoye, and his aide, Cyril Chiegboka were both killed and beheaded in Anambra state. This beheading worsened the fear and worries of insecurity in the state with more people abiding with the Sit-at-Home to protect themselves and their families.
According to the Punch, schools, parks, markets, banks, offices and roads were totally shut down across the state on Monday.
Buhari’s response
President Buhari tweeted against these recent issues of unrest in Anambra saying,
“I strongly condemn the wild, barbarous and wanton killings of innocent people in the South-East, as well as in other parts of Nigeria. The perpetrators of these deeply distressing attacks should expect the toughest possible response from the security forces.”
With his days in office finally coming to an end, he also promised that his administration will not relent in its quest to restore peace and stability in the country.
(After 7 years of failed attempts, we don’t really expect much in the next few months but fingers crossed).
Terrorists terrorizing
Victims of train attack appeal
Yet another video of some passengers abducted by gunmen during the Abuja-Kaduna train attack has been released.
The victims pleaded with the government to meet the demands of the terrorists to grant them their freedom.
Among the 6 abductees in the video was one Pakistani man who not only pleaded with the Nigerian government but also his home government to come to his aid.
The terrorists demanded the release of their children, who they said are in the custody of the Nigerian army and also threatened to start killing hostages if their demands were not met in 7 days.
Over 40 farmers killed in Borno
Over 40 farmers in Borno have been reportedly killed by insurgents who invaded farms in Rann, Kala-Balge local government area.
An anti-insurgency expert in the Lake Chad region, Zagazola Makama, claims that the insurgents are loyal to a Boko-Haram faction.
According to The Cable, efforts to reach Sani Mohammed, Borno police spokesman to speak on the issue proved futile.
The victims were reportedly buried on Monday, while several people are reported to still be missing.
New in Politics
Wanted fraudster wins PDP governorship primaries
Although he has been declared wanted by EFCC, Accountant-General, Siminialayi Fubara, won the governorship primaries…
Fubara is wanted for over N435 billion in fraud charges by the EFCC.
He defeated former Commissioner for Finance in the state, Isaac Kamalu with 721 to 86 votes at the primary election of the party in Port Harcourt.
The EFCC called on anyone with useful information on his whereabouts to contact any of the Agency’s offices or the nearest police station or other security agencies.
(Maybe they should check the PDP office).
Peter Obi leaves PDP, withdraws from primaries
Former presidential aspirant, Peter Obi, has formally withdrawn from political party, PDP.
Obi confirmed his exit to Peoples Gazette on Wednesday evening, saying he caught wind of a gang up against him.
According to The Cable, he tendered his resignation via a letter dated May 24, 2022, and addressed to the PDP national chairman stating that recent developments in the party do not support “constructive contributions.”
He further said,
“Our national challenges are deep-seated and require that we each make profound sacrifices towards rescuing our country. My commitment to rescuing Nigeria remains firm, even if the route differs. I wish to thank you personally for your graciousness and leadership. I wish you well and best of luck in the service of the country”.
Aishatu Binani wins Adamawa APC governorship primaries
Female politician, Aishatu Binani won the APC governorship primaries in Adamawa.
Binani became the first female governorship aspirant to win a primary election to represent a major political party in the forthcoming 2023 general elections.
According to Premium Times, she polled 430 votes to defeat her closest rival, Nuhu Ribadu, who got 288 votes.
Abducted politician wins PDP Kaduna governorship ticket
A politician, Sadiq Ango Abdullahi, abducted in the Kaduna-Abuja railway attack has won a PDP ticket for a legislative seat while still in captivity.
Abdullahi has been announced as the flag bearer of PDP for the legislative seat of the Sabon Gari federal constituency.
He won the primary polls with a landslide victory pulling 28 votes out of the 34 possible votes cast by the delegates of the party - Legit
The government still claims they don’t know where these kidnapped victims are.
APC postpones screening of presidential aspirants
The All Progressive Congress (APC) announced that the screening of presidential aspirants initially meant to hold on Monday has been postponed.
Felix Morka, the spokesperson of the party confirmed this in a statement on Sunday.
He said that the scheduled screening has been postponed indefinitely and provided no reason for the postponement.
He also said that a new date would be announced shortly.
Governing
EFCC arrest Okorocha at his house
EFCC invaded the residence of former Imo state governor Rochas Okorocha.
The EFCC filed a 17-count charge against Okorocha on January 31 after he formally declared his intention to run for president in 2023.
On Tuesday this week, the agents went to his house in Abuja to arrest him.
The EFCC said they went to Okorocha’s house because he refused to attend the trials. The senator said he’s not going anywhere because he will not submit himself to them without a warrant.
Nigeria’s finances
Crude Oil production barely enough to cover petrol imports
The Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning, Zainab Ahmed said on Thursday that Nigeria’s low crude oil production means the country is barely able to cover the cost of imported petrol from its oil and gas revenue.
Ahmed said in an interview with Reuters at the World Economic Forum in Davos that she hoped Nigerian oil production would average 1.6 million barrels per day (bpd) this year, up from around 1.5 million bpd in the first quarter - Arise News
She also blamed theft and attacks on the oil sector for the shortfall.
FG to spend N999m daily to feed 10 million children
The federal government says N999 million will be expended on the daily feeding of 10 million pupils under the National Home Grown School Feeding Programme (NHGSFP).
Aishatu Digil, NHGSFP team lead, announced this on Tuesday at a stakeholder meeting saying that N100 will be used to feed 9, 990, 862 pupils for 20 days in a month.
This is an increase from the previous N70 allocated in 2016.
Other news
After making a fuss about being able to run for president, governor of CBN, Godwin Emefile formally withdrew his suit against the federal government - The Cable
Prison officials consider moving Abba Kyari after he is nearly murdered in prison - Premium Times
Director General of the World Trade Organisation (WTO), Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala warn that the global food crisis caused by the Russian-Ukrainian war could last till 2024 - Arise News
JSS 2 student of Simple Faith Schools, Agbara dies after being flogged by a teacher - The Cable
The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) introduces immigration tracking system - The Cable
Colleges of education gives 21-day strike notice - Punch
CBN raises interest rate to 13% for the first time in 5 years - The Cable
ASUU, others gets N34bn wages from 2019 arrears - Punch