The death toll from coronavirus (COVID-19) in Edo State has climbed to 50, with a total of 1,435 people testing positive for the disease, while 840 persons have been discharged from the state isolation facilities.

Commissioner for Health, Dr. Patrick Okundia, who disclosed this to journalists in Benin City, noted that over 50 per cent of the deaths recorded in the state fall within the age category of 60 years and above, urging residents to be cautious to protect themselves and their loved ones.

While expressing worry over the alarming rate of community spread of the virus, Okundia advised that there was need for residents to take responsibility and support the government’s efforts at containing the pandemic across all communities in the state.

According to him, “Physical distancing, compulsory use of face masks, hand hygiene and other epidemiological safety rules must be strictly followed in order to prevent further spread of COVID-19 and protect the people, especially the elderly, who are most vulnerable to COVID-19.”

The commissioner explained that the state recorded 52 new confirmed cases with 32 tested at the Irrua Specialist Hospital (ISTH) laboratory, while the remaining 20 cases were confirmed at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH) laboratory.

Okundia, however, reiterated the need for citizens to present or report themselves through the Edo State COVID-19 toll free response lines following any recent travel from high incidence states or contact with confirmed cases.

He noted, “Two new toll-free lines for COVID-19 response have been introduced by the Edo State Government to strengthen the initial lines from the State Ministry of Health and the World Health Organisation (WHO), distributed at the onset of the outbreak. If you have any COVID-19 symptoms, please call 08001235111 or 08002200110 for assistance”.

   Minister of State, Education, Hon. Emeka Nwajiuba on his part announced that the West African Examination Council WAEC would be conducting its examinations in Nigeria as from August 4 to 5th September. “WAEC exams will hold from the 4th of August to the 5th of September.

To the Parents
To the Parents, please take note. Last week, the Chairman of the PTF announced that school facilities will be available for those who want to go into revision classes. “As soon as we conclude WAEC, we will take up the NABTEB and NECO exams.

The idea here is that we have a month from now till then, and those who can and the states who are willing should make their states available for children to revise. “We have done the most we can with our representative at WAEC and we have this afternoon confirmed that the dates allotted for the exams would be from the 4th of August to the 5th of September. Local timings will be published.

Those who are not prepared yet should please go and prepare. We are continuing with registration for NECO and this is the time to update and get your registration done”.

• COVID-19: FG tells Nigerians of Another lockdown possible, if…

     The Federal Government has advised Nigerians against repeating the mistakes of 1918 when people let down their guards following the ease of the lockdown that was imposed during the Spanish Flu. Let us continue to learn from the history of pandemics by avoiding the mistakes of 1918 when the lockdown was eased and people came out jubilating and romancing the Spanish Flu. “Of recent, we have witnessed a high rate of positive cases especially among people in authority. This has a direct impact on the governance and security of our nation.

It warned that the attitude of Nigerians in the coming days would determine whether there should be a need for another round of lockdown to be imposed in Nigeria.

Chairman of the Presidential Taskforce PTF on COVID-19 and Secretary to the Government of the Federation SGF, Mr Boss Mustapha stated this Monday in Abuja during the daily briefing of the Taskforce.

The PTF also issued COVID-19 guidelines for the conduct of off-season elections in Edo and Ondo as well as by-elections in some states of the Federation. While it warned against complacency, the government added that case fatality has now reduced to 2.2 per cent.

It warned highly-placed individuals against thinking that the virus is a respecter of status, urging them to take responsibility and provide leadership at this time.

The federal government reminded Nigerians that the nation’s airspace would be reopened for domestic flights as from Wednesday, assuring that the filtration mechanism inside the aircraft is topnotch but that passengers would at all time have to be on their facemasks.

Second Lockdown

Boss Mustapha said the Taskforce will not shy away from recommending another lockdown to be imposed on the country. He said; “As to whether we would advise Mr President to consider another lockdown, I have said it here that lockdowns might not be popular but what will happen in the preceding weeks will determine. Madagascar has imposed a lockdown in spite of its herbal cure.

About 39 states in the US because of the Thanksgiving Holiday and their National Day celebration on the 4th of June have begun to see spikes in their figures and the speed with which they were considering the ease of lockdown, a lot of states have slowed down. “We have now isolated 11 local governments. We started with 20 but the with the figures that keep jumping every week, there are now about 11 local governments that we have advised the sub-nationalities to consider precision lockdowns in these areas.

I believe as the days and weeks ahead would present, “I will not be speculative as to what would happen in the future, but we will do everything within our mandate to ensure the safety and the protection of the well-being of the people of Nigeria. If that would require a recommendation of a lockdown, this Taskforce will not shy away from its responsibilities. “We will take that decision.

We will make our recommendations to Mr President who will finally decide but we would first take a decision on our side as members of this Taskforce within the context of the mandate that has been given to us and make that recommendation. But such a decision or advice being taken now would be speculative.

What would happen in the next two to three weeks would determine what would eventually be our recommendation.”

Mustapha told Nigerians that the easing of the lockdown must not be misunderstood to mean that the pandemic was over, explaining that the decision to ease restrictions was necessitated by the need to strike a delicate balance between the safety of lives and livelihoods.

The SGF added that capacity and opportunities for testing have been expanded, with the opening of 40 laboratories and the creation of more testing centres including some certified private sector medical facilities.

He said: “The national response continues to escalate its level of vigilance and monitoring, especially as we ease restrictions in more sectors, including those with potentials for large gatherings and/or interactions between groups of people. We are conscious of the fact that this could be misinterpreted to mean that the war against COVID-19 is over. “Let me emphasise that the decision for further relaxation was cautiously taken by the government to balance lives and livelihood.

Rising global and domestic statistics of cases and fatalities have shown that COVID-19 has not given any relaxation. “Therefore, we cannot afford to slow down and we should never compromise.

We urge that vigilance and care should be exhibited by all Nigerians irrespective of status. This virus does not discriminate and the PTF shall keep sustaining its sensitization messaging”. According to the SGF, the PTF would on Thursday and Friday, be carrying out its mid-term review having crossed the three months or half time threshold of its life span. “This will involve a comprehensive examination of the steps taken, the challenges and charting the way forward”.
Reduced fatality

 Minister of Health, Dr Osagie Ehanire in his remarks noted that case fatality has now reduced to 2.2 per cent. Before now, case fatality was about three per cent. With 28, 711 confirmed cases and 11, 665 discharged, Nigeria’s case-fatality stands at 645 deaths. “Taking the statistics of the month of June alone, a total of 15, 532 cases were confirmed from 74,580 tests, with 303 deaths on record.

This means that just under half of the total fatalities so far recorded, occurred in the single month of June; while we more than doubled the tests done and the number of cases detected. “The reduction in case fatality rate is down to about 2.2 per cent, in line with our plan, going forward. But it also draws our attention to the speed with which COVID-19 is growing, the time it took to double itself, and the reminder that we need to improve on our responses, to continue to strive for the best and prepare for the worse,” Ehanire stated.

According to him, the ministry is working to establish an emergency ambulance system to take patients to relevant isolation and treatment centres.

Military, Politicians greatest violators of aviation protocols

Minister of Aviation, Hadi Sirika urged Nigerians to respect all COVID-19 safety protocols when the airports are reopened, lamenting that those who are likely to breach the protocols are senior government officials.

He said: “President Muhammadu Buhari has approved, and this is a very serious matter for us, and hitherto, big men, especially military men and ministers, members of the National Assembly and the Judiciary are culprits. They have all these their Personal Assistants and retinue of people who are not travelling and they insist that they must take them inside and up to the aircraft. By protocol, this will not be allowed.

They will not be permitted, they will be stopped. “I believe that not because I am the highest guy in the protocol, but within the purview of civil aviation, I should be first to enjoy those services and protocols, but for the last five years, everybody that has seen me at the airports has seen me alone. I do not travel with Personal Assistants, Special Assistants or anybody. “I travel by myself.

I carry my box by myself because when I go out of the country I carry it by myself. So, I do it here as well. For those who are challenged physically, they can go to a certain limit but they will have to cede it and allow portals to assist them and services would also be rendered to diplomats. “The culprits, I insist are ministers, military men, National Assembly and the Judiciary. We have only one encounter in recent history with the police and almost none with the DSS let alone the NIA.

So, these are the culprits. Big men and governors. So, governors please, we will not allow your aides to be in our airports talk more of being in our aircraft.”

Social-Economic Right Accountability Project (SERAP)
We've asked President Buhari to direct the AGF Mr Malami and appropriate anti-corruption agencies to urgently probe allegations that over N300bn of public funds are missing, mismanaged, diverted or stolen, SERAP also urged Abubakar Malami and anti-corruption agencies to  the N300bn said to have been stolen and mismanaged as contained in 2017 reports.

SERAP said: “Any failure to promptly investigate the allegations and prosecute suspected perpetrators would breach Nigeria’s anti-corruption legislation, including the Public Procurement Act, the 1999 Nigerian Constitution (as amended) and the country’s obligations including under the UN Convention against Corruption and the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights to which Nigeria is a state party.”

The letter, read in part: “It would also mean that Nigeria is failing to fulfil the obligations under the covenant to use its “maximum of available resources” to progressively realize and achieve basic economic and social rights, including access of Nigerians to public services and goods like quality education, healthcare, clean water and regular electricity supply, as well as the right to honest public services.”

“SERAP has carefully analysed the 2017 audited report by the AGF and our analysis reveals the following grim allegations of mismanagement, diversion and stealing of public funds, as well as unaccounted-for spending.”

“The Federal Civil Service Commission spent ₦25,856,279.00 on behalf of Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs to develop online recruitment in April 2014 without any supporting memo from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and without due process. Although the project was suspended, the Commission went ahead and paid ₦25,856,279.00 for contract not executed. The AGF recommended the full recovery of the public funds.”

“The Commission granted cash advances totalling ₦8,590,000.00 to 25 officials between February and December, 2016 but failed to retire or account for the money. Also, ₦6,850,000.00 was paid for store items that were never supplied. Another ₦2,619,210.00 was spent without receipts. The AGF expressed concern that the money may have been misappropriated or stolen, and recommended the full recovery of public funds.”

“The former Chairman of the Commission whose tenure of office ended in May 2017 took away with him four vehicles (One Toyota Hilux, one 407 Classic Peugeot, One Toyota Land Cruiser Jeep and One Toyota Corolla) belonging to the Commission, despite the Monetization Policy of Government clearly stating that all vehicles of MDAs belong to the pool, and are not expected to be taken away as part of severance package at the expiration of an officer’s appointment.”

“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs failed to show any receipts for the payment of ₦4,385,230,763.25 between January and December 2016. The Ministry also had no insurance cover for all its motor-vehicles, despite the budgetary allocation of ₦11,805,802.00 for insurance premium. The Ministry spent ₦105,000,000.00 to buy computer consumables, photocopy machine consumables, papers and other store items, contrary to official circular, and without any receipts. The AGF recommended the return of the money to the public treasury.”

“The Ministry also spent ₦72,000,030.00 to improve power supply to the Ministry but the contract for this was not captured in the 2017 appropriation. Despite the purported spending, power supply to the Ministry has not improved. Also, ₦7,520,000.00 was spent by 20 officials to visit 8 out-stations of the Ministry without due process and without any receipts. ₦234,622,718.00 was also spent but remained unretired or unaccounted for. The AGF recommended the full recovery of public funds.”

“The Ministry also paid ₦83,719,500.00 to a company for the rehabilitation and re-integration of released Chibok girls in August, 2017 without any agreement between the Ministry and the contractor, and without any evidence of purchase of the back-to-school materials, and job completion certificate. The AGF recommended the full recovery of public funds.”

“The Ministry also transferred a take-off grant of ₦83,317,257.00 for Consulate-General of Nigeria, Guangzhou to the personal account of the Ambassador of Nigeria in Rome in 2013 to be remitted to Guangzhou. But the money was never remitted to Guangzhou and has remained outstanding till date. The AGF expressed concern that the money may have been diverted and misappropriated, and recommended that the Ambassador of Nigeria in Rome whose account was used be asked to account for the money.”

“The Ministry of Justice disbursed ₦10,460,950,841.00 judgment debt in 2017 without due process. The committee to manage the funds was dissolved after 2013 financial year was not reconstituted as at the time of the 2016 and 2017 appropriations but funds were nonetheless disbursed. Also, ₦32,353,693.00 was spent between March and September 2017 on international travels without approval or evidence of spending. The AGF recommended the full recovery of public funds.”

“At the National Assembly, the House of Representatives spent ₦95,212,250.00 without due process and without any receipts. The National Assembly Management Accounts also showed spending of N673,081,242.14 between April–October 2017 without any documents. The AGF expressed concerns that the money may have been misappropriated and recommended that the Clerk of the National Assembly should fully recover the money and return it to the treasury.”

“The Senate also spent ₦1,364,816,397.95 to renovate a store at the National Assembly but the AGF was denied access to the store and records, thus expressing concerns that ‘public funds may have been diverted for unappropriated purposes.’ The AGF recommended that the Clerk of the National Assembly account for the money.”

“The National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies misappropriated ₦67,296,478.00, as payments were made to unknown persons. The AGF expressed concerns that the money may have been diverted and recommended that the Director-General should fully recover the money and return it to the treasury.”

“The Public Complaint Commission spent ₦63,826,941.30 on contract to renovate State offices in Delta, Kwara, Akwa– Ibom, Taraba, Borno, Ekiti and Niger States without due process, valuation certificates, and without receipts. The AGF expressed concerns that the money may have been diverted and recommended the full recovery of public funds.”

“The Federal Ministry of Water Resources spent ₦343,957,350.60 without due process, receipts, and without any evidence of work done or services rendered. Also, ₦14,993,950.00 granted as cash advances to staff was not accounted for. The AGF expressed concerns that the money may be missing and recommended that the Permanent Secretary is made to account for it.”

“The Lower Benue River Basin Development Authority, Makurdi misappropriated ₦42,277,285.50 of contract money for project management. Similarly, the National Agricultural Extension and Research Liaison Services, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria paid a contractor ₦33,425,000.00 in March 2017 for awareness training but there was no evidence that the contract was executed. The AGF expressed concerns that the money may have been diverted and recommended that the Executive Director should recover and return it to the treasury.”

“The Cross-River Basin Development Authority, Calabar, overpaid a contractor to the tune of ₦10,387,490.00 for construction of Link Road between Cross River and Ebonyi State without any justification. Also, ₦30,616,110.00 was spent for construction of erosion control works at Nguzu but remained unaccounted for. The AGF expressed concerns that the contractor may have received money for project not executed, and recommended that the Managing Director should recover the money and return it to the treasury.”

“The Lake Chad Research Institute, Maiduguri, Borno State failed to account for 2 Nos. Toyota Prado Jeeps which were purchased in 2013 and 2014 with registration No. 45KOIFG for one Jeep but the second Jeep was not registered, and no reason was given for this. The AGF expressed concerns that the Jeeps may have been diverted to private use, and asked the Executive Director to account for the vehicles.”

“The National Water Resources Institute, Mando Road, Kaduna paid ₦84,401,940.74 to a company on 4th May 2017, being 10% payment on the construction of a 2-story building for UNESCO without any existing contract, and without receipts. The AGF recommended the recovery of the money.”

“The Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency, Abuja paid ₦24,800,000.00 into a staff private account for production/prevention of the 2016 annual flood outlook (AFO) and without evidence of services performed. Another ₦31,439,300.00 was paid in September 2016 into the account of another staff for sensitization workshops. The AGF expressed concerns that the money may be missing and asked the Director-General to recover it.”

“The Hadejia – Jama’are River Basin Development Authority, Kano State paid ₦204,893,978.09 to contractors without any receipts. The Nigeria Institute for Oil Palm Research, Benin City, Edo State paid ₦210,921,849.66 and ₦30,010,963.65 without any receipts. Another ₦15,630,050.00 cash advances to staff in 2017 was also not accounted for, as at 2018. The AGF expressed concerns that the money may have been mismanaged and asked the Accounting Officer to recover it.”

“The Federal Capital Territory Administration spent ₦393,254,000.00 to support security agencies without due process and without receipts. Another ₦362,481,173.52 was paid for the procurement of stores locally without due process. The AGF expressed concerns that the money may be missing and asked the Permanent Secretary to recover it.”

“The Ecological Funds Office misappropriated ₦1,257,791,992.86 meant for contract for Canalization and Desilting of OKOKO and Ogbagba Rivers in Osogbo Township, Osun state. There was no evidence that ₦30,000,000.00 meant for compensation to owners of marked-to-demolish structures and economic trees affected by the project, received any payment. The AGF expressed concerns that the money may be missing and asked the Permanent Secretary to recover it.”

“The Office of The Head of The Civil Service of The Federation paid ₦301,984,103.00 for projects without accounting for it. ₦36,641,528.00 was also paid for seminars, conferences and workshops without any receipts. Also, ₦16,096,712.00 was spent on projects not executed. The AGF expressed concerns that the money may have been diverted and asked the Permanent Secretary to recover it.”

“The Federal University of Petroleum Resources, Effurun spent ₦830,267,951.23 as Special Presidential Needs Assessment Phases I and II to the Federal University of Petroleum Resources, Warri for the Construction of Building, Procurement of Laboratory Equipment and Capacity Building/Staff training but the funds were misapplied. ₦190,495.824.75 was approved for a project to construct and furnish workshop and laboratory but the contractor was paid ₦199,324,657.10 and without any evidence of request by the contractor.”

“The University also spent ₦990,621,753.29 to construct and furnish a 3-storey, 4-floor structure Student Residential Building Complex but the contract for the spending was awarded without due process. Also, only a 2-storey, 3-floor building was constructed. Several other infractions are documented in the report. The AGF expressed concerns that the money may have been diverted and asked the Vice-Chancellor to account for it.”

“The National Office for Technology Acquisition and Promotion spent ₦2,270,000.00 for a 2-day workshop but without any receipts. The AGF asked the Director-General to recover the money. The Nigerian Railway Corporation failed to remit ₦122,242,337.63 in taxes to the authorities. The National Power Training Institute of Nigeria (NAPTIN) paid ₦20,569,398.20 for supply of Power System Simulator without evidence of supply. It gave ₦6,187,393.50 as cash advances to 17 officers which remained unaccounted for.”

“The Advertising Practitioners Council of Nigeria paid ₦3,604,000.00 for the services of solicitors without the consent of the Attorney-General of the Federation. Another payment of ₦13,542,822.82 for the completion of machine tools workshop was made without contract agreement or receipts. In total, ₦126,533,197.08 was paid without contract agreement or receipts. The AGF expressed concerns that the funds may have been misappropriated and asked the Managing-Director to recover the money.”

“The National Health Insurance Scheme paid ₦4,931,475,094.63 as cash advances to staff without due process. ₦72,383,000.00 was also supposedly paid for verification exercise but the AGF found no evidence that the verification took place. Another ₦31,478,400.00 was purportedly paid for accreditation of Health Maintenance Organizations (HMOs) but again the AGF found no evidence of this.”

“The National Information Technology Development Agency paid ₦28,525,000.00 to a Security company for the production of procurement manuals for the Agency. 300 copies of the manual were produced although only 5 copies were needed and utilized, with a copy of the manual costing ₦95,083.33. The agency also paid ₦15,842,970.00 printer tonners.”

“There are several other infractions documented in the report, a copy of which can be obtained from the Auditor-General’s office.”

“We request that you take the recommended action within 14 days of the receipt and/or publication of this letter, failing which SERAP will institute legal proceedings to compel your government to act in the public interest.”

603 new cases of #COVID19Nigeria; On the 4th of July 2020, 603 new confirmed cases and 6 deaths were recorded in Nigeria

28167 cases have been confirmed, 11462 cases have been discharged and 634 deaths have been recorded in 35 states and the Federal Capital Territory

The 603 new cases are reported from 19 states- Lagos(135), Edo(87), FCT(73), Rivers(67), Delta(62), Ogun(47), Kaduna(20), Plateau (19), Osun(17), Ondo(16), Enugu(15), Oyo(15), Borno(13), Niger(6), Nasarawa(4), Kebbi(3), Kano(2), Sokoto(1), Abia(1)

28,167 confirmed
11,462 discharged
634 deaths

• GOVERNOR WIKE THREATENS TO SANCTION ERRING PROJECT CONTRACTORS.

My wife Edith  and I have tested positive for COVID-19. We are well and continuing with our isolation/medication. We thank you all for your continued prayers for us and our daughter.

A statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Olisa Ifeajika,  Governor Okowa revealed that he and his wife are stable and have commenced treatment while in isolation.

Governor Okowa thanked Deltans for their prayers for his family, and called for continued supplications for all patients undergoing treatment for the virus.

And as of today Delta state has166 new confirmed cases, 178 patients discharged.

The Oyo State COVID-19 Task Force has modified the resumption date for Primary six, Junior Secondary School III and Senior Secondary School III students in the state.

The Task Force, which rose from a two-and-a-half-hour meeting today reviewed the state of preparedness of the schools ahead of the planned resumption.

Governor Seyi Makinde, Mr. Taiwo Adisa, confirmed that the Commissioner for Education, Barrister Olasunkanmi Olaleye and experts from the Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) had been going round the schools to determine compliance with the COVID-19 prevention protocols put in place by the schools.

 The statement added that the team has since discovered that a space of one week was needed to enable the schools test-run the facilities, especially the hand washing points and the security measures.

The statement read: “By the new arrangement, Teachers are to resume to the schools on Monday June 29, 2020, while students in critical classes including Primary 6, JSS3 and SS3 will resume a week later on July 6, 2020.

“As of Monday, June 22, no fewer than 372 Heads of Schools have been trained by the EOC on the management of the COVID-19 containment procedures, while each of the schools is to appoint an Incident Manager, who will ensure compliance with the approved COVID-19 protocol.

436 new cases of #COVID19Nigeria;


THE STATES WITH NEW CASES
Lagos-169
Oyo-52
Plateau-31
Imo-29
Kaduna-28
Ogun-23
FCT-18
Enugu-18
Bauchi-17
Bayelsa-14
Rivers-8
Osun-6
Kano-6
Edo-5
Benue-5
Adamawa-3
Borno-2
Abia-1
Ekiti-1

20,244 confirmed
6,879 discharged
518 deaths

The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has filed a lawsuit against Osagie Ehanire, Minister of Health and Chikwe Ihekweazu, Director General, Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC).

They were sued over alleged failure to account for the public funds and other resources so far spent and used to combat the spread of COVID-19 in Nigeria.

The suit FHC/ABJ/CS/616/2020 was filed at the Federal High Court, Abuja on Friday.

SERAP is seeking an order to compel the duo to publish details of the funds from federal, state governments and the private sector.

 READ ALSO - JUST IN - Tanker explodes on Lagos-Ibadan Expressway

It also wants an order to compel the federal government to disclose the exact number of tests carried out for high-ranking public officials, the number of such persons in self-isolation or quarantine, as well as the number of tests carried out for the country’s poorest.

SERAP noted that Nigerians have the right to know the details of spending of COVID-19 money, as this is essential towards the fight against corruption, and will foster the development of democratic institutions and the rule of law in Nigeria.

The suit followed SERAP’s Freedom of Information (FoI) requests dated 27 March 2020 to the Minister of Health and the NCDC.

READ ALSO - Edo state: Obaseki opens up on certificates, chances after PDP screening 

The body lamented that millions of Nigerians lack access to an improved water source and to proper sanitation, thereby making them vulnerable to COVID-19 and other illnesses.

“Yet, the Ministry of Health and the NCDC have failed and/or refused to disclose whether there is any collaborative work with the Ministry of Water Resources to provide vulnerable Nigerians with safe water, sanitation, and hygienic conditions.”

The suit filed by SERAP lawyers, Kolawole Oluwadare, Atinuke Adejuyigbe, and Opeyemi Owolabi, relied the Freedom of Information Act 2011 and the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights to which Nigeria is a state party.

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The body said the government has no legally justifiable reason for refusing to provide SERAP with the information requested.

It referred to reports of lack of transparency in the use of the funds and resources being mobilised to combat coronavirus, and that authorities are prioritising home testing of politicians, with some reportedly taking multiple tests.

“The suit is in the public interest, as it bothers on issues of national interest, public welfare and interest, social justice, good governance, transparency and accountability”, SERAP added.

The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has filed a lawsuit against Osagie Ehanire, Minister of Health and Chikwe Ihekweazu, Director General, Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC).

They were sued over alleged failure to account for the public funds and other resources so far spent and used to combat the spread of COVID-19 in Nigeria.

The suit FHC/ABJ/CS/616/2020 was filed at the Federal High Court, Abuja on Friday.

SERAP is seeking an order to compel the duo to publish details of the funds from federal, state governments and the private sector.

 READ ALSO - JUST IN - Tanker explodes on Lagos-Ibadan Expressway

It also wants an order to compel the federal government to disclose the exact number of tests carried out for high-ranking public officials, the number of such persons in self-isolation or quarantine, as well as the number of tests carried out for the country’s poorest.

SERAP noted that Nigerians have the right to know the details of spending of COVID-19 money, as this is essential towards the fight against corruption, and will foster the development of democratic institutions and the rule of law in Nigeria.

The suit followed SERAP’s Freedom of Information (FoI) requests dated 27 March 2020 to the Minister of Health and the NCDC.

READ ALSO - Edo state: Obaseki opens up on certificates, chances after PDP screening 

The body lamented that millions of Nigerians lack access to an improved water source and to proper sanitation, thereby making them vulnerable to COVID-19 and other illnesses.

“Yet, the Ministry of Health and the NCDC have failed and/or refused to disclose whether there is any collaborative work with the Ministry of Water Resources to provide vulnerable Nigerians with safe water, sanitation, and hygienic conditions.”

The suit filed by SERAP lawyers, Kolawole Oluwadare, Atinuke Adejuyigbe, and Opeyemi Owolabi, relied the Freedom of Information Act 2011 and the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights to which Nigeria is a state party.

READ ALSO -  Nigeria defeats crippling childhood disease, to be declared polio free in August

The body said the government has no legally justifiable reason for refusing to provide SERAP with the information requested.

It referred to reports of lack of transparency in the use of the funds and resources being mobilised to combat coronavirus, and that authorities are prioritising home testing of politicians, with some reportedly taking multiple tests.

“The suit is in the public interest, as it bothers on issues of national interest, public welfare and interest, social justice, good governance, transparency and accountability”, SERAP added.

The Akwa Ibom State police command said it has apprehended one Etteidung Okon Stephen, a 60-year-old village head of Ibesikpo Asutan local government Area for allegedly defiling an 11-year-old girl.

The command added that it also arrested one Victor Victor, a pastor in one of the churches in Ntak Inyang, Etim Ekpo L.G.A of the State for defiling an 8-year-old girl.

The Police Public Relations Officer in the State, CSP Frederic Nnudam in a Statement on Tuesday explained that the village head bought bean cake(akara) from the victim and asked her to come into his room to get her money, unfortunately, on reaching the room, the suspect grabbed the victim and forcefully had unlawful carnal knowledge of her.

The PPRO further explained that the pastor defiled the 8year old victim who was sent by her guardian to deliver a tin of peak milk to him.


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Other cases of rape as contained in the Statement were, “on 1/4/2020, at about 2:00am, f one Peter Emmanuel Ekanem ‘m’ on the basis of an outcry by a victim of a case of rape which prompted a good spirited individual to place a distress call to the Police.

Investigation revealed that the suspect conspired with other suspects now at large and forcefully took the lady at gunpoint to a primary school field in Ikot Akpa Ekpuk village, Ikono LGA where she was raped. Suspect confessed to the crime. A locally made pistol was recovered from the suspect. Investigation is in progress.


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“On 28/5/2020 at about 9:00am, based on reliable intelligence, Detectives of Ibesikpo Asutan Division arrested one Henry Okon Henry ‘m’, aged 30yrs of Mbokpueyokan, Urue-Offong Oruko L.G.A, but resides at Ikot Ambon, Ibesikpo Asutan L.G.A. Investigation revealed that the suspect forcefully had unlawful carnal knowledge of his 17-yr-old niece, and also threatened to kill the victim if she attempts to escape or raise alarm.

”Following a complaint on 13/6/2020 at about 5:20pm, Operatives of ‘C’ Division arrested one Solomon Emmanuel Okon ‘m’ and Becky Umoretuk ‘f’. Suspects conspired and lured a 26-yr-old lady to their house and unlawfully assaulted her with fist blow and machete, in the process Solomon Emmanuel Okon ‘m’ forcefully had unlawful carnal knowledge of the victim.”

He said all suspects will be arraigned in court on completion of investigations, adding that the fight against gender-based violence and other crimes will be heightened to ensure that perpetrators do not have a safe haven or escape justice in the State

Akinbile-Yusuf urged those spreading the misleading information on shows and concerts to desist from increasing tension in the sector.

Lagos State Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mrs. Uzamat AkinbiIe-Yusuf has insisted that the government has not granted approval for the hosting of any entertainment show in the  State, regardless of the nature or modification given to such shows or concerts.

She called on the practitioners in the entertainment business to join hands with the State government as efforts are being reviewed daily to prioritise the protection of lives and property, and also ensure that business activities gradually kick-off.

On the 11th of June 2020, 681 new confirmed cases and 5 deaths were recorded in Nigeria

14,554 cases have been confirmed, 4,494 cases have been discharged and 387 deaths have been recorded in 35 states and the Federal Capital Territory
The 681 new cases are reported from 17 states



681 new cases of #COVID19;
Lagos-345
Rivers-51
Ogun-48
Gombe-47
Oyo-36
Imo-31
Delta-28

Kano-23
Bauchi-18
Edo-12
Katsina-12
Kaduna-9
Anambra-7
Jigawa-5
Kebbi-4
Ondo-4
Nasarawa-1

Total of:
14,554 cases of #COVID19Nigeria
4,494 discharged
387 deaths

Since 31 December 2019 and as of 11 June 2020, 7,697,426  cases of COVID-19 (in accordance with the applied case definitions and testing strategies in the affected countries) have been reported, including Deaths:423,846 and Recovered:3,841,943

45th President of the United States of America

I am allocating $2.96 BILLION in Emergency Solutions Grants to support homeless Americans and those at risk of becoming homeless because of job or wage loss, or illness due to COVID-19. We are taking care of our Nation’s most vulnerable citizens.

Donald J. Trump tweeted that "Relief is on the way to Utah! I’m proud to send $187.18M in CARES Act funding to Utah Transit Authority(RideUTA). This money will keep people moving and support a swift and smooth economic recovery for the GREAT people of Utah!"
 then he Thanks @SecretaryCarson!

Ben Carson. Detroit native. Husband. Father. Grandfather. Retired neurosurgeon. 17th Secretary of @HUDgov

Ben Carson (Secretary)tweeted "This additional $2.96 billion in ESG grants to help communities serve the homeless and provide shelter is part of the real Donald Trump Administration’s commitment to helping all Americans impacted by the coronavirus outbreak.

Our most vulnerable need help and need protection, especially due to the impact of Coronavirus, and HUDgov is committed to providing them with the shelter and resources they need to prevent homelessness and rapidly rehouse homeless individuals.

Housing and Urban Development (HUDgov) awarded ~$3 billion in relief funds to help homeless populations hurt by the coronavirus pandemic. These funds will help build and operate emergency shelters, provide hotel vouchers for the homeless, and provide essential services."

INFECTIOUS DISEASES PROHIBITION AND CONTROL BILL:Few points to note as the public hearing starts tomorrow Wednesday 10th June

Nigerians need to know that the House of Representatives is organising a public hearing
ON THE INFECTIOUS DISEASES PROHIBITION AND CONTROL BILL on Wednesday 10th and Thursday 11June 2020.

Few points to note as the public hearing starts tomorrow Wednesday 10th June.

  1  I had done several videos before on this obnoxious, criminal and anti-peoole bill. I have also sued them in court on the breach of our people’s fundamental human rights.
    Danger
    They would start confiscating people’s properties as isolation centres. No provision for compensation. Offends Land Use Act
  2  This 1926 Quarantine Act being reviewed by the House of Rep’s was reviewed in 2004. Why don’t they build and amend the 2004 Infectious Disease Act? Why wasting tax payers money to start afresh from 1926 Act?

  3.Nations copy laws to adapt and suit local conditions. This Infectious Disease Bill was lifted from Singaporean Infectious Disease Act which was drafted when Singapore was under a dictatorship of Lean Kwan Yau. It was not a democracy. House of Rep’s being lazy didnt bother to adapt it to suit Nigerias democratic culture and fundamental human rights.

    SOME AREAS OF CONCERN INCLUDES:
    A) Section 15, which states in part,
    “The Minister may, for the purpose of preventing the spread or possible outbreak of an infectious disease,…declare any premises to be an isolation area.”

B) Section 24, police officers now have the power to “apprehend and take” anyone in any public location who is “suffering from an infectious disease.” A sore throat is an infectious disease. The common cold is an infectious disease.
DANGER: A police officer who is not a medical officer cannot know an infectious disease as to know who to arrest. Very soon they would start arresting opposition figures for coughing in public places.

C). Section 20 ends the right to free association.
It empowers the DG to prevent any kind of meeting whatsoever as long as he determines that it somehow “increases the spread of an infectious disease.”

DANGER: The only condition is that the DG must find the gathering to be dangerous in his opinion. This is against the 1999 constitution.And it gives the NCDC DG wild powers to stop any meeting he doesn’t like including sealing up of churches.


D). Section 55 requires any person to provide any book, document, correspondence or information requested by the DG and it also gives the DG unrestricted power to enter and search any premises without the need of warrant.
DANGER
In other words, the DG acting for himself or on orders of the President , can attack a journalist or whistleblower who wants to go public with embarrassing information, there is now a legal basis for state-sanctioned thuggery.
This is also against FREE PRESS AND WHISTLE BLOWERS POLICY.

E) Section 71 states that the DG and his enforcers in the police and paramilitary forces can never be held accountable and never liable for what they use these powers to do.
DANGER:
They cannot be sued or charged for any civil or criminal action committed while in the office.
DG NCDC now has immunity while in office. No wonders shall never end.

F) Other sections provided for vacation for the pandemic. Yet S. 31 provided for another vacation for travellers entering or leaving Nigerias as may be prescribed. Any criminal vacine including vaccination to implant chips in the body. The Singaporean version here said vaccination as provided in schedule 3. The schedule 3 listed Yellow Fever vaccination for travellers. Curiously, Nigeria version omitted schedule 3 and left the vaccination vague.

G) A Health Officer or a police officer may take any action that is necessary to give effect to an order under subsection”
Danger
It includes shoot at sight. The action was not defined.

Finally, House of Rep’s should jettison this Bill for breach of the constitution and failure to protect the fundamental human rights of Nigerians.
After the pandemic, experiences gathered by Ncdc and other stakeholders should be used to draft a more comprehensive Infection Disease Control Bill

Sharing of kettles during ablution is strictly prohibited. the decision to proceed, restrict, modify, postpone or cancel a worship service after a thorough risk assessment solely lies with the state Government.

All places of worship must nominate a person who would liaise with the state Government to obtain a safety clearance for their premises.

crowd capacity must be limited to no more than 40 per cent of the approved occupant centers by the state Government, with a maximum limit of 500 people irrespective of the size of the religious centre.

We strongly advise members of the congregation to avoid food offerings (communion) when it is being shared from common dishes.

Governor babajide Sanwo-olu on partial relaxation of the prohibitions places on religious gatherings.

Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, briefing on the State’s guidelines and protocols for the second phase of the gradual easing of C0VID-19 lockdown, at Lagos House, Marina, on Thursday, June 4, 2020. Behind him are Commissioner for Finance, Dr. Rabiu Olowo (left) and the Head of Service, Mr. Hakeem Muri-Okunola (right).

•Mosques, Churches To Open Only On Fridays, Sundays

•No Signal To Re-Open Schools Yet, Discussion Ongoing – Sanwo-Olu

Gov.jide sanwoolu, on Thursday, relaxed the restriction on religious places of worship, stating that mosques and churches are allowed to open only on Fridays and Sundays.

Lagos State Government has modified the protocols and guidelines recently announced by the Presidential Task Force (PTF) on Coronavirus Response, which gave a regulated permission for resumption of business and religious activities across the nation as part of measures to ease the nationwide lockdown.

Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, on Thursday, granted partial relaxation of the prohibition placed on religious gatherings.

 
From June 19; Muslims can congregate for Jummat service only, from June 21, Christian worshippers are allowed to open churches only for Sunday services.

However, all the permitted religious activities must be conducted within the ambit of a set of new protocols for organised gathering rolled out by an inter-ministerial committee set up by Gov. Sanwo-Olu and chaired by Commissioner for Special Duties and Inter-Governmental Relations.

These developments were announced at the Governor’s 13th briefing held at the State House in Marina.

Under the new guidelines, cinemas, cafès, restaurants, gyms, parks and nightclubs, social clubs are still not permitted to re-open. They are mandated to register with Lagos State Safety Commission (LSSC) under the Register-to-Open Initiative via registration portal, ‪www.lasgsafetyreg.com, where they will obtain safety clearance before their opening date will be announced.

Houses of worship are, however, exempted from LSSC registration and clearance, but their activities will be duly monitored by the Safety agency.
The Governor emphasised that the pronouncement should not be taken as permission for full reopening of places of worship; their activities must be limited to obligatory worships only, Sanwo-Olu maintained, adding that daily vigils and other extra-religious activities remained prohibited.

Besides, Sanwo-Olu said the State had not got clear signals for the re-opening of schools, pointing out that the Government was still meeting with stakeholders to agree on protocols for school resumption. This, he said, is expected to be finalised in two weeks.

However, the Governor affirmed the Federal Government-imposed dusk-to-dawn curfew, starting from 10pm to 4am.

He said: “In line with the promise I made to you two weeks ago, I set up a committee with several Ministries chaired by the Commissioner for Special Duties and Inter-Governmental Relations, to draw up guidelines for the phased re-opening of organised gatherings in the State.

“We will, from June 19 and 21, 2020, be allowing all our places of worship to re-open for obligatory services only at the maximum of the 40 per cent of their capacities. These eased measures must be accompanied by physical distancing, mandatory temperature checks, use of face masks and strong personal hygiene.

“Social, entertainment and event centres, such as clubs, gyms, spas, parks, nightclubs, and cinemas, will still remain closed for the next two weeks at first instance. The operators of these centres should use this period to prepare their premises for reopening, by registering with the Lagos State Safety Commission and familiarise themselves with the detailed guidelines and requirements.”

Sanwo-Olu prohibited vulnerable persons from participating in organised religious gatherings, saying houses of worships must consider the option of virtual platform for members below 15 years and above 65 years. Officiating priests above 65 years are exempted, but they must maintain appropriate social distance from the congregants.

The Governor directed that houses of worship must also maintain a “no face mask, no entry” policy throughout the duration of their activities. Periodic cleaning and disinfection of facilities, the Governor said, must be carried out on these religious facilities in line with public health guideline of the State.

He said: “Crowd capacity must be limited to no more than 40 per cent of the approved occupancy limit of religious centers by the State Government, with a maximum limit of 500 people irrespective of the size of the religious centre. We strongly advise members of the congregation to avoid food offerings (communion) when it is being shared from common dishes.

“Also, sharing of kettles during ablution is strictly prohibited. The decision to proceed, restrict, modify, postpone or cancel a worship service after a thorough risk assessment solely lies with the State Government. All places of worship must nominate a person who would liaise with the State Government to obtain a safety clearance for their premises.”

Sanwo-Olu also directed all civil servants on the Grade Levels 13 to 14 in the unified public service to return to work from June 8. All civil servants from Grade Level 1 to 12 are to still stay away from office until further notice. The Governor said private firms and manufacturing companies could now operate from 7am to 6pm, but enjoined them to run shift and flexible working hours to prevent overcrowding in their places of business.

The Governor said only social clubs with registered trustees and verifiable governance structure would be permitted to re-open in two weeks time. Unstructured social clubs and event centres are not permitted to open for now, the Governor ordered.

Sanwo-Olu directed the State’s Safety agency to strictly enforce the new guidelines and drive compliance, while also ordering the Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA) to support the effort.

Addressing observed challenges in BRT operations, the Governor disclosed that Government would be deploying 570 buses to upscale the current operation capacity of the State-owned transport firm. This, he said, will drive up compliance to social distancing guidelines in the public buses.

Sanwo-Olu reiterated the mandatory use of face masks in public places, urging the residents to take responsibility for their conduct in outside their homes.

Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has sent a Freedom of Information request to President Muhammadu Buhari requesting him to use his “leadership position and the opportunity of the 5th anniversary of your government in office to provide spending details of all loans obtained by the government since May 29, 2015, including details and locations of projects on which the loans have been spent.”

The organisation is also urging him to: “set up an independent audit of all loans to resolve any allegations of mismanagement and corruption, and to publish spending details of loans obtained by successive administrations since 1999, list of countries and bodies that have given the loans, and specific repayment conditions.”

Buhari had last week sought the National Assembly’s approval for a fresh loan of $5.513bn, reportedly to fund the 2020 budget deficit, critical projects, and support some states. The National Assembly recently approved a N850 billion loan. Another loan of $22.79bn, already approved by the Senate, is pending before the House of Representatives.

In the FoI request dated 30 May, 2020 and signed by SERAP deputy director Kolawole Oluwadare, the organization expressed: “concerns that while governments since 1999 have borrowed money in the name of Nigeria and its citizens, much of the funds have reportedly been mismanaged, stolen or squandered, leaving the citizens with the burden of having to repay these loans.”




SERAP said: “Opacity in the spending of loans would continue to have negative impacts on the fundamental interests of citizens. Transparency would ensure that the loans are not diverted to private pockets, increase public trust that these loans would be used to benefit Nigerians, provide good value for money, and reassure Nigeria’s creditors.”

According to SERAP, “Rather than taking more loans and increasing Nigeria’s debts burden to fund the opulent lifestyles of former state governors receiving life pensions, we urge you to cut the costs of governance, including by obeying the  judgment ordering your government to challenge the legality of states’ pension laws, and to recover pensions collected by former governors.”

SERAP also expressed “concerns about the massive and growing national debts, and the negative impacts on socio-economic development as well as access of Nigerians to public goods and services, including quality education, adequate healthcare, clean water, and regular electricity supply.”

The FoI request, read in part: “While access to loans can provide indispensable resources, the mismanagement and squandering of any such resources would be counter-productive. Nigerians should no longer be made to repay debts incurred in their name but which have not benefited them in any manner, shape or form.”

“Any unresolved allegations of mismanagement, bribery and corruption in the use of loans would continue to deprive millions of Nigerians access to basic public goods and services, and would leave your government without the resources to respond to the COVID-19 crisis.”

“We would be grateful if the requested information is provided to us within 7 days of the receipt and/or publication of this letter. If we have not heard from you by then, the Registered Trustees of SERAP shall take all appropriate legal actions under the Freedom of Information Act to compel you to comply with our request.”

“We urge you to ensure that those suspected to be responsible for any mismanagement and corruption are promptly referred to appropriate anti-corruption agencies for further investigation, and where there is relevant admissible evidence, prosecution.”

“Transparency and accountability in the spending details of all the loans that have so far been obtained by your government, and those obtained by previous administrations would mean that the loans can help Nigeria to overcome its acute development challenges, reduce the possibility of mismanagement and corruption.”

“It would also help to avoid a morally repugnant result of visiting the sins of corrupt governments and officials on innocent Nigerians.”

“We also urge you to promptly instruct Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) and Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to monitor the spending of all loans obtained since the assumption of office in May 2015.”

In the FoI request copied to Mr Abukabar Malami, SAN, Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice; Mrs Zainab Ahmed, Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning; and Ms Patience Oniha, Director-General of the Debt Management Office, SERAP is urging Buhari to disclose:

    Details of the spending of loans obtained by your government since May 29, 2015, including specific details of projects and locations of the projects as well as the conditions of any such projects;
    Total amount of debts that have so far been incurred by your government, including the interest rate, the details of debts inherited from the previous administrations, and details of refinancing of any such loans, as well as any strategy put together on borrowing decisions, and to promote sustainable borrowing;
    Whether any public officials solicited and/or received bribes in the negotiations for any of the loans.


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