News
COVID-19 protocols: Coalition expresses concern on compliance among Nigerians
A Coalition of 38 Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) says Nigerians are no longer complying with COVID-19 protocols, especially the use of face masks.
The coalition also observes that attitudes of some groups across the country to social or physical distancing directives as preventive measures against COVID-19 virus are worrisome.
Mr Benson Olugbuo, Executive Director of Cleen Foundation, made this observation in a statement issued in Abuja on Thursday.
Olugbuo said that the upsurge in the cases of the COVID-19 virus infection cases in Nigeria had become alarming in spite of measures by the government to contain its spread.
He said this could be attributed to the non-nonchalant attitudes of some citizens towards obeying and complying with the guidelines stipulated by the Presidential Task Force (PTF) and the Nigerian Centre for Disease Control (NCDC).
“Following reports by members of the COVID-19 Nigeria Security Support Group (NSSG) in different parts of the country, Nigerians have become tired with the wearing of face masks and adhering to physical and social distancing.
“The NSSG have also observed a decline in public compliance level to government directives on the ban on public gathering due to the relaxed enforcement of these guidelines by security agencies leading to the rise in cases of the disease.
“This development, therefore, calls for concerted efforts both by the government and citizens to play active roles and responsibilities in the enforcement and complaint to preventive guidelines to stop the spread of the virus,” he said.
He also noted that there was reports also on a general decline of citizens’ non-compliance with a curfew which cut across the six geopolitical zones.
Olugbuo expressed concern that most directives had been disregarded by most of the residents across all the regions with only very few persons adhering to the use of face masks.
“These very few persons actually only comply with the use of face masks and physical distancing when visiting banking halls, courts, and some other government and corporate establishments,” he said.
He called for more sensitisation by the government at all levels and key stakeholders across all spheres and sectors.
Olugbuo noted that the stigma associated with the corona virus has made it difficult for citizens who were experiencing the signs and symptoms of the virus to go for testing unless it was by compulsion or when they had become very ill.
“The Federal and state governments should complement the current testing process with massive anti-body testing to enable Nigerians know the extent of exposure of citizens to the corona virus.
“Anti-body testing is progressive and not subject to undue stigmatisation currently hampering tracing, testing and isolation of infected persons.
“State governments should also continue to educate citizens with adequate information and sensitisation programmes about the dangers of not complying with social and physical distancing rules,” he said.
Olugbuo enjoined the media not to down-play the reports on the virus, saying that by the Nigerian population and the current number of tests carried out, it was obvious that the real number of infection was under-reported in the country by the media.(NAN)
Investigations by Nigerian Concord Newspaper reveal that the Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Shippers Council, Mr. Pius Akutah, has allegedly misappropriated public funds for a lavish lifestyle.
According to our findings, within months of assuming office, Akutah allegedly purchased a bulletproof SUV valued at approximately N850 million. In addition, he is reported to have acquired over twenty exotic SUVs for use as a convoy.
Akutah is also said to have acquired multiple high-value properties, including three in Abuja’s Maitama and Asokoro districts worth over N2 billion, and two in Lagos’ Banana Island valued at N1.8 billion. These acquisitions appear far beyond the scope of his official salary and allowances.
Further investigation suggests that Akutah may be using public funds to support political ambitions, including allegedly grooming militants across 23 local government areas in Benue State for a potential 2027 gubernatorial bid.
Staff of the Shippers Council reportedly claim that Akutah frequently accesses the council’s treasury without proper authorization. Some insiders have indicated that a petition will soon be filed with the EFCC, ICPC, and the Presidency to report his alleged misconduct.
*
Investigations by Nigerian Concord Newspaper reveal that the Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Shippers Council, Mr. Pius Akutah, has allegedly misappropriated public funds for a lavish lifestyle.
According to our findings, within months of assuming office, Akutah allegedly purchased a bulletproof SUV valued at approximately N850 million. In addition, he is reported to have acquired over twenty exotic SUVs for use as a convoy.
Akutah is also said to have acquired multiple high-value properties, including three in Abuja’s Maitama and Asokoro districts worth over N2 billion, and two in Lagos’ Banana Island valued at N1.8 billion. These acquisitions appear far beyond the scope of his official salary and allowances.
Further investigation suggests that Akutah may be using public funds to support political ambitions, including allegedly grooming militants across 23 local government areas in Benue State for a potential 2027 gubernatorial bid.
Staff of the Shippers Council reportedly claim that Akutah frequently accesses the council’s treasury without proper authorization. Some insiders have indicated that a petition will soon be filed with the EFCC, ICPC, and the Presidency to report his alleged misconduct.
*
I am writing to felicitate with Your Excellency, Atku Abubakar, GCON, former Vice-President of Nigeria (Zege Mule u Tiv & Wazirin Adamawa)
on the occasion of your 79th birthday anniversary.
I join your teeming admirers globally in celebrating you on this special day, an adorable Statesman and my Boss.
I recall with nostalgia, how countless generations have benefited from your generosity, wealth of experience and benevolence including being my key benefactor even as a young lawyer for my professional success.
Your Excellency, may your special day be filled with grandeur befitting your illustrious career.
I wish you continued success, prosperity, and an unending stream of accolades.
It takes a remarkable kind of fortitude to remain active in public life well into one’s golden years. Your dedication and patriotism remain truly exceptional.
May you enjoy a day of reflection on your many years of fruitful service to humanity. It is my prayer that God Almighty grants you many more healthy, fruitful, and fulfilling years ahead, and continues to endow you with wisdom, strength, and the grace to keep contributing to our nation-building.
Happy Birthday, Your Excellency.
Michael Kaase Aondoakaa SAN.
Former Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice
TAU reaffirms commitment to globally competitive learning
photo
JUST IN: Even Tinubu moves with too many police escorts – Senator Ndume
-
Uncategorized5 years agoFG, states urged to harness flooding for ranching, others with technology – Agbaje
-
Headlines10 years agoBreaking: EFCC seals Borno House of Assembly, as Hon members take to their heels
-
News11 years agoNigeria Security Operatives Stage Manhunt For Homosexual Perpetrator
-
News9 years agoHow 21-year-old Girl fled community over accusation of lesbianism
-
News10 years agoYobe Gov Moves Against Deputy
-
Opinion7 years ago7 signs she has friend zoned you
-
Technology4 years ago
Online job placement company headhunts women
-
Headlines10 years agoBorno Dep Gov Abducts Another Church Leader