The World Health Organisation (WHO) has confirmed that Nigeria currently has no active Ebola cases following the evacuation of the country’s index patient and her husband, both Swiss citizens, to Switzerland for further medical care.

Mohamed Janabi, WHO Regional Director for Africa, disclosed this on Monday in a post on his X handle, stating that the female patient was clinically stable after Nigerian medical personnel successfully managed her through the acute phase of the illness.

“Both the patient and her husband are Swiss citizens,” Janabi said.

He commended the Nigerian medical team for stabilising the patient before her evacuation, adding that Switzerland would now take responsibility for her continued treatment and the monitoring of her husband.

“With the evacuation of the patient and her husband, Nigeria currently has no Ebola cases,” he said.

However, Janabi stressed that vigilance remains essential, noting that Nigeria would continue monitoring 52 contacts, while Switzerland would take over the follow-up of the 53rd contact, who is the patient’s husband.

He also praised the Federal Government, health workers, clinicians and emergency responders for their role in managing the case.

Earlier on Monday, Nigeria’s index Ebola patient was evacuated to Switzerland for further treatment.

The 42-year-old woman, who was diagnosed with the Bundibugyo strain of Ebola virus disease, was airlifted aboard a medical evacuation aircraft at about 6am from the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja.

The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Ali Pate, confirmed the evacuation, stating that the patient’s husband remained asymptomatic.

“I confirm that, with my approval, earlier this morning, the index case for Nigeria’s first imported Ebola virus disease departed Abuja for Switzerland,” Pate said in a post on X.

The All Progressives Congress Presidential Campaign Council has criticised former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar for addressing President Bola Tinubu as “Bola”, accusing the African Democratic Congress presidential candidate of allowing political ambition to undermine his statesmanship.

The APC PCC spokesperson and Minister of Solid Minerals, Dele Alake, stated this on Monday, arguing that Atiku had failed to demonstrate the decorum expected of a former vice-president and a presidential aspirant.

Atiku has repeatedly referred to the President by his first name rather than his official title. He has also described Tinubu’s administration as a “Yahoo Yahoo” government, accused it of dishonesty and questioned the President’s educational background.

Reacting to the controversy, Alake said the APC was concerned about what it considered disrespect for the office of the President, adding that Atiku’s conduct fell short of the standards expected of someone seeking the nation’s highest office.

“Since Alhaji Atiku lost the last presidential election, he has allowed political animosity and uncontrollable ambition to rob him of the statesmanship that should guide his public conduct and utterances,” Alake said.

He further accused the former vice-president of setting a poor example for younger politicians through his public comments and political conduct.

Despite its criticism, the APC campaign council urged its leaders, spokespersons, members and support groups to continue treating Atiku with the respect due to a former vice-president and presidential candidate.

Alake said the party would not mirror what it described as Atiku’s approach to political engagement, insisting that its campaign would focus on issues affecting Nigerians, the party’s programmes and Tinubu’s record in office.

According to him, the APC intends to highlight the administration’s efforts to move the country from economic reforms to prosperity as Tinubu seeks a second term.

The council maintained that its campaign would prioritise policy discussions and the President’s achievements rather than personal exchanges with political opponents.

By: Fabian Apechihin

Former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai has described the late Chief Audu Ogbeh as a selfless leader who dedicated his life to the service of others, praying that God grants him eternal rest in paradise.

Speaking in a video shared by Symfoni TV, El-Rufai acknowledged that Ogbeh was a Catholic, not a Muslim, but said he would continue to pray that Allah admits him into Al-Jannah Firdaus because “he is deserving of it.”

Holding back tears, the former governor praised Ogbeh as “a good man” who touched many lives and left behind a legacy of service. He also recalled Ogbeh’s achievements as Minister of Agriculture, noting that under his leadership Nigeria ended its heavy reliance on rice imports.

“Before his reforms, Nigeria was spending five million dollars monthly on rice imports, but that figure dropped to zero during his tenure,” El-Rufai said.

He prayed for comfort for Ogbeh’s family and loved ones, adding: “I will keep praying for Audu Ogbeh, a Catholic and not a Muslim, so that Allah would grant him entrance to Al-Jannah Firdaus. What a great man he was.”

Do you want me to make this more emotional and tribute-like (focusing on Ogbeh’s character and legacy), or keep it strictly factual and political?