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Two Weeks Extension Of Eased Lockdown To Enable Remaining Segment Of Society Prepare For Reopening —- FG

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The federal government has explained that the two weeks extension of the first phase of the eased lockdown was to enable the segment of society still not opened to properly prepare to open up.

Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) and Chairman of the Presidential Task Force (PTF) on the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) Pandemic, Mr Boss Mustapha, gave the explanation, during Tuesday’s daily press briefing by the task force in Abuja.

The SGF also revealed that in the bid to achieve this targeted preparedness for businesses, offices, educational institutions and other institutions of society to gradually open up, the PTF would intensify consultations and engagements with various authorities on how to achieve successful implementation of measures and regulations.

He went further to reveal that part of the engagements and consultations were targeted at ensuring that essential services providers, who had been captured for exemptions in the various regulations and protocols issued to get to go about their duties unhindered.

He, however, charged all Nigerians to learn to adapt to the new behavioural and changes required by the COVID-19 reality and the measures introduced to help the country beat the spread of the disease, noting that the outbreak of COVID-19 had changed the world as it used to be known.

“I must also emphasize that the two additional weeks should be utilized by businesses, offices, professional bodies, places of worship, educational institutions, etc awaiting reopening to plan and adopt new strategies under a COVID-19 era in line with the guidelines. Above all, behavioral change is a must for every citizen because COVID 19 has changed the world completely.

“The PTF COVID-19 is committed and determined to continue to provide the required leadership for this national response.

“In the coming days, intense consultations will be deepened with different segments of the society including the state governments, security agencies, religious and community leaders to ensure coordinated implementation of the measures.

“As I mentioned yesterday, specific directives have been issued to security agencies to strictly enforce the measures. I, therefore, admonish Nigerians to please observe the restrictions in full.

“I, however, wish to assure our essential workers such as the frontline medical personnel, the media, the environmental health workers, farmers and agro-related service providers, oil and gas services, aviation, the power sector, and a host of others that they will be adequately protected. Your obligation is to always carry a valid means of identification”, he advised.

He also urged Nigerians to delicately balance between safety and economic considerations before the economy was fully reopened, adding that President Muhammadu Buhari’s idea for the extension of the first phase of the eased lockdown was to help the country further contain the spread of COVID-19.

“This well-considered decision was taken out of an abundance of caution, current experiences from different countries, and expert advice. I must add also that we were persuaded by the history of global pandemics because it is replete with evidence of an exponential rise in pandemic upon early lifting of restrictions, for which the 1918–1920 influenza remains the most recent example in human history.

“Nigeria, judging from these historical perspectives, must in our present approach, delicately balance between safety and economic considerations before we reopen the economy, fully,” Mustapha said.

He said that consistent with the government’s community engagement strategy, it would leverage on existing community structures and assets, right down to the ward level, to push through a massive public awareness campaign, aimed at ensuring voluntary community engagement and ownership of the fight.

He reminded Nigerians that the ravaging force of the virus does not discriminate on the basis of status, creed, political persuasion, profession, or where you come from.

“Now is the time to avoid any distraction from whatever quarters and all hands must be and remain on deck. On our part, we assure Nigerians of our commitment to accountability, diligence, and probity.

“For those who are struggling with the disease, help is available. Do not go underground. It’s important to talk about it and to seek help. Every effort spares humanity the agony of the spread of the virus,” he said.

BIG STORY

BREAKING: Oyo Governor Approves Appointment Of Canadian-Based Businessman Prince Abimbola As New Alaafin

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After a two-year dispute over the vacant Alaafin of Oyo stool, Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has approved the appointment of Abimbola Owoade, a young Canadian-based businessman, as the new monarch of the kingdom.

 

More to come…

 

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Dismissed Kano SSG Abdullahi Bichi Threatens To Expose Government, Political Figures

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The recently dismissed Secretary to the Kano State Government, Abdullahi Bichi, has threatened to reveal what he described as “explosive evidence” against political figures, accusing them of deceit and betrayal.

Bichi, who was removed from office in December 2024, made the declaration upon his return from Saudi Arabia.

In a viral video shared on Thursday, he addressed his supporters and accused the leaders of betrayal and deceit, saying, “I’m happy I left the office in peace, but let me be clear: this is not the best time to talk. At the right time, we will expose them.”

“I have documents, videos, and voice notes that will show everyone who they really are,” Bichi added.

The former SSG’s strained relationship with Governor Abba Yusuf and his mentor, Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso, became evident after his suspension from the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) on October 14, 2024. Bichi described the leaders as “masters of betrayal,” claiming his evidence would expose their true nature.

Political observers and residents of Kano are speculating on whether Bichi will follow through with his threats, and how it may impact the political landscape in the region.

Bichi was accused of attempting to sever Yusuf’s ties with Kwankwaso’s political influence. He was subsequently suspended from the party alongside then-Transportation Commissioner, Muhammad Diggol.

The State NNPP Chairman, Hashimu Dungurawa, stated that the suspension followed multiple complaints from party leadership at the ward and local government levels.

Dungurawa emphasized that the actions of the suspended officials undermined the party’s leadership and structure.

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DSS Arrests Blogger For Cloning Its Website, Posting Fake Recruitment Notice

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Operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) have arrested the man responsible for cloning its website and posting a false recruitment notice.

It was gathered that 32-year-old Sylvester Victor Augustus, a native of Abak Local Government Area in Akwa-Ibom State, was apprehended on Thursday at his residence on Akpan Eno Lane in Abak, Abak LGA.

Augustus, who claimed to be a graduate of the University of Uyo (UNIUYO) and worked as a blogger and content creator, had created a fake online recruitment notice on the cloned DSS website, likely intending to defraud unsuspecting members of the public.

The DSS has labeled the notice “fake” and urged the public to avoid falling victim to such fraudulent schemes. Augustus is expected to be arraigned in court soon.

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