Former US President, Barack Obama, has endorsed his former vice president, Joe Biden as the Presidential candidate of the Democratic party and the President of the United States. In a video message he shared on his social media accounts, the former US President urged Democrats to rally behind Biden and form a unified front to defeat President Donald Trump and win back the White House. Obama also stated that Trump and Republicans in the Senate are solely interested in power, not making progress for Americans. The endorsement came one day after Sen. Bernie Sanders, offered Biden his endorsement during a…
Author: Emmanuel Anthony
The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila, has said the issue of maltreatment of Nigerians in China has been resolved between both countries. Gbajabiamila disclosed this via his official Twitter handle on Wednesday. He said the Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria has communicated his findings on the issue and expressed hope that future communication will be swift. “I’m glad the matter of maltreatment of Nigerians in China has been sorted out between both countries. “The Ambassador has communicated his findings and we hope that moving forward communication will be swift and clear and due process will be observed even…
The International Monetary Fund said the world is facing the worst recession since the Great Depression of the 1930s. The body said the global economy will contract by 3% this year as countries around the world shrink at the fastest pace in decades. It said the pandemic had plunged the world into a “crisis like no other”. The Fund added that a prolonged outbreak would test the ability of governments and central banks to control the crisis. IMF’s chief economist, Gita Gopinath, said the crisis could knock $9 trillion (£7.2 trillion) off global GDP over the next two years. While…
The storm that trailed the detection and announcement of the supposed Coronavirus index case in Benue, Mrs Susan Okpe may not settle anytime soon as the London based woman has again taken to her social media accounts to castigate the federal government for keeping her for treatment against her will. Recall that on March 28, Governor Samuel Ortom in line with the advice of members of the Benue Action Committee on COVID-19 made public the name and test result of the index case. She was said to have arrived the state from London for a burial ceremony and had sought…
British Prime Minister Boris Johnson has tested negative for COVID-19, his spokesman said on Monday. The test on leaving the hospital was standard medical practice, the spokesperson told reporters. Johnson spent a week in hospital including several days in intensive care after contracting the virus and said he owed his life to the medical staff who treated him. With the number of coronavirus deaths in Britain hitting 11,329 – a rise of 717 compared to the previous day – the Ministry of Defence said it was deploying 200 military personnel across the country in support of ambulance services, PA cited…
China recorded its highest number of new Coronavirus cases in nearly six weeks after the initial slow down. This occurred as the country battles to prevent more COVID-19 infections, weeks after containing the pandemic. No fewer than 108 people tested positive as reported on Monday. The figure includes 98 travellers returning from abroad, according to the National Health Commission. There are concerns about a resurgence of the disease since March 6, when authorities counted 143 new cases. China now focuses on citizens returning from abroad. The government had on March 28 banned the entry of foreigners. State media reported that…
The coronavirus pandemic that has crippled big-box retailers and other small businesses worldwide may be making a dent in illicit business, too. In Chicago, one of America’s most violent cities, drug arrests have plummeted 42% in the weeks since the city shut down, compared with the same period last year. Part of that decrease, some criminal lawyers say, is that drug dealers have no choice but to wait out the economic slump. “The feedback I’m getting is that they aren’t able to move, to sell anything anywhere,” said Joseph Lopez, a criminal lawyer in Chicago who represents reputed drug dealers.…
Following the discovery of another coronavirus (COVID-19) case in Akure, Ondo State capital, the state government on Saturday announced the reversal of its order on the partial relax on the ban on religious activities. The state government has cancelled all the special concessions granted to churches and Christians in the state to hold Easter Sunday service. The statement issued and signed by the State Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Mr Donald Ojogo, said the decision became necessary to prevent the spread of coronavirus after recording another case of COVID -19 in the state. Ojogo explained that the decision was taken…
Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, has made another claim about Vice President, Prof Yemi Osinbajo and the Spokesman to President Muhammadu Buhari, Femi Adesina. Kanu in a Facebook post on Friday maintained his earlier claim that Osinbajo had been forcibly infected with Coronavirus and in critical condition He had earlier claimed that Osinbajo was critically ill. Leader of the proscribed group IPOB also claimed that Adesina has not been seen around Aso Rock because of some secrets he is aware of. The Abia-born secessionist further claimed that there was no meeting between Governor Babagana Zulum…
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has reacted to the allegation against its Acting Chairman, Ibrahim Magu by the United States Senate Chairman, Committee on Finance, Charles E. Grassley, on Sani Abacha loot. The Commission maintains that it is at the forefront of the transparent management of recovered funds and would not be dragged into any controversy over an allegation that has no fact or any iota of proof. The Republican Senator had in a letter dated April 1, 2020, and addressed to the Chief Money Laundering and Asset Recovery Section of the US Department of Justice, Deborah Connor, accused Magu…
Growing numbers of fake medicines linked to coronavirus are on sale in developing countries, the World Health Organization (WHO) has warned. Investigations revealed fake drugs for sale in Africa, with counterfeiters exploiting growing gaps in the market. The WHO said taking these drugs could have “serious side effects”. One expert warned of “a parallel pandemic, of substandard and falsified products”. Around the world, people are stockpiling basic medicines. However, with the world’s two largest producers of medical supplies – China and India – in lockdown, demand now outstrips the supply and the circulation of dangerous counterfeit drugs is soaring. In…
The Senior Special Assistant to the President on Niger Delta Affairs, Sen. Ita Enang, has said that the Federal Government was planning to legalise Modular Refineries in the country. Enang made this known when he featured on a forum on Thursday in Abuja. He said that his office had, over a period of time, engaged some artisanal (illegal) oil refiners in the Niger Delta region and had seen the need to legalise their operations. According to him, some of the artisanal refiners can produce chains of petroleum products and supply them for consumption in the country. The Presidential aide said…
The World Trade Organization (WTO) has said that drop in the world is growing worse and is predicting a severe decline in international commerce this year than the 2008 experience. In a new report, the WTO forecasts a contraction of between 13% and 32% this year. The wide range of possibilities reflects the uncertainties about the health crisis. It said the impact on trade is likely to exceed the slump caused by the financial crisis just over a decade ago. The more pessimistic case would amount to a decline in global trade similar to what happened in the great depression…
Hundreds of African residents and businessmen in China’s southern city of Guangzhou have been evicted from hotels and apartments as local health officials rollout a testing campaign for COVID-19, community leaders have said. Those evicted said they were being discriminated against. “They are accusing us of having the virus,” said Tobenna Victor, a Nigerian student in Guangzhou. “We paid rent to them and after collecting rent they chased us out of the house. Since last night we have been sleeping outside.” Businessman Lunde Okulunge Isidore, from the Democratic Republic of Congo, said: “They came to my house. They told me…
The apex Igbo socio-political organization, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, on Tuesday, said that claims by Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, that Buhari was cloned is a lie. The group called the claim rubbish and senseless. Ohanaeze’s Secretary-General, Barr. Uche Okwukwu said speaking with Daily Post, said Kanu’s claim that Buhari is fake was rubbish and a senseless allegation which should be discarded. The IPOB leader keeps alleging that Buhari was dead and replaced by a Sudanese. Kanu claims that the person allegedly fronting as Nigerian president is a foreigner wearing a mask that looks like Buhari. However,…
Scientists in Australia said they have discovered an already existing drug, which kills COVID-19 within 48 hours in the laboratory. The drug, Ivermectin, is used to treat head lice and is available all over the world. Researchers at Monash University found that a single dose of Ivermectin stops the SARS-CoV-2 virus growing in cell culture. It has, however, not yet been tested on human beings. The scientists said the next move is to determine the correct human dosage. “We found that even a single dose could essentially remove all viral RNA (effectively removed all genetic material of the virus) by…
The United Kingdom government has issued another warning to President Muhammadu Buhari-led government to do away with any plan to give Kebbi Governor, Atiku Bagudu, $100million. The money is part of funds stolen by the late Head of State, Sani Abacha. The U.S. and Nigeria, in early February, agreed on the repatriation of over $308million to Africa’s most populous nation. A few days later, the world power accused the Nigerian government of a secret plot to give Atiku Bagudu a per cent of the money. On Monday, Bloomberg reported that the UK National Crime Agency has insisted that the Abacha…
President Muhammadu Buhari on Monday approved the engagement of 774, 000 Nigerians on a Special Public Works programme in the country to help reduce the effect of COVID-19 pandemic. Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning, Zainab Ahmed, announced this at a press conference on fiscal stimulus measures in response to the COVID-19 pandemic on Monday in Abuja. She disclosed that 1, 000 people would be recruited from each of the 774 local government areas in the country. Ahmed explained that N60 billion had been earmarked from the COVID-19 crisis intervention fund as allowances and operational costs for the initiative.…
The missing COVID-19 patient from Osun State Isolation Centre in Ejigbo has been apprehended and returned to the centre. The patient, a woman, was apprehended in Ejigbo town and returned to the facility by the police on Saturday afternoon. Chief Press Secretary to Osun State Governor, Ismail Omipidan, confirmed the development to newsmen. He said that the patient had been apprehended and returned to the facility. Osun State Government had on Saturday morning said one of the patients at the Coronavirus Isolation Centre in the Ejigbo area of the state was missing. The government also denied reports that six of…
Director-General, National Orientation Agency (NOA), Dr Garba Abari, on Saturday explained that the Federal Government was not importing Chinese medical experts to directly take charge of the fight against COVID-19 pandemic in the country. Recall that the Minister of Health, Osagie Ehanire recently announced that an 18-man team of Chinese medical experts would visit Nigeria to support the fight against coronavirus. Clarifying misconceptions generated by the proposed visit on radio, Abari said the 18-man Chinese medical team were only coming to share experiences with the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), considering that China has already fought the disease. According to him,…
Popular Nollywood actress, Tonto Dikeh has stated that her relationship with crossdresser, Bobrisky is more than ordinary. Tonto said that Bobrisky is her closest friend and she will never do anything to betray him. In an Instagram live interview, the divorced mother of one opened up on her relationship with the Yoruba-born bleaching expert. Asked on her relationship with Bobrisky, she refused to talk about it, saying she respects her friend and cannot put her relationship with them out. She added that Bobrisky is her closest friend and she would never betray him or any of her friends. “Bobrisky is…
The Federal Government on Friday hinted that the lockdown of States would end when citizens fully comply with preventive measures to curtail against COVID-19. Officially, Nigeria has recorded 190 cases of coronavirus and two deaths. The government noted that it would be difficult to defeat coronavirus if citizens failed to observe directives meant to safeguard themselves and others. Minister of Information, Lai Mohammed, stated this in a chat with newsmen. Asked whether or not the two weeks lockdown President Muhammadu Buhari slammed on Abuja, Lagos and Ogun could be extended; the minister said the behaviour of Nigerians would determine that. “If we…
Spain has passed another grim coronavirus milestone after the number of deaths exceeded 10,000. The country, the second-worst hit in terms fatalities, has also lost nearly 900,000 jobs. The US, too, has registered 6.6m new jobless benefit claims – a record. The unemployment figures are another sign of the dire impact the pandemic is having on businesses in many countries. Worldwide, confirmed coronavirus infections are nearing one million. That’s according to Johns Hopkins University, which tracks virus figures globally. Its tracker also recorded more than 47,000 deaths; some 195,000 people have recovered. COVID-19 – the disease caused by coronavirus – has…
The number of Americans seeking unemployment benefits has hit a record high for the second week in a row as the economic toll tied to the coronavirus intensifies. More than 6.6 million people filed jobless claims in the week ended 28 March, the Department of Labor said. That is nearly double the week earlier, which was also a new record. The deepening economic crisis comes as the number of cases in the US soars to more than 216,000. With the death toll rising to more than 5,000, the White House recently said it would retain restrictions on activity to try…
The Supreme Court has dismissed the application by the Abdulaziz Yari’s faction of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Zamfara State, seeking the review of the May 24, 2019 judgement which removed the APC from power. It would be recalled that the Supreme Court had ruled that the APC had no candidates having failed to conduct valid primaries ahead of the 2019 general elections. The judgement had favoured the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) which has since occupied all positions contested for at the polls. However, Yari’s factional lawyer, Robert Clarke (SAN) had prayed the court to review the consequential order,…
The United Kingdom Health Secretary, Matt Hancock, has tested positive for Coronavirus (COVID-19). Matt Hancock confirmed this in a tweet on his official Twitter handle on Friday. He wrote, “Following medical advice, I was advised to test for #Coronavirus. “I have tested positive. Thankfully my symptoms are mild, and I am working from home and self-isolating. “Vital, we follow the advice to protect our NHS & save lives #StayHomeSaveLives.” It had been earlier reported that British Prime Minister, Boris Johnson, had also tested positive for Coronavirus. Meanwhile, Nigerian billionaire and businessman, Femi Otedola has joined his counterparts to donate in…
The United States on Thursday slammed a $15million bounty on Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro. The reward is for information that could lead to his for drug-trafficking charges. Secretary of State, Mike Pompeo announced as the Justice Department unsealed charges against Maduro and associates. “The Venezuelan people deserve a transparent, responsible, representative government that serves the needs of the people — and that does not betray the trust of the people by condoning or employing public officials that engage in illicit narcotics trafficking,” Pompeo said. The Justice Department accused Maduro and others narco-terrorism and drug smuggling into the United States. Attorney…
The World Health Organisation (WHO) has urged nations to take urgent steps in the fight against coronavirus. The global pandemic has affected 200 countries and caused over 20,000 deaths globally. Director-General of WHO, Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, at a briefing lauded the lockdown that has been affected in many countries. He stated that the period should be used to do more to suppress the spread of the disease. “We understand that countries are trying to assess when and how they will be able to ease these measures”, Ghebreyesus said. “Asking people to stay at home and shutting down population movement…
The Rivers State chapter of the All Progressives Congress has hailed the State Governor, Nyesom Wike, for taking necessary measures to ensure zero cases of COVID-19, otherwise known as coronavirus pandemic in the state. The Rivers APC also commended President Muhammadu Buhari for the relentless efforts of his administration to reduce the effect of the global scourge. Addressing newsmen in Port Harcourt, the State capital, the immediate past Publicity Secretary of APC, Chris Finebone, said the Governor had done well in his preventive measures in making sure the State does not record any case of the dreaded virus. The APC…
The Speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly, Frank Okiye, has tested positive for coronavirus. This was revealed by the Deputy Governor of the State, Phillip Shaibu, during a press conference in Benin, the state capital on Wednesday. Shaibu confirmed that Okiye is the recorded case announced earlier by the state government. There are currently 46 cases recorded in Nigeria. Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki had reportedly gone into self-isolation. Obaseki had made close contact with his Bauchi State counterpart, Senator Bala Muhammed and Abba Kyari, the Chief of Staff to President Muhammadu Buhari, who have both tested positive…
