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Covid-19: State govt not ready to tackle virus – Oyo NUJ attacks Makinde

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The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Oyo State Council, has declared that the State Governor, Mr. Seyi Makinde is not ready to curtail the spread of the deadly Coronavirus also known as Covid-19.

The union said that the poor handling of the reports on Covid-19 shows that the Governor and the state government are not ready to tackle the menace.

NUJ raised the alarm over the poorly equipped Covid-19 centres created by the State Government to handle emergencies in the State.

In a statement signed by its Secretary, Sola Oladapo, NUJ tasked the state government to enforce full implementation of Stay-at-home order in schools as students were still going to schools on Monday.

Our correspondent who visited some schools observed that some schools have shunned government directive by asking their students to come in mufti.

The union asked Makinde to ensure that public motor parks are quarantined while park managers must ensure that sanitizers are administered to those boarding vehicles.

DAILY POST gathered that the union had on Sunday set up 11-man Committee to ensure accurate reporting of COVID-19 preparedness and to through reporting, draw the attention of the Taskforce to areas inadvertently neglected.

NUJ said that an on-the-spot visitation by some members of the team showed unpleasant state of preparedness.

Some journalists in the state who visited the government designated Centre for infectious disease control which would double as Emergency Operation Centre in Olodo area of the city observed that there was no indication of adequate preparedness on the part of government.

A team who visited the Olodo centre was disturbed that the announced centre was still a ghost land with bushes and access blocked.

“We learnt a team led by Dr Bashir Bello, the State Commissioner for Health visited the facility but didn’t have access as they had no keys. Another member of our team contacted UCH and found that they were yet to get any funding assistance from state government for this pandemic.

“All they have on ground now at UCH is a 4-bedded isolation centre with an empty chlorine tank, non functional monitoring device , no water etc yet the Governor said he has directed funds to be made available but evidences on ground suggest otherwise . The Governor must be on top of this as people are fearful when they know everyone is susceptible.

“At 2 Division, Nigerian Army, Odogbo in Ibadan is another isolation centre. No test kit except from Lagos. Medical consumables are inadequate. Staff strength not a cheerful issue.”

The union wondered if the state government was really ready for the task of fighting COVID-19 global pandemic going by its slow response and poor sensitization of the public and enforcement of its order.

“Oyo is one of the biggest states in the country with many porous entries and exits according to the Nigeria Custom Service (NCS). At this time of COVID-19 global pandemic, are we really monitoring these entries?

“Have we extended some of these facilities and designated centres to the various zones of the state to facilitate immediate response to suspected cases. The state government must be proactive to save lives. We gathered that the Oluyole woman suspected to be infected with the virus had on Sunday driven herself to a private hospital after three days of “no” personal contact from government team.

“The Oluyole woman whom the governor spoke about three days ago as a suspected case, has not been visited till this afternoon (Sunday) by any government official. The woman had risen to the occasion and drove herself to a private hospital in Ibadan.

“On Monday, students of some private schools still attended school in defiance to the Government order. Government needs to be firm in enforcing the order. We also feel for the safety of all, Oyo State should declare two days break for workers to stay at home. This is not the time to be complacent. States in Western Nigeria are doing this and the pacesetter cannot lag behind in protecting over 6million peoples. We also feel government should come out about worship in religious centers and enforce compliance.

“The purpose for staying at home is defeated If we order people to stay at home but they converge as multitude in religious centers. Only the living will worship God. We also have information that some expatriates sneaked-in into some private companies in Ibadan such as SUMMAL. The company also has huge number of casual workers.

“How are they ensuring adherence to safeguard measures? Government should be proactive and partner with media organisations to sensitize the public. Government should advise postponement of family functions that will bring more than fifty people together.

“Government actors should not be seen involved in activities such as social events, or functions which can threaten collective resolve to fight the pandemic.

“Health personnel must be adequately protected and insured to be able to give in their best. We need to walk the talk. A stitch in time saves nine”.

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Boko Haram Demands $300,000 Ransom For Abducted Borno Ex-LG Chair, Another Victim

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A new video has emerged showing two men reportedly kidnapped by Boko Haram insurgents in Borno State, pleading for assistance to secure their release.

 

One of the captives, former Biu Local Government Area Chairman Hassan Biu Miringa, revealed that their abductors are demanding a $300,000 ransom.

 

Miringa said he and another individual were taken in December 2025 and have remained in the custody of the militants.

 

In the video shared by Zagazola Makama, Miringa introduced himself, saying: “I am Hassan Biu Miringa, former Chairman of Biu Local Government from 2020 to 2022. Four years after my tenure, we were kidnapped by the soldiers of Khilafa about two weeks ago. Alhamdulillah, we are still alive, but we urgently need help to save our lives.”

 

He added that negotiations with the kidnappers had been underway, with some preliminary agreements reportedly reached.

 

“We have engaged them on four separate occasions and reached an understanding. We appeal to our leaders, especially Borno State Deputy Governor Alhaji Usman Umar Kadafur, the National Assembly representative for Biu, Kwaya, and Shani Hon. Betera Aliyu, as well as our community leaders, to temper justice with mercy and assist us. We are their children and have been working together,” Miringa said.

 

He confirmed the ransom demand, explaining that each captive is expected to pay $150,000, totaling $300,000 for their freedom, and pleaded for urgent intervention to reunite with their families.

 

The video highlights ongoing concerns over kidnappings and insecurity in southern Borno State, which have persisted despite government efforts to curb insurgent activity in the region.

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How Rivers Women Spread Wrappers For Wike’s Motorcade During Port Harcourt Visit

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The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Nyesom Wike, on Saturday visited Port Harcourt City Local Government as part of his “thank you” visit across Rivers State.

 

Upon his arrival, a group of women displayed a symbolic gesture of loyalty by spreading their wrappers on the ground for his motorcade.

 

The women and supporters of the Minister were in a jubilant mode as Wike drove on the wrappers.

 

Wike has been going around local governments in the state to appreciate them for their support while reeling out moves ahead of the 2027 general elections.

 

In the course of his visits, the Minister had fired several salvos at political actors in the state, warning that their sudden support for President Bola Tinubu won’t secure them any ticket in 2027.

 

Wike also renewed rivalry with Governor Sim Fubara over the leadership control of the political space in the state.

 

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Impeachment Proceedings Against Fubara, Deputy Still Active – Rivers Assembly

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The Rivers State House of Assembly has officially reaffirmed that the impeachment proceedings against Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy, Prof. Ngozi Odu, are ongoing and have not been suspended.

 

The Assembly said the process is still ongoing and is being conducted strictly in line with constitutional provisions.

 

This was contained in a statement issued on Friday by the Chairman of the House Committee on Information, Petitions and Complaints, Hon. Enemi George.

 

According to the statement, the impeachment process, which began on Thursday, January 8, 2026, remains on course in line with the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended).

 

The lawmakers disclosed that separate notices of allegations bordering on gross misconduct have been served on both the governor and his deputy in line with Section 188 of the Constitution.

 

“The notices of allegations of gross misconduct against the Governor and the Deputy Governor have been duly forwarded to them by the Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Martins Amaewhule, and the House is awaiting their responses,” the statement said.

 

The Assembly maintained that it is constitutionally obligated to act in the interest of the rule of law and ensure that no public office holder acts outside legal boundaries.

 

Reacting to reports suggesting that the impeachment move had been halted, the House accused some individuals and media outlets of deliberately spreading misinformation to mislead the public and stir tension between the legislature and Rivers residents.

 

The lawmakers described such reports as false and insisted they would not succumb to intimidation, threats, or blackmail.

 

“We are aware of renewed attempts by certain persons and media platforms to misinform the public by claiming that the impeachment process has been discontinued. The public should disregard such falsehoods, as the process remains active,” the statement added.

 

The Assembly reaffirmed its commitment to democratic principles and constitutional responsibilities, stressing that it would not be distracted by what it termed “cheap propaganda.”

 

It also appreciated the people of Rivers State for their support and prayers amid the ongoing political developments and extended goodwill to Nigerians committed to the nation’s democratic journey.

 

JomogNews reports that during Thursday’s plenary session, presided over by the Speaker, the Majority Leader, Major Jack, formally read the notice of allegations of gross misconduct against Governor Fubara on the floor of the House.

 

 

 

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