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Buhari Son’s Wedding, Other Large Gatherings Can Fuel COVID-19 Infections – JOHESU

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The Nigerian Medical Association and Joint Health Sector Union on Sunday expressed concern over the disregard for COVID-19 guidelines at the wedding of Yusuf, son of the President, Major General Muhammadu Buhari (retd.).

Buhari’s son had on Friday wedded Zahra, the daughter of Emir of Bichi, Nasiru Ado Bayero, in a ceremony attended by top politicians from the ruling All Progressives Congress and the Peoples Democratic Party, among others, JomogNews Nigeria gathered .

However, the guests were observed to have shunned COVID-19 social distancing rules while many other did not wear facemasks.

At the event were Vice President, Yemi Osinbajo; former Vice President Atiku Abubakar; Senate President, Ahmad Lawan; state governors, ministers and federal lawmakers.

But the Joint Health Sector Union said the disregard for COVID-19 protocols at the wedding of the President’s son was lamentable.

JOHESU’s spokesman, Mr Olumide Akintayo, in an interview with one of our correspondents on Sunday said it was unfortunate that Buhari, who signed the COVID-19 guidelines into law, could not enforce strict compliance to safety protocols at his son’s wedding.

He said, “Ours is a society where those who lead us never set the right examples, it is always the case of ‘do what I say and not necessarily do what I do,’ and that is why value migration has become the major fallout of years of social decadence.

“At a time health experts keep warning the people that the reality of Delta variant of COVID-19 is here with us, it is sad that it is such a time that you have major public gathering without regard for COVID-19 protocols. It was President Buhari who signed the law that made it punishable for anybody not to obey COVID-19 protocols, yet it is the cream of his officials who are not making use of facemasks and are not observing social distancing.”

NMA worries over large gatherings

Also, the Nigerian Medical Association expressed worry on Sunday over such large gatherings with participants shunning public health protocols.

The association’s General Secretary, Philips Ekpe, in an interview with The PUNCH on Sunday, said, “We are very worried; one thing we must make clear is that COVID-19 is still with us. We are also worried about the Delta variant. We have been studying to know whether it thrives in the midst of fully vaccinated people.

“We are watching as people are gathering and we are urging the people to obey the COVID-19 protocols. Our people should not let the excitement of the occasion make them to ignore public health protocols.”

Ekiti, Rivers bemoan increasing COVID-19 cases

Meanwhile, the Ekiti State Government has said it is making concerted efforts to curb the spread of coronavirus in the state.

The Commissioner for Health, Dr Oyebanji Filani, said the state had ordered strict enforcement of COVID-19 protocols in mosques, churches, market places and business outfits as well adherence to proper management of cases in private hospitals.

The enforcement team of the state government on Friday closed two eateries and a new generation bank in Ado Ekiti, for allegedly violating the COVID-19 protocols.

Filani, in a letter dated August 20 addressed to the state chairman, National Association of General Medical Practice of Nigeria, titled, ‘Adherence to COVID-19 protocols and management of cases,’ sought support of doctors in private hospitals in the fight against spread of the virus.

Likewise, the Rivers State Commissioner for Health, Prof. Princewill Chike, said on Sunday that the government was worry over the rising cases of COVID-19 infections in the state, urging residents to take ongoing vaccinations seriously.

“We advise that if you notice you have symptoms that look like malaria, you should be able to go to a certified health facility so that you can be tested,” the commissioner added.

Prof. Chike therefore urged people and residents of the state to take the ongoing COVID-19 vaccination seriously, saying the vaccines were available at all health institutions in the state.

 

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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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